Marine Headquarters.
The moonlight spilled across the massive fortress walls, casting a silver-white glow.
In the distance, the rhythmic footsteps of patrolling soldiers and the occasional cries of seagulls blended into a soundscape unique to the nights of Marineford.
"Tap—"
Hawke stepped out of Aokiji's office and lit a cigar.
The things he'd just said… if he had said them to Admiral Akainu or Admiral Kizaru instead, they would have been meaningless.
"I just hope I helped clear Admiral Aokiji's doubts a little…"
After all, he didn't want the original storyline to repeat itself…
In the original events, two weeks after the end of the Summit War:
Fleet Admiral Sengoku submitted his resignation, stepping down from his position, and recommended Aokiji as his successor.
But the higher-ups of the World Government leaned more toward the hardline methods of Akainu.
The two Admirals, unable to reconcile their philosophies, clashed over the title of Fleet Admiral and fought a grueling ten-day duel in the Punk Hazard restricted zone.
That fierce battle on Punk Hazard…
In the end, Akainu emerged victorious and became the new Fleet Admiral.
Defeated, Aokiji chose to leave the Marines and eventually joined the Blackbeard Pirates as the captain of the 10th ship.
Aokiji's departure dealt a massive blow to the Marines' overall strength.
The strength of the old "Three Admirals" was beyond question.
Later, the newly promoted "Fujitora" Issho and the so-called "disgrace of the Admirals," Green Bull, were nowhere near as strong.
Since he'd chosen to remain in the Marines, naturally Hawke wanted the organization's overall strength to be as high as possible.
"Phew—"
Hawke flicked the extinguished cigar into a trash bin and strolled back toward the residence allocated to him.
After his promotion to Commodore, he'd been assigned a house within Marineford.
Granted, a Commodore's residence wasn't particularly large.
But…
A free house !
After a quick wash-up, Hawke prepared to sleep.
Just then, "Buru-buru~"
The Den Den Mushi began ringing. The distinct mustache and seagull hat design on its shell made Hawke's gaze sharpen.
It was Fleet Admiral Sengoku's line.
He answered the call. "Hawke."
Sengoku's voice sounded a little tired but still carried his usual authority.
"I've got some good news for you."
"The fleet of giant battleships custom-ordered from the Galley-La Company in Water 7 has just been completed and launched."
"After a discussion among the higher-ups, one of those ships has been reserved for you."
"Your sail will be embroidered with your 'Hawke' insignia."
"However, you'll need to wait a few more days — there are necessary procedures before the handover can be finalized."
"In addition, there's no issue with the promotions for all the soldiers under your old 16th Branch."
"The paperwork for the entire branch's promotions will be approved very soon."
"Thank you, Fleet Admiral."
Hawke replied steadily, "I won't let you down."
"Good."
The Den Den Mushi closed its eyes and hung up.
"..."
Hawke's expression shifted slightly.
This… was blatant favoritism.
According to regulations, as a Commodore, the largest vessel he could be assigned was a standard large warship.
And yet… he was getting a brand-new giant battleship.
Even some Vice Admirals didn't enjoy such privileges…
Fleet Admiral Sengoku's actions here sent an unmistakable message to the entire Marine Headquarters.
Hawke was someone the top brass valued highly.
Though it meant staying in Marineford for a few extra days, getting a brand-new giant battleship was well worth it.
"Yawn—"
Hawke lay down on the soft bed, resting his arms behind his head, and began planning out the next few days at headquarters.
First, he needed to collect his Commodore's cloak and insignia from the logistics department.
Then he'd wait for the promotion papers for his branch members.
As for his free time… while Admiral Akainu had told him before not to bother with the formalities and red tape…
Marineford's political waters ran far deeper than those of the East Blue.
Making connections was necessary.
Even though the higher-ups valued him, getting to know more Vice Admirals, Rear Admirals, and fellow Commodores could only help him in the long run.
With those thoughts swirling in his mind, Hawke soon drifted into a deep sleep.
...
East Blue, 16th Branch.
Dane had just finished his shift when he walked out of the office building and immediately spotted Zoro leaning against the wall.
"Hm? You're still here?"
"Uh…"
Zoro rubbed his stomach, and the growling sound echoed clearly in the quiet night.
"Thought we could grab a late-night bite… and I've got a few questions I want to ask."
"Heh—"
Dane gave a dry chuckle.
"What, looking for another free meal?"
"Don't put it that way. Worst case, I'll spar with you a few extra rounds."
"…"
Dane shook his head.
Forget it…
His swordsmanship had been taught strictly and methodically by Marine instructors. While solid, it lacked variety.
Zoro's style, on the other hand, was wild, fierce, and driven by animal-like instinct — a perfect reference for improvement.
Feeding him a few meals wasn't a big deal.
"Come on, let's go. Supper's on me."
"Hell yeah—!"
The two headed back to the mess hall together.
To accommodate soldiers on night shifts or extra training, the 16th Branch's canteen served hearty late-night meals.
Massive bowls of minced-meat fried rice, freshly grilled sea beast skewers, and creamy, simmered fish soup.
There were even barrels of low-alcohol beer exclusively set aside for them.
"Whoa~"
Zoro devoured his food like a storm, wolfing down everything in sight.
Only after his stomach was full did he scratch his head sheepishly.
"Dane, uh… is there anything I can do to help?"
"No."
Dane sipped his fish soup calmly.
"There won't be any pirates in these waters for a while."
"They've all been scared off."
"But, Zoro, before I get reassigned to a Grand Line branch…"
"As long as you keep sparring with me regularly, I'll cover your meal costs."
"Hah, deal!"
"But Dane, doesn't the Marine HQ have its own swordmasters?"
"Plenty. Most of them are concentrated in headquarters."
"So what's your goal? To become the Marines' number one swordsman? Or an Admiral?"
"Neither…"
Dane shook his head. "My goal is to follow Hawke's path and wipe out every pirate on these seas."
"Ah—!"
Zoro suddenly smacked his forehead. He'd been so focused on eating and drinking, he'd almost forgotten what he wanted to ask.
"Dane, you said a swordsman's blade is the least important factor in determining strength."
"What about the other factors, then?"
"What matters most?"
"..."
Dane studied the burning determination in Zoro's eyes and remained silent for a moment.
Then he spoke slowly. "For a swordsman…"
"What's even more important is Haki — your spirit, your willpower, your intent!"
"..."
Zoro fell silent, then asked, "Haki… is that the black power you used before?"
"Yeah, that's one kind — Armament Haki."
"This form of Haki is extremely common in the Grand Line."
"Marine HQ officers, the Yonko, the Shichibukai — they're all proficient in Armament Haki."
"The Shichibukai…!!!"
In Zoro's mind, a figure immediately appeared.
The World's Greatest Swordsman, "Hawk Eyes" Dracule Mihawk!
His ultimate target!
And Mihawk, as one of the Shichibukai, had no doubt mastered Armament Haki.
Meanwhile, Zoro himself hadn't even scratched the surface.
"Dane… Armament Haki…"
Zoro's voice turned slightly dry.
"How do I learn it?"
"Talent, sweat, the right training methods… and countless battles danced on the edge of life and death."
"With your current strength…"
"It'll be hard to find those opportunities in the East Blue."
"..."
Zoro fell silent.
Dane was right.
That man — Rayne Hawke — had cleaned up the East Blue too thoroughly.
Forget life-and-death fights — Zoro couldn't even find pirates worth a decent bounty anymore.
If he stayed here, he'd just rust away… and starve.
Starve…?
No.
He'd never go hungry again.
"Dane… how do I join the Marines?"