The legendary city of gold, Shandora.
It was no longer a silent ruin lost to time. The once-forgotten golden capital now roared with life and purpose, transformed into one of the Navy's busiest operational sites.
Thousands of marines moved in perfect order, like tireless ants, hauling gleaming bars of gold from the ruins and loading them carefully onto the massive warships anchored upon the White Sea.
On the flagship's deck, Admiral Aokiji sat across from the two guardians of Skypiea, sharing tea amid the gentle clouds.
"So that's how it happened," Aokiji murmured after a long pause. He lifted his cup, taking a slow sip. "That kid Hawk... without saying a word, he took down a Logia user and freed an island that's been ruled by tyranny for six years?"
Gan Fall and the Great Chief exchanged glances, both nodding with visible reverence.
Through their conversation, they had come to understand who this laid-back, half-asleep-looking man truly was one of the Navy's absolute powerhouses, a top commander among the organization Renn Hawk belonged to.
It was no surprise then. A treasure hoard of this magnitude demanded someone of Aokiji's caliber to oversee the operation.
He stood, his gaze drifting toward the golden city below now slowly being stripped bare. Despite his relaxed demeanor, his Observation Haki stretched like a vast web, covering dozens of nautical miles around them, constantly alert.
For the sake of justice fragile yet not extinguished. For the future reignited by Renn Hawk's actions.
It was all worth it.
A marine officer hurried over, saluting sharply.
"Admiral Aokiji! The five warships have been fully loaded with gold!"
"Already?" Aokiji nodded, a faint smile curving his lips. "Good."
Under the blazing sunlight, his eyes burned brighter than the light itself.
This was only the first batch.
With each shipment, the Navy's foundation its strength and confidence would grow stronger.
Justice was one step closer to true freedom.
"Prepare to set sail," he ordered calmly. "We'll deliver this 'future' safely to G-3 Base."
In the labyrinthine alleys of Nanohana, Nami swung a metal pipe with precision, slamming it against the back of a pursuer's neck.
The man crumpled with a grunt, eyes rolling white before he hit the ground.
Without even glancing back, Nami pushed off a wall with her foot, her small frame darting like a wildcat into another narrow passage.
Behind her, the sound of boots and furious shouting echoed.
The alleyways of Nanohana were a maze sunlight split into strips by the tall sand-colored walls, casting a patchwork of light and shadow across the ground.
Nami dashed through them like she'd memorized every turn. Every leap, every twist used the terrain to widen the gap between her and her pursuers.
At last, she slipped into a dead-end filled with clay pots, pressing her back to the cool wall. Her chest heaved; sweat dripped down her temple.
She whispered under her breath, "Finally shook those flies... for now."
Her eyes narrowed. "But there's something seriously wrong with this country."
Through her covert investigation, she'd pieced the truth together.
Every disaster the drought, the rebellion, the famine all of it traced back to one shadowy organization.
Baroque Works.
And its mysterious president, Mr. 0.
Officially, the desert kingdom of Alabasta was under the protection of one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the renowned "hero" Crocodile.
But how could a Warlord tolerate a criminal syndicate running rampant right under his nose?
The realization struck her like lightning.
Mr. 0... was Crocodile himself.
Everything made sense now.
The drought, the riots, the people's hatred every thread connected to a single, meticulously woven web.
Crocodile wasn't saving Alabasta.
He was stealing it.
The Navy branch stationed nearby had been conveniently reassigned all because of Crocodile's Warlord status.
"I have to reach G-3 Base immediately," Nami muttered, clutching the spot on her chest where the stolen documents were hidden. Those papers held the evidence to bring the entire conspiracy crashing down.
A calm, elegant voice echoed behind her, smooth as silk but laced with danger.
"You're not going anywhere, little marine."
Nami spun around.
Standing at the mouth of the alley was a tall woman with flowing black hair, porcelain skin, and sharp, intelligent eyes beneath the brim of a wide cowboy hat.
She hadn't even noticed her approach.
"Who are you?!" Nami demanded, gripping her makeshift weapon tightly.
"Just a passerby," the woman said with a serene smile. "But I'm rather interested in what you're hiding."
Before Nami could react, dozens of pale arms sprouted from the walls and ground around her like blooming flowers reaching toward her from every direction.
"A Devil Fruit power?!" Nami gasped.
She swung the pipe wildly, smashing several arms aside, but there were too many. They came from everywhere, pinning her limbs and freezing her in place.
"Let me go!"
She struggled, but the hands were impossibly strong, like chains of steel.
"It's useless," the woman Nico Robin said coolly. "Hand over the documents."
Nami's jaw tightened. Her eyes blazed with defiance.
"Then I'll just take them myself."
Robin's hand extended, and more arms burst from Nami's back, reaching toward her chest.
Just as her fingers were about to touch
A deep rumble shook the entire port.
Robin froze, her head snapping upward.
"What now...?"
The sound grew louder a low growl turning into a thunderous roar.
All across Nanohana, people stopped what they were doing. The desperate, hollow-eyed citizens looked toward the sea, shielding their eyes.
The water churned violently. The sky dimmed.
And then they saw it.
An enormous fleet tore through the waves, iron hulls glinting in the harsh sun.
Three titanic warships led the charge, followed by five more massive vessels.
Their black steel hulls and yawning cannons looked like a moving mountain range of metal, casting a shadow that swallowed the entire port.
On every ship, one flag fluttered proudly
A white seagull, symbol of justice, flying beneath the banner of the Navy.
From the lead ship, a booming voice echoed across the port:
"Nanohana is now under naval jurisdiction!"
The words rang like a thunderclap, silencing the city and sealing the fate of Alabasta's most dangerous secret.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
Already drawn into the tides of this story? Share what pulled you in your words and reviews keep the fire burning. And every 300 Power Stones will unlock a bonus chapter, pushing the voyage forward even faster!
Renn Hawk's journey is only beginning, and the evolution of justice is far from over. Stay with Unbound Evolution and keep sailing ahead of the horizon!
[email protected]/_tey
Change @ to a.