"I hear you're looking for me?"
Ryuya, cloaked in black, addressed Zoro.
Zoro immediately replied, "Kuina! Where is she? I need to find her!"
Ryuya responded, "Kuina isn't here. She's in Paradise."
"Paradise? What's that?"
"In your current state, you can't reach Paradise. Leave this island, or…"
Ryuya flicked his finger, and a sharp blade of energy appeared beside Zoro. Zoro felt an intense chill.
Ryuya then told Dragon, "Evict them from Water 7. They can't stay here."
Ryuya vanished. Zoro felt lost and directionless. He'd been striving to become the world's strongest swordsman, but now he was consumed by searching for Kuina.
He knew it was wrong, but couldn't stop himself. He felt utterly lost and knelt down in despair.
Luffy came up to Zoro.
"Zoro! What are you doing? Have you forgotten your dream? You want to be the world's strongest swordsman! We're here because of our dreams!"
This resonated with Zoro, his eyes regaining their brightness. He drew Wado Ichimonji.
Zoro nodded at Luffy. "Luffy, thank you. You helped me regain my resolve."
Luffy grinned. "Let's go! But our ship's wrecked."
Dragon said, "I'll have a ship prepared for you. Leave Water 7."
Luffy readily agreed. Dragon took them to the shipyards where they encountered Franky.
Franky asked, "Why are you here? To mock me?"
Luffy replied, "No, we need a ship."
Dragon, observing Franky and Luffy, had an idea. After selecting a ship for Luffy, he addressed Franky: "Franky, you want to build your dream ship, right? Why not set sail and pursue that dream?"
Dragon left; he had other tasks.
Franky, understanding, turned to Luffy.
"To prevent you from wrecking another ship, let me join you!"
Luffy readily agreed. Franky joined Luffy's crew, and they left Water 7.
—
In Marineford, Ryuya, the Fleet Admiral, stood before a large window, checking the time. He'd been in this world a long time. Initially, he'd aimed for a simple life, but his growing attachments had changed his goals. He needed to create a world free from threats to his loved ones. He'd created multiple identities to conquer the seas, striving for peace and a secure home for them. It was time for a final assault.
The Dawn Birds were incredibly strong, and the Gorosei were applying pressure. He couldn't afford delays.
King Sterry had mobilized his forces against nations that hadn't submitted to the Dawn Birds.
Paradise had accumulated 80% of the world's Beli, surpassing even the Celestial Dragons' wealth, explaining the Gorosei's pressure.
His Den Den Mushi rang. It was the Gorosei.
"White Dove! When will you attack? Stop with the 'rest and recuperation'! The Dawn Birds are about to strike!"
Ryuya smirked. "Gorosei, rest assured. I'll lead the charge personally!"
Ryuya, with his forces, left Marineford. His departure sent shockwaves across the Grand Line. His swift action was a stark contrast to his previous approach. He even brought Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru, claiming it would increase their chances of success. Sengoku initially refused but ultimately agreed after discussions with Ryuya about the future of the Grand Line.
Three days later, King Sterry, leading his mechanical army, destroyed the Gate of Justice and invaded Marineford. The battle began. Everyone was shocked by King Sterry's audacity. Ryuya was absent; Tsuru was on his ship, and Kizaru was on a mission. Only Aokiji remained to defend Marineford.
Aokiji stepped up, leading the Marines against King Sterry's mechanical army.
The Gorosei were stunned.
"Is King Sterry mad? He dares to provoke us, forgetting we're here?"
"Recall White Dove! He must return to defend! We cannot underestimate Lira's mechanical army!"
A CP0 agent contacted Ryuya.
The Den Den Mushi rang before Ryuya answered, his voice weak.
"We... we're ambushed. I…"
The line went dead. The Gorosei were furious. Ryuya had hung up during King Sterry's attack, from his flagship.
Ryuya addressed his allies. "That's the situation. Do you understand?"
Sengoku frowned. "So, you're not only King Sterry but also Zero, the Dawn Birds' leader! Incredible!"
"I told you, you couldn't tell the difference!" Tsuru said to Garp.
Tsuru asked Ryuya, "Why reveal this?"
"Because I value your abilities! I can't manage the entire sea, even with clones! After conquering the sea, I'll retire, living with them on a secluded island."
"You want to become Celestial Dragons?"
"No, I want a world without threats to us."
Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru nodded. They understood.
Ryuya didn't care about power, only about threats. If he's unsatisfied, he can change the situation anytime.
This was still better than the Celestial Dragons' rule.