Dawn's light overtook the darkness as Navy headquarters readied for the most important and thrilling battle in the Grand Tournament. The sky brightened with promise, and on that battered island — familiar from past contests — a hush fell. But this time, only the strongest were permitted to attend. Any Marine whose strength had not reached Vice Admiral level was barred from the proceedings.
Around the island, both on land and in the sky, strange Transponder Snails were stationed at regular intervals — ensuring every movement was observed, every outcome recorded.
On the battlefield grounds strode a tall, lean figure clad in a white shirt and dark golden trousers. Atticus walked with calm, measured steps. There was no circular arena this time, no cheering crowd — the only rule was clear: the opponent must surrender or lose consciousness.
Opposite him, the magma-tainted figure of Akainu gleamed under the rising sun. His face was grim, his eyes cold, full of murderous intent as he stared at Atticus's composed expression. Today, only one would walk away alive.
The air was thick with dread — oppressive, heavy, pregnant with violence.
Back at Marineford, in the central plaza, giant screens displayed the live transmission from the battleground. The square was jammed with civilians: sailors on leave, merchants, former Marines, families — nearly anyone with free time had gathered. A gambling den had even set up nearby, allowing wagers on the outcome of the fight. Voices rose and fell in heated debates, cheers, curses — the chaos of human emotion laid bare.
A young woman held a small child in her arms, eyes fixed on the screen. The little boy, barely three years old, watched nervously.
"Mom, will Brother Atticus win?" he asked in a trembling voice.
"Don't worry," the woman replied, squeezing his shoulder gently. "Your Brother Atticus is strong. Even your father says so. We just have to believe in him." She offered a hopeful smile as she glanced at the island's image, then whispered softly, "Whether he wins or not, I just hope he returns safely."
"Mm, Brother Atticus is the best," the boy declared with surprising conviction for his age. "He promised me that when I grow up we'll sail the seas together chasing pirates. That's our promise."
The mother smiled, holding her son tight. "Then we cheer for him quietly in our hearts."
At the venue, the high platform held the tense faces of Fleet Admiral Kong, Sengoku, Garp, and other senior officers.
Kong sighed heavily. "If only these two strong Marines could coexist peacefully — with Kizaru and Aokiji around, the Navy's future would be secure."
"Such a pity." Tsuru squinted at the distant horizon, toward the location of the Red Line. "But this might work. After all, there are those who would rather see the Navy weakened."
Kong shook his head. Without emotion he said to Garp and Sengoku, "Do as required according to what unfolds."
Zephyr, leaning forward slightly, frowned. His voice was low but firm. "Fleet Admiral Kong, what are you implying?"
"I'm sorry, Zephyr. This is out of our hands. The higher-ups believe the Navy has grown too bloated." Kong's tone was regretful. He clearly valued Zephyr's question but could not openly challenge the decision.
Garp scoffed, picking at his nose. "If this isn't unethical, I don't know what is."
Sengoku's brow furrowed in concern. "Twice we've put limits on personal vendettas. A third time is stretching integrity."
Zephyr turned fully toward Tsuru. "Are the Five Elders planning to abandon Atticus entirely and favor Akainu?"
"It seems so," she answered in a low voice.
Zephyr stood abruptly, anger surging in his eyes. "That's outrageous!"
Kong raised a hand, motioning for quiet. His voice brooked no argument. "No matter who wins today, no one must die. Only at the end will the Five Elders decide the rest."
Zephyr's chest heaved with rage, but he seated himself again in silence.
Garp shrugged, flicking away a small piece of lint. "Whatever you say, just promise no one dies."
Kong turned to Sengoku. "You alone are enough to enforce it."
The wind blew hot dust around as the midday sun climbed higher. The battle was about to begin.
Suddenly, white mist swirled near Akainu's feet. Deep red magma formed around his lower body. The air grew scorched and heavy. Akainu growled, voice echoing with volcanic power, "For absolute justice, Atticus, you must die today."
Atticus bristled at the words. His jaw tightened. Normally he avoided trouble — if no one provoked him, he stayed silent, stayed focused. But Akainu's words, the scorching heat, and that deep hatred stirred something primal inside him.
His fists clenched. He raised his head slowly, eyes narrowing as cold anger crept through every tone of his voice. He spoke with deliberate clarity, each word dark and unflinching.
"Dead dog," he said, pausing for effect, "you won't get another chance. Maybe I have tolerated too much before. Some trash always thinks they can provoke me. That's about to change."
He tilted his head slightly, offering a haunted smile that sent chills even through the hardened Marines watching.
On the platform, Zephyr's heart sank. He recognized the shift in Atticus — this was no longer the diligent disciple he raised gently. This was something harsher, colder, more dangerous.
Zephyr exhaled slowly, powerless to intervene. People change when pushed too far.
Akainu sneered, voice dripping with scorn. "Cocky Marine. You don't know where your strength ends."
But Atticus's eyes began to glow golden-red. Flames erupted behind him, rising fast. A hellish glow enveloped him, and behind him a colossal beast silhouette formed — wings outstretched, roaring silently, exuding a brutal, uncanny aura.
"Akainu," Atticus said softly, voice filled with menace, "are you ready to become a dead dog?"
He shifted his stance slightly. The fire around him surged, heat rippling through the air. Smoke curled, dust lifted, and embers danced in the wind.
Though no one could say how the battle would end, one thing was certain: when flame and magma clashed this day, the island would remember it as the contest that reshaped seas.
---
Read 70–90+ chapters on Patreon!
Copy the link below into your browser, or search for "Zphyr" on Patreon:
patreon.com/Zphyr