SkyGem: Hey guys! So sorry there haven't been very many updates from me this past week. I've been busy with work and stuff, since we're currently kinda understaffed 'cause of the holidays. Though I do plan to have a new chapter of ANF out the day after tomorrow, so look forward to that, yeah? And I hope you enjoy this chapter too!


The day the news breaks that Strawhat Luffy has become pirate king, the world is divided into factions.

There are islands where the partying will continue for days and even weeks afterwards; a startling number of them in fact. Islands where the Straw Hats' jolly roger can be seen fluttering on every rooftop, and clutched in the hands of screaming children as they run and laugh at the news.

And then there are islands where the mood is bitter, the villagers stomping around with misery and anger trailing behind them like capes. Islands that have lost so much to piracy, and have not yet had the pleasure of meeting the goofy young man with the smile like sunshine.

The Marine Headquarters is similarly divided.

It is no secret that, in recent years, there has been a rift growing between those in the marines who support Moral Justice, and those who support Absolute Justice.

On this day, the tension is close to reaching the bursting point, and with the marines caught on the brink of a civil war, the news of the new Pirate King couldn't possibly have come at a worse moment.

At seven in the morning, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki is already at his desk, locked in intense discussion with Admiral Kizaru, and a handful of Vice Admirals.

The group is pitifully small, a good number of the higher-ranking officers having been seduced into joining the "Mutineers," as Sakazuki has taken to calling them.

The two other Admirals, whose very purpose is to be his support in times such as these, are the very ones leading the "Moral Justice" faction. And despite repeated attempts to relieve them of their duties, even the Fleet Admiral does not have the power to strip such high-ranking marines of their ranks without good reason.

Starting with the events in Dressrosa, that damned Fujitora had bribed the media to his side, further cementing his own position and becoming an even bigger thorn in Sakazuki's side.

Sighing and turning his attention back to the situation at hand, Sakazuki closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to stave off his nagging headache.

"-can't take on the Straw Hat Grand Fleet without their strength!" shouts Vice Admiral Dalmation, slamming a fist on the table. "They're two of the strongest fighters in the Marines and we need to use every last resource we have if we have any chance of winning!"

"And what are we going to do when they stab us in the back?" demands Vice Admiral Cancer, sitting forward in his seat, his white knuckles the only thing betraying his deceptively calm voice. "Like you said, they're two of the strongest fighters in the marines! We don't need to be worrying about them attacking us while we're trying to deal with Straw Hat. Or do I need to remind you that it was Fujitora that let them escape after Dressrosa?"

There are murmurs of agreement around the table at his words.

"I agree with Cancer," replies Vice Admiral Lacroix from his seat, frowning in Dalmation's direction. "I'm sure I'm not the only one remembering all the times Admiral Smoker has conspired with Straw Hat against the marines. His partner Tashigi refused to let any of her men arrest the Straw Hat crew in Alabasta after the fight with Crocodile. That's proof enough they're working together."

"And there are the events at Loguetown and Punk Hazard to consider as well," comments Comil.

"They wouldn't dare attack fellow marines though," says Kizaru, finally adding in his two cents. "That's one thing the Gorosei won't overlook. And need I remind you we are meant to be presenting a united front to the world? What will they say when two Admirals do not participate in the second summit war?"

Sakazuki sits back, considering everything his companions are saying.

"There are sure to be casualties in the war as well," says Doberman, crossing his arms. "If Fujitora and Smoker stay safe at the base while we are risking our lives and losing our own, they will be in the perfect position to take control and upset the balance. They are gaining more power by the day."

Vice Admiral Strawberry nods his agreement. "That new Vice Admiral boy, Coby, is a friend of Straw Hat, I hear. Perhaps letting him and Fujitora's other young ones fight in the battle will...thin their ranks for us a bit. Certainly it will mean our side isn't the only one takin losses."

The conversation continues in that vein for the rest of the day, going nowhere fast.

And all the while, Straw Hat's stupid grin beams up at Sakazuki from the newspaper sitting in front of him, as if taunting him.


SkyGem: The end! Like? Didn't like? Please do leave a review and let me know what you thought! And don't forget to vote for who you want next chap! Makino is currently in the lead with Shanks one vote behind.