Over three years of relentless patrols and pirate hunts, Sakazuki's strength had soared. Under rigorous guidance, he'd mastered Haki—now, all that remained was to hone his skills through real battle.
By this point, Sakazuki had fully grown into the imposing figure fans would recognize from the original story. Clad in crisp white Marine uniform, muscles bulging beneath the fabric, and a billowing cape emblazoned with the word "Justice," he radiated an aura so intense that just standing before him was enough to make most men wilt.
And when Sakazuki struck, he never left survivors.
Now, in the North Blue, the very mention of his name sent pirates scrambling for cover. His reputation had even begun to spread to the other Blues—though that was mostly thanks to Jorison bragging to his fellow branch commanders over the Den Den Mushi every chance he got.
A week later…
The headquarters warship sent to collect elite class recruits was set to arrive at Branch 194 the next day.
On his last night before leaving, Jorison called Sakazuki into his office.
"Three years already… Hard to believe how fast it's gone," Jorison mused. "Here, take this."
He handed Sakazuki a battered notebook.
Sakazuki accepted it, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
Jorison grinned. "That's my personal notes on the various factions within headquarters… and some insights into the personalities and quirks of the big shots. I've spent most of my life in the Marines—figured you could use a head start. Relationships matter, too, you know."
Sakazuki tucked the notebook away with a solemn nod. "Thank you, Commander."
Jorison clapped him on the shoulder, laughing. "Hah! Didn't think I'd ever hear you say thanks. Lighten up a little, will you? Come on, walk with me."
The next day.
After a firm handshake and a few parting words with Jorison, Sakazuki boarded the massive headquarters warship that had come to collect him.
As he stepped aboard, dozens of eyes tracked his every move. Besides the regular patrol Marines, the deck was crowded with young recruits—each one handpicked by their home branch, each one sizing up the competition.
The moment Sakazuki appeared, a ripple of tension swept through them. His name was already legend across the Four Blues. Now, seeing him in the flesh—towering, broad-shouldered, exuding raw power—most couldn't help but frown. That oppressive presence alone set him apart.
Led by a Marine, Sakazuki chose a room and settled in alone.
No sooner had his door closed than small knots of recruits began to murmur:
"Damn, so that's Sakazuki? He's just as scary as the rumors say."
"Tch, he just looks big. I don't see what's so special."
"Don't underestimate him. You think you get a reputation like that without real skill?"
"Yeah, but nobody's actually seen him fight. Could all be hype."
"Well, this time it's all about real strength. Whoever stands out here is set for life."
"You'll never get anywhere if you're scared of a little competition."
"Easy for you to say."
"Let's be honest, we're still a ways off from those Grand Line monsters."
"Doesn't matter. I'm not staying stuck in the Blues forever."
"…"
Over the next month, the warship made port after port, picking up the best recruits from all four seas. When the last one boarded, they set course for the Grand Line.
After crossing Reverse Mountain, Sakazuki expected they'd take the Calm Belt straight to Marineford. But instead, they sailed deeper into the Grand Line. Made sense—this was still forty years before the main story, and Vegapunk hadn't invented Seastone warships yet.
On the tenth day in the Grand Line, alarms blared.
Sakazuki suited up and strode from his quarters.
On deck, Rear Admiral Wells—the officer in charge—stood tall, voice booming with authority:
"Form up!"
Though the recruits barely knew each other, they snapped into line with practiced precision.
Wells addressed them. "Two nautical miles ahead: pirate ship sighted. Confirmed—Savage Bone Noth. You're the best your branches have to offer. A mere 24 million bounty pirate shouldn't be a problem, right?"
A low buzz of whispers broke out.
Wells barked, "Silence! I asked—is there a problem?!"
The recruits straightened, voices ringing out in unison: "No, sir!"
Wells nodded. "Good. Full speed ahead. Prepare for boarding action."
Under his command, the warship surged toward its target.
Aboard the Savage Bone—
The lookout screamed, "Captain! There's a Marine warship closing in fast!"
Savage Bone Noth, fresh from raiding a merchant ship, hefted a bloodied beast's femur and bellowed with laughter. "Ahahaha! What's there to be scared of? Turn us around!"
"I'm the great pirate Savage Bone Noth—24 million bounty! You think I'm afraid of one lousy warship?!"
His crew roared their approval.
"Boss Savage Bone is invincible!"
"Let's gut those Marine bastards!"
"My blade's itching for a fight!"
"Charge!"
Back on the warship, Wells watched the pirate ship wheel around to attack. He sneered, but kept his focus—these recruits were promising, but a 24 million bounty pirate was still a real threat to them.
As the two ships closed to a few hundred meters, tension rippled through the ranks.
Sakazuki just smiled—a cold, predatory curve of the lips.
He strode to the bow, ignoring the startled glances around him. In his right hand, magma coalesced into the shape of a beating heart—swelling and contracting, alive with molten fury. Magma flowed endlessly into it, yet it never grew larger.
When the ships were less than a hundred meters apart, Sakazuki hurled the magma heart with a flick of his wrist.
"Volcanic Torrent!"
Like a blazing meteor, it shot straight into the pirate ship's hull. The pirates barely had time to react before—
BOOM!
A geyser of magma exploded from below decks, shooting skyward and then raining down, engulfing the entire vessel in a hellish inferno.
"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!"
"It's burning—help! HELP!"
"Captain! Save us!"
"AAAAHHHH!"
No one came to their rescue. As for their captain—unlucky enough to be standing right above the eruption—he was vaporized in an instant.
When the two ships finally drew alongside, every recruit stared in stunned silence at the half-melted pirate ship. Their gazes drifted to Sakazuki's back.
In that moment, a single emotion gripped their hearts—fear.
Bodies melted into the deck, severed limbs scattered everywhere, every face twisted in terror and agony at the moment of death.
(Author's note: Recommend starting from Chapter 48. Early chapters are rough—too lazy to overhaul them all. PS: Chapter 50 features a battle with Roger, Chapter 67 has Whitebeard's death in a very different Marineford. Characters like "Ace" and "Uta" either died before birth or died horribly. If you're here for pirate fanservice, this isn't the story for you—don't complain later!)
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
Weekly Stable Updates with 30+ Chapters Always Available. High-Quality and Consistent Translations Are the Channel's Top Priority.
Current Books:
Naruto: Deidara's Struggle
God-Tier Kazekage: Building the Ultimate Hidden Sand Village
Naruto: The Ōtsutsuki Bloodline Development Manual
One Piece:The True Codex
One Piece: Rising to Fleet Admiral Through a Coup
One Piece: Magma of Absolute Justice
👉patreon.com/GoldenLong