Chapter 4: Iron Blocks and Steel
Marineford — Marine Headquarters
The warship slowly sailed into the harbor of Marineford.
Looking into the distance, what came into view was an enormous fortress complex.
Magnificent.
Imposing.
Absolute.
From the harbor alone, one could already see the towering central wall of Marine Headquarters, rising to an almost immeasurable height.
Engraved upon it, the word: MARINE (海軍)
Solemn.
Unshakable.
Above that colossal wall stood several ancient-style buildings, their architecture blending power and authority into a single overwhelming presence.
Surrounding the structure, four massive watchtowers stood guard, each flying the flag of the Marines—a symbol of justice, a warning to the world.
Beyond the fortress core, rows of town-like structures extended outward—less imposing, but more human. Living quarters, facilities, the reminder that even this symbol of absolute power was still inhabited by people.
This was Marine Headquarters.
"This… is Marineford?!"
The soldiers from the Four Seas stood stunned, eyes wide, breathing uneven. Compared to this place, their branch bases were nothing more than outposts.
Rear Admiral Wells smiled faintly at their reactions, because once, he had looked exactly the same.
The warship docked.
"Disembark!"
Sakazuki stepped off with the others.
The base was filled with Marines, yet everything moved with order, precision, and discipline.
They were led toward a massive training plaza, large enough to accommodate tens of thousands of soldiers simultaneously.
Different zones were already active—sword training, hand-to-hand combat, firearms drills.
Sakazuki's group was guided to a designated area already crowded. Most wore standard Marine uniforms, some civilian attire.
According to Marine regulations, lower-ranking officers could wear the Justice coat alongside uniforms, while higher-ranking officers such as Vice Admirals could wear it over civilian clothing.
Sakazuki, already promoted to Lieutenant Commander over a year ago, still wore his standard uniform out of habit.
These gathered here were elites, selected from across the Four Seas.
Meanwhile, Wells moved toward other officers of equal rank—Rear Admirals.
Several of them smiled.
"Wells, you're late."
"We've been waiting."
"…Traffic at sea."
Light laughter followed.
Not Far Away
Shortly after Sakazuki and the others formed ranks, a group approached.
Leading them were two towering figures.
Both wore white suits beneath their Justice coats. Both radiated overwhelming presence.
One—purple hair, firm expression, disciplined.
The other—black hair, relaxed posture, laughing loudly.
"Vice Admiral Zephyr…!"
"Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp…!"
All surrounding Marines saluted instantly. Respect filled the air.
Sakazuki's pupils contracted slightly.
Even with preparation, the difference was obvious.
Power. Experience. Presence.
These were monsters of the sea.
At this point in history—long before the rise of the Great Pirate Era—figures like Garp were already renowned men who would soon clash with legends such as Gol D. Roger.
Sakazuki observed them silently. But he did not admire them.
Their justice was flawed.
One upheld discipline and order, yet would one day be broken by tragedy.
The other followed his own instincts—carefree, unrestrained.
To Sakazuki, that was weakness.
Justice had to be absolute.
Training Begins
Zephyr stepped forward. His voice firm.
"For the next week, Garp and I will guide and evaluate you."
"After that, the best among you will be selected for a three-year elite training program."
"Your performance will be recorded daily."
"Only those with the highest overall evaluation remain."
"You are the future of the Navy. How far you go depends on yourselves."
"Understood?!"
"UNDERSTOOD!!!"
The plaza shook with their voices.
Zephyr nodded
"I have not reviewed your records. Your past achievements mean nothing here."
"Whether you were talented or accomplished, here you have only one identity—new recruits."
"And we are your instructors."
"Follow orders. Start from zero."
"Understood?!"
"UNDERSTOOD!!!"
Discipline. Absolute.
Zephyr continued:
"Today's first lesson—justice."
"Two simple words."
"But they are the foundation of every Marine.
"You may have your own reasons for joining."
"But before every action, ask yourself—Is this justice?"
"Understood?!"
"UNDERSTOOD!!!"
Justice, though interpreted differently, was the core belief of the Marines.
"Good."
Zephyr gestured behind him.
"The colonels will now test you."
Names were called.
"Step forward."
"Begin."
Combat Assessment
Whoosh!
Boom!
The plaza erupted.
Blades clashed. Fists collided.
One after another, candidates were eliminated.
"Next—Reno!"
Time passed.
Finally—
"Sakazuki."
"Here."
Attention shifted instantly.
The Magma-Magma Fruit user.
The North Blue Demon.
He stepped forward. Massive. Unshaken.
Standin at the center, he faced his opponent.
"Colonel, be careful."
Colonel Phil laughed.
"Haha! Don't worry—come at me!"
Clash
Sakazuki moved.
His body turned crimson. Heat radiated outward. Steam rose.
The power of the Magu Magu no Mi surged beneath his skin.
"Meigō…"
His arm ignited, condensed magma forming instantly.
Shave.
He vanished.
Appeared.
Right in front of Phil.
Too fast.
Phil's pupils shrank.
No time to dodge.
"Iron Body! Tekkai!"
His muscles hardened instantly like iron.
But—
Sakazuki's magma fist connected.
Thud.
For a brief moment, it seemed blocked.
Then—
The surface gave way.
Heat. Pressure. Destruction.
His fist sank in
"Ugh!!!"
Phil's body bent violently.
His defense was overwhelmed.
Because even iron… melts.