The capture of the man who conquered the Grand Line sent shockwaves through every corner of the world, shaking both the Marines and the pirate world to their core.
An era of upheaval was beginning.
I walked through the corridors of Marineford, clutching my head in my hands. It's already that time...
If memory serves, this is about 22 years before the start of the original story. That means the next two decades are going to be a nightmare of overtime.
The birth of the Straw Hat crew, the Ohara Buster Call, the attack on Mary Geoise, the Fish-Man Island incidents, Doflamingo's rise... the list goes on.
I need to get "The Plan" in motion soon. Maybe I should request a transfer away from Marineford for a year just to—
"Oi, Krieg! Good timing. You're coming with us!"
I was snatched up by Vice Admiral Garp. I have a very bad feeling about this.
My intuition was spot on. I'd been assigned to the elite escort unit. Led by Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Garp, we were to transport Gold Roger to Loguetown for his execution.
No way! Doesn't Shiki show up for this?! And not just him—every powerhouse who can't accept the end of the era is going to come crawling out of the woodwork. This is the definition of drawing the short straw!
...Wait. If I distinguish myself here, the political leverage later will be massive. Besides, with Sengoku and Garp acting as the "Twin Shields," they'll handle Shiki directly. My job is just to manage the collateral and the smaller fry.
Alright!
"Vice Admiral Garp! I'll go, but I have one request!"
Garp, who was busy rounding up familiar faces for the unit, looked back. "Hmm? What is it?"
"Sir! This mission is expected to be a bloodbath! I request authorisation to use the 'Prototype Arsenal'!!"
Garp paused. "The usage authorisation for that...?"
The "Prototype Arsenal" was my "Full Power" gear. It was a collection of weapons developed based on my ideas and the Science Division's absolute lack of restraint. Clad in that gear, I wasn't just a Marine; I was a "Walking Fortress."
We'd done a test run once, but after seeing the results, Garp, Sengoku, and I agreed that it was "excessive." It was locked away, requiring Admiral-level authorisation to deploy.
"Fine," Garp said, his grin widening. "We don't know what's coming. I'll clear it with Sengoku. Execution is in ten days. We depart for Loguetown in two days. Get your gear ready. Dismissed!"
Success. With that gear, I might actually survive. I couldn't remember exactly when Shiki attacked (actually, it's a week before the execution). I thought maybe he'd attack the ships at sea with his fleet (actually, he comes to Marineford alone).
Well, I can't remember the specifics, so I'd better just be ready for anything.
A few days later—
One week before the scheduled execution. The weather was foul. A cold rain lashed against the stone of Marineford's coastal plaza.
I stood before my assigned platoon, overseeing the loading of supplies. I was clad in the "Prototype Arsenal": a golden-hued suit of armour made of Wooterz steel, a thick mantle that swept the ground, shoulder plates housing hidden compartments, four heavy blades at my waist, and my trusty five-ton mace in hand.
I shouldn't have suggested Wooterz steel... this gold finish is way too flashy, I thought, adjusting the heavy plates.
Then, the world shattered.
The first scream came from a Second Lieutenant supervising the crates. He was cut down in a flash of steel. Then another. I spun around to see a man wielding two katanas, carving through my men with terrifying ease.
Wild, golden hair flowing like a lion's mane. A long traditional robe. A cigar clamped between his teeth. And most distinctly... a ship's steering wheel embedded in his skull.
Why...? Why is Shiki here already?!
It was the "Golden Lion" Shiki. A legendary pirate who stood on equal footing with Whitebeard and the Pirate King.
Dammit! I thought he'd attack the fleet! He's raided the Headquarters alone!
"GOLDEN LION! What the hell are you doing here?!" I roared.
Shiki turned his gaze toward me. His eyes were cold, fueled by a terrifying, silent rage. "Shut up... I don't care who you are. Bring me Roger..."
I instinctively took a step back. The pressure he radiated was suffocating. He didn't stop, his blades dancing as he mowed down anyone in his path.
He was alone. No fleet. Just one man taking on the heart of the Navy. If that's the case...
"ALL UNITS, FALL BACK!" I bellowed, my voice echoing across the plaza. "I'll hold him! Get Garp and Sengoku, NOW!"
"Commander! You have to run too!" my men shouted.
"IDIOTS! I told you I'm buying time! You're just getting in my way! GO!!"
I lunged forward, swinging my five-ton mace with everything I had, aiming straight for his head.
"I don't know who you are, boy... but a mere Commander is beneath my notice!" Shiki growled.
With a casual flick of his wrist, he parried my five-ton strike. The recoil nearly dislocated my shoulder. Dammit! He parried five tons like it was a toothpick! So this is a Legend!
"But I'm not done yet! TASTE THIS!!"
I activated the hidden mechanisms of the "Prototype Arsenal." This armour was my reimagining of "Don Krieg's" original gear, perfected by the Navy's tech.
While it couldn't match the destructive range of a Logia, its sheer "overwhelming firepower" was designed to annihilate fleets and armies single-handedly.
Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-GAT!!
Gun ports slid open all over my armour. A literal curtain of lead and steel erupted, a barrage that would have turned a hundred men into mincemeat in seconds.
I don't expect to beat him. I just need to hold him until the "Twin Shields" arrive!
Dammit, why did I get the timing wrong?! But I won't let you go any further!
"GOLDEN LIONNNNNNNNN!!"
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