Amazon Lily — Royal Palace
Gloriosa's voice trembled slightly as she clutched the newspaper in her hands. "You heard me. Someone punched a Celestial Dragon… right in the face. It's in the news."
Shock, pure and unfiltered, spread across Hancock's usually flawless features. She bolted upright from her throne, skirts swirling with fluid motion as she rushed down the grand stairs of the palace. Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floors, each step resonating like the beating of a war drum.
Reaching Gloriosa, Hancock snatched the newspaper from her hands with swift precision. "Give me here! Let me see!" Gloriosa's protests were soft, swallowed by the wind of Hancock's movement.
Hancock's eyes widened as she frantically scanned the front page. The headline screamed at her like a cannon:
BIG NEWS!! BIGGER THAN EVER!!
—President Morgan, Editor-in-Chief of the World Economic Journal
"MARINE CAPTAIN STRIKES A GOD?!?" TENJIN OF THE NORTH BLUE PUNCHES A CELESTIAL DRAGON!
The article's words seemed to burn themselves into Hancock's vision. Her hands trembled slightly, but her eyes devoured every line with an intensity that made Gloriosa step back, unsure whether to intervene.
---
The world trembles today as an unthinkable incident rocks the very foundation of the World Government!
In the North Blue, during what was meant to be a routine protection detail, a young Marine officer committed an act that has sent shockwaves across all seas. The man responsible?
Marine Captain TENJIN.
Yes, readers! You read that correctly! A Marine, an officer of justice has laid his hands on a Celestial Dragon, one of the "Gods of the World"!!
According to eyewitnesses on the scene, Saint Paul of the World Nobles was struck down by a single devastating punch, leaving him incapacitated and his elite guards swiftly defeated soon after. Trained protectors of the highest authority crushed in moments!
And that's not all!!
When confronted about his actions, Captain Tenjin reportedly made a declaration so bold, so dangerous, that it may echo through history itself:
"When I became a Marine, I resolved myself to protecting the people.
I didn't sign up to protect so-called Gods."
GYAHAHAHA!! What nerve! What audacity!! What NEWS!!
But the young captain didn't stop there. With the calm conviction of a man who knows exactly what he's doing, Tenjin went even further, issuing what can only be described as a direct challenge to the World Government itself:
"If doing my job means I have to fight the government's strongest force…
Then bring it on."
OOOH, Now that sent chills down my feathers!!
This is no mere act of rebellion born from emotion. No, no, no! From all reports, Captain Tenjin acted deliberately, standing firm in his own brand of justice. He did not flee. He did not beg forgiveness. He remained on the scene unshaken.
Sources within Marine ranks are already scrambling. Admirals whispered. Orders disputed. Veterans divided. Some condemn the act as unforgivable treason, while others, quietly, are calling it justice.
Who is this Captain Tenjin?
A rising star of the North Blue. A swordsman of terrifying skill. A man rumored to wield a mysterious Devil Fruit. And now?
A symbol.
Whether he intends it or not, Tenjin has become something far more dangerous than a criminal or a hero.
He has become a question.
A question aimed straight at the throne of the World Government.
Can the "Gods" still stand unchallenged?
Can justice truly exist if it only serves the untouchable?
And most importantly
Will the Marines turn their guns on one of their own?
GYAHAHAHA!! What a time to be alive!!
This bird smells a storm coming, one that could split the seas themselves!!
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN, WORLD!!
Because Captain Tenjin isn't bowing his head…
…and BIG NEWS says this is only the beginning!!
---
Hancock's chest tightened.
No, pounded.
The sensation was sudden, unfamiliar, and entirely unwelcome. Her heart beat hard against her ribs, loud enough that she was certain everyone in the throne room could hear it. She pressed a hand lightly against her chest, brows knitting together in confusion.
"…So idiots like that still exist," she said quietly.
Her lips curved upward despite herself.
A small smile.
"You know," Hancock murmured, eyes still fixed on the newspaper, "some men… are not so bad."
Just then, soft footsteps echoed through the throne room.
Boa Sandersonia and Boa Marigold entered side by side, their serpentine lower bodies gliding smoothly over the marble floor. The moment they saw their elder sister's expression, wide eyes, faint flush on her cheeks, posture oddly stiff, they froze.
"Sister?" Sandersonia asked carefully. "Did something happen?"
No response.
Hancock didn't even blink.
Her gaze was locked onto the front page of the newspaper, specifically, the photograph printed beneath the headline. Captain Tenjin stood captured mid-moment, stern-faced, eyes sharp and unwavering. His expression was serious, almost severe… and yet
Why does he look so handsome…?
Hancock's breath caught.
Her cheeks warmed noticeably.
Her heart thudded again, faster this time.
Marigold leaned forward slightly, concern creeping into her voice. "Sister? Are you okay?"
That snapped Hancock out of it.
She stiffened, then sharply turned her head away from the paper. "W-What am I thinking?" she muttered under her breath, shaking her head as if trying to physically dislodge the thought.
Sandersonia and Marigold stared at her.
Then at each other.
Confusion was written plainly across both of their faces.
Gloriosa, sensing the need to intervene before things became stranger, cleared her throat. "Hancock is reading about a young Marine," she said. "An article reporting that he punched a Celestial Dragon."
"HUH?!"
Both sisters exclaimed in unison, eyes widening.
"A Celestial Dragon?!" Sandersonia repeated, stunned. "Someone actually dared to defy one? Let alone attack one?!"
Marigold shook her head slowly. "That sounds impossible. Whoever did that must have a death wish."
Hancock finally spoke again, her voice firm, but quieter than usual. "It's true."
She lifted the newspaper slightly, the headline still visible.
Sandersonia leaned closer, disbelief etched across her features. "This Marine… he's insane."
Marigold nodded. "No one survives after something like that."
But Hancock had already stopped listening.
Her eyes drifted back to the photograph.
Tenjin.
Her face flushed again, more noticeably this time.
An Admiral is most probably going to be sent after him, she thought. There's no way the World Government lets this slide.
Her fingers tightened unconsciously at her side.
The North Blue… I'm closer than Marineford is.
A dangerous thought formed.
Should I go assist him?
Her heart skipped.
She immediately shook her head side to side, flustered. "N-No," she muttered, cheeks burning. "That would be far too presumptuous. What would he even think of me…?"
Sandersonia and Marigold exchanged another look, this one far more concerned than confused.
They slowly turned toward Gloriosa.
Gloriosa simply shrugged her shoulders, equally at a loss.
Hancock abruptly folded the newspaper and set it down on a nearby table. Then she straightened, placing her hands firmly on her hips. The familiar, commanding presence of the Empress of Amazon Lily returned in full force.
"Marigold. Sandersonia," Hancock said, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Gather everyone. We are setting sail."
Marigold blinked. "Huh? But sister, we just returned—"
"Don't question me," Hancock cut in sharply. "Just do as I say."
Her sisters hesitated only a moment before nodding. "Yes, sister."
Without another word, they turned and moved to carry out her orders.
Hancock remained behind, glancing once more at the folded newspaper.
Her lips curved ever so slightly.
---
Marineford — Fleet Admiral's Office
The air inside Sengoku's office was heavy.
Sunlight streamed in through the tall windows, illuminating the stacks of documents piled neatly across the room. Sengoku sat behind his desk, hands clasped, expression grim. Next to him sat Vice Admiral Tsuru. She was always with Sengoku as she assisted him with paperwork.
Standing before him was a tall man in a black-and-yellow striped suit. His posture was relaxed, almost lazy. Hands tucked into his pockets, shoulders slouched casually.
Borsalino.
Or as most knew him
Kizaru.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku~," Kizaru drawled, voice slow and unhurried. "You called for me?"
Sengoku looked up at him, eyes sharp.
"Yes, Borsalino," he said. "We need you to go and eliminate someone."
Kizaru tilted his head slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Ooooh~?"