N/A : Happy New Year guys, lots of good things for you and your loved ones ! I don't even apologize for the delay anymore, I think you're used to it by now. Unfortunately, for the moment, I have to maintain a rhythm of one chapter per month because of my work, but I promise, I will return to the publication rhythm that I had at the beginning.
POV: Visha
Location: An island near Amazon Lily
The sun was beginning its rise in the sky when the young girl opened her eyes to a rather mysterious island. Dawn was breaking with an array of bright colors, caressing the waves that gently crashed on the shore. Her hair, usually straightened and well-combed, was disheveled from the restless night she had just spent in the little boat. During her sleep, many images had passed through her mind without her being able to remember their origin. The young girl heaved a deep sigh; the fatigue was so heavy that she forced herself to get up.
After a quick wash at the back of the rowboat, Visha joined Rayleigh on the beach. The wise man with graying hair had lit a fire during the night, probably to warm himself and ward off the wild beast that must be lurking in the area, and sat on an old wooden box.
Without saying a word, the young brunette sat opposite the old man, shivering and struggling to stay awake.
"Did you sleep poorly ?" asked the old man, contemplating the young girl with amused eyes at the internal battle she was waging not to fall asleep.
"I had horrible nightmares," she finally said after a long sigh while staring at the flames with a blank stare. "It's always the same images that repeat themselves tirelessly as soon as I close my eyes."
"And what exactly do you see?" While waiting for his response, she had a slight start as she thought back to her dreams. "I don't really know…" the young girl began. "I always find myself in huge dark spaces full of smoke, so that no ray of sunlight can reach me."
The man stared directly into her eyes and listened to her words with particular attention. "I don't see why my nightmares interest him so much" Visha wondered before continuing her story. "A nauseating smell emanates from this place, and when I try to move away from it, the same landscape takes shape endlessly, with hundreds, even thousands, of craters appearing as I walk, so much so that I always end up falling into one of them without the possibility of getting back up no matter how many attempts"
"And what happens next? Does your dream end like this?" Rayleigh asked in an almost fatherly tone, as a father trying to comfort his daughter and encourage her to continue.
"Then, pieces of human body and an immense quantity of blood begin to fall from the sky and fill the crater in which I find myself... No matter how hard I try to escape, it remains impossible to escape from this death trap where I always end up drowning without being able to do anything".
Thinking about the feeling of blood entering her mouth, she couldn't help but retch; the metallic taste of blood repelled her to the point. Oddly enough, it was still very familiar. "I wish I could have a peaceful night without seeing his images and sensations again during my sleep" Visha sighed inwardly.
"Anyway, we should go," the old man said as he covered the campfire with sand and headed toward the center of the island. "There is one person here that I really care about, to introduce you."
Her curiosity piqued, Visha regained her usual energy and followed the gray-haired man through the forest, which became more and more dense as he progressed. Instinctively, she couldn't help but scan her surroundings for a potential enemy hiding in the vegetation.
After long minutes of walking, the duo landed in a clearing crossed by a small stream. The rare rays of sunlight that managed to penetrate the dense foliage of the treetops gave a mystical air to the place.
"Wait for me here," Rayleigh ordered before going deep into the vegetation.
Initially surprised by her companion's instructions, she nodded without saying anything, taking advantage of the opportunity to rest. Visha approached an old tree stump lying on the ground to sit on it. With her senses still on alert, the young girl carefully analyzed the entire clearing, which seemed secure.
"I wonder why Mr. Rayleigh left all of a sudden..." the girl wondered, looking in the direction in which the old man had left her a few minutes before. "Well, if it gives me a little breather, it's not so bad."
Suddenly, a kind of snoring reached her ears and seemed to come from the thick vegetation to her right. She focused on the source of the noise and noticed a small black spot through the foliage that rose and fell in time with the noise it seemed to be making. Without making the slightest sound, she continued to stare at it for a long time until a clicking sound began to sound nearby.
In response to this deafening noise, a massive gorilla emerged from the depths of the vegetation, its piercing eyes fixed on Viktoriya still perched on her tree stump. Five meters tall, it advanced with bestial determination. Viktoriya, realizing the imminent danger, prepared for an unexpected confrontation.
Its impressive musculature left no doubt about its speed and power. Without the slightest warning, the animal suddenly charged, its imposing mass rushing towards Viktoriya. Instinctively, the young girl quickly got up and ran in the opposite direction of her attacker, trying to slalom between rocks, trees, and crevices in the hope of escaping him.
In her run, she dared to look behind her to ascertain the distance that separated her from the rabid animal but noticed with horror that it had caught up without much difficulty and was now a few meters behind her.
Once within reach, the gorilla raised its immense right arm so that it could sweep the entire area in front of it. Seeing the arm heading in her direction, Visha put her elbows in front of her face as if her meager protection would be able to save her. Dreading the shock and knowing that she would not resist it, the young girl gritted her teeth and closed her eyes, bracing herself for the impact.
"Mr. Rayleigh, I'm sorry to die like this after all the efforts you made to save me…"
To her great surprise, the shock was not as powerful as she thought. A second shock, this time to her back, was felt a few seconds after the first. When she opened her eyes, Visha found herself embedded in a tree and noticed a sort of transparent veil all around her that seemed to be breaking little by little, like glass. The young girl then remembered the little blonde she met in Sabaody who was able to use this same type of ability. "So I am capable of doing the same thing as this child?" Visha wondered, still confused by the situation.
A strange red glow escaped from her medallion and caught her eye. Grasping it carefully, she watched its comforting light fade little by little. The howls of the enraged gorilla made the young girl look up at her opponent again. Unable to get out of the tree, Visha began to panic when she saw the wild animal rushing towards her.
"I can't move anymore... And if I ever get hit like this again, there's no guarantee that I'll be able to survive it again…" Arriving at her level, the animal raised its arm again and dropped with all its strength on its opponent. Instinctively, Visha closed her eyes again, praying with all her might that the same ability would work again.
A violent jolt was felt throughout her body, but no sharp pain. Opening her eyes, the transparent veil had reappeared and had absorbed the blow. The incomprehension could be read on the face of the gorilla, who did not understand how such a small creature could resist him so much.
Visibly frustrated by its repeated failures, the animal delivered several devastating blows to the sphere that had formed all around the young girl. Visha, for her part, was reassured to be able to protect herself without getting hurt. However, her relief was short-lived; the protection all around her seemed to be cracking here and there, and it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to stay awake. It was as if this sphere was sucking all her energy from her.
She realized with horror that the protection was failing. "Please, someone come and help me," the young girl screamed, filled with despair. "I don't want to die like this…"
The confrontation between Visha and the gorilla reached a fever pitch, with the youngster's every attempt to maintain her magical shield thwarted by the gorilla's brute strength. As the tension in the forest reached its peak, a subtle change in the atmosphere was felt.
Suddenly, the commotion of the surrounding wildlife calmed, and an aura of overwhelming power permeated the air. Rayleigh, who had rushed into the forest in search of Viktoriya, arrived at the heart of the scene.
"I'll leave you alone for 10 minutes, and that's how I'll find you?" With his piercing gaze fixed on the gorilla, Rayleigh emanated an intimidating presence. He took a deep breath, then suddenly, the enraged animal lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground with a deafening noise, raising an immense cloud of dust.
Visha, sensing the change in the atmosphere, lowered her magical shield, observing with curiosity the man who had just saved her life once again
POV: Silver Rayleigh
Location: A nearby island
The island's dense forest was quiet, permeated with the shadows of ancient ruins and the whispers of forgotten secrets. Rayleigh slipped silently through the winding paths, having left Viktoriya in the small clearing. He had fun watching her for a while and was amused to see that she had gone directly to a small tree stump lying on the ground to sit down.
As he walked away from where he had last left the girl, a distant growl caught his attention. Rayleigh smiled slightly, knowing that the time had come to test the young woman's abilities. His instinct told him that despite the absence of Haki and Devil Fruit,
Deploying his observation Haki, the old man instantly found what he was looking for and made his way through the bushes, discovering the massive gorilla sleeping peacefully. A daring plan sprouted in Rayleigh's mind. He grabbed the first stone within reach and threw it with all his might at a nearby tree to wake him up.
The gorilla, disoriented and irritated by the noise, woke up roaring, looking for a target for his growing anger. Viktoriya, who was standing nearby on her stump, became the object of his attention.
Rayleigh, observing the scene with apparent calm, knew that Viktoriya was about to face an unexpected challenge. He wanted to put her to the test and see how she would use her powers against such an imposing opponent.
Seeing the animal lunge at her, the young girl fled in the opposite direction. Despite the dangerous situation, he was ready to intervene at any time to prevent her from being seriously injured.
When the moment seemed opportune, Rayleigh intervened, using his Haki of Kings to interrupt the fight and incapacitate the unleashed animal. He had been able to see what he wanted. The protection of the young girl resembled in every way the capacity of this Navy officer that Duval had described during their exchange. "I imagine these two must come from the same place... If her abilities are as powerful as those described by Duval, this young girl will have an extraordinary future."
He approached Visha, who seemed surprised and grateful for his intervention.
"You held up well," praised the old man while helping Visha free herself from the tree she was still stuck in. "How did you manage to protect yourself from our friend's blows?" Rayleigh asked, nodding towards the animal lying on the ground.
Visha, who was trying to catch her breath, looked into his eyes then took out a sort of medallion that was hidden by her uniform. "Honestly, I don't know," the young girl began to explain while staring at her jewelry, "I just thought about protecting myself while closing my eyes, then this strange veil appeared as if by magic." Perplexed, Rayleigh buried his hand in his beard while contemplating the animal which was still unconscious on the dusty ground. "She doesn't seem to be able to control her power yet... If I remember correctly, I seem to have seen her pendant glow during the fight. Perhaps her power finds its energy via this little pendant. If our opponent has a similar ability and is able to use it however she wants, this could become really problematic in the future."
"It was a test, wasn't it?" Hearing the question, Rayleigh jumped slightly. He didn't expect that the simple-looking girl could guess it so quickly. He finally nodded his head, his teasing gaze revealing a glint of amusement. "Pirates must be ready to face all kinds of challenges. And you're doing pretty well." Visibly delighted by the compliment, the young girl began to smile, visibly proud of the compliment she had received from the old man. "Thank you, Mr. Rayleigh, but I don't know if I want to become a pirate…"
Rayleigh patted her on the shoulder, "I think you have the wrong idea of what a pirate can be, but you'll understand later…" Visha remained silent and looked at the gorilla for a few seconds before asking the old man how he managed to make the rabid animal lose consciousness in a few seconds.
Rayleigh, determined to help the young girl master her powers, spoke. "Visha, what you showed with your magic shield was impressive, but there are other forms of power you should know about."
Her interlocutor listened attentively, realizing that there was still much to learn.
"There are three types of Haki: Observation Haki, Weaponry Haki, and King's Haki." He explained each type of Haki in detail, describing how Observation Haki allowed one to sense the emotions and intentions of others, how Weaponry Haki strengthened users' defense and offense, and finally, how the Haki of Kings, which he had used earlier, could influence the will of others. "If you agree, I can train you to develop these skills. It is essential to master Haki well for a person who aspires to reach new horizons."
Viktoriya, grateful for the offer of training, accepted with determination. "I'm ready to learn, Rayleigh. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."
Rayleigh smiled, satisfied with the young woman's determination. "GOOD. Training will begin as soon as possible. Together, we will ensure that you are ready to face whatever comes our way, but first, it is time for you to meet my friend."
POV: Visha
Location: Island near Amazon Lilly
The murmurs of the waves accompanied their progress, and from the first steps on the beach, Visha felt a particular energy in the air. At her side, Rayleigh, immutable in his wisdom, explained to her that this island concealed age-old secrets, trials that only the most intrepid could overcome.
After a few minutes of walking, the two companions reached a small cove at the edge of the cliffs. Below, Visha saw a yellow submarine moored. On its deck, a young man with a sort of white cap spotted with black was dozing.
"Is this your friend?"
"No, it's not him, but rather his doctor," replied Rayleigh as he continued on his way. "His doctor? Is his friend unwell?" Visha wondered as she chased after the old man. When they arrived in front of the submarine, the young man stood up nonchalantly. The man in front of her was rather thin and of average height. He was wearing a black and yellow hoodie with what appeared to be a Jolly Roger printed on it. On his arms, numerous tribal tattoos could be seen. His jeans had quite particular markings reminiscent of the dress of a leopard or a panther. As for his facial features, he had slight shadows under his eyes. Under the white hat that Visha had seen earlier, she could make out black hair. The young man carried a long saber which he left resting on his right shoulder.
"And he hopes to make me believe that a guy like that is a doctor…" Before he could even say anything, Rayleigh immediately spoke. "How has he been since moving from Amazon Lilly?" After a quick glance at the young girl, the man stationed on the submarine let out a long sigh, "As I told you last time, her condition is stable, but now, there is absolutely no need to move her. The last trip had already been very hard for Jinbe to cope with; I'll let you imagine what it was like for the straw hat."
"Knowing Luffy, I think he'll get over it pretty quickly. My biggest concern is more about his mental health. The loss of his brother will perhaps be insurmountable for him…". Without adding anything, Rayleigh joined the young man. Together they entered the submarine, leaving the girl alone on the small beach.
Not knowing what to do, Visha began pacing along the creek to wait. Hours passed, and the sun gradually began to disappear over the horizon. "I guess you must be Visha, the girl Rayleigh took under his wing." Hearing a hoarse voice coming from behind her, Visha jumped and turned around directly. In front of her was a blue fish man resembling a whale shark.
"Um, yes, it's definitely me," she replied with a hesitant voice, not knowing whether or not she should be wary of the man in front of her. "You don't have to be suspicious of me; I'm a friend of Rayleigh," Jinbe said while sitting down in the shade of a rock.
Seeing his insistent look, Visha understood that the man was inviting her to join him, which she did without much urging. As she got closer to the fish man, Visha realized the difference in build that set them both apart. Her frail body paled in comparison to Jinbe's imposing body.
Observing him carefully, she noticed that he was covered in impressive wounds all over his body. Some bandages covered in fresh blood showed that he had been recently injured. In addition to his numerous injuries, his breathing became wheezy at times.
After a long silence and seeing that the young girl was staring at him intently, Jinbe finally spoke and asked: "You seem intrigued by my numerous injuries and by the absence of my left hand... I imagine you suspect where they can come from."
Visha's negative response made him raise an eyebrow. "Are you aware of what happened at Marineford?" Embarrassed, the young girl again answered in the negative and told him that she had amnesia, and that the few memories she had were not that old. "I'm surprised Rayleigh didn't keep you informed of this event. This is a historic event that will certainly change the world."
After a long sigh, Jinbe, with a serious expression, began to narrate the events of the Great Marineford War. The whisper of the wind and the gentle rustling of the leaves seemed to accompany the story, creating an almost theatrical setting for this epic story.
"Visha, it's time you learned the history of the Great War of Marineford," the fish man said in a serious tone. "It was a conflict of colossal proportions, pitting the Navy against the pirate alliance, with Whitebeard at the head of the latter."
He described the fury of the fighting, the unleashed powers of the Navy admirals, and the inevitable collision between Whitebeard and Admiral Akainu. Jinbe's every word seemed to carry the weight of past battles.
"Luffy was at the heart of this battle which was beyond him; his priority was to save his big brother Ace. If you had been able to see him, you would have been impressed by his determination to help his brother. However, even with the bravery of Whitebeard and the allied pirates, the situation was hopeless."
Visha absorbed the words of her interlocutor; she had the impression that she was being told a story worthy of legends, unfortunately, she knew that behind it were thousands of dead and injured.
"And what happened then, how did you and Luffy end up in this state?"
Closing his eyes to fully recall the course of the battle, Jinbe revealed the emotional moments of the battle, highlighting the heartbreaking losses and difficult choices. He explained how Ace had been saved, and how the latter had succumbed.
"As we were running to join the rest of Whitebeard's crew, Ace saw a staggering and disoriented little girl who seemed injured from the battle..." Hearing "little girl," Visha couldn't prevent herself from thinking about the little blonde she had met earlier, saying she knew her... "Mr. Jinbe" interrupted Visha, "Can you tell me more about this young girl?"
First taken off guard by the eagerness and sudden interest of his interlocutor, the latter described in the smallest details the events that led to Ace's tragic death. He first described this young girl physically, then secondly how she had managed to murder and seriously injure him. "There is no doubt, it is indeed the same person!" Visha exclaimed, which again surprised her interlocutor. "You know her?" Jinbe asked, obviously curious to know more about this new enemy.
Without hesitation, Visha told her interlocutor a quick summary of her short story as well as her meeting with the mysterious blonde girl, without forgetting the slightest detail.
Without interrupting, Jinbe listened to the girl; he seemed very focused on her words.
"We are dealing with an enemy that will certainly be problematic in the future... Having been a privateer and having already met hundreds of marines, I can tell you with certainty that this person is an anomaly in their ranks."
"I already knew that, Mr. Jinbe," Visha thought to herself. "What worries me most is that she seems to want me to join her…"
"Coming back to this great war," Jinbe continued, "After being seriously injured by this young girl and by Akainu, we were taken care of by the rookie Trafalgar Law who transported us in his submarine and provided emergency care. As for Luffy, he is recovering from his injuries aboard this ship.
The shadow of war hung in the air, but Jinbe chose his words carefully, seeking to convey the gravity of events without crushing hope.
"The war has left scars, but Luffy is strong. He has an astonishing ability to overcome challenges. And I believe he will emerge from this ordeal even more resilient."
Viktoriya listened in silence, absorbing every detail of the story. Her eyes reflected a deep understanding of the complexity of the world in which she lived. "I can't imagine what it would feel like to lose your brother in front of your eyes and in such circumstances…".
"It's a heavy story, Jinbe. Thank you for sharing this with me. Luffy has remarkable strength within him." Jinbe nodded, recognizing the respect in Viktoriya's words. "Yes, he does. And we will be there for him to help him find the strength necessary to continue his journey…"
POV: Tanya Von Degurechaff
Location: Marine HQ, Marineford.
Since the big transfer of power ceremony to Admiral Sakazuki, the atmosphere at Marine HQ had changed drastically. His first action was to double patrols at sea and apply zero tolerance to acts of piracy. People complaining about the hellish pace of patrols were directly placed under arrest for insubordination.
Admiral Sakazuki also took advantage of his position to set up a military police responsible for monitoring the actions of soldiers deemed "ineffective." These various measures had generated several waves of protests, which were quickly put down by the same military police who had the possibility of arresting anyone who rebelled against the new reforms.
Conversely, the number of pirate captures had increased significantly, and the number of complaints concerning soldiers' blunders had decreased. Few people really appreciated Admiral Sakazuki as an individual; Tanya, the first, however, recognized the efficiency and determination of her superior.
The new doctrine might seem harsh and far too strict, but Tanya knew that as long as the rules and orders were followed without question, she would have no problem with her hierarchy, just the same as in her previous two lives.
During her off hours, Tanya had immersed herself in the project of rebuilding and testing her Computing Orb. In the privacy of her quartermaster's quarters in Marineford, she had gathered the resources for the construction of the orb.
Collecting gold, bronze, and copper had been relatively simple; the stores located in the city center offered this type of product in very large quantities. The ruby, which should be in the center of the device, had been much harder to obtain. In this world, this type of precious stone being quite rare, she had to wait a few days while the jeweler could obtain one from his contacts. Tanya had to negotiate a very large sum of money with him to obtain the precious gem.
But when it came to the most important part of the device, Tanya didn't want to create an orb of calculation based on an artificial ruby made by the power of her fruit. Wanting to subsequently create a real orb of calculation, it was preferable to gather as many pieces as possible quickly.
The Orb of Calculation was a centerpiece of Tanya's strategy, a weapon that leveraged her expertise in magic and strategic skill. After the wear and tear of the Battle of Marineford, she was determined to perfect it, believing that each improvement was a step closer to victory.
Like every evening after the meal, Tanya went to her room, taking care to lock her door so that no one could burst into her room without obtaining her permission. It was unlikely that a soldier would be able to enter an officer's room without permission, but she preferred to be careful.
After gathering all the necessary materials and parts, she began by giving the materials the shape she wanted with the power of her devil fruit, which she mastered better and better with practice, examining each component with meticulous precision. Magical runes, crystals, and intricate mechanisms lay on the table in front of her, a constellation of magical and technological elements. Tanya, with her analytical mind and in-depth knowledge of magic, quickly identified areas that needed improvement.
The construction process began with a series of enchantments. Tanya summoned complex magical runes, combining the principles of modern magic with older arcane from her ancient world. Each line of light drawn in the air seemed to breathe new life into the orb.
She also adjusted the crystal that powered the orb. The ruby served as both a power source and main unit, seeking to maximize efficiency while minimizing the risk of instability. The technological knowledge she had acquired in her old world blended seamlessly with her magical expertise, creating a unique fusion of knowledge. "There's no way I'm going to repeat Dr. Shugel's mistakes; I really don't want to explode in mid-air like last time…"
Testing the Computing Orb was the next step. Tanya constructed a series of complex magical simulations, testing the orb's ability to quickly process information and perform advanced magical calculations. She carefully observed each step of the process, adjusting the settings as needed.
As the test results showed promise, a sense of satisfaction lit up Tanya's eyes. Her Computing Orb, rebuilt and upgraded, was ready for deployment in the next engagement. "I'm quite happy with the result; maybe I should have applied for a magical engineering position in the Empire," Tanya quipped.
She stood in front of her quarters' window, gazing out at the changing skylines of Marineford. Preparations for the rebuilding of Marineford were moving forward, and Tanya knew that her orb would play a vital role in the defense of this Marine stronghold.
"I feel much safer with this tool around my neck, but we will urgently have to find a craftsman capable of machining my parts quickly…" The orb seemed to work correctly, but having to rebuild it regularly was painful and especially not very practical in the middle of combat.
With her Computing Orb finalized, Tanya decided to put her new enhancements to the test. The possibility of a test flight rose to her mind as an opportunity to test not only the power of her orb but also its ability to remain inconspicuous.
In the quiet of the night, as stars dotted the sky above Marineford, Tanya opened the window to her quarters. The sea air wafted into the room, carrying with it an energy charged with anticipation.
Her calculus orb, glowing with magical runes, floated in front of her. Tanya began to mutter complex incantations, activating the enchantments that would propel her orb into the heavens. A magical glow enveloped the sphere, giving it a magical aura.
The orb rose gently from Tanya's palm, hovering in the air with an almost animated grace. The Marine captain deftly guided it towards the open window, letting the darkness of the night envelop her.
The test flight began with impressive fluidity. The orb flew over Marineford with an agility that revealed Tanya's magical mastery. She was careful to remain at a discreet altitude, avoiding prying eyes that might reveal her nocturnal experimentation.
She flew over the port, the old town, the main building in an instant. Observing the island from the air, it was easy to see how enormous damage the recent battle had caused. Some cracks were still visible on the ground, and some buildings had still not been repaired.
Eager to push the capabilities of her computing orb to the limit, Tanya decided not to settle for simple test flights. She wanted to test the maneuverability and responsiveness of the orb in extreme conditions. To do this, she undertook low-level flights, getting as close as possible to the ocean and brushing against the waves that formed with the wind, taking advantage of the rolling waves to ensure that the flight in tight places was possible.
When she regained height, Tanya launched herself with her orb through the skies. The magical glow of the artifact discreetly illuminated its path, crossing the tight spaces between the buildings of Marineford, playing with the limits of its maneuverability.
Before their eyes, the buildings passed by at breakneck speed, but Tanya maintained control with remarkable precision. The orb allowed her to fly low, grazing rooftops with an agility that defied gravity. The feeling of the wind caressing her face and the freedom of navigating through the complex nooks and crannies of the Marine base evoked in her a familiar, nostalgic excitement.
At times, she would choose narrow passages between structures, testing the orb's ability to fit into tight spaces. The magical runes activated, adjusting the trajectory of the orb to the nearest millimeter.
These skirmishes were a dazzling spectacle, a display of magical and technological skills that exceeded expectations. Tanya, while enjoying the adrenaline of these daring maneuvers, carefully assessed the orb's performance.
When the series of flights ended, Tanya was confident that her orb was ready to take on the most complex challenges. She landed gracefully on the roof of one of Marineford's buildings. "Maneuverability is better than I expected, although the empire version remains vastly superior."
Satisfied with the success of her test flight, Tanya hurried back to her quarters. Arriving in front of the wooden window, the young girl opened it with extreme caution so as not to wake the nearby staff and avoid any suspicion. She closed the window behind her and, without a sound, placed her orb on the desk, taking care to remove and separate each piece that composed it. "It's a bit of a pain, but when my fruit's powers fade overnight, no materials will be damaged". Once that was done, she did a quick wash and then went to bed without asking for her rest.
The next day, as usual since her arrival on this island, Tanya sat down for breakfast in one of Marineford's canteens, a place where the lively sounds of conversations mixed with the clinking of cutlery. She had opted for a balanced meal, combining fresh fruit with a portion of cereal and a cup of hot chocolate. Sitting alone at a table, she enjoyed her meal with almost military efficiency.
Halfway through her meal, a young soldier approached her, his impeccable uniform testifying to his recent entry into the ranks of the Navy. "Excuse me for disturbing you Captain, I have been asked to give you this letter in person." He greeted Tanya respectfully before passing her a letter.
"Something else ?" Tanya asked the new recruit who stood at attention in front of her without saying anything. "No Captain". Seeing that the latter still did not move, the young girl let out a long sigh, "Well, you can go…". Immediately, the young man bowed respectfully and headed towards the exit.
After taking a sip of her hot chocolate, Tanya delicately opened the letter intended for her; it was signed from the personnel office.
Fleet Marine - Personnel Office
Captain Tanya Degurechaff,
You are formally summoned to the personnel office for an important hearing. This summons comes in the context of your recent assignment within the Marine. Senior officers wish to discuss certain crucial aspects related to your integration.
The meeting will be held in the personnel office today at 10 a.m. We ask you to be punctual, as important information concerning your missions and responsibilities within your future assignment will be communicated to you.
Although specific details have not been included in this letter, rest assured that the meeting will clarify all items related to your new assignment. We count on your cooperation for this crucial meeting.
Additionally, please bring all documents relating to your particular service and skills. We are certain that your expertise will greatly contribute to future missions.
Sincerely,
Vice-admiral Marcus Sullivan
Head of the Personnel Office.
Tanya looked up from her breakfast table, and a quick scan of the dining hall clock made her aware that the meeting was imminent. A slight pang of irritation pricked her conscience. "Why do summons always have to be so pressing?", she thought.
The seconds seemed to pass with unusual speed as she rose from her chair, leaving behind her barely started meal. The ambient murmurs of the dining hall seemed to fade as her mind focused on the objective at hand.
Tanya set off with a determined step through the halls of Marineford. The curious looks of the soldiers she passed only strengthened her resolve. "I have no time to waste," she thought, quickening her pace.
Arriving at the door of the personnel office, she paused briefly, mentally adjusting her uniform with the precision characteristic of her military attitude. "This Vice-Admiral Sullivan better have some crucial information," she thought with a hint of impatience.
Tanya's firm knock on the door announced her arrival. "Captain Tanya Degurechaff, ready for the meeting," she declared in a clear voice as she entered. The interior of the personnel office greeted her in a hushed atmosphere, and her gaze fell directly on Vice-admiral Marcus Sullivan.
Vice-admiral Marcus Sullivan was a middle-aged man, with a military presence that emanated naturally from his rigid posture. His broad shoulders were framed by an impeccable Marine uniform, where medals testified to his years of dedicated service. His graying hair was professionally cut short, emphasizing his commitment to military discipline.
His face had stern features, but his piercing eyes showed keen intelligence. A thin, well-groomed mustache added a touch of formality to his appearance. When he spoke, his voice was authoritative, but laced with a certain kindness, reflecting the experience and wisdom accumulated over years of service in the Marine.
Vice-Admiral Marcus Sullivan's office was an austere room, imbued with the formal atmosphere that characterized important meetings within the Marine. The walls were adorned with various insignia and flags, emphasizing the pride and tradition of the military institution. The Vice-admiral himself sat behind a tidy desk, emitting an aura of command.
Tanya entered the room, her impeccable uniform and haughty bearing attesting to her military discipline. Her thoughts were on the purpose of this meeting. "What does the personnel office want from me?" she asked herself, anticipating the crucial information that would be delivered to her.
Vice-admiral Sullivan stood to greet her, his sharp eyes analyzing the captain who stood before him. "Captain Degurechaff, I am glad you are here," he said in an authoritative but courteous voice.
Tanya bowed slightly in respect, keeping her gaze fixed on the Vice-admiral. "Why such an urgent meeting?" she thought, trying to unravel the mystery surrounding this summons.
Vice-Admiral Sullivan wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter. "Captain Degurechaff, we have decided to assign you to the G5. Your strategic expertise and exceptional skills will be used to improve the image of this unit," he declared, thus revealing the main purpose of the meeting.
A flash of surprise crossed Tanya's eyes. "The G5?" She was surprised to be assigned to such a unit. Although she had never dealt with them directly, there were many rumors within the Marine about them.
Ignoring the girl's surprise, the Vice-admiral continued, specifying that once there, she would be under the direct supervision of Vice-Admiral Smoker. "Under the supervision of Vice Admiral Smoker?", she thought, the image of the man with the two cigars suddenly appearing in her mind. "The man who was able to defeat me during my assessment…"
The announcement of her assignment to the G5 was accompanied by a reality that Tanya had perhaps not anticipated. Vice-admiral Marcus Sullivan continued, explaining the unique situation of this unit within the Marine.
"Captain Degurechaff, we are aware that the G5 is currently considered one of the most problematic units in the Marine. Their reputation is tarnished by undisciplined behavior, slippages, and excessive violence, even towards the civilian population. That's why we need someone of your caliber and reputation to establish strict discipline and improve the image of this unit."
Tanya absorbed this information with a mixture of surprise and quick thinking. 'The worst unit in the Marine...' she thought, mentally analyzing the task given to her. "Will I have to train them like I had to train my previous unit?"
Vice-admiral Sullivan continued, emphasizing the need to restore discipline and efficiency within the G5. "As I stated earlier, you will be under the direct supervision of Vice-Admiral Smoker, who has agreed to cooperate closely with you on this delicate mission."
Tanya's thoughts intensified as she contemplated the complexity of the mission ahead of her. "Discipline, efficiency, reputation…" she repeated mentally, a maniacal smile gradually appearing on her face. "What a fantastic opportunity I have been given. Restoring a good image to this deviant unit would allow me to show my superiors what I am capable of, and why not find a position behind the scenes as a supervisor…"
Vice-admiral Sullivan's office became the scene of Tanya's mental preparations, as the reality of her new mission dawned before her. The meeting continued, further detailing the specific expectations and responsibilities that would shape her role within the G5.
After outlining the details of her delicate mission, Vice-admiral Marcus Sullivan began the administrative phase of Tanya Degurechaff's assignment to the G5. He presented various documents that she had to sign, thus formalizing her commitment to this new mission.
Tanya, always methodical in her actions, quickly scanned the terms of the documents, aware of the formality inherent in her military status. Her signature affixed, she returned the documents to the Vice-admiral, thus marking the first concrete step in her commitment to this delicate mission.
"Captain Degurechaff, your departure for the G5 is scheduled in three weeks," Vice-admiral Sullivan announced, drawing Tanya's attention to the tight schedule that awaited her. "In the meantime, we expect you to devote yourself to rebuilding and defending the base; we cannot afford to suffer another pirate offensive. Especially since Whitebeard has still not been apprehended."
This new directive heralded an intense period of preparatory activities. "Three weeks to prepare for this new unit, that will give me time to perfect the powers of my fruit and finalize my orb," she thought, mentally assessing the workload that awaited her.
The Vice-admiral went on to provide her with additional information about the resources available to her and the contacts she could make within the base. Tanya absorbed these details carefully, viewing each element as an essential piece of the strategy she would develop to turn around the G5's image.
As the meeting drew to a close, Tanya stood up, ready to take on the challenge before her. Vice-admiral Sullivan greeted her with respect, aware of the weight of the mission which now rested on the shoulders of Captain Tanya Degurechaff. Tanya's thoughts already turned to the weeks ahead, mentally preparing herself for the task that would redefine her role within the Marine.