New World, G-5 base port.
Atlas and Gion strolled to the dock, engaged in lively conversation and laughter.
A Marine-style warship sat silently in the port. Gion and Atlas didn't have their designated warships present, so they didn't raise any objections to its presence.
Shortly after, both of them boarded the warship one by one and set sail on their journey to Dressrosva.
"Commodore Atlas! Rear Admiral Gion!"
Upon boarding the warship, a multitude of Marines quickly assembled, coming to attention and saluting. Their faces bore solemn expressions, and their eyes reflected deep reverence. These were the five hundred Marine soldiers carefully chosen by Vice Admiral Tsuru from the G-5 base. Every one of them was a seasoned Marine, considered an elite in the world. They had witnessed Atlas's formidable strength in numerous clashes with the Whitebeard Pirates.
Simultaneously, numerous individuals had been intentionally or unintentionally saved by Atlas in the midst of battle, fostering a deep respect for him within their hearts.
Nevertheless, the highest-ranking officer on this warship is Gion. While Gion may not have attained the strength of the Admiral Candidate Momousagi, her military rank stands one level above Atlas. Her qualifications surpass his significantly.
Atlas remains indifferent to the hierarchy. He pays no heed to who holds a superior rank. Besides, Gion doesn't dictate his actions, allowing him a considerable degree of freedom.
Gion surveyed the surroundings, nodded slightly, then turned her gaze toward the distant sea. In a stern tone, she spoke "Is the adjutant present? Tally the personnel and inform the helmsman to ready the ship for departure!"
"Commander, reporting in! Adjutant Bourdon, Marine identification number 264998742, holding the rank of Colonel Marine!" In no time, a tall officer sporting the customary Marine hat emerged from the assembly, making the announcement loudly.
"Alright, conduct a head count, and once that's done, let's set sail. Destination: Dressrosa!"
Gion waved her hand, issued the command, and then turned around, departing alongside Atlas.
"Yes, ma'am!"
A resonant and robust response echoed from the rear. It must be acknowledged that the overall caliber of Marines stationed in the New World for an extended period is indeed superior to those in Paradise and the Grand Line. Moreover, the New World boasts a more challenging environment and climate compared to Paradise. In this unforgiving region, countless formidable individuals abound, akin to carp effortlessly navigating a river.
Having engaged in prolonged battles against various formidable pirates, those who have managed to survive to this day undeniably represent the elite within the ranks of the Marines.
...
New World, Dressrosa.
King's Plateau, the site of Dressrosa's royal palace, stands as the highest elevation in the entire kingdom, symbolizing the pinnacle of royal authority and serving as the residence of the Liku royal family. Unlike other opulent palaces, this one possesses a somewhat understated appearance. Externally resembling an ordinary resort, its simplicity is offset only by the presence of towering walls encircling it.
Within the primary hall of the palace, the monarch of the nation, Riku Doldo III, sat upon the throne, wearing a furrowed brow and displaying a sorrowful countenance.
King Riku possesses a robust physique, hair extending in an explosive fashion, and a regal countenance. However, the gleam in his eyes betrays a shrewd nature, confirming his status as a politically adept monarch with a knack for strategy.
"Your Majesty, there's no need for further concern. The Marines have agreed to assist us as per our request."
Kyros, the army commander on the side, couldn't help but comfort him.
"I have indeed requested assistance from the Vice Admiral of the Marines. It is anticipated that the Marine dispatched by the Vice Admiral is already en route. However, what concerns me is the increased activity on the Marine side, coupled with their limited troop deployment. The enemy we are up against is a member of the Big Mom Pirates."
King Riku said with some worry.
"Your Majesty, it's entirely my fault. I am too powerless to assist you..." Kyros admitted with a tinge of guilt. As the commander of Dressrosa's army, he found himself helplessly waiting for Marine aid amid the onslaught from external adversaries. Additionally, being Princess Scarlet's husband intensified his feelings of indebtedness towards his wife.
"Kyros, what nonsense are you talking about! You have already borne a significant burden for this country. Moreover, our adversary is the Big Mom Pirates, rulers of the New World, a formidable pirate crew even feared by the Marines. There's no need for you to blame yourself for anything."
King Liku shouted sternly, expressing his utmost satisfaction with Kyros as his son-in-law. However, he didn't want Kyros to harbor any resentment over the current situation.
"You are a man who has emerged victorious in four thousand consecutive matches in the gladiatorial arena. Don't utter such disheartening words..."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Kyros responded loudly, his eyes reflecting increased respect for King Riku.
"By the way, Minister. Is there any specific news from the Marines? Baron Tamago of the Big Mom Pirates has conveyed that some of their high-ranking members will arrive in a few days!"
King Riku nodded slightly at Kyros, then turned to inquire with the Left Minister.
"Vice Admiral Tsuru conveyed on the phone that they set sail a few days ago and are anticipated to reach Dressrosa soon. However, the exact personnel were not disclosed; they simply mentioned the presence of a Rear Admiral and a Commodore leading the way."
"What? A Rear Admiral!? Has Marine's distribution of combat power become so strained?"
King Riku was shocked. How could a Rear Admiral contend with the leaders of the Big Mom Pirates? As for the Commodore, he simply brushed aside. Even adding another Rear Admiral might not be sufficient.
"Your Majesty, I don't believe there's a need for concern. Vice Admiral Tsuru serves as the chief staff officer of the Naval Headquarters. She must have her reasons for such decisions," Left Minister reassured after thoughtful consideration.
"Well..."
King Riku furrowed his brows with difficulty. Being a member of the World Government, Marine would undoubtedly not act against their interests.
Given the current circumstances, can a Rear Admiral and Commodore truly bring stability?
"Never mind, I'll place my hope on Marine for now. Rest of you, step back. Kyros, return and spend more time with Scarlet. Now that she's pregnant, you must ensure she takes extra care and not be as venturesome as before. I'm feeling quite anxious..."
King Riku spoke earnestly to Kyros. In this moment, he resembled more a concerned father for his daughter than the king of Dressrosa.
"Yes!"
Upon hearing the mention of the princess who had devoted herself to him, a sweet smile graced Kyros's lips, and his voice took on a more resonant tone.
...
"Rear Admiral Gion, how much longer until we reach Dressrosa?"
Atlas, emerging from the training room with his bare torso, approached Gion, who was gazing into the sea with a distant look, and inquired.
"With our current speed, we should reach smoothly by tomorrow morning," Gion replied.
Gion's eyes flickered as he replied nonchalantly.
"That's good. According to Vice Admiral Tsuru's intel, the leaders of the Big Mom Pirates shouldn't be arriving so soon," Gion added.
----------
Hey readers, one more review for a bonus chapter, so come on, just give me your hones opinion about the fanfic.
Read 20 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari