The midday sun bathed Marine Headquarters in a warm glow, casting long shadows from the towering buildings and the proud banners of justice fluttering above. G-1 Base, a fortress of authority and discipline in the New World, was always alive with activity—rookies running drills, officers reviewing intelligence, and warships sailing out on critical missions. Among the sea of white uniforms, two stood out: Ensign Haru, with his long pink hair tied neatly into a ponytail, and Naomi Sakazuki, the fiery red-haired daughter of Admiral Akainu, already a respected officer and Haru's mentor.
Haru stood outside the mission room, his two blades—Honjo and the odachi his grandfather crafted—resting at his side. Naomi leaned against the wall beside him, arms folded, her marine coat draped over her shoulders like a cape, her gleaming axe strapped to her back. Though they had sparred and trained for nearly three years, they had rarely gone on a real mission together.
The door opened with a creak, and a familiar figure stepped out—Vice Admiral Gion. Her composed demeanor masked the seriousness of her words.
"Come in, both of you."
Inside the room, the air was tense. A map of the Grand Line was spread out on the table, dotted with red pins, notes, and bounty posters. Gion walked over to a pinned portrait and pulled it free, placing it in front of the two.
It was a wanted poster. A woman with flowing turquoise hair, golden eyes, and a chilling smile. Her name: Jasmine, captain of the Blue Star Pirates. Bounty: 45,000,000 berries.
"She's been terrorizing civilian trade routes along the Calm Belt," Gion said, tapping the poster. "Raids, kidnappings, poison smuggling. This isn't just another pirate gang—they're organized, and dangerous."
Haru's gaze fixed on the poster, something twisting deep within him. He couldn't place it, but the woman's eyes felt… familiar. Naomi, noticing his change in expression, narrowed her eyes slightly.
"She has no known Devil Fruit abilities," Gion continued, "but reports say she uses hallucinogenic toxins in battle. Several of her officers have confirmed kills. She's not just a thief—she's an assassin."
"What's our objective?" Naomi asked.
"Capture Jasmine and her core officers alive, if possible. We want information on her suppliers and clients."
Haru nodded firmly. "Understood."
Gion turned her eyes toward him. "Haru… there's something else. One of our analysts found a lead: Jasmine's crew raided a small town on a remote island in East Blue thirteen years ago. The town was burned to the ground. Few survivors."
Haru's blood ran cold.
"Do you remember the name of the island?" he asked, voice slightly trembling.
Gion nodded slowly. "It was called Shiraito."
The name hit him like a hammer. That was the island… the place his mother had died protecting him. The place she fled from to bring him to the dojo. His fists clenched unconsciously.
Naomi's voice broke the silence. "We'll bring her in, Vice Admiral."
Gion gave a small nod. "You leave tonight. A fast ship is ready at Dock 3. You'll have full authority on this mission."
As they exited the room, Haru remained silent. Naomi glanced sideways at him, noticing the weight in his eyes.
"You okay?" she asked.
He hesitated. "…That island… Shiraito… my mother died there. She fled that place carrying me. I never knew who was responsible."
Naomi's brows knit together, her usually teasing demeanor replaced by something softer. "You think it's them?"
"I don't know," he admitted. "But I need to find out."
That night, the ship carved through the ocean with urgency, its sails filled with wind as they crossed into the Calm Belt. Unlike most vessels, this marine ship had special mechanisms to deter sea kings—an invention of Vegapunk's division. The seas were quiet, but Haru's mind was loud with echoes of the past.
He stood at the edge of the deck, watching the moonlight ripple on the waves. Naomi approached, handing him a warm cup of tea.
"You should rest. We'll be near the last sighted location of the Blue Star Pirates by morning."
Haru took the cup but didn't drink. "Do you think it's foolish… to let emotions drive you?"
Naomi looked out over the water. "Not if you use them. Fire can burn a house down, or forge a blade. Depends on how you wield it."
He looked at her, surprised by her answer.
She smirked. "Don't look so shocked. I'm not always a hardass."
The two stood quietly for a moment, their previous rivalry now replaced with camaraderie built through years of training and shared battles. Haru was grateful for her presence more than he could say.
Suddenly, a marine lookout called from the crow's nest. "Ship spotted! Ten o'clock! Blue sails—pirate flag confirmed!"
Haru and Naomi snapped into action. The helmsman turned the ship to pursue, and in the distance, a sleek vessel with blue sails and a crescent moon insignia began turning to flee.
"That's them," Naomi said, eyes locked ahead. "Blue Star Pirates."
"Prepare to board!" Haru shouted to the crew, already unsheathing Honjo.
As they drew closer, cannon fire roared from the enemy ship. Explosions rocked the deck as Haru and Naomi led the charge, deflecting blasts with Haki and coordinating the marines into position.
Haru launched forward with Soru, closing the distance between the ships in seconds. He landed on the enemy deck, blades at the ready, his Observation Haki pinging multiple opponents. Naomi landed behind him, swinging her axe in a wide arc that sent several pirates flying.
From the rear of the pirate vessel, a tall figure emerged—Jasmine herself. Dressed in dark silks with sea-themed tattoos running down her arms, she smiled as though she'd been expecting them.
"Well, well… The Marines send children now?" she taunted, her golden eyes locking onto Haru.
Haru stepped forward, heart thudding. "You… you attacked Shiraito thirteen years ago. Why?"
Her smile widened. "So many towns. So many flames. You'll have to be more specific."
His grip tightened on his sword. Naomi stepped beside him, her axe humming with Armament Haki.
"We're bringing you in, Jasmine," she said coldly.
"We'll see," the pirate captain replied, her voice like velvet laced with poison.
The pirates regrouped behind her, readying for battle. Haru's aura flared as he summoned his Haki, Naomi doing the same.
The sea wind roared as blades clashed, axes swung, and chaos erupted.
But Haru's eyes never left Jasmine. This battle wasn't just duty anymore.
It was personal.