"Boss! The results of the Reverie are out!"
Morley burst into the Revolutionary Army's war room, clutching a freshly delivered newspaper. His massive frame cast a shadow across the sand table where a man had already been waiting in silence.
That mancalm, composed, and radiating authoritywas none other than Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army.
"Oh? Let me see what those rulers of the world have decided this time."
Dragon chuckled softly as he accepted the paper. Despite his calm tone, there was a sharp glint in his eyes. The Revolutionary Army's intelligence network was still developing, so newspapers remained one of their primary sources of external information.
"Boss! That person on the front… that's you!"
Several commanders gathered around, their curiosity quickly turning into surprise. Even though the image on the bounty poster was only a partial profile, the distinctive red tattoo on Dragon's face made him unmistakable.
"Hmm… so I've finally drawn their attention."
Dragon spoke without the slightest hint of concern, as if this outcome had long been expected.
"Dragon, this means we must act more cautiously from now on," said Emporio Ivankov, arms crossed and expression serious. "We're not yet strong enough to confront the World Government directly."
Dragon's lips curved into a faint smile.
"There's no need to fear. We're operating within the New World. If they wish to hunt me down, then let them come."
His voice deepened, carrying conviction.
"The wind of freedom has already begun to blow. No one can stop it now."
Flames of determination burned within his eyes as he stared at his own wanted poster.
Ivankov, however, remained cautious.
"Even so, both Cipher Pol and the Marines will intensify their movements. This declaration means total hostility."
Dragon nodded slightly, already prepared.
"Then we adapt. Shrink our lines. Blend into the people. Divide into smaller, independent units."
This was no impulsive rebellionthis was a calculated revolution.
"As for Cipher Pol…" Dragon scoffed lightly. "Only CP0 poses any real threat. The rest are insignificant."
"And the Marines?"
A faint, almost amused smile appeared on his face.
"I know them better than anyone."
Once a Marine Vice Admiral and the son of the legendary hero Monkey D. Garp, Dragon had seen the system from within. He had witnessed its contradictions, its hypocrisy, and its limits.
"The Marines cannot deliver true justicenot under the rule of the Celestial Dragons."
His voice grew firm.
"The people of this world deserve freedom. Not the illusion of protection."
He spread his arms wide, his presence commanding the room.
"Revolutionaries!"
"In this era of chaos, we carry the will of the oppressed!"
"Let us riseand liberate this world!"
"Let us bring true freedom to the people!!"
His declaration thundered through the chamber, igniting the resolve of every commander present.
Marine Headquarters Marineford"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
The office door opened as Saint Roselith Seraphina stepped inside. Even before speaking further, she sensed the unusual tension in the room.
"You're here," Sengoku said, though his tone carried a subtle weight.
Before he could continue, Tsuru spoke calmly from the side.
"You arrived at the right time."
Seraphina tilted her head slightly, her expression composed but curious.
"…Should I not have come?"
The faint hint of humor in her voice eased the atmosphere just enough.
Sengoku exhaled quietly. Even now, he found it difficult to define his stance toward her.
A subordinate? Not quitehe could not command her freely.
A Celestial Dragon? Also not entirelyshe did not behave like one.
"Tell me your thoughts," Sengoku said at last. "Where do you want to be stationed?"
Seraphina paused briefly, then asked,
"Do I truly have the freedom to choose?"
Sengoku met her gaze directly.
"Yes."
There was no hesitation in his answer.
Seraphina allowed herself a small, knowing smile.
"In that case… I want somewhere with freedom. I don't intend to remain in one place."
Her voice was calm, but her intent was unmistakable.
Justice, to her, was not something confined to a desk or a single jurisdiction.
Sengoku nodded, as if confirming something he had already anticipated.
"Very well. I will grant you authority equivalent to a Marine Vice Admiral. You will operate independently, with the condition that you report back to headquarters once a year."
No resistance. No negotiation.
Everything unfolded exactly as Seraphina expected.
"…Then I have no further requests."
Though outwardly composed, she felt a quiet realization settle within her.
Sengoku had already seen through her intentions.
He had simply chosen to allow them.
A New StageThe First Half of the Grand Line.
The so-called "Paradise" of pirates.
A place where ambition, greed, and dreams collided endlessly.
Seraphina stepped forward, her presence calm yet resolute.
Let me see this world…
Let me witness the beauty hidden beneath its chaos.
Let me judge the so-called freedom pirates cherish.
And finally
Let me see who dares to stand against my justice.
The wind of a new era had begun to stir.
And at its center
Two forces were rising.
The Revolutionary Army, seeking to overturn the world.
And Saint Roselith Seraphina, walking her own path of justice.
The collision was inevitable.
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