Far out across the sea—
On the decks of a Marine fleet, several Vice Admirals stood grimly as new intelligence arrived from Marine Headquarters.
The Bart Club and Aedra Pirates were locked in a fierce battle against the Kiryuu Pirates. And worse—Souta Kiryuu, that brutal "Strongest Rookie King," had awakened Conqueror's Haki.
Headquarters immediately issued an updated directive: in addition to Bartolomeo and Aedra, Souta Kiryuu himself was now a primary target.
The "Buddha" Sengoku would never allow a pirate with the potential of a king to grow unchecked—especially one as ruthless and violent as Souta Kiryuu.
Every pirate who awakened Conqueror's Haki eventually became a great force upon entering the New World. With Souta's terrifying potential, it wasn't impossible that he could one day challenge even the Four Emperors.
"This year's crop of rookies is ridiculous," Vice Admiral Onigumo muttered darkly as he scanned through the latest bounty posters—new pirates from every sea and stretch of the Grand Line.
Under direct orders from the World Government, Marine Headquarters had been forced to divert most of its resources toward hunting down the Red Dragon Pirates.
After the incidents at Enies Lobby, Impel Down, Demon-God Island, and even the Holy Land, pirates and criminals across the world had grown bolder than ever.
In past years, three or four Supernovas was normal. Yet the year was only half over, and already there were dozens.
No wonder that vulture Morgans had dubbed it "The Worst Generation."
"Souta Kiryuu, Killer, Bartolomeo, Aedra—if we capture them, half the Supernovas this year will be wiped out."
Vice Admiral Doberman's voice was cold. Bounty posters lay scattered across the table: "Magician" Hawkins, "Sea Roar" Apoo, "Mad Monk" Urouge, and the Marine defector, "Red Flag" Drake.
The hawkish Vice Admirals—those unaware of Drake's secret mission—were already fuming. If they ran into him, they'd arrest him on sight, no questions asked. And if any other Supernova crossed their path, not one would escape.
"Remember," Vice Admiral Momonga said expressionlessly, "priority targets are Bartolomeo and Aedra. They may have ties to the Red Dragon Pirates."
Even he found it excessive that so many elite Vice Admirals were being deployed to handle a few rookies.
But with Admiral Aokiji and Vice Admiral Garp both having departed for the New World to pursue the Red Count, and Admiral Akainu personally chasing the "World Destroyer" Bundy Walde, manpower was stretched thin.
If not for Admiral Kizaru guarding the Holy Land of Mariejois, Sengoku might've sent him as well.
But honestly, for these Supernovas? In Kizaru's hands, each would've been taken down with a single lazy kick—hardly worth the effort.
"Never underestimate any mission," Vice Admiral Burning Mountain said around his cigar, a professional grin tugging at his lips as his eyes narrowed.
If this assembled Vice Admiral unit couldn't handle a handful of rookie pirates, they might as well retire in disgrace.
"Stay sharp," Momonga said, running a cloth across his blade. "Something feels off… I can't shake this sense of unease."
His worry was valid. If Bartolomeo and Aedra really were connected to the Red Dragon Pirates, and if Arlong of the East appeared… what then?
Even four Vice Admirals together wouldn't stand a chance.
Not even an Admiral could take down that crew alone.
"…We might really be in deep trouble."
Vice Admiral Onigumo suddenly stepped forward to the bow, his face darkening as he gazed toward the distant sky.
There—
A massive airborne fleet was descending toward the same island they were approaching.
"Is that… the Red Dragon Pirates? Or the Golden Lion himself?"
"That lion-headed floating fortress and that gaudy Celestial ship—it's the Golden Lion Shiki!"
"Intelligence reports say Bartolomeo killed one of the Flying Pirate Fleet's recruitment officers. Shiki's probably here for revenge!"
"Then what do we do? Bartolomeo and Aedra are our top priority targets!"
"Watch and see. If Shiki's only after Bartolomeo, we'll focus on capturing Aedra."
The four Vice Admirals argued in tense, clipped voices, their words immediately relayed back to Marine Headquarters.
Their mission had suddenly become unpredictable.
The Red Dragon Pirates hadn't appeared—but the legendary Golden Lion Shiki had.
Sengoku, hearing of this development, ordered the Vice Admirals to act with caution.
If the fight stayed on the ground, four elite Vice Admirals might just hold their own against the aging pirate.
But in the sky?
They were helpless—none of them could fly.
As the Golden Lion's floating fleet thundered toward the island, the Marine ships followed slowly behind, trying to keep up.
High above, trailing behind both forces, another golden airship glided silently through the clouds—headed for the same island.
On the island—
Hours of brutal battle had reduced the land to ruin.
Souta Kiryuu and Killer now stood back-to-back, surrounded on all sides. Killer had taken heavy injuries under the combined assault of Aedra, Doc Q, and Van Augur, forcing Souta to divide his focus to protect his final crewmate.
Aedra and Burgess were covered in vicious wounds themselves, blood soaking their bodies.
Bartolomeo, Van Augur, and Doc Q were still on their feet, though their expressions had grown increasingly grim.
Souta—the "Newcomer King"—only grew fiercer the longer the fight dragged on.
If not for Killer's condition slowing him down, Souta might have already crushed both Burgess and Aedra outright.
"Kuh… Souta, we have to go!!"
Killer gasped, glaring at his stubborn captain. He was furious—Souta refused to retreat, blinded by vengeance for his fallen crew.
Souta said nothing. His bloodshot eyes locked on the enemies before him. The hatred in his chest burned like molten steel. He could never walk away—not until they were all dead.
Just then, Van Augur raised his rifle again for another sniper shot—but suddenly froze. His gaze shot skyward, and his pupils constricted.
"Not good! Bartolomeo—it's the Golden Lion's fleet! We need to move!"
The others looked up.
A vast shadow fell over the island.
The skies were filled with floating ships.
"Damn it!" Doc Q hissed. "It really is Shiki…!"
Even Burgess's grin faded.
They were veterans of the Grand Line—they knew what that name meant.
The Golden Lion Shiki wasn't just a pirate. He was a legend.
Unlike Bartolomeo and Aedra, these old-timers understood just how terrifying he truly was.
Souta frowned, raising his eyes toward the sky, while Killer's heart leapt with relief.
This was their chance.
If they could use the chaos to escape, they'd live to fight another day.
With Souta's talent, given time—they'd return stronger than ever.
"Just a bit longer, and I could've finished those two bastards," Bartolomeo growled, scowling up at the sky. "That damn crippled lion…"
If Lord Dragon were here, he'd have nothing to fear.
Once he officially joined the Red Dragon Pirates, Bartolomeo swore he'd rip Shiki's flag down with his own hands—and piss on it for good measure.
But right now, with Souta and Killer still standing and Shiki's fleet descending, the situation was spiraling.
Even he knew when to pull back.
Still, a bitter thought lingered.
Would their ships even manage to escape the Golden Lion's sky fleet?
Or would it be better… to fight to the death right here?