Sea Circle Calendar, Year 1495.A year destined to be etched into history.
In this year, the gears of fate began to spin faster, and the surging tide of the era swept across the entire Grand Line.
At the start of the year, the rising Marine star known as "Heavenquake" Gern Reginald Sigmar was defeated in a fierce battle against Roger. That clash allowed the world to truly witness the overwhelming might of the man who would one day become the Pirate King—and, at the same time, forced Gern to clearly recognize the gulf that separated him from those who stood at the level of kings.
Yet the cruel irony of fate lay in this:
Just a few months later, it was this very defeated challenger who would indirectly save the Roger Pirates.
In the Edd War Sea, when Roger was encircled by the massive armada led by Golden Lion Shiki, the earth-shaking tsunami triggered by Gern became the decisive turning point that allowed Roger to escape from certain death.
This titanic clash—later known to history as the Battle of Edd War—completely rewrote the balance of power in the New World.
The once-dominant Flying Pirates, whose name had shaken the seas, were crippled in this battle.Golden Lion himself suffered devastating head injuries and fell violently from the throne of power once shared by the three greatest legendary pirates.
In the latter half of that same year, the adventures of the Roger Pirates continued.
They wrested a crucial Poneglyph from the hands of the young Charlotte Linlin, yet found themselves unable to decipher its secrets.This dilemma led Roger to turn his gaze toward the Kozuki Clan of Wano, setting his sights on Kozuki Oden, a core member of the Whitebeard Pirates.
At the same time, aboard the ship, the man known as the "Devil's Heir," Douglas Bullet, learned that Roger was suffering from a terminal illness and did not have long to live. His beliefs collapsed.
After realizing that he would never surpass Roger in this lifetime, Bullet launched one final challenge on Kuraigana Island.Defeated once more, he formally left the crew, bringing his bond with Roger to an end.
Soon after, the calendar turned to Sea Circle Calendar 1496, and the wheels of history continued their relentless advance.
Within Marine Headquarters, personnel changes followed in quick succession.Borsalino and Kuzan were promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral, while Gern, due to punishment for unauthorized actions, retained his rank as Rear Admiral…
Out on the seas, the Roger Pirates encountered the Whitebeard Pirates. After clashing, Roger did the unthinkable—he knelt before Whitebeard, earnestly requesting that Kozuki Oden join his crew to help locate and decipher the Poneglyphs.
That same year, Crocodile crossed paths with the lone, wandering Bullet.He issued a challenge, and the two fought to a standstill. From that battle, the name "Sir Crocodile" echoed throughout the New World.
Meanwhile, in the halls of power within Mary Geoise, the World Government was quietly brewing a plan that would shake the seas to their core.
The prototype of the Seven Warlords of the Sea system had begun to take shape.
The World Government intended to invite powerful pirates to join them, using them to balance military strength in the first half of the Grand Line.
This decision sent shockwaves through the Marine ranks...
...…
Marine Headquarters — Marineford
Inside Akainu's residence, a cool breeze drifted through the room. Sakazuki sat rigidly on the sofa, gripping a document so tightly that his knuckles had turned white.
His brow was deeply furrowed, flames of fury burning in his eyes.
"Gern, take a look at this!"Sakazuki slammed the document onto the table, his voice low and suppressed."The World Government actually wants to push through some so-called 'Seven Warlords of the Sea' system!Inviting those damned pirates to become legal plunderers? It's utterly absurd!"
Gern sat opposite him, holding a cup of hot tea. The rising steam blurred his expression.
He took a small sip, calmly scanned the document, then set the cup down and spoke evenly."Sakazuki. Calm down."
"Calm down?!"Sakazuki shot to his feet, his fist crashing onto the table and making the teacup jump."The Marines exist to eradicate pirates! And now we're supposed to cooperate with them?! What kind of justice is that?!"
Gern didn't respond immediately. He simply looked up at Sakazuki, his gaze deep and layered.
After a moment of silence, he spoke softly."The fact that the World Government informed us at all means they never intended to consider the Marines' opinion."
"So what?!"A flash of ruthlessness crossed Sakazuki's eyes."We can unite with the other commanders and oppose this ridiculous decision!Admiral Sengoku, Instructor Zephyr—even Vice Admiral Garp—they'd never agree to this!"
Gern shook his head, a helpless smile tugging at his lips."Sakazuki, you're being naïve.What the World Government needs is a tool to maintain balance—not our opinions.They made this decision long ago. Informing us is nothing more than a formality."
Sakazuki's breathing grew heavy. He stared hard at Gern, as if trying to see through him.
After a moment, he gritted his teeth."So we just compromise?Let those pirates keep committing evil under a legal façade?"
"Compromise?"Gern let out a quiet laugh, his eyes turning cold."No. I'm just telling you the reality.The World Government no longer trusts the Marines' power alone. They need new 'tools' to maintain control."
He stood and walked to the window, gazing at the pond in the courtyard. His voice dropped, carrying a deeper meaning.
"Sakazuki… have you ever wondered why the World Government suddenly proposed such a system?"
Sakazuki frowned. "What are you getting at?"
Gern turned around, his gaze sharp as a blade."Because they're afraid.Afraid that the Marines' power is slipping beyond their control. Afraid that 'monsters' like us might one day threaten their rule."
"So they choose to work with pirates?"Sakazuki clenched his fist, dark red light flaring along his arm as magma simmered beneath his skin."That's betrayal!"
"Betrayal?"Gern sneered softly."No. It's just a game of power.The World Government has never cared about justice—only stability.And we are nothing more than a blade in their hands."
Sakazuki fell silent. The anger in his eyes was gradually replaced by something deeper, heavier.
He slowly sat back down, his voice hoarse."Gern… what are you really trying to say?"
"Heh."Gern walked back to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder. His tone was calm, yet laced with a familiar, subtly provocative edge."I'm just saying this—true justice shouldn't be bound by anyone.If the World Government has already begun to rot, then…"He paused, his eyes sharpening like steel."Perhaps we should start thinking about who truly stands on the side of 'justice.'"
Sakazuki jerked his head up, his pupils contracting."You—"
"Ah, ah! Of course, I'm only suggesting a possibility."Gern interrupted with a slight smile."After all, our justice shouldn't be defined by others."
In the courtyard, a bamboo water basin filled and tipped with a sharp clack.A flicker of struggle passed through Sakazuki's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by iron resolve.
"Gern," he said as he stood, his voice low and firm,"what you said today—I'll remember it, and I won't speak of it to anyone else.But no matter what, my justice will never waver.Pirates are pirates. No matter what mask they wear, I will eradicate them completely."
Gern looked at him, the smile on his lips deepening.
"That's the Sakazuki I know."
He raised his teacup and gently tapped it against Sakazuki's clenched fist.
"To a fire of justice that never goes out."