Massive stone docks stretched across the bay of Marineford, filled with Marine vessels of all sizes. Sailors shouted orders while ropes were thrown to waiting dock crews. The place was filled wih the constant movement of soldiers preparing for deployment.
Adam stepped down the gangplank with the rest of the officers.
The moment his boots touched the stone dock, he paused.
For a brief moment, he simply stood there.
The sea breeze brushed against his marine coat as he lifted his gaze toward the enormous fortress standing ahead.
Marineford.
Or rather
Marine Base G-1, as it was now officially called.
The massive structure still dominated the horizon, its walls towering like an unbreakable shield of justice. But Adam could see the differences immediately.
New towers had been constructed.
Entire sections of the walls had been rebuilt with stronger stone.
Artillery placements had doubled.
The Marine insignia carved above the main gate was larger, sharper, almost aggressively proud.
The place got imroved, more militarized, more prepared.
Adam walked forward slowly with the flow of Marines heading toward the fortress.
His red eyes scanned everything around him.
"…So this is what it looks like now..."
The memories stirred again.
Fragments of battle.
Walls collapsing.
Cannons firing.
The sky blackened with smoke.
He could almost picture the war still raging around him.
But now, the place was disciplined and orderly.
Adam exhaled slowly.
"They rebuilt it well.."
But something about the atmosphere had changed.
Even the Marines walking beside him felt different.
Harder.
More serious.
Ever since the war, the Navy had changed completely.
The old headquarters here had been abandoned.
The true Marine Headquarters now stood in the New World, under the leadership of the new Fleet Admiral.
Sakazuki.
A man who had no interest in playing defense.
The Marines had moved their center of power directly into pirate territory.
Into the waters dominated by the Emperors of the Sea.
Adam smirked faintly.
"…Typical Akainu."
He continued walking through the massive entrance of the fortress.
Inside, the base was busy.
Marines moved through the hallways carrying reports and equipment.
Officers spoke with tense urgency about patrols and deployments.
Adam noticed a few familiar faces among them.
Well-known Marines.
Veterans of the war.
Some Rear Admirals passing through the halls.
But none of the true monsters were here.
Not anymore.
Most of the Navy's heaviest hitters had relocated to New Marineford in the New World.
They were out there now.
Pushing against the territories of the Yonko themselves.
Adam chuckled quietly under his breath.
"Sounds fun out there.."
Eventually, he reached the administrative wing.
Rear Admiral Catacombo walked ahead of him casually.
"Right this way."
He knocked once before opening a large office door.
"Vice Admiral Momonga."
Inside, the office was spacious but simple.
Behind the desk sat Vice Admiral Momonga, his posture straight and composed as always.
His sharp eyes immediately landed on Adam.
Catacombo stepped aside.
Adam entered the room.
He stopped a few steps in and saluted.
"Lieutenant Adam reporting, sir."
Momonga studied him for a moment.
Then a small smile appeared on his face.
"Ah… Lieutenant Adam."
He leaned back slightly in his chair.
"You made it."
Then he chuckled lightly.
"…Or should I say…"
He reached for a set of documents on his desk.
"Captainnow."
He let out a short laugh.
Adam lowered his salute but remained standing calmly.
Momonga watched him with clear approval.
"I'm glad you didn't refuse it outright this time."
His tone softened slightly.
"The Navy needs strong young Marines now more than ever."
Adam said nothing.
He simply stood quietly.
Momonga seemed to notice the silence but didn't push it.
Instead he slid a stack of papers across the desk toward Adam.
"You are officially a Captain now."
Adam stepped forward and picked them up.
Momonga continued speaking.
"There's already a ship waiting in the bay."
He leaned back in his chair.
"With a crew."
He rubbed his temple slightly.
"…Though calling them a proper crew might be generous."
Adam raised an eyebrow.
Momonga sighed.
"They're a bunch of idiots."
Catacombo snorted quietly in agreement from near the door.
Momonga continued.
"We were planning to ship them off to G-5 and let them become someone else's problem…"
His gaze returned to Adam.
"But perhaps you can whip them into shape."
Adam glanced down at the paperwork.
"It's not a warship," Momonga added.
"But once you reach New Marineford you can submit a request for one."
Adam looked up suddenly.
"Wait."
He blinked once.
"I'm being assigned to the New World?"
Momonga nodded calmly.
"That's right, Captain."
He folded his hands on the desk.
"Do you have a problem with that?"
Adam paused.
Then he shook his head.
"No."
"Not at all."
His voice carried mild surprise.
"I just didn't expect to go there this early."
Momonga nodded approvingly.
"Well, we need capable officers out there."
He leaned forward slightly.
"That will be all."
"You can go meet your crew."
A faint smirk crossed his face.
"They can be… a bit too much."
He waved a hand dismissively.
"You're free to set sail whenever you're ready."
"The trip to Red Port is already authorized, they'll be expecting you in New Marineford."
Adam nodded.
"Very well, sir."
Then he turned and walked toward the door.
Catacombo stepped aside to let him pass.
A moment later
Adam stepped back into the hallway.
The door closed behind him.
He walked quietly down the corridor for several seconds before letting out a small breath.
"…Of course."
His mind was already running ahead.
"If I have to reach New Marineford…"
He glanced toward a window where the sea was visible beyond the fortress walls.
"…that means going through the Holy Land."
The route was unavoidable.
Ships heading from the first half of the Grand Line to the New World through Marine routes passed the Red Port.
Which meant
Mary Geoise.
The seat of the Celestial Dragons.
Adam's expression darkened slightly.
"If I had enough power…"
His fingers curled slightly at his side.
"This would be the perfect chance to do something there."
His thoughts drifted briefly to the slaves he had seen at Sabaody.
To the collars, the cages, the hopelessness in their eyes.
Then he shook his head slowly.
"No."
His voice was firm. "I'd be asking for death right now."
He started walking again.
"But…"
A faint smile slowly returned to his face.
"…I'll see what I can do."
Somewhere in the bay, his new crew was waiting.
And Adam had a feeling they were about to become a very interesting bunch.
/-\
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