The atmosphere in the Fleet Admiral's office at Marine Headquarters was so tense you could wring water from it.
Sengoku slammed the Den Den Mushi onto his desk with such force that the ceramic receiver left a crack in the redwood surface. "What the hell does Bahr think he's doing?!" he roared, his knuckles whitening as he clenched his fists, his goatee trembling with rage. "With Whitebeard just dead and the New World in complete chaos, he dares to cause trouble at Sabaody Archipelago now? Does he really think the World Government is just for show?!"
The officers in the room held their breath, not daring to make a sound.
In the corner, Garp munched on rice crackers, mumbling through a full mouth, "That kid's got guts, I'll give him that. Though compared to Roger back in the day—"
"Garp!" Sengoku whirled around to glare at him. "Is this really the time for that?!"
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Sengoku forced his anger down. "A Celestial Dragon was attacked at Sabaody Archipelago. This is no ordinary pirate disturbance."
"Calm down first, Sengoku," Vice Admiral Tsuru adjusted her glasses, her voice steady and soothing. "According to reports, Bahr not only attacked the auction house but openly assaulted a Celestial Dragon. Every Marine on Sabaody is mobilizing toward the scene now."
"Those Celestial Dragons are also—"
Sengoku paced the room in agitation, his military boots thudding heavily against the floor. Unable to contain himself, he cursed loudly, his tone dripping with frustration. "Our main forces just withdrew from the Summit War, and our troop deployments haven't even been adjusted yet. Pirates are gathering like sharks smelling blood, and they choose now to parade around?!"
He stopped abruptly. "They didn't learn their lesson after Bahr attacked them last time, and now they're off attending some Merfolk Auction. Because of their recklessness, the entire Marine force has to clean up their mess. They're practically asking for death!"
Garp finally swallowed the last of his rice crackers and wiped his mouth, his tone laced with undisguised scorn. "Well, those scumbags have always seen themselves as gods. Why would they care about the situation?"
He paused, unusually serious for once. "But that kid Bahr—daring to target Celestial Dragons twice in a row—he's got spine."
"Garp!" Sengoku's voice rose sharply, his suppressed fury boiling over as he slammed his fist onto the desk, causing fine cracks to spiderweb across the redwood surface.
"Whitebeard just died. Every faction in the New World is watching our every move. Bahr deliberately chose this moment to stir trouble—it's a blatant provocation. He wants to test our limits, to see how much authority the World Government still holds!"
He strode to the window, staring at the warships docked in the harbor, his brow furrowed into a deep frown. "And of all times—"
"Fleet Admiral, this is precisely when we must remain calm," Vice Admiral Tsuru tapped the desk lightly, her voice firm. "An attack on a Celestial Dragon is no small matter. The Marines cannot simply stand by."
Sengoku took a deep breath, rubbing his throbbing temples with his fingers. The air in the office hung heavy for a moment.
"Aokiji and the others are all out on missions. They won't be able to return anytime soon." Suddenly, he turned his gaze to Garp in the corner, his tone brooking no argument. "Garp, you're heading to Sabaody Archipelago."
"Huh?" Garp's brows furrowed into a knot, his face full of disgust. "Why bother saving those scumbags? Let them rot!"
Sengoku glared at Garp, the fury in his voice almost palpable. "This is an order. Get moving now! If you keep dawdling, those idiots will turn Sabaody Archipelago upside down!"
Garp shrank back from the reprimand, his expression growing even more disdainful. "Fine, fine, what a hassle..."
He slowly rose from his seat, grabbed his cape from the back of the chair, and flung it over his shoulder. Dragging his feet toward the door, he muttered under his breath, "If it weren't for the Navy's reputation, who'd bother with those bastards..."
.......
On the shores of Sabaody Archipelago, waves crashed against the rocks, spraying droplets of water into the air.
The rescued Fishmen gathered in the shallows, their scales glistening under the setting sun. The slave collars around their necks had already been shattered, lying scattered across the sand.
"Lord Bahr, thank you for saving us!" The lead Fishman bowed deeply, his voice choked with emotion. "We will never forget this kindness."
Bahr waved it off casually, the Black Sword Autumn Water slung over his shoulder. "No need for thanks. Just get home safe."
The Fishmen bowed once more before turning and diving into the sea. Their powerful tails sent up great splashes as they swiftly disappeared into the depths, leaving only fading ripples behind.
"Everything's ready." Robin's voice came from behind. She stood by the gangplank of the Ark Maxim, the strap of her brown satchel swaying gently in the sea breeze. "The Coating is complete, and all crew members are accounted for."
Bahr nodded and walked toward the ship. "Then let's set sail."
"Understood." Robin replied before turning to relay the orders.
Just as Bahr stepped onto the gangplank, his peripheral vision caught sight of the square nearby. Two tall crosses stood there, with Saint Charloss and Saint Roswald bound in heavy chains. Covered in wounds, their Bubble Headgears shattered, their eyes rolled back in unconsciousness, their bandages soaked in blood that gleamed a stark red under the sunset.
A crowd had gathered around—civilians, pirates, and even a few Navy soldiers huddled in the corners. Everyone held their breath, their eyes filled with terror.
No one could believe that someone had actually dared to treat the Celestial Dragons this way.
Bahr paused mid-step, then suddenly leaped onto the platform beside the crosses. He plucked the cigarette from his mouth and crushed it under his boot. Scanning the silent crowd below, he suddenly raised his voice, cutting through the wind and waves to boom across the entire shore.
"Listen up, all of you!"
The crowd flinched as one, their gazes snapping up to him.
Bahr pointed at the Celestial Dragons on the crosses, his tone dripping with contempt. "These scum who call themselves gods treat lives as toys and freedom as merchandise. Today, I'm telling you—no one is born to be enslaved!"
The sea breeze whipped at his coat, the Black Blade glinting coldly in the sunlight.
"From this day forward, I'm founding the Cross Guild!" Bahr's voice rose like a tidal wave crashing against the shore. "We won't pick fights, and we won't bully the weak. We have one purpose: to help each other!"
He abruptly raised his Black Blade, its tip slicing through the air: "When you're cornered, your guild brothers come swinging blades to save you. When you're oppressed by tyranny, the whole guild picks up arms to fight alongside you. Whoever dares touch our people—be they Celestial Dragons, Marines, or even the Four Emperors—I'll cleave them in half without a second thought!"
With a sudden motion, Bahr slammed the Black Blade into the ground, its resonant hum kicking up a swirl of dust around him. "The Cross Guild has only one rule: We don't start trouble, but we don't back down either. Whoever comes at us, we cut them down. If you stand with me, join the Cross Guild."
What he sought to build was never a lawless band of brutes. Given his rising infamy for repeatedly provoking the Celestial Dragons, countless outlaws would flock to his banner at a single call.
But he didn't want mindless thugs who only knew destruction. He wanted a force that could truly unite for survival—one that would make even the worst scum think twice before crossing them.
Not everyone in this world was a lawless fiend, after all.
As for the guild's name... "Cross Guild" had a nice ring to it. He'd just borrow that. The future could sort itself out—he couldn't be bothered.