Chapter 3

The first rays of sunlight stretched over the Kingdom of Rose, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold. The city stirred with life, but within the Marine Quarters, Admiral Leon Graves was already awake.

Seated in his office, he sipped his tea, his golden eyes staring at the city skyline. His mind replayed the events of the previous night—the kitsune intruder who had broken into the castle, cutting through dozens of guards like paper. His movements had been swift, precise, almost like an assassin. And yet, Leon could tell—he wasn't here to kill. Not yet.

A firm knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Enter," Leon called, setting his cup down.

A Marine officer stepped inside, saluting. "Sir, the prisoner still hasn't spoken."

Leon sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Still?"

The officer nodded. "Not a word. We tried everything. All we got is his name—Ryoma."

Leon's fingers tapped against his desk. "And?"

"He's definitely connected to the Rip Crew," the officer continued. "We don't know how deep, but it's clear he's not just some rogue mercenary."

Leon narrowed his eyes. "That's a bold assumption. There are still crews out there just as dangerous."

"Yes, sir, but…" The officer hesitated before continuing, lowering his voice. "It's his abilities. We've never seen a fruit like this before. His power doesn't match any recorded Blox Fruit in history. And if there's anyone who can introduce a new fruit into this world… it's Rip Indra, the Captain of rip crew."

Silence hung in the air for a moment before Leon exhaled slowly. "So… it's time."

The officer stiffened. "Sir?"

Leon didn't respond immediately. Instead, he reached for the snail phone on his desk and dialed a secure frequency.

The line crackled, and then a deep voice answered. "Leon?"

"We have a problem," Leon said flatly, staring at the wall. "It's happening."

Silence followed. A silence that spoke volumes.

On the other end, Admiral Simon Ashford processed the words carefully. He was currently stationed at Hot and Cold, a Marine base in a frigid part of the sea. The moment Leon referred to had been years in the making—a moment they both had been trying to keep out of their lives.

Finally, Simon let out a low sigh. "I see." His usual calmness wavered just slightly. "Then we don't have time to waste."

"Get moving," Leon ordered. "We'll regroup at the Kingdom of Rose."

"Understood," Simon replied. The call ended with a click.

Leon exhaled, gripping the phone tightly. No more waiting. No more pushing things to the side. The storm was finally here.

Hot and Cold Marine Base

Simon stood up from his chair, his mind already calculating his next move. His crew members moved around him swiftly, preparing for departure.

He pulled on his Marine coat and stepped out onto the docks, where a transport ship awaited. The frigid air bit at his face, but he ignored it.

Just as he was about to board, a whistling sound cut through the air. His instincts screamed, and he leaped back just in time—

SLASH!

A powerful wind slash tore through the wooden dock, splitting it apart.

Simon landed a few feet away, his eyes scanning the area. Two figures emerged from the mist, their fox-like features unmistakable. Their blue tails flickered in the cold wind, and their glowing eyes locked onto Simon like hunters cornering their prey.

"You're not leaving here alive, Admiral," one of them snarled.

The Hot and Cold Marines stationed nearby rushed in, weapons drawn. "Protect the Admiral!"

The kitsunes vanished in an instant, their speed overwhelming. The next second—

Blood sprayed into the air.

The marines barely had time to react before two of them dropped, their bodies slashed open. The remaining guards turned, but it was too late.

The second kitsune dashed between them like a blur, his claws tearing through armor and flesh alike.

Simon's jaw clenched as he watched his men fall within seconds.

"Tch. I should've expected this."

He flexed his fingers, and the air around him rippled with power.

"You shouldn't have come here."

With a deep breath, Simon's body expanded as his golden skin turned smooth like polished metal.

BOOM!

A shockwave erupted from his transformation, shaking the docks. His towering Buddha form loomed over the battlefield. His massive fists clenched, radiating raw power.

The kitsunes didn't hesitate. They dashed forward, weaving between his legs, aiming for weak spots.

But Simon anticipated their movements.

His massive hand swept down, catching one of them mid-air. With a crushing grip, he squeezed, causing the kitsune to let out a strangled gasp before—

CRACK!

Simon hurled him into the ground with earth-shattering force.

The second kitsune retaliated, launching a barrage of blue energy slashes, each one cutting through the icy dock like butter.

Simon raised his arm, the attacks bouncing off his golden skin with little effect. He took a step forward, the ground quaking beneath him.

"You don't stand a chance."

His voice rumbled like thunder as he swung a devastating punch. The air distorted around his fist before—

BOOM!

The attack connected, sending the second kitsune flying across the dock. He crashed into a pile of crates, coughing up blood.

But then, something strange happened.

The first kitsune, who was barely alive, smirked. "We weren't here to kill you, Admiral. Just to deliver a message."

Before Simon could react, the kitsune's body glowed. A small orb of blue energy detached from his chest—

And shot into Simon's body.

Simon's breath hitched. His vision blurred. His body felt heavy. His massive golden form shrank back to normal, his knees buckling.

"W-what… is this…?" His energy drained rapidly, his body turning motionless. He tried to move, but his limbs refused to respond.

The kitsune chuckled weakly. "sweet dreams, Admiral."

Simon collapsed, his body hitting the docks with a dull thud.

A few Marines rushed to Admiral Simon's side, checking his condition, while others swiftly restrained the wounded Kitsunes.

Kingdom of Rose – Marine Quarters

A snail phone rang. Leon picked it up.

A panicked voice came through. "Admiral! It's Hot and Cold Base! Admiral Simon—he's been attacked!"

Leon's expression darkened. "What happened?"

"It was Kitsunes, sir. They left him… unconscious. He's not moving. We're bringing him to you now!"

Leon exhaled slowly. He turned toward the door, his golden eyes glowing.

"Wake up the prisoner. It's time to talk."