Marineford Era 1504, January.
A call from the Gorosei made Sengoku, who had just enjoyed a pleasant holiday, furrow his brow.
The moment they spoke, it was a escort mission requiring twenty warships. Since successfully taking over as Fleet Admiral, this was the first time he had encountered something like this.
This escort mission also reminded Sengoku of that war more than a decade ago—a war that should have shocked the world, yet had ultimately faded away without a sound.
"They've clearly been quiet for so many years..."
"Why now...?"
Sengoku rose from his seat and slowly walked to the window, his face clouded with gloom. Looking outside, he saw that it was winter. The noon sun was bright, and as he stood before the window, its rays fell across him, bringing a trace of warmth to his face.
Marine Headquarters had not yet fully resumed operations after the new year. Most middle- and high-ranking officers were still on leave, with only some Marines remaining behind on duty.
Only a few warships were docked in the headquarters' naval port. In the distant square, off-duty Marines gathered together, basking in the sun and chatting.
Yet this rare leisure and tranquility had been shattered by a single call from the Celestial Dragons.
After standing at the window for a long time, Sengoku finally let out a heavy sigh. He returned to his desk, picked up the Den Den Mushi receiver, and, after connecting the call, said, "Borsalino, come to my office."
"I have an important mission for you!"
Three days later, Marine Headquarters successfully assembled twenty warships. Led by Marine Admiral Borsalino, they departed the headquarters' naval port in grand formation.
"What a pain..."
On the lead warship, Borsalino, dressed in a yellow-and-white striped suit, irritably scratched his scalp and muttered under