Marineford: The Winds of Change
Marine Headquarters was a flurry of activity. Several warships were docked at the crescent-shaped Moon Lake Port, their seagull flags snapping in the wind above a dozen watchtowers built into the rugged ridges. The landscape was a sprawling display of traditional Japanese architecture, dominated by the massive Marine Headquarters building.
Inside, Fleet Admiral Kong sat at his desk, staring at a fresh set of orders from the World Government. He frowned as he reviewed the intelligence. Kaido, a former apprentice of the Rocks Pirates, had launched a brutal attack on the Oren Kingdom. In response, the kingdom had begged the World Government to intervene and take him down.
The Marines and pirates were natural enemies, and since the Marines represented the face of justice, the mission landed squarely on Kong's desk.
"Rocks really left us with a nightmare," Kong muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.
He had hoped that the dissolution of the Rocks Pirates a year ago would bring peace. Instead, the sea had fractured into chaos. Without a captain like Rocks to keep them in check, his former crew members were running wild—killing, plundering, and toppling entire nations.
The Flying Pirates, the Whitebeard Pirates, the Silver Axe Pirates, the John Pirates, the Ochoku Pirates, the Big Mom Pirates... the list went on. Smaller splinter groups were emerging daily, along with rising stars like the Roger Pirates and powerful lone wolves like Patrick Redfield and Kaido.
Kong felt his temples throb. He took a sip of water, trying to settle his nerves. The sea was more turbulent now than it had ever been.
"Fleet Admiral Kong!"
A young man with short, striking purple hair stood at the door. He wore a crisp Marine coat over a light purple shirt, standing tall in a perfect salute.
Kong managed a rare smile. "You're here, Zephyr. Come in, sit down."
Zephyr walked in with firm, disciplined steps and sat upright on the leather sofa. He looked energetic and capable, his custom-fitted coat straining against his muscular frame.
"You did good work at Decrosa Island," Kong said warmly, leaning forward. "Have you had enough time to rest?"
"Thank you, Fleet Admiral. I feel better than ever," Zephyr replied with a refreshing, confident smile. He gripped his wrist, his hand tightening into an iron fist. "Capturing pirates is just part of the job."
"I've always admired your resolve." Kong tapped his pen against the desk. "Speaking of which, looking at your record, you're just about ready for a promotion to Admiral."
Zephyr's expression turned serious. Ever since Rocks killed an Admiral at the Holy Land, the Marines had been short-handed, which dealt a heavy blow to their reputation. The only remaining Admiral had recently moved to an advisory role due to old injuries.
While the Marines were fighting hard to restore honor to their name, they were struggling to keep up. Fortunately, a new generation was rising: Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Tsuru. Sengoku had been promoted to Admiral recently, and while Garp had been nominated several times, he always turned it down.
With his military achievements and the respect he commanded, Zephyr was on track to reach the rank within a year or two. He was only thirty-seven; an Admiral that young was almost unheard of in Marine history.
"Fleet Admiral, do you have a mission for me?" Zephyr asked, picking up on Kong's lead.
Kong nodded. "Kaido attacked the Oren Kingdom. Their military took heavy losses, and half the city is in ruins. It's a disaster."
The sunlight through the window cast a faint glow over Zephyr. He narrowed his eyes. "So, you want me to go after him?"
"Exactly," Kong said. "Intelligence says Kaido is based on Winter Island right now, controlling the shipping routes nearby. I suspect he was involved in the World Pirates' shelling incident six months ago. He and Byojack might have some kind of deal."
The World Pirates were a dangerous new threat, especially with the raw power of the Boost-Boost Fruit. Adding Kaido to the mix made things much more complicated. Zephyr knew Kaido from the Rocks days—the man was a born devil with a body like iron and terrifying strength.
Kong pulled two cigars from his pocket, offering one to Zephyr. "Don't underestimate him. Since the crew split, there's no telling how much stronger he's become."
"I understand, Fleet Admiral." Zephyr's eyes remained firm. "Leave it to me. I'll bring Kaido to justice."
Tensions on Cake Island
News of Kaido's invasion of the Oren Kingdom spread like wildfire. On Cake Island, Charlotte Linlin—who had just recently claimed the territory—was both surprised and furious.
"I knew he wouldn't stay quiet for long!" Linlin screamed, her hair erupting into raging flames. The newspaper in her hand turned to ash instantly. "But Kaido... how dare you leave without saying a word?! Do you have no respect for your big sister?!"
The atmosphere in the castle turned heavy and suffocating.
Streusen, the head chef, sighed as he stood nearby. "Kaido is ambitious, Linlin. He was never going to stay in someone else's shadow. He probably left quietly just to avoid a fight with you."
Linlin's expression softened slightly, though her eyes were still sharp. "Streusen, do you think we should try to work with him?"
"The Golden Lion is getting stronger every day," Streusen mused. "Shiki gained a lot of influence after the God Valley Incident. The Flying Pirates are the most powerful crew on the sea right now."
Linlin had never liked Shiki. She found him cruel, arrogant, and dismissive of anyone who wasn't Rocks or Whitebeard.
Streusen pondered for a moment. "I don't think Kaido will agree to a partnership. Neither of you would want to take orders from the other. Tell me, Linlin... would you ever bow to Kaido?"
"Of course not!" Linlin snapped instinctively. She paused, realizing what he meant. Her face darkened. "So that's how it is? The next time we meet, we'll be enemies?"