Author's Notes: The following chapter is just information on how the rankings in the Marines work in my version of One Piece. Along with the rankings is a brief history on the events that happen after the time of the Straw Hats.
Official Justice Dept. The Marines Authority Hierarchy (Rank goes in descending order, with the top being the highest rank)
Fleet Admiral-Control the entire Marine force. Have some input from the World Government). Possess superior Haki.
Admiral 1st Rank-Leader of the Admirals. Can authorize buster calls, declare war, and are qualified to lead the Marines. Possess superior Haki.
Admiral 2nd Rank-Can authorize buster calls, qualified to lead those lower in rank. Possess impressive Haki.
Admiral 3rd Rank-Can request buster calls from a higher ranking Marine, and qualified to lead those lower in rank. Impressive Haki.
Vice Admirals-Lead buster call attacks, apprehend upper-class criminals, recommend buster calls. Possess powerful Haki.
Rear Admirals-Assist buster call attacks, apprehend upper-class criminals. Possess Haki.
Commodores-Apprehend criminals. Possess weaker Haki.
Captains-Oversee minor operations or outposts.
Commanders-Oversee minor operations.
These are the only ranks I plan on mentioning in the story. Anything that may appear outside of these will thoroughly be explained.
The Shichibukai are pirates that have their crimes pardoned in exchange for aiding Marine activities and serving as intimidation to weaker pirates. The criteria to be a Shichibukai in this One Piece world is as follows:
-A high bounty. Preferably 250 Million+
-A reputation. Your name must be feared, and you must truly be frightening to opposing pirates, to the point where the mere mention of your name will spook weaker pirates and prevent them from entering certain areas.
-Must be stable. Mass murdering of innocents is not acceptable under any circumstances. Must be willing to meet with, and aid Marines at times.
-Powerful. Through unknown means, your abilities will be tested to check your combat capacity.
-Show eagerness to join the Shichibukai. Send the heads of notorious pirates or display great strength to the Marines.
Sovrani are pirates that have actually joined the Marines for a length of time in exchange for pardons and the full bounty of every Pirate they apprehend. Rather than continuing their pirate related activities, they instead patrol and apprehend dangerous pirates. They have reputations as rulers of territories, thus their name. They usually join because they tire of the pirate life and want a pardon to live a easy life, or they make actually join as a change of heart. The Sovrani have ranks, unlike the Shichibukai. To join the Sovrani you need:
-To do a deed to show your pirate retirement. This is usually carried out by slaughtering your former crew, slaying an allied crew, saving a Marine territory, openly admitting to the pirate world through a widespread medium that you pledge loyalty to the Marines, or relinquishing all treasure. Usually two or more of these are required.
-Formal induction to the Marines. Pledge the oath of the Marines, and renouncing piracy
-Be powerful. Strength is tested, and weak pirates will simply be executed.
The Sovrani are led by the I Dodici Sovrani. These are the twelve most powerful of the Sovrani. The Sovrani are typically seen in the New World and around the Red Line. Occasionally, they sweep Paradise. The ranks of the Sovrani are as follows.
Dodici Sovrani Speaker (equal in authority to a 3rd rank admiral)
Dodici Sovrani Captain (equal to Vice admiral)
Dodici Sovrani Lieutenant (equal to Rear admiral)
Dodici Sovrani Member 1st class (equal to Commodore)
Dodici Sovrani Member (equal to Captain)
Sovrani Senior (equal to Commander)
Sovrani Member (equal to Marine ensign)
The events that unfolded from Fish-Man Island Arc during the Straw-Hat era, to Buckley's birth, which is 18 years before the story begins. All in all, 30 years have passed since Fishman Island:
Roronoa Zoro was the Pirate King. The reasons why will later be divulged. He did not accomplish this feat as a member of the original Straw-Hat Pirates.
Straw-Hat Luffy was recognized as the most powerful pirate, more so than Whitebeard or Gold Roger.
Akainu was killed by Roronoa's crew. After his death, a forgettable admiral became Fleet Admiral for a stint, until Coby came into power, and created the I Dodici Sovrani, and the new perspective of the Marines. Coby manages to bring some sort of peace to the Blues, and the Grand Line.
After Coby is killed, the current Fleet Admiral came into power. He warps the Marines, and all of it's groups duties. He is recognized as a tyrant, and is part of the reason why pirates have become more widespread (innocent people turned criminal to feed families), and why commoners will more likely help non-hostile pirates
Finally, the only member alive from the Straw Hat crew will be revealed in the future.
Author's Note: That was just a brief information page to avoid any confusion in the future, as I will refer to several things later on in the story that you (the reader) may not be aware of, unless you read this. And as a closing sentence, I want to say that Haven is NOT Luffy's daughter, nor has she met him.