Chapter 1: Chapter One: A Terrifying Revelation at Marineford
All rights to the One Piece universe and its characters belong to Mr. Eiichiro Oda. This is just a fan fiction.
Chapter One: A Terrifying Revelation at Marineford
The sprawling fortress of Marineford stood as an impregnable bastion of justice, its imposing walls rising defiantly against the sea's relentless waves. From a distance, the stronghold appeared tranquil under the bright sunlight, its gleaming white towers reflecting a sense of order and power. But within its gates, chaos reigned supreme.
Inside the fortress, the rhythmic clatter of boots against polished floors echoed through the corridors. Marines scurried in every direction, each focused on their assigned tasks. Young recruits carried stacks of papers, their hands trembling under the weight of documents critical to the operation. Veterans lugged crates of ammunition toward the armory, their grizzled faces set in grim determination. Officers barked orders, their voices barely audible over the cacophony of preparations.
Every marine, regardless of rank, had a role to play. Some hauled artillery shells toward the docks, while others checked the firing mechanisms of the fortress's massive cannons. The smell of oil and gunpowder mingled with the salty sea air, a testament to the scale of the impending battle. The tension was palpable, an invisible force that gripped every soldier, no matter how seasoned.
The world outside was on the brink of upheaval. In three days, Portgas D. Ace, son of the infamous Pirate King, was scheduled for public execution. It was a statement, a declaration of the Marines' unwavering resolve to crush piracy at its roots. Yet, everyone knew the truth: Whitebeard, the strongest man in the world, would not stand idly by. The shadow of his inevitable retaliation loomed over Marineford like a gathering storm.
At the heart of this maelstrom stood Fleet Admiral Sengoku, his voice a booming command that pierced through the chaos.
"Double the guard at the front gates! I want artillery reinforcements on every battlement by sunset!" Sengoku's hands slammed down on a table strewn with maps and dossiers. "Where are the reinforcements from the East Blue? They should've arrived yesterday! Contact them immediately—no excuses!"
He turned to another officer, his gaze sharp and unyielding. "We need more recruits on the ground. The numbers we have are insufficient. Mobilize every available soldier from the Grand Line bases. And for the love of justice, ensure the outer perimeter cannons are operational!"
His commands were met with swift salutes and hasty affirmations. The officers scattered, their movements precise and unhesitating. Sengoku's presence was a pillar of authority, his golden Marine coat fluttering behind him like a banner of justice.
In stark contrast to the frenzy, Vice Admiral Garp sat nearby, reclined in a wooden chair, a steaming cup of coffee cradled in his hands. His iconic dog hat was tilted slightly forward, shading his face. Opposite him sat Admiral Aokiji, his usual nonchalant demeanor unchanged as he sipped his own coffee. Both men were impeccably dressed in their Marine uniforms, their polished boots and pristine coats a testament to their rank and stature.
"Quite the storm brewing, huh?" Aokiji remarked lazily, blowing on his coffee.
Garp grunted in response, his eyes fixed on the steam rising from his cup. Though outwardly relaxed, a shadow of sorrow lingered in his gaze. The mention of Ace's execution gnawed at him, but he masked his turmoil with a facade of indifference.
Before either could say more, the door to Sengoku's office burst open. A young Marine stumbled in, panting heavily, his face pale and drenched in sweat.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!" he gasped, struggling to catch his breath. "Urgent news from the New World!"
Sengoku's head snapped up, his expression a mixture of annoyance and concern. "Speak!"
The Marine straightened, clutching a crumpled piece of parchment in his trembling hands. "A reconnaissance team spotted a ship... Kaido's ship! It's heading straight for Marineford!"
The room fell deathly silent. Garp lowered his coffee cup, his easy demeanor replaced by a look of shock. Aokiji's lazy expression hardened, his grip tightening on his mug. Sengoku stared at the young Marine, his jaw clenched.
"Are you certain?" Sengoku's voice was low, a deadly calm beneath the surface.
"Yes, sir!" the Marine stammered. "There was a brief clash between Kaido and Red-Haired Shanks. It seemed like Shanks was trying to stop him... but Kaido forced his way through. He's coming here, Fleet Admiral!"
Sengoku's fist slammed onto the table, shattering the quiet. The maps and papers scattered to the floor as he rose to his full height, his face a mask of fury and alarm.
"Damn it!" he roared, his voice echoing through the room. "Kaido, of all people! Do you have any idea what this means? If he joins this battle, the balance of power will shatter!"
The young Marine took a step back, visibly trembling. The news rippled through the room like a tidal wave. Outside, the bustle of Marineford intensified as word spread. Officers whispered in hushed tones, their faces pale. Recruits froze mid-step, the name "Kaido" sending chills down their spines.
Sengoku turned to his subordinates, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Sound the alarms! Prepare for the worst-case scenario! Every available soldier is to report to their battle stations immediately!"
As the chaos erupted anew, Garp remained seated, his gaze distant. He let out a heavy sigh, his usual joviality absent. "This is going to be a disaster," he muttered under his breath.
Aokiji set his cup down, his expression unreadable. "Looks like Marineford just became the center of the world."
And as the fortress braced itself for the arrival of the Beasts, the air grew heavier with the weight of impending catastrophe.
.
.