Off the coast of Kuja Island.
A behemoth, even larger than Kuja Island itself, lay across the calm sea. No one would have guessed that this thing was merely a three-masted sailing ship!
At the bow was a lifelike, mythical beast, a Hou, with every hair and muscle clearly carved.
From a distance, an aura of majesty and power swept out.
Atop the giant Hou's head, Atlas sat cross-legged in a pure white suit, recalling the deployment plans Sengoku discussed in the meeting.
—One week ago—
Sengoku looked at the eloquently speaking Atlas with astonishment, a trace of suspicion flashing across his face.
"Are you sure this Issho you speak of possesses strength no less than the four of you?"
Although the Gravity-Gravity Fruit, like the Float-Float Fruit, was a Paramecia ability with a very high starting point...
Just obtaining a powerful fruit didn't make one an Admiral-level combatant.
One must remember that "Admiral" is the title for the Marines' highest combat power and the World Government's strongest force.
If Atlas could go for a walk and find such a powerhouse...Wouldn't Admiral-level strength be a dime a dozen?
"Old man Sengoku, don't you know my eye for talent..." Atlas feigned dissatisfaction.
"Although I haven't seen Mr Issho go all out, his life aura is so powerful it almost pierces the sky."
"Walking in a crowd, he burns like the sun. How could my Observation Haki be mistaken?"
"...Thump! Thump!!"
Gently tapping the desk, Sengoku pondered for a moment, then looked up at Kong and said:
"Alright, Kong-san, reply to the Five Elders like this."
"Borsalino can be dispatched to the New World. Those Marine bases do need a certain level of defence, but..."
Sengoku tilted his head slightly, glancing at the lazy Aokiji.
"Kuzan absolutely cannot be conscripted to Mary Geoise. This is the Marines' final concession. And..."
"The Marines need the World Government to issue a mandatory conscription order to the current Seven Warlords!!"
"Hahahaha! Atlas, you brat, you sure are lucky! Just going out for a stroll and meeting such a powerhouse! Crunch, crunch—!"
Garp, beside him, swallowed a doughnut in one bite, then reached his demonic claw toward the rice crackers in front of Sengoku.
Slap—!
"Hahahaha! Don't be so stingy, Sengoku!"
A crisp slap sounded. Garp calmly withdrew his hand and scratched his head without a hint of embarrassment.
"...Kong-san, you know as well as I do. In this war, the Marines can only win; defeat is not an option. Therefore, top-tier combat power must not be lacking, to prevent any variables!"
Ignoring Garp's antics, Sengoku stated seriously to Kong.
"This... Alright!"
"I will fight for this with the Five Elders. But this war must be fought perfectly. After all, this is the first war you're leading since becoming Fleet Admiral."
"The eyes of the world will be focused on Marineford. If the Marines win perfectly, it will be a huge deterrent to pirates and a shot of adrenaline for the civilians of the world."
Kong earnestly exhorted Sengoku. He was very satisfied with this successor. He possessed all the qualities of a Fleet Admiral.
Wisdom, composure, and a justice that ruled over all... He believed that, given time, the Marines would far surpass their past under this man's leadership!
"Mhm, I will, Kong-san!"
Sengoku nodded in agreement.
Kong was like a brother and a father to him. From his first day in the Marines, he had studied under Kong and received his care.
He was brought up single-handedly by Kong. Just like the relationship between Kuzan and Garp!
"Alright then, this old man won't disturb you young people any longer." With that, Kong turned, his coat swirling, leaving everyone with a view of his tall back as he strode away.
"Alright, next, let's discuss the troop deployment around Marineford. Speak freely if you have any questions."
Watching Kong leave, Sengoku gathered his thoughts and shifted the topic to Marineford.
"The family residential area behind Marineford must be evacuated in advance!!"
Zephyr, who had been silent, spoke in a hoarse voice. Although he rarely appeared at high-level Marine meetings...
It didn't mean he had completely faded from the core power circle.
The current three Admirals, the soon-to-be fourth Admiral Byakko, plus half of the headquarters' mid-level officers and the base captains dispatched to the Four Seas, all came from Zephyr's tutelage.
It was no exaggeration to say that if Zephyr raised his arm and called, a large part of the Marine forces would follow him regardless of the consequences.
So Sengoku had no reason to ignore his words.
"That is indeed a problem. Whitebeard's ability is too troublesome. Once war breaks out, no one in the rear residential area will survive."
Sengoku nodded in agreement. "And their evacuation safety must be guaranteed. The officers fighting on the front lines must have no worries about their rear."
"I'll send a Vice Admiral to escort them personally."
Most of the Marine officers' families were there. They couldn't be expected to fight on the front lines while worrying about their families' safety, could they?
"No need. I'll go myself."
Zephyr shook his head slowly but firmly, his eyes showing no fear.
"..."
Sengoku stared blankly at his old comrade, feeling a lump in his throat. "I'm old anyway. Although Atlas solved my old ailments, but...I'm still old, after all!"
Zephyr pointed to his heart, a bitter expression on his face. "...Alright. Then their safety is entrusted to you."
Seeing Zephyr's insistence, Sengoku didn't make things difficult.
In his prime, he lost his wife and son. Even Zephyr, who once commanded the winds and clouds on the sea, couldn't help but become disheartened. His spirit was gone...
"Alright, next is the Marine defence plan issued by Tsuru and the staff department. Brannew, distribute the documents."
...
"Brother Atlas, Kuja Island doesn't seem to be responding. The call hasn't connected!"
At some point, Smoker had quietly crept up to the bow, softly interrupting Atlas's thoughts.
"Hm?"
Atlas snapped back to reality, frowning. His Observation Haki spread out, covering the sky and earth.
A powerful life signature was moving rapidly across the island, and its target—
Was the direction of the Byakko.
"She's coming."
Rustle—!
The wind blew the grass, and a sharp whistling sound was heard. A clear path appeared in the dense forest.
Almost instantly, a cold figure stood beneath the giant beast's head.
With her snow-white, delicate neck raised, her autumn-water eyes looked up at the pure white figure above.
—[Pirate Empress] Boa Hancock!!!
One of the current Seven Warlords of the Sea, the current Empress of Amazon Lily, and also known as the world's most beautiful woman!
She was a tall woman with long, lustrous black hair styled in a Hime cut.
Her slightly wide forehead was smooth and flat. Her dark blue eyes revealed a coldness that kept people thousands of miles away.
Her nose was high and straight, and she wore snake-shaped gold earrings. Her face was beautiful and enchanting.
"Phew... phew... Sister, why are you running so fast?"
"Yeah, Marigold and I can barely keep up with you!"
Two large shadows quickly enveloped Hancock's figure. One was a woman with orange hair holding a guandao, and the other had long green hair and a disproportionately large head.
At the same time, two columns of female warriors in short beast-skin skirts rushed up, lining up neatly on Hancock's left and right to form a human corridor.
"Marine! Are you... Byakko?"
Ignoring her sisters' complaints, Hancock looked up at Atlas with a strange glint in her eyes. Her red lips parted slightly, and a heroic aura washed over them.
"Is this... the world's most beautiful woman?!"
Before Atlas could answer, the Marines on the warship, including Smoker, felt their hearts race and faces flush.
Those with weak willpower even began to have indescribable fantasies.
"She's really so beautiful... I want..."
"Mmm..."
Lines of nosebleed spurted out. Those dancing with joy, unable to control themselves, were not in the minority.
Even Smoker's body showed signs of stirring. His eyes were red, and his breathing grew heavier.
"Brother Atlas, this woman... there's something wrong with her!!"
Atlas slowly stood up, looking down at her from above. The corners of his mouth turned up in a smile.
With his superhuman vision, he could easily take in the deep, snow-white valley.
"Interesting. Is this the influence of her Devil Fruit ability?"
"Hmph—! Rude man! No one is allowed to look down on me!"
Seeing his arrogant posture, Hancock seemed to be triggered by a deep memory. Her stubbornness flared, and she flew into a rage.
She brought her hands together in front of her, forming a heart shape. Her robes fluttered, and her black hair streamed behind her.
The air vibrated rapidly as a massive heart-shaped beam shot out, enveloping the Marines on the warship!
[Mero Mero Mellow]
This move was only effective with Marines drawn to her beauty. She knew that even if she used all her skills, the damage she could inflict on that Marine would be minimal.
It was better to use these Marines to teach that man a lesson. Even the man who had once saved her was absolutely not allowed to treat her with such arrogance!
Petrification caused by a Devil Fruit ability could not be undone, no matter how strong the man was.
This was the magic of Devil Fruit abilities!
"Oh my, her temper is indeed as bad as the rumours say..." Seeing Hancock attack without warning, Atlas frowned, a sharp glint in his eyes.
This woman really was nasty!
Swish—.
With a wave of his hand, a giant rock hidden in the clouds broke through the air, appearing as if by teleportation in the path of the heart beam.
—Crash!
The beam passed through, and the giant rock instantly turned grayish-white. Like a tree drained of moisture, it withered and crumbled into powder, drifting to the ground.
"A Warlord—"
Before his voice fell, Atlas's figure suddenly vanished from the bow, reappearing behind Hancock like a ghost.
"—isn't allowed to attack Marines just like that!"
Flames surged on his leg, and explosive power burst forth!
Boom—!
A massive pillar of fire quickly engulfed Hancock. The entire island trembled violently, and a large, charred crater formed instantly.
Thick black smoke rose, preventing the people of Kuja Island from seeing Hancock's condition.
"Sister! Damn you, you bastard Marine!"
"How dare you hurt Sister! Even a Marine is unforgivable!"
Marigold and Sandersonia's pupils shook violently, shrinking to slits, and they let out piercing screams.
"Swish swish swish—!!!"
The female warriors on the left and right also reacted. They unslung their wooden bows, nocked arrows, and aimed the gleaming tips at Atlas, who stood in the centre.
"You bastard, how dare you hurt our beautiful Snake Princess!"
"Archers ready! Kill this guy and avenge the Snake Princess!"
Whoosh—!
A sea breeze blew past, slowly dispersing the rolling smoke. A tall figure gradually revealed alluring curves.
However, the faces of Marigold and Sandersonia changed dramatically. Their calf muscles tensed, and they sprinted toward Hancock with all their might.
But...
Someone was clearly faster than them. They felt a gust of wind, and their curly hair was instantly ruffled.
Under their terrified gazes, Atlas charged into the dissipating smoke first!
"Sister! Dodge, quickly!"
"That Marine—!!"
The secret hidden deep in their hearts was about to be exposed to the public, and the one unveiling it was the last person who should know—a Marine!
Marigold and Sandersonia were terrified.
They knew that once the Hoof of the Soaring Dragon was branded on their backs, they were the property of the Celestial Dragons for eternity.
If any Marine discovered a bearer of the mark, capturing them would be their top priority!
If that Marine discovered the Hoof of the Soaring Dragon on their sister's back, even if she was a Warlord, she would be dragged back to Mary Geoise, back to that nightmare.
And Kuja Island, which harboured the three of them, would face only destruction.
Clearly, Hancock hadn't told them that their successful escape from Mary Geoise years ago was thanks to Atlas's "mistake"!
Otherwise, they wouldn't be so anxious. A flash of rich green light passed, and a cool voice slowly spread as Hancock walked out:
"What exactly is your stance? Marine?"