Could it be…
In Hancock's mind, a vivid image formed.
A backdrop filled with flowers.
Ozz standing beside Gion, an arm around her waist, his expression cold and distant.
"Step aside, Hancock. I already have Gion."
Hancock clutched her cheeks, horror spreading across her face.
Thankfully, Ozz did not linger in conversation with Gion. He walked straight toward the rest area prepared for the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
At the harbor, Marines from all over the world continued to arrive.
Every one of them an elite.
Two young soldiers with pink and blond hair were trembling the moment they saw that towering figure in black.
Smoker stood beside a Marine officer in a purple suit, his eyes cold as he watched that streak of black walk deeper into Marineford.
"Watch your eyes, Smoker. This is not the time to cause trouble."
"Especially not with that man."
Tina knocked him lightly and dragged him toward their assigned post.
On the other side, Vice Admiral Doll, wearing a spiked collar, short hair framing her sharp beauty and long legs, had noticed Ozz the moment he appeared.
But when she saw Hancock walking behind him, her expression shifted.
In the end, she said nothing.
She steadied herself, lit a cigarette, and maintained her composure before her subordinates.
Amid endless salutes, Ozz led Hancock toward the Warlords' meeting chamber.
Inside, several distinct figures were already seated around the table.
Some were eating.
Some were toying with Marines.
Some had their legs propped on the table, eyes closed in rest.
Then came the sound.
Step.
Step.
All movement stopped.
Even Dracule Mihawk, who had been leaning back with his eyes closed, opened them, sharp and focused.
"Fufufufufu… The grand boss has finally arrived."
Donquixote Doflamingo released his strings, and the Marine he had been manipulating collapsed free.
"It's been a while since we all gathered."
"Too bad that crocodile bastard is missing."
Tsuru lowered the newspaper in her hands, calm eyes turning toward the entrance.
At last.
The greatest and most unpredictable variable in this war.
Black Spear Dotor Ozz.
"Ozz, your seat is prepared."
Bartholomew Kuma spoke gently.
"Hehehehe… As expected of a big shot. Making a grand entrance."
Gecko Moria folded his arms, bandages still wrapped around his head.
Mihawk kept it brief.
"You came."
"Yes. Fortunately, I'm not late."
Behind him, Hancock was naturally overlooked.
Even the most beautiful woman in the world faded in the presence of the man before them.
"Though it seems not all Warlords are present."
Ozz took his seat.
Two were absent.
Jinbe, who refused to fight Whitebeard and chose imprisonment.
And Blackbeard, who had shown his face briefly before quietly heading to Impel Down.
Tsuru cleared her throat.
"It has been a long time, Saint Ozz."
"For the sake of preserving your dignity, Marine Headquarters suggests that you oversee from the rear."
"What is your opinion?"
The other Warlords glanced over, some amused.
It was obvious.
The Marines did not trust Ozz's stance.
Yet Tsuru spoke the words calmly.
"Rear lines?"
Ozz rested his chin on one hand, eyes playful.
"That sounds rather dull."
"Or should I interpret that as the Marines intending to dictate my movements?"
"We would not dare."
Tsuru sighed inwardly.
It was a test.
And the result aligned closely with Sengoku's expectations.
Ozz had not come merely to support the Marines.
"There is no need for complications. Just add a seat beside the Admirals."
Ozz interlaced his fingers, smiling pleasantly.
"I'm very approachable, after all."
"I'll sit next to Kuzan."
…
While tension thickened at Marineford, as the world's strongest monsters prepared to clash—
Impel Down.
Level 6.
Infinite Hell.
"Zehahahaha! Magellan has been lured away by Straw Hat and the others. We've finally reached Level 6!"
Blackbeard stood before countless prison cells.
"Hello, prisoners who've lost your dreams behind these bars."
"Fight each other."
"Those who survive may join my crew and leave this place."
Hope flickered in the eyes of monsters.
Many began fighting immediately.
Hades observed silently.
Not every inmate in Infinite Hell was extraordinary.
Among them were grotesque figures.
A hideous woman.
A horned giant.
A bald man with his nose positioned strangely.
They fought fiercely.
Yet Hades sensed it.
Most were nothing more than inflated reputations.
Even the one called Vasco Shot seemed only marginally above a strong elite.
Loud.
Drunk.
Coasting.
Ignoring the chaos, Hades turned toward the silent cells.
The ones even Blackbeard hesitated to approach.
As Hades stopped before one, Blackbeard followed his gaze.
A pair of violent, bloodthirsty eyes met his.
Even Blackbeard withdrew his stare.
"Let's leave that one."
"He's still alive!!!"
"The man known as the Demon Heir… Barrett!!!"
A towering, muscular figure rose from the shadows like a demon incarnate.
Douglas Bullet.
Once a crewmate of Ozz.
He noticed Hades immediately.
His eyes narrowed.
"You are… Gaban?"
Hades did not answer.
He met Barrett's gaze without yielding.
Then from a distant cell came an aged voice.
Both turned.
"I can hear his heart."
"He is not Gaban."
"He seems to be someone from your past."
"Or rather…"
In the darkness, crimson eyes opened slowly.
"A monster born with Observation Haki."
"He is my kind."
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The tides are shifting, and secrets linger in the dark... Step into the shadows early on P@treon, where the next chapter awaits before the world sees it.
[email protected]/_theon
Change @ to "a"