The voyage back passed without incident. When the warship finally glided into Marineford's harbor, Finn allowed himself a quiet exhale of relief. The weight he'd been carrying since Roger's capture eased slightly as the fortress of justice rose before him, its white stone walls gleaming in the afternoon sun.
The moment the gangplank touched the dock, Fleet Admiral Kong released the news he'd been holding for days. Somewhere in the Grand Line, Morgans was already celebrating what he thought would be the day's biggest story when the report from Marine Headquarters landed on his desk.
The massive albatross froze mid-celebration, his beak hanging open as he read the bulletin three times in disbelief.
Are things moving this fast now? The Pirate King, Roger, who'd vanished without a trace for two years, captured by the Marines? Without warning? Without any massive military deployment? Was this some kind of joke?
And this Rodriguez Finn, he'd only just been promoted to Vice Admiral, hadn't he? What kind of monster catches the Pirate King so casually?
Yet there was the photographic proof: Roger in sea-stone shackles, very much arrested, standing aboard a Marine warship. Morgans knew better than to question the authenticity. The Marines had no reason to fabricate something this monumental.
Within the hour, printing presses across his operation roared to life. This news would reach every corner of the world by tomorrow morning.
At Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Kong's office was considerably more crowded than usual. Admiral Sengoku stood at attention, flanked by Finn, Sakazuki, and Kuzan. The air held the peculiar tension that followed successful but unorthodox operations.
Kong listened to Sengoku's full report with his typical stern expression, though his eyes kept drifting to Finn. When the admiral finished, Kong's first words were directed at the young Vice Admiral.
"Don't make a habit of recklessness."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral." Finn saluted sharply, keeping his face appropriately serious.
Kong shook his head slightly. What really worried him wasn't Finn's methods, it was Garp's influence. That man had a talent for corrupting perfectly good Marines with his chaotic approach to duty. Kuzan had been such a promising, by-the-book officer before Garp got his hands on him. Thank the heavens Sengoku had managed to straighten him out somewhat.
The Fleet Admiral's expression hardened as he moved to business. "Regarding Roger's execution, the World Government has issued its orders. We'll proceed with a public execution in Loguetown, East Blue. His hometown, where his legend began. Fitting that we end it there as well." Kong's fingers drummed once on his desk. "Sengoku, you'll handle the arrangements personally. No delays. I've already released the news of Roger's capture. Within forty-eight hours, every newspaper in the world will carry this story. The longer we wait, the more variables appear. Make it happen quickly."
The choice of Loguetown carried symbolic weight that everyone in the room understood. The Marines weren't just executing a criminal; they were sending a message. No matter where you come from, no matter how legendary you become, if the Marines mark you for justice, you'll die on our terms.
It was arrogance of the highest order.
But the Marines had earned that arrogance.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral," Sengoku replied with a crisp nod.
Kong's gaze swept across everyone present. "The circumstances of Roger's capture are now classified at the highest level. No one speaks of the true details outside this room. The official story is simple: this operation was a carefully orchestrated plan by Marine Headquarters. Vice Admiral Rodriguez Finn led a decisive strike and captured Roger in the South Blue. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir. Everything for justice," came the chorus of responses.
Finn kept his expression neutral, but satisfaction warmed his chest. No one would dare contest his credit for this achievement. More importantly, Kong's phrasing made the Fleet Admiral's intentions crystal clear. They were grooming him for something bigger.
After years of steady work at Marineford, Finn's reputation at sea remained modest. That was about to change dramatically. Roger's capture would echo across every ocean, and Finn's name would be shouted in every port.
But even as pride swelled, a more practical concern surfaced in his mind. The news of Roger's arrest would spread like wildfire through every newspaper by tomorrow morning.
His intervention had changed things. In the original timeline, Vice Admiral Garp should be here at Marineford, standing ready. Instead, thanks to Finn's maneuvering, Garp was trapped on Baterilla Island in the South Blue, tied up with entirely different business.
Which meant...
What happens when Shiki hears about this?
Finn's jaw tightened slightly. That golden-haired madman wouldn't believe Roger could be captured so easily. He'd come roaring to Marineford demanding answers, just like in the original story. In that timeline, Sengoku and Garp had fought Shiki together for three days before finally subduing him and tossing him into Impel Down.
But Garp wasn't here now.
Good.
The thought came with a cold edge of satisfaction. Compared to Garp's raw power, my abilities are actually better suited to counter Shiki's Float-Float Fruit. His hand unconsciously moved to his chest, where the old scar from Shiki's blade still ached on cold mornings. I've been sharpening my blade for years. Time to settle that North Blue debt personally.
He remembered that day with perfect clarity: Shiki's sword punching through his chest, the taste of blood, the humiliation of being so completely outmatched. He'd been weak then, barely worthy of the Golden Lion's attention.
Things were different now. Finn still couldn't claim victory against top-tier monsters like Shiki in a fair fight, but he didn't need to win. He just needed to break the bastard's spirit and shatter those twin swords of his.
If Shiki was foolish enough to attack Marineford, they'd be ready. And this time, Finn would send him to Impel Down personally.
While Finn calculated his revenge, Kong continued. "The formal recognition for Roger's capture will be distributed after the execution is complete. Right now, ensuring that execution proceeds without error is our only priority. No mistakes, gentlemen."
Within the Marines, the credit was straightforward: Finn had captured Roger single-handedly. No one disputed that. But to the wider world, this was a victory for the Marines as an institution. The glory would be distributed accordingly, with many officers receiving promotions and commendations from the reflected success.
Finn had already made his preparations there as well. Dauberman, for instance, would almost certainly be promoted to Rear Admiral after this. The man had earned it.
Sengoku remained behind as Kong dismissed the others, the two of them already deep in discussion about execution logistics before the door fully closed. Finn filed out with Sakazuki and Kuzan, the hallway's marble floors echoing with their footsteps.
Sakazuki surprised Finn by stepping closer, his expression attempting something that might generously be called a smile. It came out looking more like he'd bitten into spoiled fruit.
"Well done, Finn."
Finn blinked. Sakazuki's smiles were rare enough to be noteworthy, and usually so stiff they seemed painful. But his tone carried genuine warmth, none of the edge that might suggest hidden barbs or jealousy.
Not that Finn expected any. He and Sakazuki had maintained a solid working relationship over the years. Given the man's rigid sense of justice and unwavering dedication to the Marines' mission, Roger's capture was probably something Sakazuki celebrated with honest enthusiasm. One more tyrant removed from the seas.
"Thank you," Finn replied with an easier smile of his own.
Sakazuki's attempt at friendliness faded back into his usual stern mask, though his voice remained cordial. "I have other matters to attend to. If you find time, stop by my quarters. We should talk."
"I'll make time," Finn said, and meant it.
Sakazuki nodded once and strode away, his Justice coat billowing behind him with military precision.
Finn watched him go with thoughtful eyes. He'd spent considerable effort understanding men like Sakazuki over the years. The man was undoubtedly a rare military talent: brave, capable, devastatingly powerful when unleashed. Used correctly, Sakazuki was one of the sharpest blades in the Marines' arsenal.
In that regard, Admiral Sengoku had managed things brilliantly in the future. Under his command, Sakazuki had become one of the Marines' ultimate trump cards, his absolute justice channeled with surgical precision. The Sengoku era had arguably been the Marines' peak, all three Admiral positions filled with perfectly balanced powerhouses.
The Battle of Marineford proved it. Even without deploying Admiral candidates like Gion and Tokikake, even with half their forces held in reserve, the Marines had crushed the Whitebeard Pirates decisively.
Well, decisively might be generous considering how theatrical parts of that battle had been. Everyone except Sakazuki had seemed to be performing for the cameras rather than actually fighting. But they'd still won, which proved the point well enough.
Of course, Sengoku had also understood Sakazuki's limitations. He'd recognized that absolute justice, while powerful on the battlefield, made for a questionable Fleet Admiral. The position required flexibility, political acumen, the wisdom to know when to advance and when to retreat. It demanded someone who could shoulder the entire Marines' future without letting personal conviction override strategic necessity.
Sakazuki was a man who genuinely believed evil deserved no mercy, no compromise, no quarter. That made him an incredible Admiral but a potentially catastrophic Fleet Admiral.
That's why Sengoku had pushed for Kuzan to succeed him despite Sakazuki's superior record. He'd feared what might happen if someone so uncompromising gained absolute authority.
Unfortunately, Kuzan hadn't measured up. And when Sakazuki took command anyway, the early years had been rough. Internal conflicts erupted like festering wounds. The new Fleet Admiral even clashed openly with Admiral Fujitora, literally shouting at each other over Den Den Mushi while Fujitora refused to return to base.
Could anyone imagine that happening under Sengoku or Kong? Which of their Admirals would dare create that kind of public spectacle? What kind of Fleet Admiral allowed such blatant insubordination to fester?
It revealed Sakazuki's fundamental weakness in leadership. But to his credit, he'd learned. The Wano incident proved it: when Borsalino tested his intentions about intervening in Kaido's territory, Sakazuki had shown restraint rather than his old reckless aggression.
He'd grown. Setbacks had taught him wisdom.
Finn had always set his minimum goal at Admiral rank, with the more ambitious target of Fleet Admiral shimmering beyond. Currently, the path to Admiral seemed wide open. The Marines' leadership clearly favored him. No need to stress over it, just continue performing and let events unfold naturally.
As for Fleet Admiral? Too early to scheme seriously, but the groundwork mattered. Which meant maintaining strong relationships with powerful Marines like Sakazuki was essential, character flaws and all.
If Finn could keep these connections strong, if he eventually rose to Fleet Admiral, he might actually unite the Marines' various factions the way Sengoku had. Prevent internal struggles from bleeding away combat effectiveness. That would benefit everyone.
After Sakazuki disappeared around the corner, Kuzan spoke up with mild amusement. "You two get along well."
"Better than you and him, certainly." Finn shot Kuzan a knowing grin. "You're colleagues. How did you two end up so incompatible?"
Kuzan shrugged, hands sliding into his pockets with practiced casualness. "What can I say? It just happened. I don't like him, he doesn't like me. Our concepts of justice are complete opposites. These things develop naturally." He tilted his head thoughtfully. "Not really surprising when you think about it. Some people click immediately, like you and me. Others can work side by side for years and still grate on each other's nerves, like him and me. That's just how the world works. No point analyzing it to death."
"Hah, fair enough," Finn laughed.
"Anyway, I should get moving. Lots to handle right now, and Mr. Sengoku won't forgive me if I slack off while he's drowning in execution logistics." Kuzan started backing away with a lazy wave. "Let's grab drinks when things settle down. Later."
"Sounds good. I'm probably due for some actual rest after being at sea so long. Though knowing the Admiral, he'll probably want me to take command of a regional base soon. Might as well tour around, see which posting I'd actually enjoy." Finn returned the wave.
"Smart thinking. See you around, Finn."
They parted ways at the next intersection, Kuzan ambling toward Sengoku's office while Finn headed for the officers' quarters. His mind was already racing ahead, calculating possibilities, weighing futures.
Shiki would come. Roger would die. The world would tremble.
And Finn would be ready for all of it.
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