The cries of seagulls echoed in the distance, their sharp calls cutting through the salty sea breeze as sunlight illuminated the expansive training grounds below.
Admiral Sengoku, with his trademark black-framed glasses and braided beard, stood solemnly on the field. His stern demeanor was interrupted by the crunching sound of chewing nearby. His veins bulged as he clenched his fists, turning sharply to swing back with all his might.
His punch, as expected, hit nothing but air. Turning around, he glared at an older man with graying hair who was casually munching on donuts.
"Garp! Do you even realize what day it is today?!" Sengoku roared. "The Navy has staked everything on this operation, all in the name of justice! And here you are, behaving like this on such an important day!"
"Eh\~" Garp dismissed his colleague's anger with a wave of his hand. Picking his nose with his pinky, he glanced lazily at Kizaru, who stood nearby with his usual nonchalant demeanor. "Sengoku, don't sweat the small stuff. After all, the people coming to help us saved an apocalyptic world. What's a little donut indulgence in comparison?"
"You insufferable fool!" Sengoku's face turned red with anger, but he sighed heavily and turned to Kizaru. "Kizaru, when will Riku and their allies arrive? While you've reassured me repeatedly, this time the Navy has truly put everything on the line. If we fail, the world will descend into chaos. But if they are as capable as you and Riku claim, then perhaps our justice can rewrite the fate of this decaying world."
Sengoku looked skyward, his eyes following the soaring seagulls. "With the books you brought back, Kizaru, we can alter the course of history. However, it will be a long and arduous road, fraught with sacrifices. Still, if these individuals are as powerful as Kaido or even the gods themselves, as you've suggested, then we must seize this opportunity."
Kizaru's lazy gaze shifted toward a sudden burst of white light appearing on the training grounds. A faint smile tugged at his lips. "No need to worry, Sengoku. They're already here."
The white light captured everyone's attention. When it dissipated, a group of youths, including children as young as eight, stood before them.
Might Guynu's brow twitched as he turned to Kizaru, his voice heavy with skepticism. "These are your so-called reinforcements? A bunch of kids, no older than their early twenties?"
"Grandpa, can Klee have one of those?"
A small, clear voice spoke up behind Might Guynu, startling him. He turned to find a young girl who had somehow appeared silently behind him. She pointed at the donuts in Garp's hands with curiosity.
"Hahaha!" Garp burst into laughter at the sight of Klee. Handing her a bag of donuts, he said warmly, "Here, try them. These are my favorite."
"Thank you, Grandpa!" Klee's eyes lit up as she accepted the donuts, flashing a bright smile before running back to her group. "Qiqi, Riri, Xiaohei, there are four donuts. One for each of us!"
Sharing her treats with her friends, Klee carefully split her donut in half. "Brother Hiroshi, this is for you."
"Kuroneko, this is for Qiqi," she added, handing out more pieces.
"Thank you, Klee." Hiroshi accepted the half donut, patting her on the head with a gentle smile. He then glanced at Infinity and Zhongli, who were also enjoying their portions with quiet smiles, before addressing Sengoku and the others.
"Greetings, I am Hiroshi," he said, stepping forward to shake Sengoku's hand. "We are friends of Old Man Kizaru and have come to offer our assistance."
Sengoku, momentarily stunned, shook Hiroshi's hand. "Thank you for coming. Your guidance and the invaluable books have given us a new understanding of justice."
"It's no trouble," Hiroshi replied with a smile. Glancing at the gathered Navy officers, he added, "Compared to those who use their dreams as a guise for greed, your commitment to order and protecting civilians is admirable. Despite the flaws and corruption within, you uphold justice and provide stability."
"After reading the books brought by Kizaru, I'm sure you understand our next steps. Since you're ready, let's begin planning the operation."
At Marineford, the Navy's headquarters welcomed its newest guests. The vast conference room was filled with high-ranking officers, each personally vetted by Venti during a covert investigation to ensure their loyalty.
Books detailing the principles of true justice lay on the table before each officer, their pages worn from frequent reference. As the heavy door creaked open, Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru entered with the three admirals in tow. Behind them, the newcomers filed in, their youthful appearances belying the overwhelming pressure they exuded.
Hiroshi gently held back Klee and Riri, who were peeking into the room. "No mischief now. Stay outside with Xiaohei, Qiqi, and Tina. We have important matters to discuss."
"Okay." Klee tiptoed to catch a glimpse of the stern-looking officers inside before shrinking back. Grabbing Riri's hand, she flashed a mischievous smile at Hiroshi and ran off.
Hiroshi shook his head with a smile, turning to the tall woman with pink hair beside him. "I'll leave these little ones in your care, Rear Admiral Tina."
"Don't worry, I've got this," Tina replied confidently, waving dismissively as she adjusted her Justice cape and walked away with the children.
Facing the assembled officers, Hiroshi's tone turned serious. "Let's begin the meeting."