One Piece: Rising to Fleet Admiral Through a Coup

Grand Line, Marine G-5 Branch

In the commander's office sat a broad-shouldered man with short hair and distinctive lightning-shaped sideburns framing his stern face.

Vergo, codenamed "Demon Bamboo."

Officially, he served as a Marine Vice Admiral and commander of the G-5 Branch.

But this was merely his public persona.

His true identity was that of the Donquixote Family's highest-ranking executive—the original Corazon. For years, he had operated as a deep-cover agent within the Marines, methodically climbing the ranks until achieving his current position of considerable authority.

At this moment, the affable demeanor he typically projected had vanished entirely. His expression was grave as he stared at the Den Den Mushi on his desk, which continued to ring insistently.

After allowing it to sound three times, he finally lifted the receiver and answered with measured caution, "Who is this?"

"Vergo, it's me."

A crisp, cold female voice emanated from the snail. "Vice Admiral Doll, commander of G-14 Branch."

"Ah, Vice Admiral Doll~" Vergo's face instantly softened into practiced cordiality. "What can I do for you?"

"Have you received Sengoku's signed directive? What's your assessment of Vice Admiral Xayuki temporarily assuming Fleet Admiral authority?"

In her own office at the G-14 Branch, Doll leaned against her desk, her tall figure tense with apprehension. Her dark, chin-length hair framed a face where large, expressive eyes betrayed profound concern about the unfolding situation.

"I've just received reports that numerous branch bases across the Four Blues have undergone extensive personnel restructuring. Many newly appointed commanders are Xayuki's direct subordinates. It's merely a matter of time before a new vice admiral descends upon my position. After all, I share no particular allegiance with him."

"Vice Admiral Doll, your implications are quite transparent," Vergo replied with calculated calm. "Based on your assessment, am I to understand you believe Xayuki has orchestrated a coup, seized control of Headquarters, and is now systematically eliminating potential opposition?"

"Isn't that self-evident?" Doll's voice rose slightly, her composure fracturing. "For Xayuki to secure control of Headquarters and execute such comprehensive restructuring throughout the Four Blues and Grand Line, at minimum half the officer corps at Headquarters—including the Three Admirals—must have pledged allegiance to him!"

"The situation may be even more dire than I've suggested. Regardless of which faction we align with, we risk becoming targets for elimination!"

"Why choose at all?" Vergo shook his head slightly. "Current events represent nothing more than internal power realignment. Provided the Holy Land maintains its equilibrium, we need not make hasty declarations. Simply continue fulfilling your immediate responsibilities."

After a calculated pause, Vergo concluded, "Vice Admiral Doll, our discussion ends here. Farewell."

Without awaiting response, Vergo terminated the connection. He then reached into a concealed compartment within his desk drawer, extracting a miniature encrypted Den Den Mushi no larger than an infant's fist. Without hesitation, he initiated a call.

"Vergo!"

The moment the connection established, a familiar voice hissed through the receiver. "Contacting me during such volatile circumstances demonstrates questionable judgment!"

Vergo's expression remained impassive as he replied, "Doffy."

"Do you recall my previous intelligence? I indicated potential purging from Marine ranks. While this remains speculative, I intend to maintain my position and observe developments."

"What intelligence? What previous communication?!" The voice on the other end grew increasingly agitated. "Vergo, has your selective amnesia resurfaced again?!"

"Then I shall brief you now." Without missing a beat, Vergo delivered a concise summary of recent developments at Marine Headquarters.

As his report concluded, an oppressive silence descended upon the room. Even the Den Den Mushi seemed momentarily petrified.

After several seconds of weighted silence, a distinctive laugh erupted from the snail's mouth.

"Fuffuffuffuffu~"

"This Vice Admiral Xayuki—I've encountered him previously. During the last Seven Warlords conference at Headquarters, our paths crossed briefly. At that time, he presented nothing particularly remarkable. How extraordinary that within a mere two years, he's orchestrated such a monumental upheaval!"

"A military coup to seize Fleet Admiral authority? Fuffuffuffu... I severely underestimated this vice admiral's ambition."

"Those ancient bureaucrats in Mariejois must be in absolute disarray right now. Fuffuffuffuffu—"

New World, Dressrosa Kingdom

On an expansive terrace atop the highest point in the kingdom, beneath the shade of an ornate parasol, lounged a flamboyantly dressed figure. Sporting tinted glasses, an extravagant pink feathered coat, and cropped trousers, he casually lifted a cocktail from the adjacent table while laughing maniacally into the Den Den Mushi.

This was Donquixote Doflamingo.

Leader of the Donquixote Family, sovereign ruler of Dressrosa, member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and wielder of the Paramecia-type String-String Fruit (Ito Ito no Mi).

As his laughter subsided, Doflamingo seized the Den Den Mushi with sudden intensity, his voice dropping to a dangerous register.

"Vergo, with your capabilities, extraction presents no significant challenge. For the present, maintain your position and observe. Should they attempt to replace you, strategically pledge your 'Justice' to the Holy Land. Such performative loyalty might yield unexpected advantages."

"Conversely, if Marine Headquarters demonstrates continued trust by retaining your position, maintain your deep cover. I require comprehensive intelligence regarding Xayuki's ultimate objectives—whether his ambition terminates at Fleet Admiral status or extends toward more expansive horizons."

Without further elaboration, Doflamingo severed the connection and immediately initiated another call.

"Worororo~"

The moment the call connected, a thunderous, primal laugh reverberated through the receiver.

"Joker, it's been some time!"

Simultaneously, on an unnamed island in the New World

A bone-chilling laugh erupted from the depths of a massive impact crater, followed by the emergence of a colossal, menacing silhouette.

"What information do you bring, Joker?!"

The monstrous figure's head barely cleared the crater's edge as its voice shook the very air. "A military coup at Marine Headquarters? Worororo~ This upstart Vice Admiral Xayuki shows promise!"

Before the echoes of his words had dissipated, the titanic figure launched himself from the depression with surprising agility. Standing over seven meters tall, his overwhelming presence required no amplification—raw, unrestrained power radiated from him in visible waves, distorting the surrounding atmosphere.

This was Kaido.

Governor-General of the Beasts Pirates, one of the Four Emperors who ruled the New World with absolute authority, and possessor of the Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan Model: Azure Dragon (Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryu). Renowned as the most formidable living creature across land, sea, and sky, his bounty stood at an astronomical 4,611,100,000 Belly.

"This insufferably tedious world would benefit from complete annihilation!"

"Prepare yourself, Joker. The time has come to orchestrate the ultimate conflict!"

As the Revolutionary Army, Doflamingo, and Kaido received intelligence regarding the coup at Marine Headquarters, other major factions throughout the Grand Line quickly obtained similar reports.

Soon, every significant news organization across the Grand Line had secured details of this world-shaking development and began immediate worldwide distribution.

The epicenter of this information explosion was the Sabaody Archipelago.

Serving as both the gateway to the Holy Land atop the Red Line and the mandatory passage into the New World, combined with its proximity to Marine Headquarters at Marineford, Sabaody had become a nexus for diverse global elements.

Human traffickers, pirate crews, adventurers, World Nobles, and journalists from every major publication converged here—alongside retired legends who had once dominated the high seas.

Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 13

Inside an establishment marked by a sign reading "Shakky's Rip-off Bar," a tall, elegant woman with short hair stood behind the counter. A cigarette dangled casually from her fingers as she examined a freshly delivered intelligence report.

After scanning its contents, she raised her gaze toward the sole "customer" seated in a shadowed corner of the bar.

"Aren't you curious about what's in this report, Rayleigh?"

~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~

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