Chapter 51

Dark in the night, on the topmost floor of the Marineford tower, one light bulb was still lit up. Below the bulb lied a simple wooden table that had a bottle of sake laid out on top of it; centering the table were two men: Sengoku and Garp.

"...I received the file that issued the establishment of your disciple's division, Garp." Sengoku, with his cheeks slightly reddened from the effect of alcohol, muttered, "He really is something... I have to admit at this point."

Garp, letting out a light chuckle, exclaimed, "Day by day, he improves. I still remember the day I met him 4 years ago, on that fateful ship where nearly all marines were wiped out. Within 4 years, so many things happened, and here we are, the 16-year-old Marine 'Commodore,' the prodigy who's given the highest expectation among his generation..."

Then, Garp fell into silence with his smile having died down. Gazing at the table with the unusual powerlessness, Garp seemed to be reminiscing over something. Sengoku, catching this, asked knowingly,

"He reminds you of your son, doesn't he."

Garp snorted with a small smile, "Heh, as if. Dragon was always a boring fellow, and I always wondered how someone like that brat can be my son. But... I guess that they do share some similarities."

Raising his eyes up and looking back at Sengoku, Garp asked, "And speaking of son, don't you have one as well? That homeless boy whom you found years ago?"

"...Rosinante you mean." Sengoku too smiled before grabbing the bottle of sake and pouring it into his glass, "I've hidden his surname out of fear that he may be condemned. And Rosinante... considering that his brother is the notorious criminal at the North Blue, adopted the name 'Rosie' instead."

The two of them, the ones who's been supporting Marine since Xebec's era, they've already aged to this extent. Though their bodies still held strength, the continuous waves crashing upon them eroded their will, and they knew, how important the succeeding generation will be.

"...Speaking of Rosinante... he desired his wish to join Smoker's division, Garp. And perhaps... I may grant his wish."

Garp expressed his interest, "Oh?"

The two continued their heartfelt chat. Though the night was cold, they conversed with warmth and liveliness.

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Within the blink of an eye, October was over, and came, November. Having been given the time to repose and prepare myself, I was now fully energized, ready for the sea filled with unknown dangers and wild adventures.

Marineford today was the same as any other day. The sun, shining above the island, provided warmth. As the clouds lazily floated by, the seagulls playfully flew around, occasionally defecating on poor victims' heads. As the gentle wind breezed past me, I felt the tickling sensation brushing on my skin. How peaceful, I couldn't help but remark inwardly.

"...So you made a decision, eh."

Garp, sitting next to me on top of one rooftop, said without a hint of his usual mischievousness. He, then spoke softly, "This is the real start for you, Smoker."

My teacher, at the current moment, seemed old like someone of his age should be. His sunken eyes contained a hollow gleam, as if showing just what kind of trials he came across throughout his life.

"The sea, since the past, was full of pirates—even before Roger's death. And in this wild sea, sometimes, just sometimes, you find yourself lost. Within the storm, you come to wonder, what is right? What is justice? What is the point of being hailed as 'Marine Hero?' For my entire life, I've been questioning myself." Garp said with a hint of sadness in his tone, "And ultimately, I failed to find my way back home. I've drifted too far away, and the vigorous motive in which I joined the Marine for—I don't remember anymore."

He then placed his huge hand on my head. Though my height was tall, he still was taller and broader than me; I thought that maybe, I will never be bigger than my teacher physical-wise.

"Watching you reminds me of my younger self, Smoker. Harbouring an ambition larger than any other in this world... you will constantly be challenged. You may want to give up. And that Haki of yours... the World Government, without a doubt, will block your way. But know this, Smoker."

Garp grinned,

"You are my one and only disciple. And as long as you continue to identify yourself as such," Removing his hand from my head and bumping my back, Garp stated, "you aren't allowed to give up, no matter what."

I grinned in response, "...I won't."

Standing up, I adjusted the white justice coat on my shoulders. Against the wind, they, along with my white hair, fluttered gently. Straightening up my back and puffing up my chest, I filled myself with determination, promising myself that canon or not, I will change this world for the better.

Garp, still seated, chuckled, "Then go, 'White Hunter.'"

"Stay safe, Garp-sensei."

I jumped from the rooftop. Leisurely walking through the sky with the use of Geppo, I inspected the peaceful scenery of the Marineford with my eyes. The newly attached badge on my justice coat, which serves as the indication that I belong to the rank of 'Commodore,' glinted brilliantly upon receiving the sunlight.

And now, I landed on the deck of one adequately sized Marine ship, one that will belong to the newly established 31st division from now on. And 31st division—this was the one that I will be in charge of.

"""Commodore Smoker!""" All marine soldiers, presenting strict salutes, welcomed my presence. Among them, there was one 10-year-old girl of short height, wearing the standard marine cap just as any other. 'Seaman Apprentice' Orobi, upon my personal request, was placed under my command.

Looking around at all my subordinates, I said in a friendly manner, "Is everything well?"

'Mad Bull' Aramaki, recognized for his bounty hunting works in the past, as well as the victory over the Vice Captain of the Blaze pirates, received an incredible promotion all the way to the rank of 'Ensign.' Though we've only met each other for the short time, there was something that made us get along; I gladly welcomed him into my division as he expressed his wish to do so.

Then, there was one man with wavy blonde hair. The marine whom I didn't get a chance to meet face to face, yet knew who he was: Donquixote Rosinante. He, introducing himself as 'Rosie,' had the rank of 'Master Chief Petty Officer.' I speculated that Sengoku himself placed Rosinante in my division, deeming that I, who learned from Garp, was trustworthy.

And finally, there was... a questionable fellow.

"G-gahh, no no, Commodore Smoker! You got to be strict with these idiots, you know!"

The man with a shrewd-looking appearance. He had a skinny physique and a short ponytail. Though he was much younger than as shown in the canon, without a doubt, this man was...

"Oh, Lieutenant Commander Condoriano~"

'Lieutenant Commander' Shepherd, or commonly known as 'Condoriano' in the canon.

"Ehh?! Who's Condoriano? I go by the name 'Shepherd,' Commodore—"

"Condorianooo!!! Rahaha!" Aramaki, repeating after me, let out a burst of laughter. Shepherd, growing a tickmark on his forehead, immediately barked at Aramaki,

"Are you mocking me, Ensign?!!"

Aramaki raised his eyebrow, "What do you mean mocking? Can't you see that I'm greeting you in a genuine manner?"

"GENUINE MY ASS!!!"

"So, Condoriano," I, interrupting Shepherd's outburst, asked casually, "I heard that you were transferred from Vice Admiral Jonathan's division. Is that correct?"

Shepherd, immediately straightening his pose strictly, replied immediately, "Yes, sir!"

Jonathan, the man who becomes the commander of the Marine Base G-8 in the future. If there was one detail that I recalled, it was that he was Sakazuki's protege. In other words, the one who wished to watch over me by sending Shepherd, may have been none other than Admiral Akainu himself.

"Vice Admiral Jonathan is the man whom many marines look up to. Under usual cases, I would've welcomed someone from his division, however," Erasing the smile on my face, I said, "That doesn't seem to be the case this time around. After all, as the commander of this ship, there is one rumour regarding Lieutenant Commander Condoriano that I cannot ignore..."

Taking my feet off the platform, I began to walk at a leisurely pace. Stopping in front of the still-standing Shepherd, I stated,

"The rumour in which you attained your current rank by nothing but briberies and stealing achievements of fellow marines."

Though I didn't have complete control over who will be joining my division, I ensured to look through each and every person who was going to board my ship. As the commander, I have absolute authority over every marine within my division, and this means that I am able to kick anyone out of my ship, at any time.

And I don't plan to carry a blatant deadweight like Kuzan did with 'Captain Happy.'

"P-pardon?" Shepherd expressed his nervousness. I, ignoring the man's concern, claimed,

"A week ago, I issued a claim to the higher-ups regarding my suspicion regarding Lieutenant Commander Condoriano. Though the review is still ongoing, the blatant dislikes shown by many marines suggest your lack of leadership."

Shepherd moved his mouth as if trying to refute. However, not giving him the time to speak, I asserted,

"Henceforth, you are discharged from my division from this moment, and should you be dissatisfied with this, you are welcome to place a complaint."

He seemed to be a quite famous fellow among the marine soldiers, in a bad way. Upon my statement, I saw, the brightened expressions of many on my ship.

Shepherd stood with a dumbfounded expression. He didn't say anything, but simply gazed at me in disbelief, even as he was moved out of my ship and back to the port.

"Rahahaha! It was nice meeting you, Condoriano~!" And as Aramaki waved at the man with an amused smile, I ordered the rest,

"31st division, set sail!"

Everyone on the ship replied with strength in their voices,

"""Yes, sir!"""

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[Mariejois]

"The collapse of Blaze pirates, Crocodile pirates, and Sasaki pirates. When coupled with the arrest of 'Demon Heir' Douglas Bullet, and the capabilities that Admirals showcased in the New World against the Catastrophes, the feats that Marine managed to achieve within a single month... far exceeded our expectations."

The Five Elders were seen standing up in front of the table containing various foods and drinks.

"Marine is needed. However, a dog who bites on its owner surely isn't. We stand in the middle of this dilemma, and as long as Marine doesn't recognize its 'justice,' this conflict will never reach a resolution."

They fell into silence, with each one of them having entered a deep thought. Then, as the sun momentarily hid behind the clouds, one among them spoke,

"...It is inevitable, it seems."

"Yes," Another said gravely, "The 'Warlord' system... the World Government needs another source of power that can explicitly represent our capability. As this continues, both marines and pirates will grow once more just as Rocks D. Xebec's era."

<<Elders,>>

Then, a voice suddenly spoke through the Den Den Mushi, earning the Elders' attention,

<<The esteemed guests, 'Hawkeye' Dracule Mihawk and 'Martini' Hook, have arrived.>>

"...Why," One elder, checking his watch, remarked, "they are just on time."

All five of them raised their heads and stared at the huge door ahead. It slowly opened, before two pirates were revealed.

"Welcome to the sacred land, dear pirates. Now, why don't you two take a seat?"

And from there, two pirates were deemed as the Warlords of the Sea—the Government-bound pirates who are to deal with other criminals in return for having their bounties frozen and revoked.

"Elders!!! How can this be true?!! Allowing the pirates to get away—I don't understand what this has to do with justice!!" Sengoku, hearing this outrageous news, will personally contact the Five Elders and complain. Yet, the only answer he will receive is that the all-out assaults of Marine this year accentuated the organization's limitations in restricting the influence of the Catastrophes, and that additional force is needed to restore the balance...

...though in truth, the purpose of the Warlords is to restrict the influence of Marine instead.

"...DAMN IT!!!" And in the hospital of Marineford, Maynard will let out a fit of rage, with the target of his vengeance, 'Martini' Hook, having become the Warlord. Bastille, having regained consciousness, will become doubtful of the World Government's incomprehensible action. Hina's suspicion of the World Government will deepen.

And meanwhile...

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[November 5th, 1504]

"G-2, I'm back."

In front of my sight lied Marine Base G-2, which was restored after the tragedy 2 years ago. However, unlike the last time, I was the leader of this ship.

"Rahahaha! What's with you tripping all of a sudden, Rosie?!"

"Ugh, the floor is too slippery, Ensign Aramaki!"

Ignoring the ongoing chatters at the back, I thought to myself, '...There was the establishment of Warlords, though the number only amounts to 2 at the current moment. Also, judging by the continued stalemate in the New World, Sengoku may soon order a withdrawal there—especially with the Marine slowly losing control over Paradise.'

"Assistant."

Robin, wearing a standard marine uniform, a cap, and fashion glasses, stepped up, "Yes, Commodore Smoker."

"What's the situation of Lulusia Kingdom?"

Robin replied calmly, "The small revolts from here and there have suddenly arisen. Though the specific detail is unknown, the marines dispatched from G-2 were wiped out. This brought the complication of G-2 lacking enough force to deal with the continued flux of pirates, as well as the growing resistance at the Lulusia Kingdom."

'...Lulusia Kingdom, in proximity with G-2 and Momoiro—the island that contains Kamabakka kingdom under Emporio Ivankov's rule.'

Resistance. Revolution. Revolutionary Army. Emporio Ivankov. If so... Monkey D. Dragon.

"...Heh," I found myself grinning, "Things are about to get interesting."