"Rear Admiral! We are about to arrive at Marineford!"
The Marine sailor stood at attention as he delivered his report, his back straight and voice firm.
Even so
There was tension in his posture.
Saint Roselith Seraphina had changed.
Ever since the battle against Dracule Mihawk
The aura surrounding her had grown far more imposing.
She stood quietly.
Yet her presence alone
Was enough to pressure those around her.
Her long white hair flowed neatly behind her cloak.
Her figure
Graceful.
Composed.
But carrying an undeniable sharpness.
Though most of the soldiers had not witnessed that battle personally
Rumors had already spread.
The upheaval in the Calm Belt…
The splitting of the sky…
The frozen sea…
All of it
Was said to have been caused by their Rear Admiral.
"…Understood."
Seraphina gave a slight nod.
Then
She turned and walked out of the captain's cabin.
Clack… clack… clack…
Her leather boots echoed rhythmically against the wooden floor.
As she stepped onto the deck
A colossal structure came into view.
The towering stone gates.
The Gate of Justice.
This was the essential passage leading into the central stronghold of the World Government.
Marineford, Impel Down, and Enies Lobby formed a massive triangular current system.
Between them
A violent, unnatural whirlpool raged endlessly.
Only ships that followed the controlled currents
Guided through the Gates of Justice
Could navigate safely.
Any deviation
Would mean being swallowed by the sea.
"Control room, respond."
Bruce stepped forward, activating the Den Den Mushi.
A voice echoed back.
"Warship ahead, identify yourselves!"
"This is the unit of Rear Admiral Saint Roselith Seraphina."
A pause.
Then
"State your identification number."
"6838."
"…Confirmed."
Inside the control chamber
Orders were issued immediately.
"Open the Gate of Justice!"
Massive mechanisms roared to life.
The colossal stone doors
Began to move.
Slowly
Heavily
The gates opened.
Seawater surged through the channel.
The current shifted
Guiding the warship forward.
Marineford
Welcomed her return.
At the port
A tall figure stood waiting.
Yellow-striped suit.
Orange-tinted glasses.
Relaxed posture.
Borsalino.
"…You've finally arrived, Miss Seraphina."
His tone was as casual as ever.
The warship docked.
Seraphina stepped down the gangway calmly.
Her movements were steady.
Unhurried.
There was no sign of nervousness.
No hesitation.
Even in front of an Admiral
She showed no restraint.
After all
Their relationship was… unusual.
She was a Marine.
But also
A Celestial Dragon.
Their positions did not follow ordinary hierarchy.
"Admiral Borsalino."
She met his gaze.
"You've been waiting?"
Kizaru tilted his head slightly.
"Well… I do have some business with you this time."
He spoke slowly.
As always.
"The Reverie is approaching."
"You should already be aware of it."
Seraphina said nothing.
She simply listened.
"The Fleet Admiral has assigned us "
"To handle security at Mary Geoise."
More specifically
At Pangaea Castle.
The center of power.
The gathering place of kings.
"…I see."
Her response was calm.
She was not unfamiliar with it.
In the past
Through her family
She had already heard many stories about the Reverie.
Political games.
Power struggles.
Hidden conflicts beneath polite smiles.
A stage of order
Built upon control.
Kizaru glanced at her.
A faint smirk forming.
"…With you there, this mission should be quite easy~"
Though his tone was light
His thoughts were calculating.
With a Celestial Dragon present
Responsibility shifted.
Conveniently.
Seraphina said nothing.
Her gaze drifted slightly upward.
Toward the distant Red Line.
The Holy Land.
"…Understood."
Her voice was quiet.
But firm.
The next stage
Had begun.