The sun had barely risen when the call came through—Haru was to report to the dock with his belongings. No formalities. No ceremony. Just a simple order: "Be ready. We leave for G-1 Base at dawn."
He stood at the gates of the base, dressed in his new Marine uniform—an ensign's coat, crisp and white with navy blue trim, fluttering in the breeze. His odachi was sheathed and slung across his back, while Honjo hung from his left hip, gleaming faintly in the morning light. Slung over his shoulder was a small travel pack containing all he owned. Not much, but it held what truly mattered—his grandfather's training scrolls, a photo of them together, and a small wooden sculpture Musashi had once carved for him.
At the docks, Marine soldiers scrambled to prepare the vessel for departure. A majestic warship, white sails adorned with the bold blue emblem of the World Government, rocked gently in the harbor. Its sleek, iron-reinforced hull hinted at both speed and power, a perfect blend of elegance and strength.
Haru was greeted by Vice Admiral Gion, who stood tall on the deck with her arms crossed, surveying the preparations. Her long dark hair caught the wind, and her steady eyes found Haru's the moment he stepped onto the ship.
"Welcome aboard, Ensign Haru," she said with a rare smile. "Let me show you around."
Tour of the Ship
Haru followed her eagerly, his heart racing—not from nerves, but excitement. Every step echoed across the polished wooden planks as Gion guided him through the ship. The corridors were clean and orderly, built for efficiency but not without a touch of warmth. Marine officers nodded respectfully as Gion passed.
"This is one of the newer vessels retrofitted at Enies Lobby," Gion explained. "We call her The Soaring Justice. She's fast, has reinforced cannons, and is equipped with a seastone-lined hull for anti-Devil Fruit combat."
They passed through the mess hall where soldiers were eating their breakfast—some eyed Haru curiously, others whispered behind their hands, already talking about the "kid who beat Rokan."
She pointed to the barracks, the medbay, the strategy room, and finally brought him to the crow's nest.
"Up here, you get the best view of the Grand Line. Get used to the sea, Haru. It becomes a part of you."
Haru nodded, the salt-sweet wind filling his lungs. "Thank you, Vice Admiral. This ship… it's amazing."
Gion chuckled. "Wait until we reach the G-1 Headquarters. Compared to that, this ship's a lifeboat."
Two Days on the Sea
They set sail just before noon, the town shrinking behind them as the ship cut through the waves. Haru stood at the stern, watching the harbor fade away—the same harbor he had once been carried through as a baby, hidden in his mother's arms, fleeing from the chaos of a life he was too young to understand. The circle had come full, but now, he left not as a helpless child, but as a Marine with purpose.
On the first day, the seas were calm. Haru spent time on deck, training alone under the watchful eyes of Gion and other senior officers. He practiced his two-sword style drills with precision, blades flashing under the sun. Every motion carried the memory of Musashi's voice, correcting his stance, adjusting his breath.
That night, Gion called him to dine with her and a few other officers. They asked him about his upbringing, about Musashi, about how a boy with pink hair and no formal education could move like a seasoned warrior. Haru answered humbly, eating little, listening much.
But the second day was less peaceful.
Just after sunrise, the lookout called from above: "Sails! Starboard side! A pirate sloop!"
Gion ordered the crew to intercept. The pirates, a ragtag group calling themselves the Fangs of the East, tried to flee, but The Soaring Justice caught them in under fifteen minutes.
Haru was among the first over the rails when boarding began. Though Gion hadn't ordered him to fight, he jumped into action without hesitation. Moving like a streak of silver lightning, Haru's blades tore through the enemy's defenses. He disarmed three pirates in seconds, knocked out two more with haki-enhanced strikes, and cornered the captain—an axe-wielding brute with a Devil Fruit ability that allowed him to harden his skin like rock.
The battle was quick.
Honjo swept his feet. The odachi, shimmering with black Armament Haki, landed cleanly on the man's collarbone, knocking him unconscious without breaking the skin.
When it was over, the entire pirate crew was in chains. Gion only gave a small nod of approval, but Haru noticed the gleam of pride in her eyes.
Arrival at G-1 Headquarters
By the evening of the second day, a massive silhouette appeared on the horizon. Haru stood at the bow as they approached, his eyes widening in awe.
G-1 Base.
Once located in the New World, G-1 had been relocated after the events involving the Revolutionary Army and Yonko activity. Now it stood atop a crescent-shaped cliff, built into the very stone of the island, surrounded by towering walls and fortified gates. The harbor was a marvel of naval engineering—docks for over fifty warships, cranes hauling cargo, and seastone rail tracks guiding battleships into repair yards.
Soldiers marched in synchronized drills, and the massive Marine emblem unfurled above the command tower—white and proud against the blue sky.
"It's… huge," Haru muttered, awestruck.
Gion smiled. "The heart of Marine command outside of Mariejois. This is where legends are made."
Once docked, Haru followed Gion down the gangplank, his swords at his side. Marines saluted them as they passed. Inside the central tower, the air was cool and quiet, filled with the smell of polished wood and parchment.
They rode an elevator-like platform up six floors. Gion didn't speak, and Haru didn't ask.
When the door opened, an elderly woman sat behind a desk piled with paperwork, steaming tea in her hand.
Her sharp eyes lifted, her thin lips curved in a soft smile.
"Come in," she said. "So you're Musashi's boy."
Meeting Vice Admiral Tsuru
Vice Admiral Tsuru was a living legend—once the tactical genius behind many Marine victories, now a revered symbol of justice and wisdom. Her presence was calming, yet commanding. Despite her age, her eyes missed nothing.
Haru stepped forward and bowed. "Ma'am. I'm Haru. It's an honor."
Tsuru motioned for him to sit. "I've heard much about you. Musashi was a good friend. And he spoke very highly of you."
Haru's chest tightened at the mention of his grandfather.
"I trained hard to live up to his teachings," he said quietly.
Tsuru looked to Gion, who nodded.
"He's skilled," Gion said. "Haki, swordplay, discipline. Better than most we've recruited in years."
Tsuru sipped her tea.
"I'm glad to see it. But strength alone doesn't define a Marine. It's your resolve. Your choices."
Haru looked up, meeting her eyes.
"I want to protect people," he said. "So no one else ends up like my mother. Or like me."
Tsuru's smile deepened.
"That's a good answer."
She leaned forward and placed a folder on the table.
"From now on, you're under Gion's personal command. You'll train with her. Learn what it means to carry justice on your shoulders."
Haru nodded solemnly.
"I won't let you down."
"I know," Tsuru said gently. "Because Musashi wouldn't have sent you to us unless he believed the same."