Marine Headquarters - Marineford
The meeting room inside Marine Headquarters was silent except for the faint hum of the sea outside. Waves crashed against the steel walls of the floating fortress — the strongest bastion of justice in the world.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku stood at the end of the long table, hands clasped behind his back. His white goat bleated softly beside him, breaking the tension for a brief moment before silence reclaimed the room.
To his right stood Vice Admiral Tsuru, calm as ever, and on his left, a grim-faced Garp, arms crossed.
Across the table sat admirals and vice admirals—Aokiji, Kizaru, Akainu, and others—gathered for the emergency session.
The air felt heavy. Every man and woman there knew that the world was shifting beneath their feet.
Sengoku spoke first, voice firm but edged with exhaustion.
"Two of the Seven Warlords have been defeated."
He placed two dossiers on the table — each stamped with the red insignia of "DECEASED."
"Rokuran of the Iron Fist and Queen Bella of the Depths. Both destroyed by the Red Hair Pirates during a skirmish in the New World."
Kuzan raised an eyebrow. "So Red-Hair has been busy."
Tsuru nodded slowly. "More than busy. His influence is spreading. Several pirate crews have already pledged under his flag since the Mariejois incident."
Sengoku's expression darkened. "He's no longer just another upstart from Roger's generation. He's a genuine emperor in the making."
Garp snorted, leaning back. "He's always been that way. Just took the world this long to notice."
Akainu slammed a fist against the table, the wood sizzling slightly under his palm. "That man is dangerous. If Shanks starts moving, others will follow. And we've still got the Nyx Pirates roaming freely, taunting the World Government like it's a game!"
Sengoku's tone hardened. "That's exactly why we're here. With two Warlords gone, the balance between pirates, Marines, and the Seven Warlords is failing. If we lose the stability that keeps these monsters in check, the entire Grand Line will descend into chaos."
Borsalino smirked lazily, hands in his pockets. "Ooh~ quite the crisis we've got on our hands, Sengoku-san."
Tsuru adjusted her glasses. "Enough games, Borsalino. We need replacements — strong, controllable, and politically acceptable."
Sengoku nodded. "Begin your recommendations."
Vice Admiral Momonga was first to speak. "There's the Sunblade Twins from South Blue — both powerful and willing to cooperate. Their pirate crew already surrendered to us once."
Akainu scoffed. "Weaklings. We don't need half-measures. The Warlords exist to scare the rest of the world into line."
Kuzan drummed his fingers on the table. "There's also a name floating around from the Calm Belt… a woman commanding a ship entirely of women. The Kuja Pirates."
Garp scratched his head. "You mean that one from Amazon Lily? What was her name… Boa something?"
Tsuru's gaze flicked toward him. "Boa Hancock."
The others turned.
Sengoku opened a file. The photograph inside showed a striking young woman with long black hair, cold eyes, and the regal bearing of a queen.
Borsalino gave a low whistle. "Ah~ I've heard of her. They say even sea kings bow when her ship passes."
Tsuru nodded. "Captain of the Kuja Pirates. Hails from Amazon Lily, deep in the Calm Belt. No known affiliation with other emperors or the Revolutionaries."
Akainu frowned. "Her bounty's not high enough for that kind of post."
Aokiji tilted his head. "Strong enough to make the World Government nervous. Her bounty's rising fast."
Sengoku's reply was measured. "It's not about the number, Sakazuki. It's about power — and the fear that power inspires."
He set the photo down, tone steady. "Boa Hancock. She's rumored to possess a rare Paramecia-type fruit — the Mero Mero no Mi. Her strength and influence over the Kuja tribe make her a perfect candidate."
Garp yawned. "So we're recruiting queens now? What's next, gods?"
Tsuru smirked faintly. "Wouldn't be the first time the Marines tried to leash a devil."
Sengoku looked at the others. "She'll receive one of the invitations. Now for the second seat…"
He paused. Then, with deliberate motion, slid another folder onto the table.
The image on the cover made every man in the room tense.
Sharp eyes. A black coat. A cross-shaped blade taller than most men.
Dracule Mihawk.
Akainu's brow furrowed instantly. "You're out of your mind."
Garp blinked. "That's Nyx D. Ada's vice captain!"
Kuzan leaned forward, his calm demeanor faltering for the first time. "You're serious, Fleet Admiral?"
Tsuru looked intrigued. "Dracule Mihawk… the world's strongest swordsman."
Akainu was the first to speak again, his voice a snarl. "He's the Vice Captain of the Nyx Pirates — the same crew that burned Mariejois! You think that man can stand beside us?"
Tsuru frowned, fingers steepled.
"He's no neutral swordsman anymore, Sengoku. That man sailed beside Nyx D. Ada for a decade already. He was there when she stormed the Holy Land. His bounty rose again after that — the ink on the wanted poster is still wet."
Garp whistled low. "You've gone mad, Senny. You can't just hand a Marine title to a demon from that crew."
Sengoku's gaze remained steady. "I'm well aware of what he's done."
He tapped the dossier.
"That's why I'm considering him. Dracule Mihawk isn't a man who bows. He doesn't serve the World Government, and he doesn't serve Ada — not fully. He follows strength. His loyalty is bound only to the blade he carries. If we give him this title, we don't leash him — we bait him."
Kuzan's expression hardened. "You mean you want to put a monster on a leash and hope it eats someone else first."
Sengoku didn't deny it.
"Exactly. The Nyx Pirates' movements have grown unpredictable. Their influence is spreading — underworld syndicates, Revolutionary fronts, even former Warlords are starting to rally under Ada's symbol. We need eyes close to her… closer than anyone else could ever get."
Tsuru's tone was quiet but cutting. "So you want to use him. Turn Ada's own sword against her."
Sengoku looked at her sharply. "If it buys us a chance to understand what Nyx D. Ada is planning — yes."
Akainu slammed his fist against the table, leaving a faint scorch mark.
"You're playing with fire, Sengoku! That crew humiliated the Celestial Dragons and shattered our line at the Red Line! And you want to recruit her right hand?!"
Sengoku's voice rose, firm and controlled.
"If we don't, we lose control of the seas altogether. Mihawk may be dangerous, but he is also calculable. He values order — even if it's his own kind. Offer him status, and he may accept the bargain. Refuse, and we push him further into Ada's shadow."
The room fell into uneasy silence.
Finally, Borsalino chuckled, breaking the tension. "Ooh~ what a bold plan. Offering a title of 'justice' to a man who helped set the Holy Land on fire. The Celestial Dragons will love this."
Sengoku didn't flinch. "The Celestial Dragons will do as they're told."
Tsuru sighed softly. "This could either stabilize the balance… or break it completely."
Sengoku's reply was grim. "That's a risk I'm willing to take. We've been fighting shadows long enough — it's time to use one."
Akainu's voice was sharp. "He's part of the problem, Sengoku! The Vice Captain of the crew that burned Marie Geoise to the ground!"
Sengoku's eyes narrowed. "Which is precisely why this will work. He's the only one among her ranks who operates alone on occasions. He's been sighted dueling across the New World without her command. If we offer him the title, he may take it — out of interest, if nothing else."
Tsuru's voice was cool and analytical. "A blade that sharp cuts both ways. But… it may be the only card we can play."
Borsalino grinned. "Fufufu~ recruiting Nyx D. Ada's right hand. I like this plan. So dangerous, so reckless — very Marine-like, ne?"
Sengoku ignored the sarcasm. "Prepare the official invitations. One to Boa Hancock of Amazon Lily, one to Dracule Mihawk of the Nyx Pirates."
Kuzan folded his arms. "And if they refuse?"
Sengoku looked toward the window, where the sunlight struck the world map pinned to the wall.
"Then the seas will burn before they learn what it means to defy us."
————————-
Amazon Lily
The sun filtered through the dense canopy of Amazon Lily. Parrots screeched from the treetops as the great stone gates opened. A lone Marine messenger ship, flying a white flag, was allowed to pass under guard.
At the heart of the island, in a great marble hall adorned with serpent motifs, sat Boa Hancock — young, proud, and beautiful beyond reason.
Her sisters, Marigold and Sandersonia, stood beside her throne, while Gloriosa, the former empress, observed quietly from a balcony above.
A Marine messenger, trembling under the stares of the Kuja warriors, knelt before Hancock and extended a sealed letter.
"This… this is an invitation from Fleet Admiral Sengoku," he stammered. "To the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock."
Hancock broke the seal with a flick of her slender fingers. Her eyes scanned the parchment — and for a moment, she froze.
"Seven Warlords of the Sea…?" she murmured. "They wish me to join them?"
Marigold blinked. "Sister, is that—"
Sandersonia leaned closer. "A government alliance? After all the things they've done to us?"
Gloriosa's voice cut through the air, calm but knowing. "Be careful what you decide, girl. A deal with the World Government is never free."
Hancock frowned, folding the letter. "They think they can tame me?"
She rose slowly, her cloak flowing behind her like the scales of a serpent. "Let them try. If they wish for a queen, they will kneel before one."
Gloriosa sighed softly but smiled faintly. "You've grown strong, Hancock. But strength is one thing — wisdom, another."
Hancock met her gaze briefly. "I'll never kneel to them. Not truly."
Gloriosa's expression softened, though her tone carried the weight of experience. "No one's asking you to kneel, child. But this… this is an opportunity."
Hancock frowned slightly. "An opportunity?"
Gloriosa nodded, walking slowly toward the balcony that overlooked the shore. "Amazon Lily has survived this long by staying out of the world's storms. But they're coming closer, whether we like it or not. If you accept their offer, you won't just be protecting yourself — you'll be protecting this island."
Hancock's eyes flickered. "You mean… use their title to keep them away?"
Gloriosa turned, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Exactly. Let them think you've joined their game, while you hold the board in your hands."
For a moment, Hancock said nothing. The sea breeze brushed against her hair, carrying the scent of salt and rain.
Then, quietly, she said, "If it means keeping my people safe… then I'll play their game."
Gloriosa nodded approvingly. "Good. Pride can't feed your people, but strategy might."
———————-
The Oro Jackson, New World
A few days later, under the crimson sky of the New World, the Oro Jackson cut through the waves like a silent beast. The air was calm, but the crew could feel something off — the kind of stillness that came before trouble.
Lilith's drones hovered nearby, their eyes scanning the horizon. "Captain," she said, voice crisp, "a Marine vessel approaching fast — white flag raised."
The crew instantly stirred. Bullet cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing like gunfire. "White flag, huh? That's new."
Perona floated beside Hiyori, pale and uneasy. "Maybe they're surrendering."
"Or stupid," Enel said with a smirk, lightning flickering at his fingertips.
Ada stepped out from the captain's cabin, her crimson eyes glinting in the evening light. "Hold fire. Let them come."
The Marine ship slowed to a cautious halt beside them. Even from the Oro Jackson's deck, the tension was visible — Marines standing stiff, faces pale, hands shaking as they lowered a rowboat.
When the small boat reached the side of the Oro Jackson, Vice Admiral Momonga stood tall in its center. His uniform was immaculate, but his posture betrayed his nerves.
He looked up — and even from that distance, his throat bobbed. "I come… under orders of Fleet Admiral Sengoku," he called out. "We bear a message for Vice-Captain Dracule Mihawk of the Nyx Pirates."
A sharp silence fell across the deck.
Mihawk raised a brow. "For me?"
Ada's lips curved faintly. "Well, you heard him."
Momonga climbed aboard, flanked by two trembling Marines carrying a sealed case. He saluted stiffly, his eyes flicking to Ada — and immediately darting away. The oppressive weight of her presence made even the wind hesitate.
"State your business," Mihawk said calmly, his tone unreadable.
Momonga cleared his throat. "By decree of the World Government, you have been offered the position of Shichibukai — one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. This invitation comes with full pardon for past crimes and authorization to hunt other pirates under the Marine banner."
For a moment, the Nyx Pirates stood in stunned silence. Then chaos erupted.
Bullet slammed his fist into the railing. "The hell did he just say?!"
Perona floated nearby, eyes wide. "They invited him?! He's our vice captain!"
Enel howled with laughter, lightning sparking around him. "Bwahahaha! The Marines have gone mad! They're recruiting from the very people who humiliated them!"
Lilith adjusted her glasses, intrigued. "Fascinating. The logic of human institutions continues to disappoint me."
Fisher Tiger frowned deeply. "This isn't just madness. It's strategy. They're trying to use Mihawk to track us."
Okiku's brow furrowed. "Or to divide us."
Lilith crossed her arms, expression unreadable. "Either way, they underestimate him."
Even Tesoro looked caught between disbelief and irritation. "They're bold," he muttered. "Inviting the Vice-Captain of the woman who burned their holy land."
Momonga winced. "This invitation… comes from the highest authority."
Ada finally stepped forward. Her cloak brushed the deck, the Nyx insignia glinting in the dying light.
"So the Marines," she said softly, "have the courage to step onto my ship and offer him a position."
Her voice wasn't angry — it was worse. Calm. Controlled.
Vice Admiral Momonga stiffened, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. "We were told… you would not interfere in his decision."
Ada tilted her head slightly. "Is that so?"
A silence stretched, thick as fog. Then she looked at Mihawk. "Well, Vice-Captain. What do you think?"
Mihawk regarded the sealed letter for a long moment. The crew watched him closely — Enel smirking, Bullet muttering under his breath, Hiyori frowning in confusion.
Finally, Mihawk reached out and took the case. "I'll read it."
Ada's eyes flickered. "You're considering it?"
"I'm not considering obedience," Mihawk said evenly. "I'm considering information."
Lilith's mechanical lenses whirred softly. "You mean to use it — to gain access."
Mihawk gave a slow nod. "A position among their ranks means proximity to their secrets. Their movements, their orders… and their fear."
Ada studied him for a long moment, then smiled faintly. "You always did prefer precision to chaos."
Bullet scoffed. "You're really gonna wear their colors?"
Mihawk's gaze flicked toward him, cold and steady. "If wearing their colors lets me sharpen my blade — and our advantage — then yes."
The deck buzzed with low murmurs. Even Fisher Tiger folded his arms, his tone thoughtful. "He's right. The Marines' reach stretches through every sea. One man inside could change the tides."
Mihawk turned slightly toward Momonga. "You'll have your answer in a few days," he said, his tone final — the kind of voice that left no room for argument. "Now leave. We've said enough."
Momonga blinked, caught between confusion and relief. "Y–yes. Of course."
He saluted stiffly, motioning for his men. "We'll await your response."
The Vice Admiral climbed back down into the rowboat as the rest of the Marines scrambled after him, eager to escape the weight of the ship's aura.
Only when the Marine vessel had pulled away did Ada finally exhale, leaning lightly on the railing.
Enel let out a short laugh, sparks jumping from his shoulders. "The Navy's getting desperate. First they lose half their Warlords, now they're begging one of us."
Lilith smirked. "Strategically, it's sound. Politically, suicidal."
Fisher Tiger rumbled a low chuckle. "I almost feel sorry for them."
Ada looked over at Mihawk. "You'll handle this your way. I trust you."
Mihawk inclined his head. "As always."
Bullet grunted. "Still feels wrong lettin' them get that close."
Ada's smile was calm, distant. "Then let them think they have the upper hand."
Lilith folded her arms. "So we're really letting him take it?"
Ada's gaze lingered on the horizon — where the Marine ship was already a shrinking speck. "We're letting them believe they've gained something."
Mihawk's lips curved slightly. "When in truth, they've just invited their enemy to dinner."
The crew exchanged faint, knowing grins.
Fisher Tiger laughed softly. "Only you two could turn a Marine offer into a weapon."
Ada's hair caught the sea breeze as she turned away. "The world is moving faster than it realizes," she murmured. "Let's see how long before it trips."
The swordsman's eyes remained on the horizon. "They've handed us an opportunity."
Perona frowned. "Opportunity?"
He turned slightly, voice as steady as steel. "Information. Access. Position. A chance to see their inner workings. To walk into their walls and hear their whispers."
Tiger nodded slowly. "A spy within their ranks."
Ada studied him for a moment. "You'd risk being surrounded by the Marines."
"I don't fear them," Mihawk said simply. "And besides… I've always preferred to stand where the edge is sharpest."
Ada smirked faintly. "You would."
Enel cackled. "Heh! Let him go then. Let the Marines think they've tamed a hawk — while the hawk watches from above."
Lilith's mechanical lenses gleamed. "It could give us a tactical advantage."
Bullet still frowned but crossed his arms. "If anything happens to him, we're burning Marineford."
Ada chuckled softly. "I'll hold you to that."
She turned back to Mihawk. "Then it's settled. You'll accept their invitation — but you answer only to me. The moment they try to chain you, cut free."
Mihawk inclined his head. "As always."
————————-
Weeks later, a messenger rushed into Sengoku's office, saluting sharply.
"Fleet Admiral! Message from Dracule Mihawk and Boa Hancock!"
One bore a crimson wax crest shaped like a serpent. The other, a hawk's eye carved in black. Neither had been opened.
Beside him stood Vice Admiral Tsuru, calm as ever, her hands folded behind her back. Garp leaned against the wall, crunching rice crackers — the only sound in the silent room. Akainu stood near the window, arms crossed, eyes smoldering like cooled lava.
Sengoku's voice finally broke the quiet.
"Are we certain these came directly from them?"
The messenger saluted stiffly. "Yes, sir. Vice Admiral Momonga confirmed delivery. Both pirates accepted the letters personally. No interference, no ambush."
Sengoku nodded once. "Then read them."
The courier stepped forward, broke the serpent's seal, and unfolded the parchment. The faint scent of sea lilies drifted into the air.
"To the World Government.
I, Boa Hancock, Empress of Amazon Lily and Captain of the Kuja Pirates, accept the position offered among the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
So long as my island remains untouched and my people unthreatened, I shall honor the agreement.
— Signed, Boa Hancock."
The words fell like drops of rain into the silence.
Garp snorted softly. "Heh. So the snake lady said yes, huh? That's one less headache."
Tsuru frowned. "She's young — proud. But not foolish. The title protects Amazon Lily. She'll play along, for now."
Sengoku didn't reply. His eyes drifted to the second letter. The one that mattered more.
The courier swallowed hard, breaking the hawk's seal. The ink was dark and precise — every stroke deliberate.
"To the Fleet Admiral of the Marines,
I, Dracule Mihawk, accept the position of Warlord of the Sea.
My cooperation will remain limited to the terms outlined — the suppression of lesser pirates and the balance of power.
My allegiance remains my own.
— Dracule Mihawk."
The courier stopped reading, glancing nervously at Sengoku. The air in the room thickened.
Sengoku exhaled heavily, leaning back in his chair. "So… he accepted."
Tsuru folded her arms. "We should be cautious with our celebration. Mihawk's words are clear — his loyalty is conditional."
Garp's grin was tight. "Conditional? Hah. More like nonexistent. You know that hawk-eyed bastard's been with her all these years."
Sengoku's jaw tightened. "Nyx D. Ada…"
The name alone made the air colder.
"This could be a trap," muttered Vice Admiral Doberman, slamming his fist into his palm. "A spy planted within our own system!"
Akainu scowled. "You've just invited a serpent into our nest."
Kuzan exhaled. "Or maybe we've put a leash on a hawk. Time will tell."
Sengoku folded the letter. "Then it's done. The balance will hold — for now."
He gazed out the window toward the distant horizon. "But one day, the pieces we move will stop obeying their masters."
———————
The Oro Jackson (Aftermath)
Night had fallen by the time Mihawk returned to the Oro Jackson. The sea shimmered under the moonlight, the air calm.
Ada stood at the railing, watching the stars. She didn't turn as he approached.
"So it's official," she said softly.
Mihawk nodded. "The title means nothing. The access means everything."
Ada smiled faintly. "Then make good use of it. If they think they can use us, let's see who manipulates who."
Perona hovered nearby, pouting. "Still feels weird calling you 'Warlord.'"
Enel laughed. "Better than calling him 'Marine pet.'"
Bullet grinned. "He's still one of us — title or not."
Ada's eyes glimmered under the moonlight. "Remember this night, everyone. The world thinks they're winning their game. But they've just placed one of our pieces on their board."
The wind carried her words into the vast, star-streaked sky.
"The storm's only just begun."
——————-
"And so, in the Sea Circle Calendar Year 1512, the balance shifted once more. The Marines forged alliances with devils to preserve their illusion of order.
But on the horizon, the Nyx Pirates watched — smiling.
For every piece the Marines placed on their board… Ada already had a move waiting."