Autumn, 1511, in a hidden stretch of the East Blue.
A seemingly ordinary merchant ship, the Gray Sea Bream, glided silently into an abandoned dock. Along its rails, Cipher Pol Aigis Zero agents disguised as sailors kept their eyes sharp, silently clearing away any possible watchers nearby.
Deep inside the ship, a tall man codenamed Seven stood before a full-length mirror, meticulously adjusting the edges of the expressionless, pure-white mask on his face. He stood straight and tall; even civilian clothes could not conceal the cold bearing cultivated through years steeped in darkness and power. He slowly eased white gloves over each finger, then gently smoothed the tiny creases at his wrists.
"Sir," a somewhat fawning voice sounded behind him. George, the East Army's special operations captain, a man with twenty years of "revolutionary experience," was rubbing his hands together. His face wore an almost greedy smile utterly at odds with the deadly atmosphere around him. "The intelligence is absolutely reliable. All the East Army's core members, including the commander, will gather here today before heading to the North Blue to meet Commander Dragon. Right now... they're all assembled and making preparations. About that money you promised me, and my new identity..."
Seven did not turn around. His voice beneath the mask betrayed no emotion, yet sent a chill down George's spine. "Once we confirm the prey, we will naturally honor our promise. You should know Cipher Pol Aigis Zero's 'reputation.'"
He turned, his gaze sweeping over the other silent subordinates in the cabin, then Blueno, who had been seconded to them and stood waiting in a corner-the Door-Door Fruit user, the key to this operation. Beneath his mask, a flash of fervor crossed Seven's eyes.
*Ginny... the East Army Commander, an Age-Age Fruit user. A beautiful female captive, alive