The New World, at an unknown coordinate.
The calm, blue sea suddenly rippled. Then, the water churned violently, as if something huge was rising from below.
"Splash—!!!"
With a deafening crash of water, a giant warship broke through the waves and shot high into the sky.
The sunlight, bringing a warmth they had not felt in a long time, spread across the deck.
"Pop."
The Yarukiman Mangrove resin bubble that had protected them the whole way made a soft sound the moment it touched the air. It turned into countless clear drops of water and faded into the damp sea breeze.
"Phew..."
Jinbe stood at the helm. He took a deep breath of the salty air and felt the fierce sea wind blowing against his face.
"So this is the wind on the surface..."
Even though the weather was clear, Jinbe could still clearly sense the violent and chaotic magnetic fields and ocean currents under this sea.
On the deck.
Aiden stood at the bow. He raised a hand to block the bright light while his vision adjusted.
The view ten thousand meters deep in the sea was beautiful, but the constant feeling of being trapped under high pressure was never as comfortable as standing under the sun.
"Aiden," Jinbe adjusted the course and turned his head to ask.
"Now that we have entered the New World, what is our next route? Are we reporting straight to the G-5 Branch?"
Hearing the term "G-5 Branch," the three Hancock sisters, who were chasing seagulls on the deck, stopped moving and listened.
Aiden turned around. He did not answer directly, but asked instead:
"Do you know how to get to the Calm Belt?"
Jinbe froze for a moment. Then, relying on his knowledge of the New World seas, he raised his hand and pointed to a patch of ocean to the southeast:
"If we are going to the Calm Belt, we need to cut through the warm water eddy over there."
"Then steer that way."
Aiden said:
"We will head to the Calm Belt first. We need to drop them back at Amazon Lily. I promised Shakky."
The G-5 Branch was famously known as a den of thugs. The place was full of rogue soldiers who acted more like pirates than actual Marines. It was clearly a bad idea to bring three little girls along to take up his post.
However, as soon as he said this, Hancock's smile vanished.
She dragged her feet and walked over to Aiden. She held the hem of her shirt with both hands, clearly wanting to say something but holding back.
"What is it?"
Aiden turned to her:
"Homesick?"
"No, I'm not..."
Hancock muttered. Then, she quickly raised her head, clearly unwilling to leave.
"Aiden... can we go back a little later?"
"Oh?" Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Reason?"
"Because... because..."
Hancock racked her brain for an excuse. Finally, she pouted:
"Because Amazon Lily is boring! There are only rocks, snakes, and that annoying Elder Nyon! Every day is combat training and studying. It's no fun at all!"
She reached out her small hand, grabbed Aiden's sleeve, and shook it gently:
"Besides... being with you these past few days has been more fun than the years I spent on the island!"
"Just take us out to play for a few more days... that G-5 Branch won't run away anyway."
Actually, it wasn't because she was bored.
It was just that for the nine-year-old Hancock, being by Aiden's side was the only place she felt completely safe.
Once she returned to Amazon Lily, she would no longer be the little girl who could hide behind Aiden. She would have to be the royal heir who always wore a mask around others.
She didn't want to lose this sense of security.
Aiden felt a bit amused as he looked at Hancock pulling his sleeve and acting spoiled.
It was hard to connect this child with the proud woman she would become one day.
"Don't think about slacking off."
Aiden did not reject her harshly. Instead, he lightly flicked Hancock's forehead.
"Ouch..."
Hancock held her forehead and almost cried.
"You are the future Empress of the Kuja."
Aiden said, more seriously this time:
"You can't become strong if you just hide on my ship."
"If you don't go back and get stronger, how will you survive on this sea later? Are you going to rely on others to protect you for the rest of your life?"
Hancock froze. She remembered the Conqueror's Haki Aiden had shown on Fish-Man Island.
Her frustration faded, replaced by stubborn resolve.
"I don't want to rely on others for protection!" Hancock clenched her small fists. "I want to get stronger too! As strong as Aiden!"
"That's more like it."
Aiden nodded in satisfaction. Then, he changed the subject.
"However... even though I have to take you back, it's fine if we take a little detour and treat you to a good meal before you go."
"Really?!"
Hancock brightened at once. Her sad look from earlier was completely gone.
"I want to eat meat! The big pieces of meat with bones in them!"
"Alright, alright. You can eat as much as you want."
Right at that moment.
"Caw—"
A newspaper-delivery bird cried overhead. A moment later, the News Coo flapped down onto the ship's rail, wearing a small aviator hat and carrying a red satchel around its neck.
It practicedly extended its wing and made a "pay up" Kane as he walked over.
"Tsk, have the New World newspapers really gone up to 200 Berries a copy? What a robbery."
Kane complained as he pulled out coins and stuffed them into the News Coo's pouch, pulling out a copy of the latest newspaper.
The News Coo flew away satisfied.
Kane shook the newspaper open and habitually scanned the front page.
However, just one glance made him stop in place.
"What's wrong?" Jinbe noticed Kane acting strange.
"S-Sir!!"
Kane quickly turned around. He waved the newspaper in his hand and shouted:
"Something huge happened! Headquarters made a massive move!!"
"Hmm?" Aiden turned lazily.
Kane rushed over to Aiden and showed him the newspaper, pointing at the massive, bold headline:
"Look at this!!"
The front-page headline clearly read—
Marine Highest Fighting Force Changes! New Three Admirals Roster Officially Confirmed!
Below the headline were three half-body photos.
In the center was Sakazuki wearing a Marine cap, under the alias "Akainu".
On the left was Borsalino wearing yellow sunglasses, under the alias "Kizaru".
On the right was Kuzan with black curly hair, under the alias "Aokiji".
"They finally took the spots, huh..."
Aiden read the names without much surprise.
It had been over three years since Roger's execution, and the Great Pirate Era was getting more intense. With Zephyr stepping back to the second line and Sengoku promoted to Fleet Admiral, it was guaranteed that these three Logia users would step up.
"It's not just the Three Admirals!"
Kane was clearly much more excited than Aiden. He pointed to the sub-headline below.
"Sir, the real point is right here!"
"Headquarters also announced a list of three new 'Admiral Candidates'!"
Aiden followed his finger and looked over.
There were no photos on the list, only three aliases and names:
"Momousagi" Gion.
"Chaton" Tokikake.
"Kurouma" Tensei.
"This is too..."
Jinbe leaned in, stunned. "What is going on with the Marines? Promoting this many people all at once?"
"That is the key issue here!!"
Kane slammed the table. His usual flattery vanished, replaced by sharp analysis.
"Sir! This isn't right! This is definitely not just a normal personnel change!"
"This is Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru silently showing their hand to the Five Elders!"
"Showing their hand?" Jinbe and Issho were both confused.
Kane pointed at the newspaper and started to analyze the situation clearly:
"Think about it, everyone. A few days ago, the World Government just announced the approval of the Seven Warlords of the Sea system. They even went as far as recruiting a dangerous criminal like the Red Count. This was clearly a direct insult to the Marines, showing that the current Marines are not enough to control the sea."
"And the result? It's only been a few days!"
Kane continued:
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku immediately made this huge move. He promoted the Three Admirals at once and established three Admiral Candidates, which is extremely rare."
Kane held up a finger.
"The Three Admirals, plus three new Admiral Candidates. That makes six of the Marines' strongest fighters!"
"And... why exactly three candidates? Why break tradition?"
Kane turned to Aiden, barely holding back his excitement.
"They basically wrote your name on the paper, Sir!!"
"Three Admirals, plus three candidates... plus you, Sir. Even though you are officially exiled, your prestige within the Marines is unmatched, and you have the strength of another Admiral..."
"Three plus three plus one..."
"Exactly seven!!"
Kane took a deep breath and gave his final conclusion:
"Seven against seven!!"
"The World Government created the Seven Warlords, so Fleet Admiral Sengoku immediately assembled the Marines' seven strongest forces!"
"This is a direct counter! They are using this method to tell the Five Elders—the Marines don't need pirates! The Marines have their own seven blades!"
"Also..."
Kane turned to Aiden with open admiration.
"This also proves that Fleet Admiral Sengoku hasn't given up on you at all! He is telling everyone that even if you killed a Celestial Dragon, even if you are at the G-5 Branch right now... there will always be a place for you at the very top of the Marines!"
After Kane's analysis, the deck went quiet.
Jinbe sat there, stunned.
So... the situation behind the scenes ran this deep?
So this man held this much weight with the Marine higher-ups? Even though he killed a Celestial Dragon, Fleet Admiral Sengoku still used this subtle but tough method to save a spot for him.
"Heh..."
After hearing Kane's highly logical—and perhaps slightly over-analyzed—breakdown, Aiden didn't react much.
He picked up the newspaper and looked at Gion's name on the list. He paused when he saw those two familiar words.
"Enough."
Aiden casually handed the newspaper to the curious Jinbe.
"How the big shots at the top play chess is their business."
He stood up, too lazy to give an acceptance speech. He just patted the wrinkles on his coat and walked straight to the bow:
"Since these girls don't want to go back so soon, we'll take a short detour and see if there's anything fun nearby."
"But for now, it's time to eat."
...
Noon.
An inviting smell filled the entire Storm Reaper.
A special giant iron pot was set up on the deck. Snow-white fish meat boiled in the rich broth inside. It was a savory scent that only high-quality ingredients could produce.
"Gulp..."
Everyone gathered around the pot swallowed their saliva in unison.
"Alright, you can eat."
As Aiden added the final spice, everyone quickly held out their bowls and reached for the food.
"Mmm!! Delicious!!"
Hancock picked up a piece of fish and put it in her mouth. She held her cheeks with both hands.
"What is this?! It melts in your mouth! It's ten thousand times better than the roasted sea beasts on Amazon Lily!"
"It truly is delicious."
Jinbe also grabbed a large piece and nodded repeatedly as he ate.
"I didn't expect the boss to not only be strong, but also have such incredible cooking skills. I've never eaten such a delicious fish dish in my life."
"Of course."
Aiden held a bowl of soup and said proudly:
"Whether it's killing or cooking, if I'm going to do it, I'm going to be the best at it."
"Here, Issho, try this jug of wine. It pairs perfectly with the fish."
"I am deeply grateful."
Issho accepted the wine cup with a satisfied smile.
Just by showing off a bit of cooking, he won everyone over with one meal.
However, while the good food temporarily washed away the sadness of parting, the three girls became visibly depressed again at the thought of returning.
Especially Hancock. She leaned against the ship's rail, barely hiding how sad she was. Seeing her like that made Aiden feel both amused and helpless.
"Alright, stop making that face."
Aiden walked over and stood beside her.
"Since I promised to treat you guys to a good meal before leaving, I won't go back on my word. That fish was just the appetizer."
Saying that, Aiden turned his head and waved at Kane, who was organizing the logbook:
"Kane."
"Present! Sir!"
Kane immediately put down his pen, jogged over, stood straight, and gave a standard military salute.
"Are you familiar with the New World seas?"
Aiden rubbed his chin and gave a very demanding request:
"Is there a place with good food, drinks, and entertainment? It should ideally have special desserts, be bustling enough, and make kids happy."
Even though Aiden had the foresight of a transmigrator, he hadn't memorized every single island in the New World when he read the manga in his past life. He was completely clueless about a casual, non-main-plot island like this.
"Well..."
Kane pushed his glasses up his nose.
As Aiden's first adjutant, his combat strength might not be exceptional, but when it came to gathering intel and handling logistics, he was absolutely at the commander level.
"Sir, you definitely asked the right person."
Kane pulled a notebook covered in sticky notes and tags out of his jacket.
He quickly flipped through the pages and stopped his finger on one of them:
"Found it! A perfect location that fits all your requests!"
"Located about three hundred nautical miles southeast of our route, there is a neutral island called Padora."
Kane pointed at the spot on the map and gave a vivid description:
"It's a neutral island run by several powerful merchant groups. It gathers top chefs from the four seas and the Grand Line. It has the biggest food street and amusement park in the New World, as well as a famous floating casino."
"Most importantly, the Aurora Pudding and Rainbow Cotton Candy there are famous across the New World. They say even Big Mom has sent people to buy them before."
Hearing "food street," "amusement park," and "pudding," the Hancock sisters perked up at once.
Even though she didn't want Aiden to treat her like a child, the things he just mentioned were too tempting. Hancock grabbed Aiden's arm at once.
"I want to go!!"
Listening to Kane's vivid description, it wasn't just Hancock—even Issho, who had been enjoying the scenery, couldn't help but look back when he heard about the floating casino.
"Not bad. You prepared very thoroughly."
Aiden patted Kane's shoulder in satisfaction and casually made an empty promise:
"I'll give you a raise later."
"It is my honor to share the burden for you, Sir!"
Kane grinned from ear to ear. He then pulled an Eternal Pose from his pocket and handed it over:
"This is the Eternal Pose for Padora. I prepared it a long time ago, just in case."
"Jinbe, I'll leave it to you then?"
Aiden tossed the pointer to Jinbe.
It had to be said, Jinbe's skill as a helmsman was obvious. The turbulent currents, hidden reefs, and sudden weird cyclones that were everyday occurrences in the New World felt like walking on flat ground under his large hands that could sense water flow changes.
The ship was so steady that you couldn't feel any bumps.
Jinbe took the pointer, checked the direction, and said confidently:
"It's not too far. If we follow the current ocean current, it will take about three days of sailing."
"Three days is too long."
Aiden noticed the girls getting impatient, stretched his back, and stood up:
"Jinbe, just hold the helm steady."
He cracked his neck, making a crisp sound. Tiny electrical arcs flickered faintly across his body:
"I'm going to the engine room to speed up the ship. Let's try to get there before dinner."
Jinbe nodded, immediately understanding what Aiden meant.
Earlier during their ascent, Aiden had already explained the Storm Reaper's special dual-power system. Aside from regular sails, it also had an electric propulsion unit powered by the Lightning Engine Core.
As long as Aiden injected some high-voltage electricity into the power furnace, the ship could surge forward at high speed.
Jinbe turned the wheel. The Storm Reaper cut a beautiful curve across the sea, getting ready for the acceleration.
Aiden turned and walked toward the stairs leading to the lower deck.
However.
Just as Aiden's hand touched the cabin door handle.
"Buzz—"
Aiden's Observation Haki caught a sudden threat.
Aiden's movements stopped abruptly.
The feeling was like a predator had locked onto him from behind.
"This is..."
Aiden frowned slightly. His relaxed posture vanished.
Because they were on the vast open sea, Aiden usually didn't use his Observation Haki at full power. But even in its normal state, his Observation Haki covered a radius of over a dozen nautical miles around the ship.
But just now.
Within his perception, an extremely powerful enemy was charging straight toward the Storm Reaper at an astonishing speed.
There was no hiding, no detouring.
It was coming straight for him.
"Someone this strong..."
Aiden let go of the door handle and slowly turned toward the direction it came from.
A long-lost sense of surprise, and even... a trace of confusion, rose in his heart.
Strong.
Dangerous.
Whoever was coming was a serious threat.
Aiden stopped treating it lightly.
"Are you kidding me..."
Roger was dead.
The Rocks Pirates were wiped out long ago at God Valley.
Looking at the sea today, Aiden knew where he stood.
Honestly speaking, he was already among the strongest people on the sea right now.
Even against Edward Newgate, the Strongest Man in the World, Aiden was confident he could fight him seriously at this point in time.
Since Whitebeard did not unify the New World after Roger's death, it meant that while he was powerful, he was not someone who could completely crush the sea and ignore all rules.
If someone like this still existed openly on the sea, the balance of the New World would not have lasted this long.
But now...
Who was coming?
"There's no such person... in the manga."
Aiden muttered to himself.
As a transmigrator, his biggest advantage was knowing the plot. But he searched through all his memories of One Piece, and he couldn't find someone this strong at this point in time.
The enemy was getting closer.
It was heading straight for the Storm Reaper.
Flee? Or stay?
If Aiden wanted to leave, using the Rumble-Rumble Fruit's speed to take the ship away, shaking off the opponent wouldn't be hard.
But this thought only lasted for a second before Aiden dismissed it.
Are you kidding me.
He was Aiden, the Marine who had killed a Celestial Dragon and forced the World Government to back down.
If he backed down before even seeing the enemy, his Conqueror's Haki would mean nothing.
"Interesting."
Aiden took a deep breath, and his surprise turned into interest.
He turned around. Instead of going to the lower deck, he strode back to the chair in the middle of the deck, sat back down, and crossed his legs.
"Since the guest is this enthusiastic, I want to see exactly what kind of opponent this is."
Seeing Aiden return and the ship not accelerating, Kane paused:
"Sir? What's wrong? Aren't we in a hurry?"
Aiden waved his hand:
"No need."
"We have a guest coming. Prepare to receive them."
"A guest?"
Kane and Jinbe both froze. Where would a guest come from on this vast sea?
Right as he spoke.
"Whoosh—"
A cold wind suddenly blew across the deck.
The clear, cloudless sky quickly darkened.
The weather in the New World always changed without any logic.
"Rumble!!"
Purple lightning tore through the sky.
A fierce gale rose, and the once calm sea instantly churned up giant waves over ten meters high. Heavy raindrops poured down, crashing against the sea and creating a thick white mist.
"This weather... changed too fast!"
Kane was soaked to the bone.
Even though Jinbe tried his best to control the ship, the Storm Reaper still began to pitch violently in the sudden storm.
"Sir!"
Kane wiped the rainwater from his face and shouted:
"The wind and waves are too strong! And there seems to be a huge undercurrent whirlpool ahead! Should we drop the anchor to steady the ship first?!"
Aiden sat in his chair, letting the heavy rain soak his hair and clothes.
In his perception, the enemy had crossed the storm and was less than three nautical miles from the Storm Reaper.
Moreover, no matter how wild the wind and waves got, the enemy's route remained steady, as if the storm meant nothing to him.
"Drop the anchor."
Aiden wiped the rain from his face.
"Anyway... the guest has arrived."
"Tap."
Just then, soft footsteps rang out.
Issho, who had been resting with his eyes closed, had walked over at some point.
Issho's hand rested on his cane sword. He slightly unsheathed it by half an inch, revealing the bright blade.
"Aiden..."
Issho spoke through the storm:
"They did not come with good intentions."
"Whoever that is, they are strong."
"Yeah." Aiden kept facing the dark sea ahead.
Just as the two spoke.
"W-What is that?!"
The sailor on lookout suddenly shouted over the thunder:
"An island?! An island is crashing into us!!!"
Everyone quickly turned toward the bow.
In the dark storm and massive waves ahead, an unnaturally giant shadow was slowly tearing through the rain, pressing down toward the Storm Reaper.
As the distance closed, illuminated by the lightning, everyone finally saw the true form of the shadow.
It wasn't an island.
It was a ship.
A bizarrely shaped ship, a massive warship dozens of times the size of the Storm Reaper!
Its massive hull blocked out the sky and completely swallowed the Storm Reaper beneath its shadow.
The sight made the crew stop breathing for a moment.
And standing atop the towering bow of that giant warship was an imposing figure.
"CRACK—!!"
A thick bolt of lightning split the night sky, its pale light instantly illuminating the figure.
It was a giant.
But he was far larger than the giants the world knew. He possessed the terrifying size that only the legendary Ancient Giants had.
He wore heavy chainmail and a rain-soaked dark red cape, looking like a warrior from an old Elbaph saga.
He stood silently at the bow with his arms crossed, letting the heavy rain wash over his bald head and the shocking broken-horn scars on it.
The air around him felt heavy even through the storm.
"Aiden."
Harald looked down at the tiny human on the ship across from him. His words cut through the howling wind and rain, exploding like muffled thunder in everyone's ears:
"Come with me. The authorities in Mary Geoise wish to see you."
There was no extra nonsense, nor the arrogant shouting typical of pirates.
There was only an unquestionable command.
"I do not wish to use force here."
Harald's hands remained at his sides; he made no move to touch the massive sword resting on his back:
"This small ship... cannot withstand my power."
Aiden finally recognized him.
"Damn... how did I forget about this guy."
Now he remembered:
"The Giant King who once clashed with Rocks..."
Blame it on transmigrating too early. He had crossed over before seeing the later plot of God Valley. How did this Giant King end up working for the World Government?
And why did they send him to catch him? Was it because his strength had grown too fast recently, alerting the Five Elders? Or... did he have some special use for them?
Even though he had many doubts, Aiden didn't show them.
No matter what scheme the other party had, or what they wanted him to do in Mary Geoise.
Even if they invited him to a meal, he absolutely wouldn't go.
Aiden noticed the broken horns on the giant's bald head. He replied with undisguised mockery:
"So it's the legendary Wise King of Elbaph, King Harald."
Hearing the words "Wise King," Harald's face changed slightly.
"The great Giant King not only became a tool for the World Government... but even lost the twin horns that symbolize a warrior's pride?"
Hearing Aiden talk about his horns, Harald's hand moved toward the hilt of the absurdly large greatsword on his back.
"You want to take me away?"
Aiden placed one hand on the hilt of Oto at his waist. His thumb lightly pushed the handguard open, and sharp pressure from his sword rose with his Haki.
At the same time, Conqueror's Haki erupted from him.
"Buzz—!!!"
Conqueror's Haki!
A violent blast wave swept out in all directions with Aiden at the center, forcefully pushing back the pouring rain around him.
Bathed in lightning, his hair whipping wildly, Aiden faced Harald and spoke without backing down:
"Are you ready to lose a few teeth?"
Harald faced Aiden.
"Stubborn."
His fingers gripped the hilt, squeezing slightly.
"BOOM!!!"
The next second, Harald released his own Conqueror's Haki. It was the will that had once clashed with Rocks.
Aiden's and Harald's Haki collided over the raging sea.
"Crackle! Crackle!"
Countless arcs of black-red lightning burst out of thin air, flashing violently in the space between Aiden and Harald.
Under the pressure of the two Hakis, the pouring rain was blown sideways and the dark clouds twisted above them.