"Thud—"
A towering figure landed heavily at the entrance of the Thriller Bark.
"Hm… Pacifista?"
Hawke instinctively narrowed his eyes, catching sight of the massive silhouette. At first glance, he thought it was a Pacifista.
"No… he's holding a Bible."
His gaze sharpened instantly as he confirmed the man's identity.
"Shichibukai—Bartholomew Kuma!"
Information about this man flashed through Hawke's mind in an instant.
Bartholomew Kuma, the former king of the Sorbet Kingdom in the South Blue, a hybrid of the Buccaneer race, possessed a giant-like physique and a Devil Fruit ability that was practically broken.
He had once been a cadre of the Revolutionary Army, but in order to cure his adopted daughter Jewelry Bonney's terminal illness, "Sapphire Scales"...
He had no choice but to make a deal with the Five Elders.
Voluntarily becoming a living weapon for the World Government, he took on the title of Shichibukai in exchange for Bonney's treatment.
Though the world branded him a "Tyrant," Hawke knew well that beneath his silent, stoic exterior was a man who, at his core, was a gentle and extreme pacifist.
A timid pacifist.
But the real question was—at this point in time, why was Kuma appearing in the Florian Triangle?
According to the original timeline, he should either be at the Sabaody Archipelago or undergoing modifications by Vegapunk on Egghead Island…
"…"
As Hawke pondered, Kuma had already confirmed his identity.
During his flight, he had spotted the massive Marine fleet from afar.
Now, standing at the very center of the flagship's deck was a young, tall man whose commanding presence was impossible to conceal—the target of his mission—Rear Admiral Hawke.
"Tap—"
Kuma strode forward, walking swiftly up to Hawke.
Then, he bent slightly at the waist, offering a perfectly formal bow.
"Rear Admiral Hawke."
"Under the orders of Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Bartholomew Kuma reporting for duty."
"Under… the Fleet Admiral's orders?"
"Yes. Fleet Admiral Sengoku instructed me to obey your commands upon arrival."
"…"
Hawke's pupils contracted slightly.
In an instant, the clues linked together in his mind.
The "Sea Bottom Dredge" plan… persuading Vegapunk… and now, Kuma standing here.
The answer was obvious.
The first phase of the plan had succeeded flawlessly.
Kuma was likely one of Vegapunk's conditions for agreeing to cooperate with the Marines.
His efficiency is terrifying. Faster than light itself!
Hawke sighed inwardly, while also realizing just how advantageous Kuma's presence would be.
Kuma was Shichibukai-level top-tier combat power.
The powers granted by his Paw-Paw Fruit were among the most troublesome in the entire sea.
Repelling damage, ejecting fatigue and pain, compressing air into bomb-like shockwaves… and above all, his ability to "push" targets across vast distances—practically spatial teleportation.
"..."
Hawke began reviewing the composition of his forces.
Long-range firepower—Hibari.
Battlefield control—Kujaku.
Navigation—Nami.
Cultural development—Robin.
Garrison command—Dane.
Auxiliary defense—Smoker and Hina.
His two main offensive spearheads were, of course, Zoro and Sanji.
What the team lacked was a proper doctor.
Kuma could fill that role—at least temporarily.
With his ability to eject fatigue and pain, his soldiers could throw themselves into harsher training and fiercer battles without fear of long-term damage.
"Ha—"
Hawke's gaze shifted toward Thriller Bark.
Zombie legions, master swordsman Ryuma, the ancient giant Oars…
For his troops, this was the perfect raid dungeon.
After all, the time until the Summit War wasn't far off!
His forces needed one more complete tempering—a baptism of blood and fire.
As for all that fatigue and pain Kuma would eject…
"Crack—"
Hawke clenched his fists, feeling the overwhelming vitality coursing through his body.
His Admiral-level physique wasn't just for show.
The injuries that would cripple normal men were barely scratches to him.
And using this approach… he'd gain his soldiers' loyalty even faster.
With that thought, Hawke smiled.
"Welcome to the team, Kuma."
"…"
Kuma gave a slight nod before stepping behind Hawke.
Like a silent iron tower, he stood ready to follow any order.
"All fleets, listen to my command."
Hawke's voice carried clearly across every ship via the Den Den Mushi.
"Open fire."
"BOOM—BOOM—BOOM!!!"
At the instant the order was given, the battleships' broadside cannons erupted, spewing tongues of flame.
Black shells tore through the eerie silence, arcing through the air before smashing into the island-sized vessel.
"Thud—"
Thriller Bark shuddered violently as countless planks exploded into splinters.
Thick smoke and blazing fire surged skyward, dyeing the strange fog an ominous orange-red.
Inside the ship, countless zombies wailed and shrieked in chaos.
"Dock."
Hawke issued another order.
Three massive battleships slowly maneuvered toward the gigantic gates of Thriller Bark.
"Clang—!"
A heavy metal ramp crashed down, slamming onto the deck on the other side with a deafening boom.
Hawke stood at the bow of the ship, thousands of Marine soldiers lined up neatly behind him.
"Today, I will stand here and witness your transformation."
Hawke spoke clearly, "Standing beside me is a new member of our G-3 Branch—Shichibukai, Bartholomew Kuma."
"..."
All eyes turned toward the silent giant, curiosity and awe in every gaze.
"This time, I will not make a move."
Hawke's next words made every soldier freeze.
"Eliminating the Thriller Bark Pirates is your mission."
He looked to the front of the formation at Zoro and Sanji.
"You two are the main assault force. Work together properly!"
"…"
"Yes, sir!"
Zoro and Sanji exchanged a glance, both nodding firmly.
They had to cooperate properly.
Otherwise, if Hawke had to step in personally against a Shichibukai who had lost his will…
That would be their failure.
This wasn't just a battle—it was an evaluation.
Hawke's gaze swept slowly across every Marine soldier present.
"I know that in the upcoming battle, you will suffer. You will be wounded. You will grow exhausted."
"Some of you may even brush shoulders with death."
"But today, I will cover you!"
He pointed to Kuma beside him.
"As long as you're still breathing, as long as your limbs are intact, Kuma can eject every wound, every ounce of pain, and every drop of fatigue from your body!"
"…"
"What?"
The soldiers blinked in confusion, and then, one by one, their eyes widened, their breathing turning ragged.
If… if injuries and pain could be removed…
Didn't that mean…
They could fight without restraint?!
This was practically equivalent to giving every soldier not just one life—but several!
"Buzz—"
The frenzy spread like wildfire through the ranks.
Their eyes shifted.
That was the look of men unshackled, their wild instincts unleashed.
An insatiable hunger for battle, for glory, for victory burned fiercely in every chest.
"Now!"
Hawke's voice cracked like thunder.
"Go!"
"ROAR!!!"
Their response shook the heavens.
"KILL!!!"
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