One Piece: The Shadow Emperor

I'm sitting at the top of Kaisel, the ever-loyal shadow wyvern. I pull out the map and study it. The geography here is strange—so different from Earth that if I tried to tell my friends back home, they wouldn't believe me. In fact, if it weren't for this map, I'd have a hard time believing it myself.

This world is massive. There's the Grand Line, a long stretch of unpredictable seas filled with strange islands and even stranger weather. Beyond that is the New World, where the toughest pirates and the strongest forces rule. Then there's Paradise, a part of the world that's still dangerous but feels a bit safer than the New World. The map also shows the four Blues—the North Blue, South Blue, East Blue, and West Blue. Each one is its own region, with its own cultures and dangers. It's clear this world is not only larger than Earth but also built on sturdier, more chaotic grounds.

My thoughts drift back to Baltigo. I remember bidding farewell to Sabo there. He said he was heading to Dressrosa with Koala to check out some weapon smuggling on behalf of the Revolutionary Army. He also mentioned something personal about inheriting his brother's Devil Fruit. I didn't press him for details—I assumed his brother had been killed and that the Devil Fruit was still out there in Dressrosa.

Before Sabo, Koala and Hack left, I attached Tank to Sabo. He didn't notice it. I couldn't help but think, "Good."

I lean back and let the cool breeze wash over me, a small smile playing on my lips. Every day here brings new surprises, and I'm ready to learn them all.

The moment I decided to visit G-1 where the new marineford was built, I knew I had to be careful.

The Marine Headquarters, the center of military power in this world, wasn't a place I could just walk into. If the wrong people took notice of me, things could get complicated fast.

So I played it safe.

I landed Kaisel on a nearby island instead of heading straight for Marineford. The outskirts were quiet, empty, just as I expected. Kaisel, ever obedient, folded back into my shadow without a sound.

A habit now. One that ensured I'd never be truly alone.

I walked toward the docks, blending in with the small crowd of travelers. A tourist ship was boarding passengers—civilians who wanted to visit the Marines' stronghold, probably for sightseeing or business.

I bought a ticket—paid for with the money Dragon gave me. I could've stolen one or simply used my shadows to get there unnoticed, but I didn't want to attract attention.

Thirty minutes. That's how long the journey would take.

I leaned against the railing of the ship, letting my observation haki wander. I could feel the subtle presence of Marines stationed throughout the ship, each standing at key areas.

Keeping watch. Monitoring passengers.

They weren't tense, but they were alert. Ready. Always watching.

I didn't stand out. Just another traveler among the rest. That's how I wanted it.

The moment we docked, I stepped off the ship and took in my surroundings.

The massive warships anchored nearby were the first thing I noticed—towering steel giants equipped with cannons large enough to sink an entire fleet.

Weapons of war, positioned to send a message.

Then, there was the headquarters itself.

New Marineford.

A fortress. A massive stronghold that stood taller and stronger than its predecessor. The old Marineford had been destroyed during the Summit War, but instead of rebuilding, they had moved their headquarters here, on the other side of the Red Line—closer to Mary Geoise and the Celestial Dragons they served.

A strategic move. A cowardly one, too.

Instead of standing their ground, they had retreated closer to their masters.

Tch. I felt a flicker of annoyance but let it pass. I wasn't here to start anything. I was here to observe, to learn.

But then—

I noticed them.

I hadn't been here for more than a few minutes, yet I already had three people tailing me.

First one: Reading a newspaper. Too focused, eyes moving too little. A cover. He wasn't actually reading. He was watching.

Second one: Taking pictures. His camera lens lingered on me just a second too long before shifting elsewhere. A professional.

Third one: The tour guide. He had been near me since I stepped off the ship. Too convenient.

Three of them. All watching me.

I could deal with them. Easily.

But I didn't.

Instead, I walked. I let them follow.

If they wanted to play their little game, I'd let them.

For now.

Sengoku's POV

Retirement.

Some people imagined it as peaceful, relaxing, free from stress. But for me? Retirement meant pestering Akainu whenever I felt like it just like what Garp did to me even though he wasn't retired.

Here I was, sitting across from the new Fleet Admiral, munching on my crackers while he buried himself in paperwork. The Den Den Mushi on his desk wouldn't stop ringing, but Sakazuki ignored it, his scowl deepening as he scratched his pen across another document.

I smirked. It was fun watching him suffer.

My thoughts drifted to the fight between Sakazuki and Kuzan—a battle that lasted ten days, leaving Punk Hazard in ruins. It had been a close match. Either of them could have won. But in the end, Sakazuki stood victorious, and Kuzan walked away from the Marines for good.

What a mess.

I popped another cracker into my mouth, only for my chewing to slow as I felt something… strange.

A presence. Strong. Unfamiliar.

For a moment, I couldn't quite place it. Then it hit me—Conqueror's Haki.

But it wasn't just any Conqueror's Haki.

It was different.

Something about it felt off, as if it didn't belong in this world. It wasn't just a king imposing his will—it was something darker, deeper. I glanced at Sakazuki, and from the way he stiffened, I knew he felt it too.

Sakazuki's eyes narrowed. "Tch. Another troublemaker."

I grinned. "Want me to take a look?"

He didn't answer at first, staring down at the endless stack of documents in front of him. The Den Den Mushi rang again.

"...Fine. If I leave, this pile's just gonna grow."

I laughed. "You're getting the hang of the job."

His glare told me I should leave before he lava-punched me out of the office.

Leaving the office with my pet goat in tow, I head over to Marineford's grounds. The area is bustling with tourists, and I spot the source of that strong aura among them. The man is clearly out of place in his own way—a young fellow, probably in his mid to late twenties. He walks with a quiet confidence, his eyes fixed on the massive warships and the imposing Marine headquarters. His expression is one of genuine awe, as if he's seeing something legendary for the first time.

Then I notice it—three Cipher Pol agents trailing him. They keep their distance but watch him closely, as if waiting for the right moment.

I decide it's time to introduce myself. With a jovial tone that belies the seriousness of the moment, I step forward and say, "Hey there, young man." 

Sung Jin-Woo's POV

As I stood there, taking in the sight of New Marineford, I noticed an old man approaching me.

His presence was… different. Calm, yet heavy.

He was tall, with broad shoulders, a square jaw, and a distinct white afro atop his head. His beard, also white, gave him an air of wisdom, but the way he carried himself told me he wasn't just any old man—he was someone who had seen war and commanded power.

His attire was simple compared to the Marines stationed around us. A traditional white robe draped over his shoulders, and a small pet goat trotting beside him. But the way the Marines instinctively straightened as he passed told me everything I needed to know.

This was someone important.

"Hey there, young man!" he called out with a jovial voice as he stopped a few feet away. "Name's Sengoku."

I met his gaze, seeing no immediate hostility. Just curiosity.

I nodded slightly. "Jin," I replied. No need for extra details.

Sengoku gave me a grin, then gestured toward New Marineford with his hand. "What do you think of the place?"

I glanced back at the massive fortress and the warships docked in the harbor. Each vessel looked like a floating fortress, armed with cannons that could probably wipe out an entire town in one shot.

"It's incredible," I admitted. "Those warships… they're huge. And the headquarters itself looks formidable."

Sengoku laughed heartily, nodding in agreement. "Haha! You're right about that! This place was built to be the symbol of the Marines' justice."

I turned to him and gave a deadpan look.

Justice?

Sengoku's laughter faded as he noticed my expression. His face shifted to something more pained, as if my reaction wasn't new to him.

"What's with that look, Jin?" he asked with a sigh.

I shrugged. "It's nothing, old man."

Sengoku suddenly yelled in a fake offended tone, throwing up his arms. "Hey! I know I'm old, but I'm not that old, old, you know!"

I raised an eyebrow and pointed at his white afro.

"That's an old man's hair."

For a second, Sengoku just stared at me.

Then he slumped his shoulders, looking comically depressed. His pet goat gave him a sympathetic nudge.

Hah. This guy is interesting.

Still smirking, I glanced at him again. "You used to be a high-ranking Marine, didn't you?"

Sengoku blinked in mild surprise, then let out a short laugh. "What gave it away?"

I subtly nodded toward three men nearby.

"The guys following me—the ones disguised as a tourist reading a newspaper, a photographer, and a tour guide—they stiffened the moment you walked up to me."

Sengoku glanced at them, and I saw the corner of his lips curve into a smirk. "Hah… You've got good senses, kid."

I just grinned.

Then, I decided to test something.

I let my Shadow Conqueror's Haki seep into the air, targeting only the three Cipher Pol agents.

The moment it hit them—

THUD.

All three collapsed instantly, their bodies twitching as foam formed at their mouths.

Sengoku's eyebrows raised slightly. "Hoh… now that's something you don't see every day."

Before he could comment further, I felt it—

A presence rushing toward me. Fast. I look up at the sky, I can see a man wearing the marine coat covered in magma, steam rising from his shoulders. I recognized that face from News Coo. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki.

and he was furious.

"HOW DARE YOU USE YOUR CONQUEROR'S HAKI IN THE MARINES' STRONGHOLD?!" he roared.

Then, without hesitation, he thrust his fist forward.

"GREAT ERUPTION!"

A massive fist of molten lava formed, surging toward me like a falling meteor, the heat alone distorting the air.

I didn't move.

I didn't need to.

As the burning fist neared me, I simply raised my right arm and let my Shadow Armament Haki coat it in black and violet energy.

BOOM.

The attack met my arm—and stopped.

The force pushed me back slightly, but I remained standing, my shadow-covered arm completely unscathed. The lava hissed as it met my energy, dark tendrils absorbing the heat.

Sakazuki's eyes widened, just for a second.

I looked at Akainu and smirked at him as if saying 'this is all you've got?

I faced towards Sengoku and told him "I gotta go, old man."

Then, before he could react—

I disappeared.