The Marine base loomed imposingly against the cloudy sky, its white walls stark against the churning sea ahead. Flags fluttered in the wind, the emblem of Justice emblazoned on each one. Soldiers patrolled the area with mechanical efficiency, the sound of boots echoing across the stone floor.
Then—
FWOOOSH.
The air wavered, the atmosphere's pressure shifting subtly.
Riser appeared at the base's harbor, his boots touching the ground with an almost silent impact. His golden eyes gleamed under the cold morning light, scanning the surroundings with absolute disinterest. His black coat billowed lightly in the salty breeze.
The nearest Marines froze.
"Who…?"
One officer opened his mouth to shout an alert, but his voice died halfway. Something in Riser's gaze stole his courage before he could even try.
He walked unhurriedly, his overwhelming presence spreading through the base like an invisible shadow.
Ahead, the activity was intense.
Hina and Smoker advanced along the dock, flanked by a group of heavily armed soldiers. Bound in Kairoseki shackles, Crocodile, Daz Bonez, Galdino, and Bon Clay were dragged along like prisoners of war.
Crocodile's gaze was pure hatred.
His fists clenched, the muscles in his jaw taut. Even weakened by the Kairoseki, the former Shichibukai's presence still carried an imposing weight.
But the moment his eyes met Riser's, something inside him ignited.
"You…"
His low tone carried more than resentment. It was venom, an unspoken blade.
Riser stopped a few meters away, a lazy smile curling his lips.
"I'm surprised you can still talk, Crocodile. I would've thought the humiliation crushed your throat along with your reputation."
The soldiers exchanged glances, feeling the tension rise.
Smoker frowned, taking a hard drag on his cigar.
"I don't know what's worse. Seeing this bastard finally locked up or having to deal with you on the same day."
Riser slid his eyes toward him, the golden glint reflecting the flames at the tip of Smoker's cigar.
"I came to claim my title in person. We'll practically be 'partners' now."
Smoke poured from Smoker's lips, thick and bitter.
"Partners? Not even in your dreams, you damn pirate."
Riser smiled, ignoring the hostility. His golden eyes lazily drifted to the woman beside Smoker.
"But tell me, who's this lovely lady at your side?"
Hina crossed her arms, her gaze sharp as razors.
"Hina doesn't like that tone. Pirates don't have the right to speak to Hina as equals."
Riser's smile widened.
"Oh, so your name's Hina? Pretty. But not as pretty as you."
Smoker's jaw clenched.
Tashigi, standing a little behind, adjusted her glasses, trying not to show her irritation.
Hina narrowed her eyes.
"Hina thinks you're a walking problem."
Riser tilted his head, as if considering.
"Problem? I prefer 'challenge.' A man's gotta keep the ladies intrigued, right?"
Smoker's patience snapped.
"If you came for your damn title, grab it and get out."
Riser chuckled softly.
"So cold, Smoker. But I suppose I can forgive your lack of hospitality. Must be frustrating to watch another pirate rise while you're stuck here, drowning in bureaucracy."
The smoke around Smoker thickened.
Crocodile, still shackled, scoffed.
"You're ridiculous."
Riser shifted his gaze to him, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"And you're a failure. You should be grateful. If I hadn't beaten you, you'd still be out there pretending you mattered."
Crocodile's glare burned with hatred.
Daz Bonez remained silent, but the tension in his jaw betrayed his discontent.
Bon Clay, despite the shackles, gasped theatrically.
"Mon dieu! You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"
Riser laughed, brushing off the jab.
Hina watched the scene, disdain etched on her face.
"Hina doesn't understand why the Government accepted trash like you as a Shichibukai."
Riser took a step forward, the gleam in his eyes intensifying.
"It's simple, darling. I'm a worse monster than Crocodile. The difference is, I know how to play the game."
Silence fell over the group.
Tashigi swallowed hard, a chill running down her spine.
Hina didn't back down, but something in Riser's eyes irritated her deeply.
"Don't try flirting with Hina."
His smile grew.
"Does that mean there's a chance?"
Smoker let out a low growl.
"Take your title and disappear."
Riser slipped his hands into his pockets, glancing at the massive Marine base structure.
"Such poor manners. At least offer me a drink before sending me off."
The Marines didn't know whether to intervene or let the scene play out.
Crocodile clenched his fists, his eyes brimming with rancor.
Hina turned, signaling to the soldiers.
"Hina has better things to do. Go handle your paperwork and get out of Hina's sight."
Riser tilted his head slightly, watching her walk away.
"I'll miss you, Hina."
She didn't respond.
Smoker just gritted his teeth and exhaled another thick puff of smoke.
Riser smiled.
This day was getting more and more entertaining.
---
Inside, at the heart of the command center, Monkey D. Garp sat on one of the sofas, an untouched teacup on the table before him. His demeanor was relaxed, but his eyes carried the sharp glint of someone who'd seen the world shatter and rebuild countless times.
Sengoku stood near the large window, hands clasped behind his back, his expression as stormy as the clouds outside.
A typical day.
Until—
CRASH.
The window's glass shattered in a crystalline explosion.
A gust of wind flooded the room, carrying the silhouette of a man. His boots landed on the polished floor as if the entire world belonged to him. Dust from his black cloak swirled in the air, and his golden eyes gleamed in the flickering light.
Riser smiled.
"Hope you don't mind the dramatic entrance."
The silence that followed was razor-sharp.
The nearest Marines reached for their weapons.
Sengoku didn't move a muscle, but the tension in his jaw said everything.
Garp… laughed.
"Well, well. A pirate crashing through the window at Headquarters? That's something I haven't seen since old Roger's days."
Riser tilted his head slightly, his eyes scanning the room before settling on the two men before him.
"I came to collect my title."
Sengoku narrowed his eyes.
"There's no need for you to be here."
Riser's smile widened.
"I like to see things happen with my own eyes."
The silence grew heavy.
The crunch of glass breaking under his boots was the only sound in the room.
Sengoku walked slowly to his desk, picking up a document.
"The Government has approved your appointment to the Seven Shichibukai. There's nothing more to discuss."
Riser slipped his hands into his pockets.
"But there's something to clarify."
"I'm not part of the Straw Hat crew. Never was. I just hitched a ride."
Garp laughed loudly, slamming his fist against the arm of the sofa.
"You couldn't have picked a more troublesome ride!"
Sengoku didn't share the amusement.
"If that's the case, why did you go along with them?"
Riser shrugged.
"Temporary interests."
The lie slipped from his lips with perfection.
"Now that I've got what I wanted, I'm carving my own path."
Garp raised an eyebrow.
"So it's got nothing to do with the kid?"
Riser smiled faintly.
"If I say no, will you believe me?"
Garp's gaze studied him for a moment before he let out a sigh.
"What a mess."
Sengoku clenched his fist.
"What do you plan to do with this title?"
Riser turned to him slowly, his eyes sharp as blades.
"Dominate the New World."
The silence that followed was crushing.
Garp smiled, but his eyes were serious.
"You're a dangerous guy, kid."
Sengoku gritted his teeth, his dislike growing.
"Get out."
The gleam in Riser's eyes was pure amusement.
"I'm done here."
He walked to the edge of the shattered window.
But before leaping, he glanced back slightly.
"Oh, Garp…"
The old vice-admiral raised an eyebrow.
"If you see Luffy… send him my regards."
Garp's laughter echoed through the room as Riser vanished into the night.
Sengoku sighed, rubbing his temple.
"I hate that guy."
The wind carried the rustle of the Marine flag.
And out there, Riser was already plotting his next move.
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