The Future Shichibukai

Over the sea.

The sea wind howled past.

The warship cut through wave after wave, trailing a straight white line as it sped toward Marine Headquarters.

On deck.

The atmosphere was unusually relaxed.

There were no tense preparations for battle, no weighty orders.

Even the patrolling footsteps carried a hint of ease.

There was only one reason: this ship was protected by a single name.

—Rock.

Several Marines gathered together, still clutching freshly unfolded newspapers.

The pages rustled loudly in the sea breeze.

Yet they paid it no mind, their faces still full of excitement.

"Vice Admiral Rock is incredible!"

"All of Loguetown was sealed off by lightning!"

"Even the sky was split into violet and gold!"

"And that line—damn!"

One of them smacked his lips and could not help repeating it.

"If you want treasure, go ahead..."

He narrowed his eyes in imitation, lowering his voice.

"Become a pirate—and you die!"

As his words fell, even the air seemed to grow heavier.

The next second.

They all clenched their fists at once, their eyes blazing.

"That is what the Marines should be saying!"

"We should have done this long ago!"

"Following Vice Admiral Rock makes this life worth it!"

"If we could keep sailing with him..."

Someone could not help laughing. "Now that would be a real Marine!!!"

Laughter mingled with the sea wind, and morale rose invisibly as though the entire warship were burning.

At the bow.

Rock stood there alone.

His gaze rested on the distance.

The sea stretched wide, the sky and water joining into a single line.

Countless unknowns seemed hidden amid the rolling glimmers of the waves.

He seemed to be watching, yet also thinking.

The wind whipped the hem of his clothes, but it could not disturb his calm.

Just then—

"Tap."

Footsteps