David D. Dawn, 6.5 Billion Beli

Marineford, Marine Headquarters.

This was the nerve center of the World Government's most powerful military force, the nightmare of countless pirates, and the cornerstone that maintained the fragile balance of these seas.

Top floor of the fortress, Fleet Admiral's office.

Through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, one could overlook the entirety of Marineford Harbor, and beyond it, the vast glittering ocean.

Sunlight streamed through the glass, illuminating dust motes drifting slowly through the air. Half-man-high stacks of documents covered the desk, with a half-eaten rice cracker beside the ink bottle.

Sengoku, who had only recently assumed the position of Fleet Admiral, sat in the broad Fleet Admiral's chair, elbows resting on the desk, fingers interlocked beneath his chin.

A world map hung on the wall opposite the desk. Red, blue, and yellow pins densely dotted every sea, each one representing a crisis that required the Marines to deploy forces.

Knock, knock, knock.

Suddenly, there came three measured knocks at the door.

"Come in." Sengoku looked up.

The door opened, and Vice Admiral Tsuru walked in. She wore a dark purple suit beneath a Marine coat, her steps steady and her expression as calm as an ancient well without a ripple.

She held a thin folder in her hand, the World Government's emblem printed on its cover.

"The Darkness Man's identity has been confirmed. These are the new bounty posters issued from above, including those of his accomplices."

She walked to the desk and gently placed the folder atop the mountain of documents.

Sengoku stared at the folder, his brow tightening almost imperceptibly. He reached out, opened it, and the first bounty poster made his pupils contract sharply.

[PHOTO]

[ONLY DEAD]

[DAVID D. DAWN]

[฿6,500,000,000]

Six and a half billion Beli.

Sengoku's breathing stopped for a moment. This figure surpassed