One Piece; Kaido In MarineFord

Chapter Three: Don't Tell Them

The early morning at Marineford was anything but serene. The rising sun cast its golden light over the fortress, but the air was heavy with tension. The rhythmic pounding of boots echoed through the hallways, mingling with the rustle of paper, the hurried scratching of pens, and the occasional barked orders. Marines bustled about, carrying crates of ammunition, stacks of documents, and rifles. Cannons were being moved into position along the fortress walls, their metallic groans adding to the cacophony.

The fortress itself, an imposing bastion of justice, stood as a symbol of the Navy's might. Its towering walls seemed to scrape the sky, and its courtyards were teeming with soldiers preparing for the imminent war. Despite the organized chaos, there was an undercurrent of fear—a silent acknowledgment of the storm looming on the horizon.

Through one of the bustling corridors marched a small but unmistakable group. Flanked by a Vice Admiral, the Warlords of the Sea—Shichibukai—made their way to a designated meeting room.

The Shichibukai Arrive

At the front of the group waddled Gecko Moria, his towering, grotesque figure swaying with each step. His round face twisted into a grin as he surveyed the scene. "What a mess," he cackled, his voice oozing mockery. "It's almost like the end of the world is coming."

Behind him strode Donquixote Doflamingo, his signature pink feathered coat trailing behind him like the plumage of a predatory bird. He threw his head back and laughed, the sound cutting through the noise like a blade. "The clock's hands are spinning faster than ever. What a spectacle this will be!"

Bartholomew Kuma followed in silence, his massive frame moving with an unsettling precision. His lifeless eyes betrayed no emotion as he marched forward, a mountain of a man seemingly impervious to the chaos around him.

Boa Hancock walked with regal grace, her gaze cold and dismissive. She wrinkled her nose as she passed a pair of Marines struggling with a cannon. "What a disorganized, filthy place to host someone of my beauty," she muttered, her voice dripping with disdain.

Trailing behind them was Dracule Mihawk. His golden eyes, sharp as the blade he carried, scanned his surroundings with quiet intensity. He moved without urgency, his black cloak billowing slightly with each step. His aura was calm yet commanding, a predator at ease in any situation.

As the group progressed, whispers erupted among the Marines working nearby.

"It's the Shichibukai! They're on our side!" one young Marine whispered excitedly, clutching his rifle tightly.

"With allies like these, we might actually stand a chance," said another, his eyes fixed on Mihawk. "That's Dracule Mihawk, the strongest swordsman in the world! I can't believe he's here."

The Vice Admiral leading the group finally stopped in front of a large door. He turned, his face stoic. "This is your meeting room," he said, pushing the door open to reveal a spacious chamber dominated by a circular table surrounded by chairs. "You may wait here. Food and drink will be provided until the war begins."

Doflamingo chuckled as he entered. "At the very least, try to make the food palatable. I'm used to finer dining in Dressrosa, you know."

Mihawk, following close behind, replied without opening his eyes. "Still feasting on human flesh, I presume?"

The Vice Admiral blinked, unsure if he should react, before swiftly excusing himself.

Doflamingo turned to Mihawk, a mischievous grin on his face. "Many strange things are happening lately, Hawk Eyes. Why not form an alliance with me? Together, we could..."

Mihawk took a seat, propped his feet on the table, and pulled his black hat low over his face. "I'll be sailing alone for the foreseeable future," he said flatly, ending the conversation.

Doflamingo laughed and took his own seat. "That little boat of yours hardly suits someone of your stature."

Moria, meanwhile, extended a hand toward Hancock, his grotesque grin widening. "Ladies first."

Hancock brushed past him, her head held high. "Don't speak to me," she said coldly. "Do you truly believe we're equals?"

Moria's grin faltered for a moment before he scowled and muttered, "Such arrogance..."

Kuma walked past them both, his heavy footsteps echoing in the chamber. He sat down mechanically, his expression as blank as ever.

Doflamingo leaned toward him, a sly smile on his face. "Mr. Robot, care to join the conversation?"

Kuma turned his head slowly. "Donquixote Doflamingo. Shichibukai with a notorious reputation. What do you want?"

Doflamingo chuckled. "So, the robot has a memory bank. Tell me, Kuma—what are the odds of us winning this war?"

Kuma's eyes glowed faintly. "Probability of victory without external interference: 73%."

Doflamingo laughed louder. "So, if other powers intervene, it's a gamble. Fascinating. The only certainty is that the outcome will shape the world's future."

Hancock, watching Kuma from across the room, frowned. "Is this truly Bartholomew Kuma? He seems... different."

Doflamingo smirked. "The details are vague, my dear, but Kuma's loyalty to the World Government is absolute now. He's been programmed that way."

Hancock sighed and leaned back in her chair, her gaze distant. "I'm surrounded by fools. I'd much rather spend this day with Luffy..."

The Admirals' Chamber

Elsewhere in Marineford, the Vice Admiral hurried into the Fleet Admiral's office. Inside, the air was thick with tension.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku sat behind his desk, his brow furrowed as he pored over maps and reports. His usually composed demeanor was replaced by a storm of thoughts and calculations. Across the room, Admiral Akainu sat stiffly, his face set in a scowl. His fists were clenched, his seething anger barely contained. Admiral Kizaru, by contrast, reclined lazily in a chair, casually clipping his nails.

Sengoku looked up. "What is it?"

The Vice Admiral saluted. "The Shichibukai have assembled, sir."

"Good," Sengoku replied.

The Vice Admiral hesitated. "There's also... bad news. Marshall D. Teach, the newest Shichibukai, has refused to attend."

Sengoku's eyes widened, his fists slamming onto the desk. "What is that fool planning? Where is he now?"

Akainu growled. "The Shichibukai are nothing but temporary traitors. They'll add nothing of value to this war."

The Vice Admiral asked cautiously, "Should I inform them about the rumors of Kaido's arrival?"

Sengoku went silent, his gaze fixed on the desk. After a long pause, he shook his head. "No. Don't tell them. The mere thought of facing two Yonko could make them abandon this war altogether. Not a single Shichibukai must know."

Kizaru looked up, his tone as lazy as ever. "What about the World Government? Isn't now the perfect time for them to lend a hand?"

Sengoku's teeth ground together. "Those bastards refused to send even a single CP0 agent. They have the gall to call this a Marine matter. Damn them..."

The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of the impending war pressing down on them all.

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