Water 7 / G-8 Branch ...

"All right, I understand. Have you cleared this with Zephyr?" After a moment, Sengoku finally emerged from his thoughts and asked slowly. Zephyr was the chief instructor of the Recruit Camp, after all, and graduating early required his approval.

"Yes, I've already spoken with Teacher Zephyr. He fully supports my decision." Atlas had come prepared. In fact, Zephyr had told her to come here after receiving news of Sengoku's strategic deployments in the New World.

Sengoku understood. After two years in the Recruit Camp, Atlas could no longer stand sitting idle! Someone like her belonged on a brutal battlefield, after all. After hearing her out, Sengoku had already decided where to send her after graduation.

"All right, you may go. I'll notify you of the details of your graduation trial when the time comes."

Originally, Atlas had told Zephyr that she wanted to graduate from the Recruit Camp immediately. She had already learned everything she thought she needed to learn, and her Armament Haki had awakened. Staying in the Recruit Camp now was a waste of time. She would be better off gaining experience out in the field, where she might even be able to hone her Armament Haki further.

But Zephyr had rejected her proposal outright. Her Armament Haki had only just awakened, and he believed she needed to become proficient in its basic applications before officially graduating. Besides, her Life Return still needed work. At present, she could only channel her consciousness into her arms. If she stayed in the training camp, Zephyr could offer her guidance in that area as well.

Once Atlas fully mastered Life Return, she would be able to roam Paradise virtually unchallenged. Even against the great pirates of the New World, she would have a fighting chance.

Water 7

"Your graduation trial will take place at G-8 Fortress. Its commander is Vice Admiral Jonathan. People may call G-8 an oversized, impractical fortress, but don't underestimate Jonathan. Once you arrive, learn as much as you can from him..."

In the waters near Marineford, a speedboat flying a Marine flag raced across an empty stretch of sea. A bored Atlas stood at the helm, steering listlessly. Her destination was G-8 Fortress, where she would spend the next three months completing her graduation trial.

Under the usual arrangements, Marine Headquarters would dispatch warships to deliver the recruits participating in the trials to their assigned vessels. Atlas's circumstances were different, however. She had applied to graduate early, and headquarters could hardly send a warship just to transport her. Sengoku and the others were confident in her strength as well, so Sengoku had authorized assigning her a retired Marine speedboat for transportation.

"Ugh! When is this lousy boat finally going to reach G-8 Fortress?" Atlas was exasperated. Surely even a retired speedboat shouldn't be this useless.

Bored out of her mind, Atlas picked up the nautical chart beside her and began studying it. The chart had been specially surveyed and drawn by the Marines, making it far more precise than anything sold on the market. Every Marine put their life on the line to uphold justice, after all, and sometimes a detailed chart could be a lifeline.

Water 7 is just past Enies Lobby. Perfect—I can get this lousy boat upgraded there. Having made her plans, Atlas pulled out the Eternal Pose for Water 7 that Zephyr had given her before she left.

Water 7 supplied ships to the Marines. The finest shipwrights in the world gathered there, and even many great pirates sailed vessels built in the city. She wondered whether the Sea Train had been completed yet.

Atlas pondered the prospect with anticipation.

Time slipped by, and after several days at sea, Atlas finally began to make out the distant outline of Water 7.

The main part of Water 7's cityscape formed a circular fortress, with architecture reminiscent of Islamic styles. A vast fountain occupied its upper section, kept running continuously by the unusual currents.

The island itself resembled a fortress. Seven enormous waterways ran across its upper reaches, allowing ships to sail into Water 7, with ports alongside them where vessels could dock.

Water 7's special status brought a constant stream of visitors from all walks of life, so Atlas's Marine Uniform would hardly look out of place. Of course, if any foolish pirate wanted to cause trouble, she wouldn't mind adding another achievement to her service record.

Atlas didn't enter through any of the seven waterways, however. Following Zephyr's directions, she circled around the front and headed toward Water 7's Scrap Island.

Unlike the Scrap Island Atlas remembered, this one was piled high with discarded materials of every kind, looking dilapidated and desolate. Perhaps it was so disorderly because the Franky Family had yet to be established.

Scrap Island had once housed Tom's Workers, the largest shipyard in Water 7. But after Tom was exposed as the builder of Roger's ship, the World Government sentenced him to death. Tom then asked to be allowed to finish building the Sea Train before accepting his execution.

In the end, the World Government granted Tom's request, stating that his death sentence could be waived if he completed the project on schedule.

After Atlas landed on Scrap Island, a boy with spiky blue hair approached her. He wore nothing but a pair of red briefs and looked about her age. Eyeing her Marine Uniform warily, he asked, "Who are you? We're not offering shipbuilding services right now."

Flam, as he was called back then, had no fondness for anyone associated with the World Government, even if the Marines were merely one of its subordinate organizations.

"Huh? Are you in charge here, kid? I'm here to see Mr. Tom!"

Atlas addressed the oddly dressed boy. She had considered buying another speedboat, but her empty pockets had forced her to try her luck here instead. Perhaps Tom would take a liking to her and fix the boat for her.

"What do you want with Tom? He's not here." A flicker of panic crossed Flam's face when he heard whom she wanted to see. Cleverly avoiding any mention of his apprenticeship under Tom, he hoped to send Atlas away.

"Well, I'd like Mr. Tom to modify my boat. One of his apprentices would do, too!" Atlas gave the stiffening Flam a meaningful once-over.

"That's right! I'm Tom's star apprentice—Flam!" With his little ploy exposed, Flam stopped hiding and announced his identity outright.

"But we don't have time to modify your boat." Flam wasn't deliberately making things difficult for Atlas. Tom was building the Sea Train, and Flam had been helping him. This was a matter of life and death for Tom. Even if Tom himself didn't care, his apprentices couldn't possibly ignore it.

"Ah, all right, then. Sorry to bother you, kid!" Atlas didn't press him further. She wasn't the sort to force others into doing things, and since he had refused so firmly, she would simply have to find another way. Perhaps some "kindhearted" pirate would generously open his purse. Atlas consoled herself with that thought.

"Wait, young Marine. I can modify your boat." Just as Atlas turned to leave, a deep male voice sounded behind Flam.

Atlas narrowed her eyes slightly as she studied the man before her. He had blue-purple hair, a little beard on his chin, and shipwright's work clothes. His clothes were dirty, suggesting he had just stepped away from his work, but a snow-white mouse's head poked out of a pocket in his black outfit, making for a rather odd sight.

Atlas silently judged it a peculiar combination.

"Iceburg..." Flam sounded puzzled. He didn't understand why Iceburg had come over when he had nearly managed to send this Marine away.

"Hello. My name is Iceburg, and I'm Master Tom's apprentice." Without giving Flam a chance to ask any questions, Iceburg slowly extended his rough hand toward Atlas...

G-8 Branch

"My name is Kanos Atlas, a captain from Marine Headquarters!" Atlas stepped forward and shook Iceburg's hand without hesitation, then watched him with some confusion, quietly waiting for an explanation.

"Tch." Flam snorted dismissively beside them, clearly unimpressed by Atlas's rank.

Atlas didn't mind. As for her rank, she expected to receive a new one officially once she returned to headquarters to report.

"Atlas, I can modify your boat free of charge, but I'd like you to agree to one condition." Ignoring the disgruntled Flam beside him, Iceburg explained his offer.

"Oh? Let's hear it." Atlas was curious. What could a lowly captain like her possibly do for them? Tom's affairs involved people and organizations far above her station, such as the World Government and Roger.

"If the day comes when we're no longer around, I'd like you to help look after Flam."

"Hey, hey, hey! Iceburg, what nonsense are you spouting all on your own?" Flam immediately objected, utterly exasperated.

"Why entrust him to a mere captain like me, Mr. Iceburg?" Atlas had to admire Iceburg's judgment and foresight. Although the World Government had offered Tom a pardon, Iceburg clearly didn't put much faith in its word.

"Strength. I sense the bearing of someone powerful in you."

"Oh? Is that so? Then I'll leave my boat in your hands. I'll come back for it in three days. But let me make one thing clear first: I'm a Marine!"

Without waiting to see whether Iceburg understood, she turned and left. She still needed to find somewhere to stay while the boat was being modified.

"Who needs an arrogant jerk like you looking after me?!"

Flam's furious voice rang out behind Atlas.

Three days later.

Atlas met Iceburg on Scrap Island as promised, though Flam hadn't come along. Neither of them mentioned the condition from that day. It was a promise between them, and Iceburg believed Atlas would keep it.

"Come on. Your speedboat is still moored where you left it."

They skipped the pleasantries and headed straight for the spot where Atlas's boat was docked.

Soon, Atlas saw the speedboat she had been eagerly awaiting. It looked completely different from before. Painted pure white, it resembled the small yachts she remembered. Its layout hadn't changed much, with the same separate bedroom and storage compartment.

The exterior certainly looked different, but Atlas couldn't see any sign of the propulsion upgrades she had wanted. She turned slightly and gave Iceburg a questioning look.

"Your hull is too small to accommodate a new propulsion system, so I installed some Impact Dials at the stern. But given the material the hull is made of, it probably won't withstand their force for very long."

Worried that Atlas might not know what Impact Dials were, Iceburg continued, "These Impact Dials come from the White Sea on Sky Island. They rarely circulate in the Blue Sea, so they're scarce and rather expensive."

"That's fine. I won't need to sail it for very long anyway." Atlas waved off his concern. She only needed it for the trip to G-8 Branch. If it fell apart after she arrived, that wouldn't matter.

"Oh, right. How fast can it go?"

"It can reach seventy nautical miles per hour."

"That fast?!" Atlas was surprised. Seventy nautical miles was roughly 129 kilometers, meaning this tiny speedboat could reach 129 kilometers per hour—an astonishing speed. With this boat, she should reach G-8 Branch in no time.

As expected, sharpening the axe didn't delay cutting the wood. The days she had spent here had been well worth it.

"La-la-la-la... G-8, the iron-walled fortress."

"No pirate shall come near!"

"One hundred eighty-eight cannons are aimed at you!"

"A hedgehog that keeps the peace!"

"Our pride and joy, G-8!"

After several days of travel, Atlas finally reached G-8 Branch. The speedboat's modifications had truly been excellent, cutting her journey well below the time she had expected.

Before she even entered G-8 Fortress, however, she heard singing drifting out. Atlas couldn't help marveling at how distinctive this branch was.

Viewed from the front, G-8 Fortress truly lived up to its name. It consisted primarily of a ring-shaped island, equipped with steel watchtowers and assorted military installations. There was only one opening in the ring, serving as the fortress's entrance and exit. A massive steel gate blocked it, making escape virtually impossible once someone entered. Luffy's escape in the original story had been purely down to plot armor.

Beyond the terrain, virtually every corner was heavily guarded, and over a hundred cannons mounted on the fortress's iron walls radiated a chilling menace. Whether there were actually 188 of them, as the song claimed, she didn't know. It certainly lived up to the reputation of a Marine branch bearing the G designation!

"Hey! I'm Atlas, a recruit from headquarters! Admiral Sengoku sent me here for my Recruit Camp graduation trial!"

Standing on her speedboat, Atlas shouted up at the Marines patrolling above.

"Huh? I'll go report this right away!"

Hearing that she had come under Admiral Sengoku's orders, the Marine on patrol didn't dare delay and hurried to inform his superiors. He didn't open the gate for Atlas immediately, though.

Naturally, this was a military base under the direct control of Marine Headquarters. They weren't about to throw open the defenses just because someone said a few words.

Soon, a hairy-faced man wearing a Marine cap and a Marine Justice Coat appeared atop the fortress. Looking anxious, he rushed forward and leaned so far out that half his body was nearly hanging over the edge. Atlas genuinely worried that he might fall.

"Hey! Are you Captain Kanos Atlas?"

"That's me. Please open the gate and let me in," Atlas replied calmly.

Rumble! Creak...

As soon as she finished speaking, the enormous steel gate slowly rose out of the seawater, leaving just enough room for Atlas's speedboat to enter...

"Hello, Captain Atlas! I'm Drake, a commander stationed at this fortress. If you have any problems, come to me. Teacher Zephyr personally asked me to look after you."

Drake studied the young woman before him with mixed feelings. It was hard to believe she was the monster Zephyr had described as capable of matching a vice admiral. Thinking of his own achievements, he suddenly felt that all his years had amounted to nothing.

Vice Admiral Jonathan

Drake?

Atlas was bewildered. Wasn't that the name of the future fallen rear admiral? At this point, shouldn't he still be suffering abuse aboard his undercover father's ship? Besides, that fellow didn't look like this. They probably just happened to share a name.

"Ah, hello, Commander Drake. I look forward to learning from you!" Coming back to her senses, Atlas hurried to greet the hairy-faced commander.

"I'll take you to your assigned quarters so you can rest first." Drake was clearly an impatient man. Before they could exchange more than a few pleasantries, he hurried Atlas toward the dormitories.

About half an hour later, Atlas finally reached the dormitory building. Drake had arranged a private room for her. Given Zephyr's instructions, she was bound to receive a little preferential treatment.

Knowing Atlas had traveled a long way to reach the fortress, Drake gave her a few brief reminders before taking his leave.

Atlas washed up, casually stripped off her clothes, and collapsed into bed. She hadn't had a proper night's sleep in days, and even a superhuman body could only take so much.

Night fell, and darkness blanketed the surroundings, but G-8 Fortress remained brightly lit. Soldiers moved to and fro, conducting their patrols in orderly fashion.

"Mmm..."

Freshly awake, Atlas stretched contentedly. Looking out at G-8 Fortress in the darkness, she decided to visit the cafeteria for dinner, then wander around and familiarize herself with the surroundings. She would be spending the next three months here, after all.

Atlas dashed out of the dormitory building and followed the signs to the cafeteria.

"Ah! Why is it all vegetables? I don't like cauliflower or carrots."

"What's the second rule of G-8 Branch?"

"All right, all right, I know. Look, I ate them."

Having just reached the cafeteria entrance, Atlas paused at the conversation between a man and a woman. There shouldn't have been anyone in the dining hall at this hour.

Still, Atlas didn't mind. This world was full of peculiar people. Perhaps they simply liked eating late.

With that thought, Atlas pushed open the dining hall doors. A man and a woman sat at one of the tables. The man had wine-red hair, a thick mustache, and a square face, and wore a Marine Uniform. The woman was beautiful and wore a chef's hat, making her look like one of the kitchen staff. The two seemed very close.

When the entrance doors opened, Jonathan and Jessica both looked surprised. They had deliberately chosen a time when nobody else would be in the dining hall...

"Hey, you there! Are you new? Don't you know the fortress's rules?"

Not recognizing Atlas, Jessica questioned her fiercely.

Jonathan, seated beside her, seemed to be pondering something. His eyes darted about as he looked Atlas up and down.

"My name is Kanos Atlas, a recruit from headquarters! As for the fortress's rules, I'm sorry, but this is my first day here, so I don't know them, Vice Admiral Jonathan!"

Atlas was puzzled. Commander Drake hadn't told her about any particular rules at G-8 Fortress.