Headquarters, Marineford.
Beside the crescent-shaped harbor, a massive warship rested peacefully along the shoreline. Marines on the deck were armed and ready, with wooden ladders neatly arranged for access between the ship and the shore.
On the shore, the towering Atlas was advising the restless Enel, who seemed a bit impatient.
These days, the outfits of both individuals have undergone significant changes. Atlas is now clad in pristine white, even the cuffs of his Justice cloak are pure white. This is a custom uniform specially crafted by the department after yesterday's ceremony. Enel, on the other hand, is decked out in a lot of it, covering his entire body. The top and bottom of the standard Marine attire appear quite ordinary. The scarf on top of his head is gone, revealing his fluffy afro.
"You've finished all the procedures at the recruitment camp. When the time comes, just report directly..."
"Alright, alright, it's way too wordy..."
Boom!
Enveloped in Armament Haki, a fist smacked Enel squarely on the head, causing the large bump to rapidly inflate!
"Hiss~"
Brushing off Enel's discomfort, Atlas persisted, "Remember, physical fitness is the key, and showing respect to the commander is still crucial..."
Before Enel could retort, Atlas headed towards the warship, leaving Enel standing with his imposing figure looming behind.
"Hey~ wait till I master Armament Haki; let's see if I don't give you a good thrashing..."
Enel grumbled something in dissatisfaction.
While trailing Atlas, Enel discovered the existence of a formidable power known as 'Haki' in this world. He also came to realize that his remarkable perception ability is Observation Haki, fueling his confidence in defeating Atlas in the future. He remains quite assured, given that he possesses the top-notch Logia ability.
The warship gradually departed from the port. Atlas's current destination remained the Sabaody Archipelago. The transfer of orders from headquarters wasn't swift, considering its potential impact on the entire organization. Hence, it's anticipated that he'll be stationed in Sabaody for a few months.
Upon leaving Birka, Enel's restrained demeanor vanished instantly, and his expression grew even more arrogant. His pride persisted until he learned that the fruits of the three Marine monsters, Vice Admirals, were just as top-tier Logia as his own. Following this revelation, his arrogance became even more pronounced.
'Hopefully, Teacher Zephyr can impart a stern lesson to him...'
Thinking about the phone call from last night, Atlas smirked with a hint of mischief.
...
The warships swiftly reached the Sabaody Archipelago.
Atlas instinctively activated Observation Haki, and an exceptionally potent life force aura emerged within his sensing range.
Is Rayleigh back?
Atlas instinctively considered the Pirate King's right-hand man. It was presumed that he was the only person in Sabaody capable of emitting such a formidable life force.
Finally willing to return...
A bright smile lit up Atlas's face. The old man had departed from Sabaody's shores after their last encounter, even paying a visit to Shakky's Rip-off Bar, which now sat deserted. Notably, even his old friend Shakky had vanished without a trace.
"Smoker, Vergo, both of you head back to the station first. Assist Majors and the others in tidying up the Sabaody area. I've been absent for quite some time, and all sorts of troublemakers have started to make their presence known."
Atlas's expression turned cold. Beneath the cloak of his Haki, nothing that occurred on the ground of Sabaody could elude his perception. However, it was also within his expectations.
"Brother Atlas, what about you then..."
"I'm going to pay a visit to an old acquaintance!"
Atlas grinned, and as he spoke, his figure vanished instantly before the two of them.
"This speed...!!!"
Vergo's side-glancing pupils contracted. Having been with Atlas for just a few months, he had already sensed the boundless and terrifying strength of this young Marine candidate for Admiral. The ability to move at such speed, almost instantaneously, was something he had never witnessed before!
Additionally, he possesses that formidable Observation Haki, inducing a suffocating sensation in people. As a result, communication with the young master is kept to a minimum, and he doesn't even dare to use a den den mushi.
...
Area 13, Shakky's Rip-off Bar.
Rayleigh, still savoring his wine, suddenly felt a twitch in his eyelid, sensing an unknown premonition. Unconsciously, he slowly set down the contents of his glass, furrowed his brow, and spoke to Shakky, who was wiping a glass.
"Why do I have a bad feeling..."
Hearing this, Shakky slowed down the movements of her hands and chuckled, "Perhaps that Marine guy you've been contemplating is making a return."
"Haha... how could it be so fast..."
Rayleigh waved his hand dismissively. The Marine's journey from East Blue to Marineford couldn't be accomplished in just a few days unless he flew back, but that seemed impossible. He didn't possess the abilities of Shiki.
Even though Marine conducted an investiture ceremony for Atlas just yesterday, the official announcement about adding another Candidate Admiral has not been released yet. So, even Rayleigh, who is close to Sabaody, is unaware of it.
What Rayleigh failed to notice was the subtle smile playing on Shakky's lips.
"That's not necessarily true..."
"Um...?"
Rayleigh was a bit perplexed, but the next moment, his expression suddenly froze.
Because the sound just now didn't originate from Shakky's mouth in front of him, but from behind him. Rayleigh slowly turned his neck with an expression of disbelief.
A young Marine, dressed in pristine white, stood at the bar's door with a smile. However, there was no warmth in his eyes—only an icy coldness and a hint of murderous intent.
"We meet again, Mr. Rayleigh."
Atlas glanced at the stern-faced Rayleigh and spoke in a cold tone.
'You didn't enjoy our little skirmish the last time, did you, old man? After giving you me good slash, you still thought of making a run for it?'
"Brother Marine, I'm just a retired old man. Why are you doing this?"
After the initial shock, Rayleigh felt a sense of helplessness. What animosity? What grievances did he have with him?
"You're no ordinary old man, the man they call the Dark King..."
Atlas exclaimed with a mocking expression on his face.
"So, we have to fight today?"
"What do you think?"
Shakky on the side seemed unable to listen any longer and quickly interrupted the tense atmosphere between the two. "Hey, hey, hey! Brother Marine, please don't fight here. I'm just an ordinary businessman."
"Businessman?"
Atlas raised his eyebrows, scrutinized Shakky in front of him, and said, "A businessman who hangs out with pirates?"
Shakky betrayed Rayleigh without uttering a word.
"You used to be a pirate, right?"
"Don't talk nonsense without evidence, Brother Marine."
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