"Ace, something big happened to the Marines!"
Grandma Ze's voice trembled as she approached Ace, her forehead beaded with cold sweat and her hands shaking as she held the newspaper.
"What's going on?" Ace asked, his eyes flashing with interest.
"Admiral of Headquarters, Aokiji... Former Admiral of Headquarters, 'Black Arm' Zephyr, has quit the Marines! Admiral candidate Momousagi has also left. The Marines are preparing for a world conscription!"
Grandma Ze's lips quivered as she delivered the shocking news.
"So it's finally happening, Kuzan!" Ace's mouth curved into a sly smile before he burst into hearty laughter.
"Ah?!" Grandma Ze, along with Sandersonia and Marigold, stared at the laughing Ace in stunned silence.
But Rayleigh, Fujitora, and the rest of the Entei Pirates couldn't help but join in the laughter, their voices echoing across the island.
Above the sea, a Marine warship sailed forth, cutting through the waves with determination.
On the deck, two marines in Rear Admiral coats peered ahead, their expressions contorted with concern.
Suddenly, it happened!
"Click! Click! Click!"
A blast of chilling air exploded across the sea, instantly freezing everything in its path. The once-active waters solidified into a vast expanse of ice, trapping the Naval Headquarters warship in its icy grip, rendering it immobile.
"Why?! Why are you quitting the Marines, Aokiji! Zephyr!" Smoker's voice thundered with anger as he gazed at the figure on a bike, distant across the frozen sea.
Smoker respected Aokiji's principles, finding common ground despite their differing eras in the Marines. Zephyr, too, had been Smoker's mentor, a pivotal figure in his career.
The simultaneous departure of Aokiji and Zephyr from the Marines was incomprehensible to Smoker. Ignoring orders, he commandeered Hina's warship to pursue them.
"Ah la la, looks like you've caught up." Aokiji's voice carried over the ice as he exhaled a cold breath.
At that moment, Aokiji—now known as Kuzan—had shed his Admiral uniform for casual attire and sunglasses. Despite serious burns, his injuries were less severe than in the Original book, with his limbs intact.
Naval Headquarters Marshal, Sengoku, submitted his resignation to World Government Commander-in-Chief, Kong, following the tumultuous Entei Incident. Unlike his Original resignation after Marineford, this one proceeded smoothly, met with little opposition from Kong. Despite the devastating losses suffered by the Navy during Entei, Sengoku was not held solely accountable. The reality of facing three Emperors simultaneously, alongside formidable figures like 'Dark King' Rayleigh, made defeat inevitable.
The true challenge, however, lay in Portgas D. Ace, the Flame Emperor—his strength, Haki, and strategic brilliance surpassed even the Four Emperors. Even the Five Elders, with their ultimate authority, found themselves compelled to compromise in Ace's presence. The Buster Call, the pinnacle of World Government's justice, was unprecedentedly called off. Sengoku's resignation thus became a necessary step to reset the leadership and morale of the Marines.
During the Entei incident, the Five Elders became acutely aware of the ambitions harbored by Portgas D. Ace. His aspirations reached beyond mere piracy; he aimed to overthrow the World Government and assert himself as the ruler of the world—a notion that sent chills down the Elders' spines. Ace's flawless orchestration of events during the War left them feeling uneasy; his control seemed absolute, compelling even the highest authorities to yield.
Upon returning to Mariejois, their unease deepened. They delved into Ace's background: born to Gol D. Roger's lover, Portgas D. Rouge, who had extended her pregnancy to conceal Ace from government scrutiny. Entrusted to Vice-Admiral Garp by Gol D. Roger, Ace grew up under Garp's tutelage before embarking on his own path. In a remarkably short time, Ace caused crises like Alabasta and Enies Lobby right before the massive one in the Entei incident—a testament to his strategic brilliance and influence over the seas.
The Five Elders pondered how Ace acquired such knowledge about their Transformations and Immortality coupled with his utilization of multiple Devil Fruits beyond their known limits, baffled them. Ace's omniscient perspective on the world seemed unparalleled, raising questions about the true extent of his capabilities and the depths of his secrets.
Sengoku's analysis using the Human Fruit-Phantom Beast-Big Buddha form only heightened their concerns. Ace is only 17 years old so they feel very confused about this—He is simply anomaly that defied their long-held doctrines and historical precedents.
In facing this unprecedented threat, the World Government recognized Ace as their paramount adversary in this era, eclipsing even the Revolutionary Army and the enigmatic "Joyboy." To confront and potentially eliminate him, drastic measures were considered, including rewriting history and amassing unparalleled military strength.
For example, create another Void Century! Completely erase this period of history!
Despite stepping down as Marshal, Sengoku's immense combat prowess was deemed too valuable to lose entirely. Kong and the World Government sought to retain him in a crucial role. They appointed Sengoku as Naval Headquarters' Inspector General, a position of oversight and strategic advisement. Facing the unprecedented threat posed by Ace and the Entei Pirates, this decision aimed to maintain stability and prepare for future confrontations.
For Sengoku, accepting the role of Inspector General was a logical choice. With the Entei Pirates looming as a force beyond even the Emperors, led by Ace, the world's most formidable man, stepping away completely would leave Naval Headquarters ill-equipped to uphold justice in this turbulent era. Thus, Sengoku embraced his new role, knowing that protecting the seas from Ace's ambitions required steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to justice.
After Sengoku gracefully transitioned to the role of Naval Headquarters Inspector General, The Marines swiftly moved to appoint a new Marshal. The candidates were Aokiji and Akainu, both formidable in their own right. Despite Akainu's defeat during the Entei Incident, the World Government favored him for his unwavering commitment to their interests and blamed the Defeat on Sengoku. the Five Elders believe the World Government's agenda is superior to marine morale.
To Sengoku's surprise, Aokiji initiated a fierce battle against Akainu for the position of Marshal, lasting an intense five days and nights on a remote island. The clash of their Devil Fruit powers transformed the island into a surreal blend of ice and lava. Ultimately, Aokiji emerged wounded and declared Akainu as the victor before announcing his own departure from Marine.
Akainu, despite claiming victory, bore no joy, knowing Aokiji's true intent—to use the battle as a pretext for leaving the Marines. Unwilling to forcibly detain Aokiji against his will and recognizing the power disparity between them favoring Akainu's Lava-Lava Fruit abilities, Akainu reluctantly watched as Aokiji exited the battlefield and Marine service altogether.
Amidst these developments, the vacant position among the Seven Warlords of the Sea was swiftly filled by Edward Weevil, who boldly claimed to be Whitebeard's son. This declaration was accompanied by a grim legacy—Weevil had once attacked Zephyr's recruit ship, resulting in the tragic deaths of all but two of Zephyr's students. Zephyr himself suffered the loss of an arm due to complications from his asthma during the attack. The World Government's decision to appoint Weevil shattered Zephyr's trust entirely, leading him to promptly announce his resignation from the Marines.
Upon learning of Zephyr's departure, Kuzan sought to speak with him aboard his ship, hoping to understand and possibly comfort him. However, the arrival of Smoker's warship added further tension to the already delicate situation, potentially altering the course of events yet again.
"Go back, Smoker. We are no longer on the same side," Kuzan said calmly, his gaze steady as he addressed Smoker and Hina in the distance. "Now, I am a pirate."
"Pirate?! You?!!!" Smoker exclaimed in disbelief, while Hina looked on with wide eyes.
The news of Aokiji, once Admiral, now turning pirate shocked everyone present, especially Zephyr, who regarded Kuzan with a mix of surprise and disappointment. Though he had left the Marines, Zephyr's intention was not to embrace piracy but to forge a new path and New Marine Organization, aiming to redefine justice on his own terms and bring an end to the era dominated by the great pirates.
"Are you going to betray justice, Kuzan?" Smoker's voice was tinged with anger and confusion.
"Betraying justice? No, where I want to go is justice," Kuzan replied calmly, meeting Smoker's gaze unwaveringly.
"Where are you going, Kuzan?" Hina interjected loudly, unable to contain her shock.
"Allow me to reintroduce myself," Kuzan straightened, shedding any trace of laziness, his demeanor commanding respect. "I am the captain of the Entei Pirates' Grand Fleet, First Squad: Kuzan."
"!!!" The revelation struck like thunder among the Marines and Zephyr's crew alike. The former Admiral, once the pinnacle of the World Government's military might, now stood as captain of a formidable pirate fleet—the Entei Pirates. It was a transformation that defied expectations and shook the very foundation of their understanding.
"Are you kidding me, Kuzan?!" Smoker's eyes blazed with fury.
"Fool!" His body transformed into smoke, poised to attack Kuzan with his jitte.
"Ah la la, if you attack me, it will be considered a war with the Entei Pirates' fleet, Smoker," Kuzan warned calmly, his resolve unshaken.
"Stop, Smoker! We can't engage with the Entei Pirate Fleet without authorization!" Hina intervened urgently, aware of the consequences of such an impulsive act and the fact that Kuzan could Defeat Smoker in One blow if he wanted too!
The tension hung thick in the air, fraught with the weight of Kuzan's decision and Smoker's fury. The phone in Kuzan's hand suddenly rang, cutting through the standoff.
"Kuzan, where are you? We're currently on Ruskaina Island," a voice boomed from the other end.
"!!!" Recognition flashed across the faces of Smoker, Hina, Zephyr, and his students simultaneously.
Flame Emperor—Ace was on the line.