Zephyr felt Sakazuki's resolve for the first time, a feeling beyond words.
Yet, it reignited a heart that had long been dormant.
Perhaps, in his lifetime, he would truly witness that day...
Zephyr suddenly laughed.
A smile of relief touched his lips.
"What do you need me to do, Sakazuki?"
"This old man can still fight on the seas for another twenty years."
"After teaching students for so many years, my bones have rusted, and my hands are itching..."
Morris shook his head and smiled from the side.
"At your age, you still refuse to admit you're old."
"Can you defeat Kaido now, or Charlotte Linlin?"
"Fight for another twenty years? Your greatest help to Sakazuki is to diligently teach your students."
Zephyr's face flushed slightly.
"You scoundrel..."
Though Morris spoke the truth... they fell into their usual bickering...
By the window.
Sakazuki, who had turned around, smiled at the two arguing figures.
"Stop arguing, both of you."
"Vice Admiral Morris is right. The World Conscription is about to begin."
"The training of new recruits is also of utmost importance."
"I would like to ask you two, along with some Vice Admirals and personnel from various departments, to compile some books for posterity."
Morris and Zephyr also stopped their squabble.
"Books?"
Sakazuki nodded.
"Indeed."
"They will be divided into three volumes: First Aid, Survival, and Military."
"The table of contents must be detailed."
"First Aid will include content on common illnesses and emergency care."
"Survival will cover knowledge on how to survive in different island environments."
"As for Military, it will record basic combat knowledge and strategic principles, enabling ordinary people to grasp them quickly."
Morris and Zephyr's expressions grew serious. It was a very sound idea.
Although these three books might not seem extensive, the knowledge they contained was immensely rich and practical.
Allowing an ordinary person to quickly master first aid, survival, and even military knowledge by consulting the table of contents would significantly increase their chances of survival.
Once compiled, these books would undoubtedly sweep the world.
But if they were to be widely circulated, wouldn't pirates inevitably get their hands on them too...
Sensing their apprehension, Sakazuki said,
"Rest assured, until the pirates are eradicated, these books will only be distributed to the branches in the four seas, one set per branch."
Sakazuki paused slightly.
"This is to ensure that... if we fail, the branches in the four seas will have the ability to rebuild the Navy."
The enemy was not solely pirates...
Regarding the final battle, although calculations indicated victory, it was always better to have a backup plan.
Morris's expression was solemn, and Zephyr was unusually grave.
"Don't worry, Sakazuki."
"Leave it to us."
"We will not disappoint you."
-----------
Night.
Former Marineford, now G-1 Branch.
Sakazuki stood by the fortress wall, looking at the brightly lit island.
Soldiers were constantly busy, moving supplies onto ships. The relocation of the base was not a matter that could be completed in a short time.
*Tap, tap, tap—*
Footsteps approached. Carol walked over.
"The warships are ready. Shall we depart now, Fleet Admiral?"
Sakazuki nodded.
"Let's go."
He turned and walked towards the fortress stairs, with Carol following.
Their figures slowly disappeared down the descending stairs.
Only their voices, growing fainter, remained.
"Issue the Seven Warlords summons."
"Gather at the Marine branch on Sabaody Archipelago within five days."
"Dispatch additional personnel from the branches in the Grand Line..."
The voices finally faded away.
Soon after, several warships slowly sailed out of the harbor, heading towards Sabaody Archipelago.
--------
South Blue, Kingdom of Soma.
Inside the brightly lit royal palace, Queen Mother Connie and Princess Bonney had red, swollen eyes from crying.
They tearfully embraced Bartholomew Kuma.
Kuma remained silent, simply allowing them to hold him.
Sabo sat on the roof of a distant palace, covering his eyes with one hand, tears streaming down his face.
*Bang!*
A punch narrowly missed shattering the roof.
"Is there truly no way..."
"Kuma is such a gentle person... why..."
Klaral beside him didn't know how to comfort him. Dragon stood silently, his expressionless face belying the veins pulsing on his clenched fist, revealing his inner turmoil.
Saving one person meant the death of a kingdom.
The death of one person meant the salvation of a kingdom.
There was no answer to such a choice, only the question of whether that one person was willing to sacrifice...
In the distance.
A guard ran over frantically, panting heavily.
"No! It's not good!!!"
"Your Majesty!"
"Fleet Admiral Sakazuki has issued the Seven Warlords summons!"
"He demands that we arrive at Sabaody Archipelago within five days!!"
Although it had only been half a day since the event, everyone in the kingdom knew that their King had sacrificed himself to become a Seven Warlord... to protect them.
Queen Mother Connie, who had been crying while holding Kuma, suddenly looked up.
"This is too much!!!"
"It was seven days before, and now it's five days!!!"
"I! I!!!"
Her face paled, and she seemed on the verge of fainting from anger.
Kuma and Bonney quickly soothed her, allowing Queen Mother Connie to regain her breath.
"No... I won't go, Kuma."
"I will... unite with other countries..."
Kuma, his resolve hardened, shook his head.
"There's no need, Mother."
"This is an order from the Five Elders themselves. Even if you unite with other countries, the outcome will not change."
"Issuing the Seven Warlords summons so suddenly suggests something is happening."
"I will go and investigate first."
"After all, I am the King of the Kingdom of Soma. It won't be a problem for a while."
He stood up and said to Bonney,
"Bonney, protect Grandmother."
"The Kingdom of Soma will be in your hands from now on."
He turned to look in the direction of the palace. Although the darkness outside prevented him from seeing anyone,
Dragon and Kuma nodded in tacit understanding.
Kuma smiled at his family and patted his body.
*Swish—*
"Father!!!"
Bonney lunged towards where Kuma had vanished, only to grasp at empty air...
She knelt on the ground, repeatedly pounding it, tears dripping...
--------
Grand Line, Alabasta.
In the Rain Country, inside the Raindiners Casino.
In a large office, Robin was reporting on the Dance Powder operation.
She was interrupted by the sound of a Den Den Mushi. Crocodile found the Den Den Mushi and answered it. After only two or three breaths, his expression darkened.
The person on the other end seemed to say something and then hung up, giving Crocodile no face at all.
Crocodile took a deep breath to compose himself and calmly put down the Den Den Mushi.
*Boom!!!*
He couldn't hold it back any longer, and the desk was smashed.
"Bastard!"
"What a joke!"
"Arrive at Sabaody Archipelago in five days!"
"Are they expecting me to fly there!!!"
This was Alabasta... arriving at Sabaody Archipelago in five days left no other option but to fly.
Robin shrugged.
"Boss, you can indeed fly."
Crocodile turned his head to look at Robin and snorted... it was useless to say that?
He was just extremely annoyed. How long had it been since he felt commanded like this...
Flying to Sabaody Archipelago within five days was certainly possible, but it would require non-stop travel.
At a single command, he had to...
Thinking of this, his temper flared. He quickly adjusted his breathing.
"Huuu—"
"Huuu—"
He closed his eyes and took deep breaths to suppress his anger...
"Regarding the Raindiners, you handle it for now."
"We'll discuss it when I get back."
With a voice as cold as ice, Crocodile opened his eyes, walked to the window, and pushed it open...
Transforming into a gust of sand, he rushed out...
Caught by the strong wind, documents inside the room were scattered everywhere.
Robin was also silent for a moment. Only one person could push Crocodile to this extent...
"Truly terrifying..."
"Sakazuki..."
--------
Grand Line, Kenzan Island.
Once a prosperous island with dense forest resources.
After Roger's massacre of over five thousand soldiers, its former prosperity was gone.
Although they later avenged themselves by ending Roger's bloodline and twenty years had passed to heal the wounds...
Many children lost the guidance of their fathers.
Spoiled by their mothers' fear of losing them again, many of the island's younger generation became delinquents...
Spending their days idly, forming gangs, and fighting was a common occurrence...
Stown Town.
The place where Sakazuki and Roger had their great battle.
On the outskirts, in a dilapidated wooden shack.
"You can't do this, Isaac!!!"
A young woman desperately held onto a slightly older youth who bore a resemblance to her.
Isaac forcefully shook her off.
"Get away!"
The young woman was thrown aside.
"Aria, you are married now. Everything in this house is mine."
"You have no right to tell me what to do!"
Aria, her face streaked with tears, shouted.
"That's the living allowance the country gave Mother!"
"You're taking even that money! Are you even human!"
On the bed beside them sat an elderly woman in a state of dementia, constantly mumbling the word "revenge"...
She was one of those who had followed the King to seek revenge in the South Blue...
After seeking revenge that day... many people, overwhelmed by grief and joy, went insane.
Fortunately, the King was responsible and allocated nearly half of the country's finances to subsidize these citizens. This was why Kenzan Island's economy had not recovered.
Isaac roared back.
"Who cares if she dies!"
"Who told her to go to the South Blue to seek revenge!"
"Otherwise, it wouldn't be like this now!"
"She's been foolish and muddled for years! She might as well die!!!"
"Revenge! Revenge!"
"Pirates can never be eradicated!"
"What if Sakazuki declares war on pirates!"
"It's just empty words from the powerful!"
"Have the pirates decreased over the years!"
"Why did he save this island back then!"
"If he hadn't saved us! So many people on the island would be living in hell!!!"
*Slap!!!*
Aria slapped Isaac across the face.
"He saved you! He saved me! He saved Mother! He saved this island!!!"
Isaac's fists clenched, his face contorted as he slowly turned his head.
"Who asked him to save us..."
Having suffered hardship since childhood, he had thought more than once...
If they had all died back then, would they have suffered so much...
*Crash—*
Items scattered from the drawer on the floor.
At some unknown moment, the senile mother had come to the cabinet... opened the drawer, and rummaged through it.
She pulled out a small box filled with scattered Beli, not much money.
But judging by the time, it seemed to have been saved for over a decade, likely a small box for saving money before going to the South Blue for revenge...
The siblings were stunned, unsure how to react.
The senile mother, seeing that they did not take it, tried to put it into Isaac's hand.
"Revenge... revenge..."
"Money... give... Mr. Sakazuki..."
"Kill... pirates..."
"Revenge..."
"Revenge..."
Despite being slightly older than Sakazuki, she still used a respectful address for him, her benefactor.
It seemed as if she had only regained clarity for a moment before murmuring "revenge" again...
Isaac's entire body trembled, his eyes bloodshot.
"What revenge!"
"Go to hell!!!"
*Bang!*
He threw the box containing the scattered Beli onto the ground.
And stormed out...
But when he reached the center of town...
People were celebrating everywhere... celebrating Sakazuki's promotion to Fleet Admiral... celebrating the impending extinction of pirates...
Countless people were heading towards the Marine branch with money and goods... just like his senile mother...
Isaac froze, his fists clenched, trembling as he roared.
"Mad... all mad!!!"
As if he had used all his strength...
*Thump!*
He fell to his knees, wailing...
--------
Five days later.
Sabaody Archipelago.
A dark, massive ship docked.
The arrival was that of one of the Seven Warlords, Gecko Moria.
Moria stepped out.
"Finally here, damn Marines."
"Issuing summons, what a nuisance."
"Perona, go and scout the island again. See if there's any news of Absalom."
Perona, dressed like a terrifying doll, floated out.
"Okay."
"Haraharaharahaha..."
Moria nodded and walked alone towards the Marine branch.
After Absalom disappeared, there was no news for a long time, and Moria finally realized something had happened.
He immediately brought Perona out to search for news of Absalom.
Hogback was in charge at the main base, so there was no need to worry about accidents.
After Moria left, Perona floated aimlessly around Sabaody Archipelago.
"Ah—"
"Where should I look?"
"Honestly."
"Um..."
*Pop!*
As if a phantom shattering.
Perona's ghostly body instantly dissipated.
On the dark, massive ship.
Carol pulled out the sword stuck in Perona's heart and swung it.
Then, he put away the Devil Fruit recycling device.
"It was unexpectedly easy..."
Perona's ghost was actually her soul. When her soul emerged, her main body was like a puppet without consciousness, unable to do anything.
This was why Perona liked collecting dolls, because no one would think she had a main body, let alone think she would hide it within a doll... unfortunately...
*Swish—*
Carol disappeared.
Only struggling zombies littered the ground... and Perona's headless corpse...
--------
Marine Branch.
There was still some time before the meeting.
However, in the hall, there were only three Seven Warlords: Jinbe, Crocodile, and a representative from the Nine-Colored Pirate Group, Grandma-Boa.
Moria had not had direct contact with Sakazuki, so he didn't pay much attention.
As for Bartholomew Kuma, he arrived precisely on time.
*Swish—*
As the time drew near, Kuma suddenly appeared in the conference room.
Jinbe and Crocodile's eyes narrowed... this ability...
Grandma-Boa was indifferent, the strength of Amazon Lily was beyond her ability to consider such things.
Sakazuki twisted his neck.
"Put the handcuffs on him."
"The World Government will send someone to take over from you later."
Two soldiers walked over with handcuffs.
Sakazuki's casual demeanor surprised Kuma.
But after a moment of silence, he still extended his hand...
He had not yet been stripped of his title as King. The final outcome awaited judgment. Hesitating, Kuma ultimately chose not to resist.
Two soldiers approached and placed handcuffs on him.
A wave of weakness washed over him... Sea Prism Stone... Kuma's mind flashed with this thought.
Seeing Kuma wearing Sea Prism Stone handcuffs, Sakazuki nodded.
"Magma Dog...."
*Squelch!*
A sound of flesh being pierced echoed.
Sakazuki, seated at the head of the table, had his arm transformed into flowing, scorching magma, instantly piercing Kuma's chest.
Sakazuki flicked his hand, and his arm returned to its fleshy form.
He stood up and walked to the critically wounded Kuma, whose chest had been burned through.
"Fool."
A hole the size of half his chest had been burned through his robust chest... he was clearly on his last breath.
His previously expressionless face was filled with shock and disbelief. How dare he...
Sakazuki gestured to Carol, who had returned at some unknown time.
"Send him to Egghead for modification."
Carol smiled and nodded, summoning two soldiers to carry him away... the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi was secured...
Sakazuki had no intention of sending him alive...
It was better to have such a Devil Fruit ability in his own hands.
Sakazuki glanced at Jinbe and Crocodile, who were sweating profusely and on guard.
"What are you panicking about?"
"You are still useful."
"You won't die."
His gaze drifted towards the outside of the base, where a useless figure was approaching...