One Piece: sign-in to Ryujin Jakka

In the days following Akainu's last communication, not a single word had come through ever since.

Even when Sengoku tried calling back via the Den Den Mushi—

Nothing.

Only silence answered.

In the quiet of his office, Sengoku leaned back in his chair and sighed deeply.

His once jet-black hair now bore streaks of white.

For a newly appointed Fleet Admiral, the past few days had been nothing short of hell.

One could only imagine just how exhausting these past few days had been for him—especially as someone who had only recently assumed the position of Fleet Admiral. The pressure was truly suffocating.

Knock knock knock—

The door creaked open.

It was Aokiji.

A staunch member of the pacifist faction, Aokiji had risen through the ranks thanks to Sengoku and others who favored his temperament.

Conversations between them were relatively relaxed and genuine.

"Aokiji," Sengoku said wearily, "How did your mission go? Please tell me it's not more bad news."

Aokiji gave a helpless shrug, his expression slightly bitter.

"Fleet Admiral... according to my intel from my investigation networks, Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom, and Red-Haired Shanks… seem to be forming some sort of agreement, coming together as a group called The Four Emperors."

"…The Four Emperors?" Sengoku repeated in disbelief.

At that very moment, a Marine officer rushed in and handed over a newspaper.

The headline burned into his eyes:

THE RISE OF THE FOUR EMPERORS 

Sengoku's face darkened as he scanned the front page.

His brows furrowed tightly.

"They're challenging the World Government directly… publicly slapping the Marines' face!"

But the moment he uttered those words, two names surfaced in his mind—

Roman and Akainu.

Now…

The New World stood under the shadow of the newly formed Four Emperors.

A mysterious organization had emerged in the Four Seas.

Roman was missing—his life or death unknown.

Akainu… likely dead.

The Marines' strength had never seen such a catastrophic blow.

Even with his legendary strategic mind, Sengoku felt utterly powerless.

But just then—

"Buru buru buru…"

The Den Den Mushi rang again.

Sengoku stared at it.

"…Please, not more bad news."

He picked up the receiver, not even bothering to speak.

But on the other end, an ecstatic voice erupted before he could even say a word.

"Fleet Admiral! Fleet Admiral! Admiral White—Admiral White Dove and Vice Admiral Akainu—They—they're back!!"

The speaker was so overwhelmed, he nearly forgot how to speak properly.

But the impact of the news—

It was naturally immense.

Even Sengoku himself froze for a second before the meaning sank in.

Then came a sudden burst of joy.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?! White Dove and Akainu are both back?!"

"Yes, sir! Admiral White Dove looks perfectly fine! Akainu is severely injured, but alive!"

Sengoku finally exhaled a breath he didn't know he had been holding in.

As long as they had returned, that was enough—just being alive was enough.

Without hesitation, he immediately ordered the Marines' top medical unit to prepare emergency treatment for Akainu.

Punishment for his recklessness would come later, once he recovered.

For now, he spoke into the Den Den Mushi again.

"Form ranks—Welcome them back with the highest honors!"

The whole of Marineford mobilized.

Sengoku also sent word to Kalifa, who had just joined CP9.

The moment she heard, she took immediate leave and rushed to the harbor.

Zephyr, now nearly fully recovered, arrived as well—his right arm replaced with a seastone prosthetic.

He wasn't alone.

With him were several Marine cadets, saved by Roman.

To them, Roman was more than a hero—he was a legend.

As Roman's ship approached Marineford, the lined-up soldiers stood tall and proud, awaiting his return.

Standing at the bow, Roman looked at them—

And smiled warmly.

A soft, gentle smile.

He stepped off the ship, walking beside the injured Akainu, who was immediately rushed away by medics.

Roman?

He was left basking in the glory.

The contrast was... stark.

Sengoku stepped forward, all signs of previous fatigue gone.

He sized up Roman carefully.

"You alright?"

"All good," Roman said with a calm smile. "Forgot my Den Den Mushi. The island got blown up. On the way back, I picked up Akainu—bit of a hassle."

Sengoku blinked.

Then burst into loud, booming laughter.

"Good! Good! GOOD!"

He clapped Roman on the shoulder with visible relief.

Then turned to the troops and roared—

"Soldiers! Let us welcome Admiral White Dove back to Marineford!"

"WELCOME BACK, ADMIRAL WHITE DOVE!"

"WELCOME BACK, ADMIRAL WHITE DOVE!!"

"WELCOME BACK, ADMIRAL WHITE DOVE!!!"

"WELCOME BACK, ADMIRAL WHITE DOVE!!!"

The chants grew louder with every echo, until all of Marineford thundered with his name.

Then—

A familiar silhouette flashed through the crowd.

In an instant, she threw herself into Roman's arms.

Kalifa.

Her eyes brimmed with tears as she looked up at his face.

"You're safe… You're really safe!"

She clung tightly to Roman, as if never wanting to let go again.

Just as her embrace tightened—

Another figure approached.

Hina.

Even her normally composed demeanor cracked. Seeing the man she admired standing there alive—

Her heart overflowed.

From a distance, Sengoku's lips twitched slightly.

He couldn't help but mutter inwardly:

'Tch. Being handsome really is cheating.'

And he wasn't the only one.

Around them, countless soldiers looked on in jealousy and heartbreak.

Kalifa and Hina—the dream girls of the Marine ranks—were both wrapped around one man.

Such a psychological blow depicted it was truly a cruel reality they lived in.

But it wasn't over yet.

From behind Sengoku, Zephyr stepped forward with Ain beside him.

Zephyr gave a dry cough, then looked at Roman seriously.

"Admiral White Dove... I can't repay what you've done. If you ever need anything, no matter what it is—just say the word. I'll go through hell itself for you."

The moment he finished—

Gasps spread like wildfire through the Marines.

Zephyr's words carried massive weight.

He wasn't just a former Admiral.

He was Marineford's strongest instructor, holding immense sway over recruitment and resources.

"Zephyr-sensei, you're too kind," Roman replied politely. "Whitebeard Jr. was a threat to peace. Upholding justice—that's our duty."

Sengoku sighed softly at that.

His mind drifted to Akainu.

That man also upheld absolute justice...

But without Roman's overwhelming strength, he had suffered a devastating defeat.

"Roman," Sengoku said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We'll talk more inside—or you can rest first if you'd like."

Roman laughed and waved it off.

"I'll report in first, Fleet Admiral. By the way—can I get reimbursed for the boat I had to buy?"