Years ago, Ritter had come to Marineford and faced off against the three young admirals, ending in a draw. That had been the last, and only, time the three admirals had united to make Ritter suffer a loss. Back then, Ritter's rampage through Marineford had been devastating he left half the base in ruins.
As for the Golden Lion? Who even remembers him? The Golden Lion is still stuck in prison, surviving day by day. Or maybe not surviving well at all; even getting proper meals is a luxury.
Though the mission started with the two of us, I left alone, so by rounding up, it's fair to say Ritter had single-handedly torn through Marineford.
Sengoku was preparing to mobilize the fleet when the three admirals returned to headquarters for their report, leaving only Garp idling somewhere in the East Blue. At that moment, the Navy was at its strongest.
The golden Den Den Mushi on his desk rang. It was easy to guess who it was. "Emergency contact from the Five Elders!"
Sengoku snatched up the receiver. Before he could even speak, the cold, authoritative voice of the Five Elders came through: "Sengoku. Do not act rashly."
"What?!" Sengoku's forehead veins bulged in anger. "Are we just supposed to let him run wild in Sabaody "
"This is an order," the voice cut him off, leaving no room for argument. "Do not interfere with the blood mist. Do not engage the 'Mist Lord.'"
Akainu sprang to his feet. "This is absurd!"
"Sakazuki!" Sengoku's voice thundered, gripping the Den Den Mushi so tightly his hand trembled. "...Understood."
As soon as the call ended, Akainu slammed his fists together. "How can justice compromise with pirates like this?"
Kizaru, lounging by the window with legs crossed, sipped tea slowly. "Hmm they must value this meeting very highly"
Sengoku removed his glasses, exhausted. "Issue orders. No ship is to approach the Sabaody direction. Monitor the blood mist, but take no action."
Akainu's fists clenched so tightly they cracked, but he finally turned and left in frustration. "Marshal, the New World is chaotic. I'll head there myself."
Mary Geoise, Red Port.
When the warship shrouded in blood mist docked, two teams of CP0 lined the pier in perfect formation. One group, dressed in ornate ceremonial robes and wearing gold-patterned masks, bowed so low they nearly scraped the ground.
The lead was a woman wearing a golden mask. She gave a flawless, elegant bow. "Welcome, Lords, to Mary Geoise."
Ritter raised an eyebrow as the mist churned at his feet. "Oh? Not sending me away this time?"
"Mist Lord, you jest. Mary Geoise welcomes both the Mist Lord and Lord Red Hair," the CP0 bowed deeply. Ritter gave a slight nod.
Shanks, however, didn't react.
The woman's tone shifted, just the right amount of flattery in her voice. "Mist Lord, Lord Shanks, your journey must have been arduous."
Ritter glanced at Shanks. Clearly, he just hadn't processed what was happening.
"A few reckless subordinates offended you earlier; we deeply apologize for that," she continued.
With a clap of her hands, dozens of golden-masked figures suddenly appeared on the warship. The CP0 who had initially greeted them had no time to react before their comrades' blades pierced their hearts.
Shanks frowned but remained silent.
Ritter watched coldly, his gaze impassive. Yet the CP0 executing the others didn't even step off the ship. The blood mist swirled violently. One second, they were hunters; the next, prey. The mist dissolved them into crimson liquid, their screams echoing across the deck.
A mocking smile tugged at Ritter's lips.
"The World Government has a unique way of welcoming guests," he remarked, his voice laced with irony. "But I do not like anyone boarding my ship without permission."
"Our intrusion was unthinkable. Please, Lords, follow me," the female CP0 said, smiling politely. She gestured elegantly, devoid of anger. "The Five Elders specially ordered us to host your arrival and offer apologies for prior misunderstandings."
Ritter snorted as the mist curled around his feet. "What? The old fools are too afraid to meet us?"
The CP0 woman hesitated slightly, then quickly regained composure. "The Five Elders said that after such a long journey, you should rest and relax first."
She clapped her hands again. A team of attendants in fine robes pushed forward a service cart. "This is deep-sea emperor salmon, airlifted this morning. Accompanied by rare fruits from the New World."
The fish slices were arranged in crystalline, flower-like patterns. Ritter plucked a piece and tasted it. The flavor burst across his tongue, fresh and delicate.
"Not bad," he said, nodding. "Lead the way."
Mary Geoise's service was unrivaled across the seas.
The golden-masked woman guided them elegantly through the crystal corridors. Ritter's hands were in his pockets, blood mist trailing him like a shadow. Shanks observed curiously, his red hair swaying beneath his straw hat. Though the guest of honor, he looked more like a tourist.
"This is the Sacred Hot Springs," the woman pointed to a mist-shrouded pool. "It draws minerals from the deepest parts of the Red Soil Continent and heals all injuries."
Ritter scoffed. "How does it compare to my blood mist?"
The woman answered smoothly, "Of course, it cannot match the power of Mist Lord. You are unrivaled in the world."
Shanks had already removed his coat and jumped in. "Wow! Big brother, the water is perfect!"
Ritter shook his head, stepping in once he verified it wasn't seawater. The warm currents enveloped him, relaxing every muscle. Leaning against the edge, he watched the attendants move gracefully, delivering chilled juices and exquisite snacks.
"Lord Shanks," a blonde attendant knelt by the pool, "please try this cloudberry, a specialty of Cloudberry Island."
Shanks reached for it, but the fruit was already at his lips. He chuckled awkwardly and took it himself. "Thanks, but I got it."
Ritter's eyes narrowed as he watched. "Do you serve the Celestial Dragons like this usually?"
The attendant trembled. "N-No, today is specially prepared for your arrival…"
Ritter sneered. "So… normally, the service is even more attentive?"
The attendant paled, silent.
Shanks patted his brother's shoulder. "Don't scare them." He turned to the attendant. "Bring some wine the best you have."
"Yes! Right away!"
Ritter noted something remarkable: no Celestial Dragons were present, no slave entertainment, and the attendants maintained a perfect, respectful distance. Their attire was immaculate, and their expressions serene. One sommelier even proudly explained he had served a princess from a West Blue kingdom.