Marineford Era 1500,
At the port of the Sabaody Archipelago,
A massive ship that had been sealed away for a long time had been polished anew and now sat docked by the shore.
"I really missed this, the Oro Jackson."
Austin stepped onto the deck and looked over the facilities. Those days felt as though they had only happened yesterday.
There was no reluctance or sadness over parting. With Austin's speed, he could rush back immediately if anything happened.
Only Rayleigh had tears well up in his eyes as he watched the giant ship sail away.
At the same time,
Among the civilians near the port who witnessed this scene were several unusual figures.
To Sammy, Rayleigh, and the others, Austin setting out to sea was merely a small episode in their lives.
That was because they knew Austin well enough.
But to the outside world,
Austin was far more than a simple name.
He was the symbol of an era!
That was, before a new king was born, the man most people of this era believed had the greatest chance of being called "King":
[Black Spear] Dotol Austin!
Marine Headquarters, Marineford
"Beru beru beru..."
"Report to headquarters! An emergency has occurred!!!" A rapid voice came through the Den Den Mushi.
Hearing the urgent report, the operator frowned, his expression turning tense.
"Go ahead!"
"Report: This morning, [Black Spear] Austin and [Hawk Eyes] Mihawk set sail together!"
"???"
The operator was left speechless by that.
Austin often appeared in the Red-Light District of the Sabaody Archipelago. That was hardly a secret, since there were too many people around. The World Government had known that intelligence for years.
And Dracule Mihawk joining him was not a major matter to the Navy either. He was merely a rookie who had just emerged.