"Dragon-san, you have a visitor." a Marine stepped into the office
Dragon sighed. While he was a Marine, he deeply resented the way that the system worked and how the Marines were forced to follow Celestial Dragons' idea of 'justice', rather than following the ideals of true justice: a belief that his best friend, Vice Admiral Akainu Sakazuki, shared with him. There was another man, Vice Admiral Kuzan Aokiji, who also shared this belief. While they never confronted Celestial Dragons themselves, Akainu and Kuzan nonetheless worked to lessen the influence the Celestial Dragons had on the Marines.
Dragon looked up at the visitor.
"Shu-san!" he called out happily upon seeing who it was
"I came to tell you of another prophecy I had." the fishwoman said.
"Carry on." Dragon placed both hands on the table, straightening up.
"The flame carrier will come, along with the person who lost everything." she recited "Together, they will destroy the world as we know it and a new one will rise from its ashes.
With that, she smiled at Dragon one final time before leaving his office, her cloak swishing behind her.
Dragon was left contemplating what it all meant. He brushed it aside and focused on the present and the task he needed to fulfill.
There was a knock on the door.
"Come in." Dragon called
"The door opened, and Akainu stepped in, a bottle and two glasses in hand
"The finest whiskey in these parts." Akainu said pridefully, pouring both of them a glass
Dragon said nothing as he took a sip.
"What's on your mind?" Akainu inquired
"I am quitting the Marines, old friend. The Celestial Dragons do despicable deeds, and they force us to do despicable deeds as well. People are sold as slaves every day, and rather than protect them from that fate, we're forced to go along with it, to encourage it." Dragon's fingers drummed against the table
"But you can't..." Akainu stared at him "Kuzan and I are doing all we can to lessen their power...why would you jeopardize all that when we are making real progress here?"
"Because the subtle approach just doesn't cut it anymore, Sakazuki." Dragon said firmly "You have a choice, either join me or continue being the lapdog of Celestial Dragons for the rest of your life."
"Tch." Akainu grumbled "You know, despite being a marine, I always had a lot of respect for the King of the Pirates. Joining the Marines was just the best way to bring down the power Celestial Dragons hold while pretending to be on their side."
Dragon said nothing.
"But you are right." Akainu said as he stood up "The subtle approach just doesn't cut it anymore. I am yours."
He shook Dragon's head and smiled at him.
They left the base that night, after drugging the shift guards, and took Kuzan and half of Marines' assets with them.
It was time to start gathering followers.