Chapter 10 – The World Stirred: Thunder God's Rise
"Thunder Fruit?!"
Sengoku's brows furrowed deeply. The Goro Goro no Mi… A Logia-type Devil Fruit of terrifying potential, rivaling even the Pika Pika no Mi. Even in the hands of a novice, it granted incredible destructive power—comparable to a Vice Admiral at the very least.
Aokiji stirred lazily on the nearby couch, slightly lifting the sleep mask from one eye to glance at Sengoku with a half-lidded gaze.
"...And why exactly did he kidnap Tina?"
"According to the surviving marines," Sengoku muttered, flipping through a report, "they were tracking Nico Robin when they were intercepted. The attacker called himself 'God' and demanded that Colonel Tina become his divine consort."
Aokiji's brow twitched.
Nico Robin…
His expression subtly sharpened. He didn't speak, merely resumed his relaxed position, now listening more attentively.
"Calling himself a god, huh?" Sengoku grunted. "What an arrogant brat. Another pirate with a Devil Fruit and delusions of grandeur."
"Such a powerful fruit... and again, it's fallen into the hands of a criminal. Didn't the Intelligence Bureau uncover anything about his identity?"
"We had the surviving sailors give a description. A sketch was made. Displaying now."
The Image Transponder Snail by Sengoku's desk blinked, then projected a wanted-style portrait of Lucien onto the wall.
Sengoku squinted at it. "He doesn't even look like a pirate. And yet he plunders naval vessels and abducts officers… disgraceful."
"We searched every database," the intelligence officer continued through the Den Den Mushi. "Nothing. No name, no past, no affiliation. It's as if he appeared out of thin air."
"We're still investigating surrounding waters and recent ship movements."
Sengoku exhaled sharply. "The Goro Goro no Mi… It hasn't been seen in decades. And now this unknown user shows up with it? Disturbing."
"Marshal, after reviewing the reports and considering the threat he poses, we suggest issuing a preliminary bounty of 100 million berries."
"Only 100 million?" Sengoku muttered, eyes still fixed on the portrait. "That's low for someone wielding this kind of power. But fine—for now, hold off on issuing the bounty. I'll draft a formal notice myself."
"Understood!"
Kacha!!
Aokiji yawned, his voice lazy but laced with concern. "Another walking disaster…"
Sengoku nodded grimly. "There've been too many rookies emerging lately. And now one of them has that fruit."
He stared at the wall, then added, "Garp should be back in the East Blue by now… Maybe he'll run into him."
Aokiji didn't answer.
Sengoku stood slowly. "I need to inform the Gorosei. A Thunder Fruit user with no known background is too big a wild card."
He crumpled the sketch of Lucien in his fist and handed it to his ever-hungry goat, which gobbled it up happily.
Then he strode out of the office with thunder in his eyes.
---
Holy Land Mary Geoise – Room of Authority
"Thunder Fruit?!"
Saint Vochuli's mustache bristled as he slammed his hand on the table.
Sengoku stood before the Five Elders, expression rigid. "He ambushed our forces, took Colonel Tina, and vanished. Completely untraceable."
The elders exchanged sharp glances. The blond Gorosei, Saint Peter, adjusted his glasses with a sigh.
"Speed of that caliber rivals Admiral Kizaru's. Sending someone after him may be a waste of time."
"What's the issue?" muttered Saint Nasujuro, lazily polishing his cursed blade, the Shodai Kitetsu. "It's just one colonel. Not worth our attention."
Saint Maz grunted. "Maybe he just wanted a pretty face. That wouldn't be the first time pirates acted out of lust—"
"Enough."
Saint Saturn, the elder in a flat hat and coat, cut him off sharply. "The Goro Goro no Mi is a strategic asset. If we can secure his bloodline factor, we can amplify the Seraphim's capabilities. He must be studied."
Saint Peter added, "Then have him join the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Bring him under our control."
"But the Warlord seats are full," Sengoku objected.
"So add another," Saturn said coldly. "Call them the Eight Warlords if you must."
They talked among themselves for a moment more before reaching consensus.
"Send CP agents and naval officers to tempt him. Exploit his womanizing tendencies. If he can be lured with beauty, then so be it."
Sengoku's jaw clenched. "What about Colonel Tina?"
"She's expendable. Remember your place, Sengoku."
He said nothing more, simply bowed stiffly, then turned and exited, face darkening with each step.
---
Grand Line – Alabasta, Near Rainbase
Crocodile—the mysterious Warlord once said to rival even Douglas Bullet in his youth—was now based in the city of Rainbase, running his criminal syndicate from behind the front of a casino.
But to Lucien, it was just another warm-up fight.
"Rainbase is ahead," Robin said from the bow of the ship, wind ruffling her black cloak. "That's where Crocodile is hiding."
Thanks to Lucien's firm leadership, Robin and Vivi had reconciled.
Robin had no true grudge against Alabasta, and now that her deal with Crocodile was off, she had no reason to stay allied with him. Vivi, compassionate and pragmatic, understood that.
"I've already found him," Lucien said with a smirk.
Robin glanced over teasingly. "Need any help, God~?"
"No need." He stepped forward to the ship's front, lightning dancing on his skin.
"Be careful!" Vivi called. "Everything depends on you now."
Lucien looked back with a soft grin, catching Tina sneaking glances at him from the corner of her eye.
She pouted and turned away, still wrapped in her Justice coat like a makeshift blanket of pride. Being captured with no restrictions placed on her only made the situation more humiliating.
But ironically, that quiet defiance made her even more interesting to Lucien.
"You all wait here," he said. "I'm just going to greet Crocodile."
With that, he raised a hand—and the sky answered.
"God's Judgment."
A brilliant bolt of divine lightning split the clouds and struck the center of Rainbase, piercing Crocodile's casino like a blade from heaven.
"Wha—?!"
"It's lightning?! But the sky's clear!"
On the streets of Rainbase, people screamed in shock as the enormous column of light blasted through the casino's roof.
---
To be continued…