s*****e King Ivankov

"Finn Meets the Revolutionary Army"

A figure draped in a green coat descended from the sky, the howling wind around him carrying an ominous chill—like the onset of late autumn.

Finn raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. His Sword Fairy form wasn't something easily discerned, yet the man before him seemed to know him.

"Finn..." the figure muttered.

Finn's eyes narrowed as he studied him. "You know who I am?"

"Despite Marine's attempts to shield your identity, I have my ways," the man said, his voice calm, his gaze piercing. "Our intelligence network within Marine is more robust than you'd think."

Finn smirked. "Impressive. Though if I were you, I wouldn't boast about infiltrating Marine's ranks. You're practically inviting me to expose your operatives."

Long's expression didn't waver. "You're welcome to try. My people have evaded detection for years, even under Marine Headquarters' nose."

Finn wasn't one to back down from a challenge. With a flick of his wrist, he activated the smart phone bug from his system. It instantly tapped into the Marine's vast communication network, pulling up the identities of several Revolutionary Army spies embedded in the organization.

One by one, Finn began naming them.

"Yale, Rear Admiral."

Long's composure faltered, his sharp features betraying a flicker of unease.

"Rutland, Rear Admiral. Sinkle, Commodore. Robert, Colonel."

Each name hit like a cannonball, and by the time Finn paused, Long's shock was palpable.

"How... How do you know all this?" Long demanded, his voice strained.

"Relax," Finn said with a dismissive wave. "I'm the only one who knows. Your people are safe—for now."

Long's deep frown etched further into his face. "Sengoku wouldn't have shared this information. You couldn't possibly—"

"You asked me to dig, so I did," Finn interjected nonchalantly. "Take it or leave it."

Long fell silent, his eyes scanning Finn as though searching for some hidden clue.

For a moment, the tension hung thick in the air, charged with unresolved emotions. Long finally spoke, his voice softer now. "You've walked the path your grandfather prepared for you."

Finn's expression hardened. "Of course. He raised me to honor his name and follow his ideals. Why wouldn't I?"

A pang of regret crossed Long's face. He nodded slowly, as if conceding a point in a battle neither of them had started. "But someday, the Revolutionary Army and Marine will clash. Have you considered what that might mean?"

Finn's eyes glinted with determination. "You're worried we'll meet as enemies?"

Long said nothing, only nodding solemnly.

A chuckle escaped Finn. "You shouldn't worry about that. The Revolutionary Army doesn't stand a chance against Marine. The final battle you're imagining won't happen."

"You underestimate us," Long countered, his voice firm.

"No, I don't." Finn leaned closer, his tone unwavering. "I'm just telling you the truth. No matter how strong you think your forces are, the outcome won't change."

"And why is that?"

"Because I'm here." Finn's words were simple yet carried a confidence that struck Long to the core.

Before Long could respond, Karas emerged from the crater where he'd been thrown, clutching his injuries as he approached. "Boss, who is this guy?"

Finn answered before Long could speak. "Monkey D. Finn. Grandson of Vice Admiral Garp."

Karas froze, his eyes darting between Finn and Long as realization struck. "Then he's—"

"Yes," Long cut him off. "Step back, Karas. That's an order."

Reluctantly, Karas obeyed, dispersing the gathered Revolutionary soldiers.

As the crowd thinned, Long turned to Finn, his voice hesitant. "You're not here on Marine business, are you?"

Finn shook his head. "I'm here for Sabo. I heard you rescued him from the Goa Kingdom years ago."

Long gestured to an assistant. "Bring Sabo here. But be warned—he's lost his memory."

"I'll handle it," Finn said confidently.

Moments later, Sabo appeared. The instant his gaze landed on Finn and Ace—who had just joined from the pirate ship—Sabo clutched his head, pain flashing across his face.

"Sabo!" Finn and Ace cried out, rushing to his side.

Then, as if a dam had broken, the memories came flooding back. Sabo's pained expression transformed into one of joy. "Finn! Ace!"

The three embraced, their bond rekindled.

Long stood to the side, watching in stunned silence. How had they managed to unlock Sabo's memories so effortlessly? It was as if their bond alone was enough to heal wounds even time couldn't touch.

Before he could reflect further, a boisterous voice broke the moment. "Hey, Long, what's going on here? And who are these guys?"

Finn turned, his eyes landing on the flamboyant figure of Ivankov. His flamboyant attire and exaggerated expressions were unmistakable.

Finn blinked, fighting the urge to cringe. What in the world...

As Ivankov approached, Finn found himself grappling with an unexpected thought: Why do I suddenly have the feeling this is about to get a whole lot weirder?