Problems for both parties

Several days after the Ohara incident, the world was in total shock, not because of the news of the island's destruction but because an individual managed to completely defeat a Buster Call and kill everyone involved!

Eliminating four Vice Admirals is not an easy task; even the strongest pirates would think twice before getting involved in such a battle. What will happen now that the Marines have lost a part of their backbone?

Inside the Fleet Admiral's Office

"This is a disgrace; how could we allow this to happen?" Kong was furious about the events. How would the Marine face the Gorosei now? While they completed the mission, they had suffered a great loss.

Kong: "Zephyr, tell me you've found some information on that person." In the office, Admirals Zephyr and Sengoku were also present. Garp was currently in the East Blue, likely leaving Ace in Dadan's care.

Zephyr: "I have my conclusions, but they're not solid yet. Vice Admiral Akainu reported that during the Buster Call, a strange boat or ship emerged in an area of Ohara. After the attack that destroyed the island, he also saw it in the distance, apparently rescuing that individual."

Reflecting, Zephyr revealed his theories, and those present listened attentively. After all, he was responsible for tracking him.

Zephyr: "I've concluded that the submarine is possibly entirely artificial; there's no current technology to build such an artifact. It's probably the work of a Devil Fruit or a strange ability.

And some time ago, Demon Bullet, who disappeared suddenly, was searching for the Gasha Gasha No Mi fruit, capable of shaping structures and manipulating materials. In that battle, he encountered a group of pirates who had found the Fruit beforehand. Later, he had a fight with Crocodile, who is known to be working for someone else in the underworld, trafficking drugs, selling weapons, and other coveted items.

My conclusion is that this individual is involved in that strange organization." Zephyr stopped talking and satisfied everyone present.

Sengoku: "But if that were to be true, such an organization should be considered a threat to the entire world! Mr. Kong, I urge you to send reinforcements to Zephyr; we cannot allow them to continue making progress."

Kong: "It's easy for you to say, Sengoku, but in case you've forgotten, we've lost four Vice Admirals, not to mention other ranks. The only person currently available is Dragon, but he's somewhat demoralized due to the loss of his friend Kuzan." The present individuals silently lamented.

Zephyr: "Don't worry; in any case, I have an idea of where the base of these people might be. Their influence is significant in the Paradise, and they're probably in the first half of the Grand Line, between the areas of Little Garden and Arabasta, where there have been multiple disappearances of people or pirates reported."

Kong: "Hmp, excellent, hunt down those individuals. Dragon will join you as soon as possible. Dismissed."

All those present left the office.

*Sigh*

"I'm no longer cut out for these problems; perhaps it's time for my retirement?"

2 months later, Island A1

In the middle of the island, Rose was routinely preparing herbs for processing in the factory.

*Puru puru puru*

*Puru puru puru*

Upon hearing the Den Den Mushi, she didn't hesitate to answer. "Rose, this is bad. One of our pirate crews was destroyed near A1!" The voice on the other end belonged to Baldur, who was in charge of monitoring the route between A1 and A2.

Rose: "Yeah, and what's so impressive about that? Can't you handle it or call Strawberry?"

Growls could be heard from the other side. "It's easy for you to say, but the one responsible was a Marine, Monkey D. Dragon. He's no ordinary infant; he's famous even at the headquarters. I don't think I can defeat him on my own. We must ensure his elimination; he's likely to be drawn to A1, and then both of us will attack and kill him!"

Rose: "What did you say? Don't you dare put the island or our route in danger! Do you hear me?" However, the call was cut. 'This idiot.'

Without wasting time, Rose went to set more traps on the island's beaches.

Waters near Kyuka Island

Elric was sailing peacefully when he received an alert about an attack. He was currently heading to the reported location, and as a Pillar, he had to carry out his duty perfectly. In the distance, the silhouette of a ship could be seen. The closer they got, the clearer the image became; it was a warship.

'Hmmm, Marine? They're not supposed to interfere.'

The ship approached Elric's vessel, and he quickly identified the figure on the ship's bow. 'Zephyr... this is bad. If I face him, it'll be certain death. The closest person to my location is Laffitte, and Lexter rarely responds to my calls.'

Both ships were now only 100 meters apart, and Elric and Zephyr locked eyes.

Zephyr: "You must be Elric, the one-hit swordsman. It surprises me to find you here..."

Elric: "I'm taking a break from my last duel... although I can't say the same for you. You should be in the New World; what are you doing in these weak seas?"

Zephyr: "Well, I'm on an important mission... part of it requires me to head to Kyuka Island; the information detailed it as my target. But I can see that you're sailing nearby. Would you let me pass?"

Elric: "I'm sorry, but... I must carry out my objectives." Quickly unsheathing his sword, he unleashed a powerful 20-meter-wide strike towards Zephyr's ship.

Seeing the attack, the Admiral merely crossed his arms and effortlessly stopped it.

Zephyr: "Your Haki isn't bad... but it's still not enough." He was about to jump onto the ship when suddenly an enormous metal arm pierced his ship from below, splitting it in half, forcing him to use Geppo.

"It could be..." Upon observing the metal arm, Zephyr quickly theorized.

The nearly 20-meter-tall iron giant jumped toward Zephyr, punching with its fist. Elric, not to be outdone, also jumped and slashed vertically down.

*Boom*