Crew member: Dan Page - Bounty: 32,000,000 Berries!
Ian and his four subordinates laughed heartily upon seeing the newest bounty poster added to their collection. The sheer absurdity of the "Dawn Pirates" and their escalating notoriety was a private joke that never failed to amuse them.
In the weeks that followed, the title "Judge of the Sea" began to fade from common use, replaced by the one broadcast in newspapers across the world: Major General "Marineking" Jock Ian. The name carried weight, respect, and a tinge of fear.
After half a month of relative peace, however, the calm on the island was once again disrupted. The tranquil atmosphere was shattered not by internal chaos, but by the arrival of a new group preparing to land—a presence that felt different, heavier, and far more dangerous than the usual rabble.
New World, Dressrosa. Palace of the King.
Doflamingo sat in a dimly lit room, the shadows clinging to his feathered coat like old friends. The only light came from a single Den Den Mushi, its face twisted into a stern, officious expression.
"Young Master, we have withdrawn the nearby patrol warships as per your instructions," the snail intoned, its voice a perfect mimicry of the Marine officer on the other end. "If those guys from the Beasts Pirates want to pass through, they can do so anytime today."
Doflamingo held a crumpled newspaper in his hand, the headline 'MARINEKING'S REIGN CLEANSES SABAODY' visible even in the low light. A wide, grotesque smile spread across his face.
"Fufufu... Well done, Vergo." His voice was a low, pleased rumble. "Marineking... what an incredible, presumptuous title!" He crushed the newspaper in his grip, the paper crackling in protest. "Hiyah! Let those fearless, monstrous fellows from Onigashima be the ones to officially wipe him from the world! It saves me the trouble."
His laughter, sharp and impudent, echoed in the dark room. He was more than happy to open a path for Kaido's men, to let the storm from the New World crash upon Ian's shores.
New World, Egghead Island. Vegapunk Research Institute.
The air hummed with the energy of advanced technology and sizzling meat. In a surprisingly casual break room, Admiral Kizaru, in his signature yellow striped suit, frowned at a piece of skewered barbecue.
"Vegapunk, how many times have I told you? I am an Admiral of the Navy," he drawled, his voice languid as ever. "It would be terribly embarrassing if it got out that I was being used as a delivery boy."
The man he was complaining to, Dr. Vegapunk, was a bizarre figure with a massive, egg-shaped head and a brain-like structure visible within a transparent dome. He waved a dismissive hand, not looking up from his own meal.
"Borsalino, don't act like a subordinate. We are old friends. And do I look like I can move this equipment myself?"
Kizaru sighed dramatically, pointing his skewer towards two other formidable figures sharing their meal. "Ask one of them! They're clearly stronger than me, right?"
One was a hulking man with a wrestler's build, Stussy. The other was a giant of a man with a gentle smile that seemed out of place on his fearsome frame—the Warlord of the Sea, "Tyrant" Bartholomew Kuma. He sat quietly, a Bible resting on his lap, a picture of serenity that starkly contrasted with his violent reputation.
"Grandpa! I'm tired too!" Stussy complained through a mouthful of food. "Can the Admiral be lazy? I want to be a general too!"
Kizaru ignored him, instead turning his gaze to Kuma. "Hey, Big Bear. You've been making some serious waves at sea again lately. Is Bonney's illness completely healed? I heard she was sent back to the Sorbet Kingdom this time?" His tone held a note of genuine concern. "Without that noisy girl around, it feels a little too quiet."
A soft, sad smile touched Kuma's lips. "Yes, the treatment is complete. But for another year, she still cannot see the sun." He looked down at his large hands. "In just a few more months, Bonney will be truly free."
Before the somber mood could settle, Vegapunk scurried over, clutching a newspaper. "Speaking of big news, this young man named Jock Ian is truly impressive!" he exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with scientific avarice. "Borsalino, according to the information, he is a human who ate the Zoan-type, Human-Human Fruit? Is it possible to bring him to the island? The Science Department's work would benefit immensely from his cooperation!"
Vegapunk's mind was already racing with possibilities. A human eating the Human-Human Fruit? What unique mutations did it cause? What was the source of his rapid, explosive growth?
"Marineking, Jock Ian..." Kizaru mumbled, taking a long sip of his drink. "It's nearly impossible to get that guy to cooperate with the science team. He's currently the golden boy, the rising star the entire Headquarters is promoting. His every move is beyond even my direct control." He set his glass down with a definitive click. "Vegapunk, stop causing me trouble. Give up on this idea."
"Oh, it's not absolutely necessary for him to come in person," Vegapunk persisted, undeterred. "Surely we could at least acquire a blood sample? For research!"
"Gulon... gulon..." Kizaru drained his glass, scratching his head in exasperation. "There's nothing I can do with you, you modern-day Frankenstein. I can only say... I'll try my best. No promises."
As they debated, Kuma quietly took the newspaper. His calm, intelligent eyes carefully scanned the articles about "Marineking Jock Ian," absorbing every detail about the man who was causing such a stir.
A Few Days Later. Sabaody Archipelago, Area 10.
The scent of fresh paint and grilled food filled the air, a stark contrast to the atmosphere of fear that had once dominated the area. Ian led his team on a routine patrol, their presence now a symbol of order rather than an impending raid.
"Oh? A new store opened here?" Ian remarked, genuinely surprised. He gestured to a row of clean, well-kept shops and food stalls. "Wasn't this a gathering place for kidnappers not long ago? I remember it being pitch black, the buildings all dilapidated and crumbling. To be rebuilt so well in such a short time…"
Nami looked up at him, her eyes shining with admiration. "It's all thanks to you, Major General Ian! Since the anti-piracy operations began, this area has been cleared out multiple times, and you personally oversaw the demolition of most of the derelict buildings." She gestured around them. "With the human auction house gone for good, the remaining kidnapping rings lost their nerve and their market. They've either been captured, fled, or gone into hiding. So, the area is finally back on track. Public security is firmly under our control."
She smiled, a proud expression on her face. "Now, there is no truly lawless place left on this archipelago. Just like you said on your first day here, Major General Ian."
This man, her commander, always did what he said he would. He had promised to clean up the Sabaody Archipelago, and he was delivering on that promise, one restored district at a time. Yet, as they enjoyed the fruits of their labor, a subtle tension lingered in the air. The peace they had forged was hard-won, and the sea, as always, held new challenges on the horizon. The attention of powerful figures from the New World had been drawn, and the title of "Marineking" was a beacon that attracted both hope and hostility. The calm would not last.