The name was indeed unheard of, and their strength was... lacking, but that depended on who they're compared to.
To Kaido and Noro, even to young King, these pirates were mere fledglings.
But to the island folk, these brigands were a nightmare made flesh.
They brought with them destruction and fear, their actions leaving a trail of suffering.
Even the villagers' resistance was futile. These were, after all, pirates from the New World.
The pirates, like predators, dragged away young women, their laughter a cruel sound.
The long voyage could be a lonely one, and these men, adrift in a world of their own making, sought release.
Some, it was whispered, kept animals aboard. Others sought a different kind of solace, a stolen comfort that left only pain in its wake.
But then, from the heavens, Kaido and King descended, like avenging angels.
The battle was swift, a display of overwhelming power.
Though their intent was merely to claim the vessel, their actions made them heroes in the eyes of the islanders.
Heads bowed, tears flowed, gratitude poured forth.
Pirates vanquishing pirates, hailed as heroes... the irony was sharp.
The pirates had looted enough supplies for the voyage. Noro and Kaido's crew took only what they needed – a few sets of clothes – and set sail, leaving the island behind.
The captured vessel, though large, was a ramshackle thing, a testament to the pirates' belief that numbers equaled might.
But size was no match for the giants who now roamed its decks. Kaido, a towering figure, required a significant remodeling to move freely.
"A garbage ship," Kaido grumbled, "When we reach Water 7, I demand a ship worthy of our name!"
"Of course, of course," Noro soothed, "We'll have the shipwrights design you a captain's quarters fit for a king."
With King at the helm, guided by Noro's hasty lessons, the ship cut through the waves.
Noro, meanwhile, sprawled on the deck, a large black cloth spread before him, his mind's eye conjuring the image of their banner.
Bones arranged in a star, a skull crowned with dragon horns – Kaido's mark – and a symbol etched behind...
"What do you think?"
The design complete, Noro rose, presenting the flag to Kaido.
Kaido studied the banner, a sense of rightness washing over him. It was as if Noro, in all things, mirrored his very soul.
But a leader must always find something to critique, "I think this flag..."
"Hmm?"
Noro's gaze sharpened, a silent warning. This was the flag of legend, to question it was to question him.
"Is... magnificent!" Kaido swallowed his words, changing course mid-sentence.
Noro offered the flag, "Then let's raise it high, for all the world to see."
Kaido took the banner, soaring to the mast's peak to hoist their colors.
Back on deck, they stood together, admiring their creation.
The rough-hewn face of the captain broke into a rare smile.
"Speaking of which, Noro," Kaido said, rubbing his stomach, "I'm feeling a bit peckish. Time for some food."
Noro's brow furrowed. A vice-captain reduced to a cook? Once they had their ship, a chef would be the first recruit.
...
In the hallowed halls of Marine Headquarters, at Marineford, a storm was brewing.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku convened a meeting, the subject: Noro.
A mere Rear Admiral's defection would not warrant such a gathering, even one as prodigious as Noro.
But the burning of a research facility and the release of test subjects... that was a different matter entirely.
Punk Hazard, Vegapunk's sanctuary, had been reduced to ashes.
And Kaido, and the last of the Lunarians, were now free.
The news had reached the highest echelons, the Five Elders demanding answers.
Sengoku massaged his temples, the Elders' wrath still ringing in his ears.
He was caught in a tempest.
Two years. Just two years to rise from a raw recruit to a Rear Admiral.
A talent destined for greatness, now turned traitor.
It was a wound that festered.
The echoes of Rocks' fall had barely faded, the shadow of his legacy still long across the sea.
Now, the remnants of his crew, scattered like seeds on the wind, threatened to bloom anew. Whitebeard, Golden Lion, and the rising star of Roger, each carving their own dominion in the New World.
And within the Marines, this rot. Could he not have a moment's peace?
"Let us speak plainly," Sengoku said, his voice heavy, "How do we deal with Noro?"
"Fleet Admiral," a Vice Admiral rose, his face grim, "Noro's betrayal is a stain on our honor. He must be brought to justice swiftly."
Tsuru, her hands clasped beneath her chin, countered, "It is not so simple. Reports from Punk Hazard speak of a Rear Admiral slain with a single blow.
And Conqueror's Haki, unleashed with devastating force. These were our finest, their defeat speaks volumes."
Sengoku nodded, adding, "And let us not forget Kaido's liberation. They will, undoubtedly, become allies."
Sengoku knew this all too well. It was the weight of it that pressed upon him.
Kaido, empowered by the Azure Dragon Fruit, was a force to be reckoned with. Combined with Noro, they were a significant threat.
Only an Admiral, or Garp, could stand against them. But he, Sengoku, was bound to Headquarters.
Garp was consumed by his pursuit of Roger, and the other Admiral could not be spared.
The World Government's decree was absolute: an attack on a Celestial Dragon demanded an Admiral's presence.
The Dragons might remain untouched, but the threat was ever-present. An Admiral must be held in reserve.
One Admiral, then, was all they could spare.
But the New World teemed with threats. Could they truly send their last line of defense on a wild goose chase after Noro?
The situation was dire.
"Are we to stand idly by? This is a blemish on the Marine's name!"
Zephyr, his faith in justice and the Marines unwavering, could not abide this stain.
He demanded action, a swift reckoning to serve as a warning.
Tsuru, sensing Sengoku's dilemma, offered a compromise, "Perhaps a bounty, then? There are always those who crave gold, or the glory of a name."
"We need not expect their capture," she continued, "But a clash would reveal their path, their movements. Then, we can strike with precision."
Sengoku's face softened, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "A sound strategy. Five hundred million, then."
===
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