"Marshal Sengoku, I heard you've found Kaito's trail!" Akainu's heavy footsteps echoed through the corridor as he entered the office, his tone sharp and impatient.
Sengoku looked up from his desk, eyes narrowing behind his glasses. "Yes. Reports confirm sightings of him in the City of Water—Water 7."
Akainu's fists tightened, a low growl rumbling from his throat. "Then I'm heading out. I'll bring that man back myself!" A faint red glow flickered from his hands, heat rising with his growing irritation.
"Hold on," Sengoku interjected, raising a hand. "You're not going alone. Momousagi and several Vice Admirals will accompany you."
Akainu's brows furrowed, but Sengoku continued before he could object. "They'll observe the battle and gain experience. Encounters between beings of Admiral-level strength aren't exactly common."
Akainu exhaled through gritted teeth. His instinct screamed to go alone, but even his ironclad sense of military order forced him to comply with a direct command from the Fleet Admiral. "Fine," he muttered.
Moments later, the door opened and five Vice Admirals—Momousagi at the front—stepped inside, their expressions tense but ready.
Within the hour, two Marine warships left the Naval Headquarters, cutting across the sea with relentless speed toward the legendary City of Water.
---
The Seven Waters City wasn't far from Enies Lobby. Using the Gate of Justice as a midpoint, the fleet reached their destination in just over two hours.
The massive city gleamed under the sun, its canals glittering like crystal veins. The air smelled of salt and oil—the scent of shipbuilders and pirates alike. Here, craftsmen forged the finest ships on the Grand Line, and among them roamed countless pirates seeking repairs before returning to the New World.
When the two Marine warships appeared on the horizon, the pirates lounging near the docks paused. Then, slowly, mocking smiles spread across their faces.
"Marine ships, huh?" a scar-faced pirate scoffed. "They sure picked the wrong port to stroll into."
"Idiots," another muttered, flicking his cigarette. "They think they can scare anyone here?"
The pirates who survived this far into the Grand Line were hardened monsters—infamous, cunning, and merciless. Few among them still feared the Marines. Some even grinned with excitement at the thought of another fight.
Among the onlookers were the notorious Supernovas—Kid, Hawkins, Apoo—each radiating dangerous intent.
---
On Dock No. 1, Barry leaned lazily against a post, smoke curling from his lips. "Ah, I see why everyone's getting tense," he muttered. "Marines."
"Marines, huh? That's gonna be a headache," Bipley Lulu sighed, setting down his tools.
One by one, the foremen joined him, watching the warships approach. None looked particularly alarmed—just mildly inconvenienced. If a battle broke out, they'd fight or flee, then return to work once the smoke cleared. Life in Water 7 had a rhythm of chaos they'd long since accepted.
The waves crashed as the Marine ships docked at the government pier. There, Vice Admiral T. Penn and a handful of Marines stood waiting, saluting smartly as the Admirals arrived.
Akainu stepped off first, the heat around him distorting the air. Behind him came Momousagi and the four Vice Admirals—Weasel, Ghost Spider, Doberman, and Huoshaoshan—each exuding the composure and pressure of seasoned warriors.
"Admiral Akainu! Vice Admirals! Welcome!" T. Penn stammered, clearly overwhelmed by the lineup before him.
Akainu didn't respond. His gaze swept across the docks, eyes locking onto the pirates nearby. The look he gave them was predatory—like a beast waiting to strike.
The moment his crimson glare met theirs, every pirate instinct screamed danger.
---
"Wait... that's... Akainu," Kid whispered, his confidence draining as the Admiral's magma-fueled aura rolled across the air.
When he spotted Momousagi and the others disembarking, his expression darkened further. "No way... Marine Admiral and five Vice Admirals? What the hell are they doing here?"
Manhu spat to the side. "Damn it, are they trying to wipe out every pirate in this city? That lineup's the same as a Buster Call!"
Hawkins remained eerily calm, his cards shuffling between his fingers. "If it were any other Admiral, there might be a chance to run. But him?" His gaze flicked to Akainu. "Even the Four Emperors avoid unnecessary fights with that man. He's relentless."
The others fell silent. The memory of Akainu's wrath—the mountain of corpses his justice had built—was enough to drain the color from their faces.
For a tense moment, the entire dock held its breath.
---
Then T. Penn stepped forward and spoke briefly with Akainu. Whatever was said, Akainu's expression didn't change. He turned sharply and began marching inland, his Vice Admirals following behind. But before leaving, he cast one last glare at the pirates—a silent promise of what would happen if they interfered.
When the Marines disappeared into the city streets, Kid exhaled slowly. "...They just left? Not here for us?"
"Their target lies elsewhere," Hawkins said thoughtfully. "For the Marines to dispatch that many top officers... whoever they're after must be extraordinary."
A low whistle spread among the gathered pirates. "Admiral and five Vice Admirals... that's overkill. Who could they be chasing? A Yonko?"
No one had an answer. The tension dissolved into uneasy murmurs as the crowd dispersed, though curiosity burned in a few of them.
Hawkins was the first to move, his long coat fluttering as he turned toward the city. "Let's see who's worth all this attention."
Kid smirked, his old arrogance creeping back. "Count me in. I'll send a message to my crew to stay alert."
The others exchanged glances and followed suit. Curiosity was a dangerous habit among pirates—but one none of them could resist.
---
In the heart of Water 7, the city's bustling energy was almost intoxicating. Merchants shouted over one another, canals sparkled under the afternoon light, and steam hissed from shipyards in constant motion.
Amid it all, Ayanami Kaito walked calmly through the crowd, a skewer of grilled sea-meat in one hand, and several shopping bags in the other. Beside him floated Kaguya, elegant and ethereal as ever, her pale eyes scanning the storefronts with unsettling intensity.
It seemed all women—no matter the world—shared the same love for shopping.
The moment they'd arrived, Kaguya's curiosity had taken over. Clothes, jewelry, perfumes, shoes... one store after another fell under her scrutiny, and Kaito's storage space was already overflowing with her new possessions.
Now, seated in a high-end boutique, Kaito waited as Kaguya emerged from the fitting room wearing a sleek white dress that shimmered faintly under the sunlight.
"Kaito-kun," she said softly, turning in a slow circle, "what do you think of this one?"
Kaito blinked, his usual composure faltering for just a moment.
It seemed even gods could be disarmed by a beautiful woman in a new dress.
---