The latter half of the Grand Line.
Marineford Headquarters of the Marines.
Along the coastline
Heavy artillery batteries were already being prepared.
Cannon crews stood ready.
Awaiting orders at a moment's notice.
The harbor was filled to capacity.
Dozens upon dozens of Marine warships were docked in tight formation.
Their sails lowered.
Their flags raised high.
On land
Ranks of Marines stood in perfect formation.
Disciplined.
Silent.
Weapons ready.
The entire base had entered a state of heightened alert.
Not quite war
But close enough.
Inside the central command building
High-ranking officers had gathered.
Vice Admirals.
Rear Admirals.
Senior staff.
At the front
A junior officer nervously adjusted a Den Den Mushi projection unit.
Sweat dripped from his forehead.
Facing so many powerful figures
Anyone would feel pressure.
Once everything was set
All that remained
Was to begin.
"Ahem… We will now commence the meeting."
At the head of the room
Sengoku spoke firmly.
He did not wait any longer.
"Sorry, sorry!"
A loud voice interrupted.
The doors opened.
Monkey D. Garp walked in leisurely
Holding a half-eaten doughnut.
Every officer present twitched slightly.
"Garp!"
"Sit down immediately!"
Sengoku's veins bulged.
"Don't rush me, Sengoku…"
"Let me finish this first."
Garp took another large bite.
Chewing casually
As if he were in a tea house instead of Marine Headquarters.
"…Hurry up!!"
"I know, I know."
Finally
He swallowed the last bite.
Laughed loudly.
And dropped into his seat.
"…Now then."
Sengoku exhaled slowly.
Composing himself.
"We will formally begin."
"This year's Reverie is approaching."
"The kings and representatives of over fifty affiliated nations will travel to the Holy Land "
"Mary Geoise."
"The responsibility for their safety "
"Falls entirely on the Marines."
Murmurs spread across the room.
"Escort missions will be assigned accordingly."
"Your duty is simple."
"Ensure their safe passage to and from the summit."
Sengoku's gaze swept across the room.
"Any questions?"
A Vice Admiral raised his hand.
"Fleet Admiral… who will be in charge of security at Mary Geoise itself?"
That
Was the real question.
Escort duty?
Routine.
Safe.
Predictable.
But guarding Mary Geoise during the Reverie
Was something else entirely.
World Nobles.
Kings.
Political elites.
All gathered within Pangaea Castle.
A single mistake
Could ruin a career.
Or worse.
Sengoku observed the room.
Every face
Reluctant.
Avoidant.
"…This year "
He paused.
"Admiral Borsalino will oversee security."
A wave of relief.
But
It didn't last.
"And "
"Rear Admiral Saint Roselith Seraphina."
Silence.
"…Who?"
Some officers frowned.
Unfamiliar.
Others
Seemed to recall something.
"A rising officer from the Special Training Camp…?"
"Yes."
Sengoku confirmed calmly.
"A Marine who rose through the ranks with exceptional speed."
Those who read reports more carefully
Recognized the title.
The "White-Haired Witch of the East Blue."
A figure surrounded by rumors.
Still
No one objected.
Because the most important thing
Was that it wasn't them.
Meanwhile
Far from Marineford
"Bruce… what do you think?"
Saint Roselith Seraphina stood by the deck of a warship.
The wind carried the scent of the sea.
"Why would Sengoku call me back now?"
Bruce stood behind her.
Calm.
Composed.
"Eldest Miss… your identity is no longer a secret to him."
"He will naturally keep watch over your movements."
"Recent pirate activity has increased."
"This may be for your protection."
Seraphina narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…Is that all?"
She didn't fully believe it.
Sengoku
Was not a man who acted without purpose.
Every move
Had intent.
"Teacher! Teacher!"
Kuina ran over
Holding a newspaper excitedly.
"Have you heard about the Reverie?"
Seraphina glanced at her.
"…Yes."
Bruce nodded.
"The Reverie."
"A council held once every four years."
"The rulers of member nations gather "
"To discuss global order."
"And at its center "
"The Five Elders."
The highest authority of the World Government.
Kuina blinked.
Trying to process it all.
Seraphina looked toward the horizon.
Her expression
Cold.
"The Reverie…"
"…is nothing more than a stage."
"A performance."
"For those who believe they rule the world."
Her voice carried quiet disdain.
"A lie told to maintain control."
Kuina tilted her head.
Half-understanding.
But she said nothing.
The ship sailed onward.
Toward destiny.
Toward Mary Geoise.
And the storm waiting there.