《One Piece: Magma of Absolute》Chapter 4: Iron Body—Steel

Marineford, Marine Headquarters!

The warship glided into the harbor of Marineford, its hull dwarfed by the titanic structures looming ahead.

From afar, the headquarters was a breathtaking sight—colossal buildings rising in tiers, their grandeur unmatched. At the heart of it all stood a fortress wall so tall it seemed to scrape the sky, the word "MARINE" carved deep and solemn into its stone. Above the wall, layers of ancient, stately architecture crowned the stronghold, their combined presence awe-inspiring.

Four slender watchtowers ringed the complex, each flying the Marine flag, standing sentinel over the headquarters. Beyond the fortress, a sprawling city stretched outward—less imposing, perhaps, but alive with the day-to-day bustle that gave the base its unique blend of majesty and humanity.

This was the one and only Marine Headquarters.

"So this is Marineford?!"

The recruits from the Four Blues stared in open-mouthed wonder. Compared to this, their branch bases were little more than backyard outposts.

Rear Admiral Wells caught their expressions and couldn't help but smile. He'd once been just as awestruck, fresh from a Blues branch and seeing Marineford for the first time.

As the warship docked, Wells called out, "Everyone, gather your things and prepare to disembark!"

Sakazuki followed the others down the gangplank. Headquarters Marines bustled everywhere, moving with crisp discipline.

Led by the main group, they crossed a vast plaza—big enough for tens of thousands to drill at once, divided into countless training zones. Some areas already thrummed with the sounds of Marines in training.

Sakazuki and the other recruits were led to a section where dozens had already gathered. Most wore Marine uniforms, though some sported their own casual clothes. According to regulations, officers could wear the iconic "Justice" coat over their standard uniform, while higher-ranked officers paired the coat with civilian attire.

Sakazuki had been promoted to lieutenant colonel a year ago, but he'd grown used to his uniform and never bothered to change.

It was clear these recruits were the cream of the crop, gathered from every corner of the world.

Meanwhile, Wells strode over to a group of fellow rear admirals. Several officers in Justice coats greeted him with grins.

"Wells, you're way too slow! We've been waiting for ages."

He could only shrug in response.

Elsewhere, just after Sakazuki and the others had formed ranks, a group of officers approached.

At the front were two towering, broad-shouldered men in white suits and Justice coats—one with a shock of purple hair, the other with black, both laughing heartily.

"Vice Admiral Zephyr, Vice Admiral Garp!" someone called.

At their appearance, Wells, the other officers, and all nearby headquarters Marines snapped to attention, saluting with respect.

"Zephyr and Garp…" Sakazuki's eyes narrowed, heart pounding. Even with all his mental preparation, standing before these living legends, he could feel the vast gulf between them.

So these are the world's true titans. (Note: It's Sea Circle Calendar 1482—two years before Garp and Roger defeat Rocks. They're at the peak of their era's power.)

Though he respected their strength, Sakazuki didn't share their philosophies. One championed idealistic justice, only to be twisted by tragedy and loss. The other embodied carefree justice—celebrated as a hero, yet guided only by whim, sometimes even enabling pirates like Roger.

But now wasn't the time for judgment.

Zephyr stepped forward, voice booming:

"For the next week, Garp and I will be guiding and evaluating you. After that, we'll select the very best for three years of elite training. Your performance will be recorded daily by dedicated officers. Only those with the highest overall excellence will remain. You are the future of the Marines—but how far you go is up to you. Understood?"

A roar of excitement swept the recruits. "Understood!"

Sometimes, a rousing speech was all it took.

Zephyr nodded, his face stern. "I haven't read your files. It doesn't matter what you were before—whether you're a prodigy or a decorated veteran. Here, you have only one identity: Marine recruits. Garp, myself, and the officers behind us are your instructors. Your only job is to start from scratch and obey absolutely. Understood?"

"Understood!" The answer was crisp, every voice in sync.

Good. Obedience was the bedrock of a soldier's life.

"Very well. Your first lesson today is about justice. Just two simple syllables, but it's the belief at the heart of every Marine. Many of you joined with your own reasons, but from now on, before you act, ask yourself: Is this my justice? Understood?"

"Understood!"

Justice was the Marines' faith. Each person's interpretation was different, but for most, it was the guiding star.

Zephyr nodded. "Excellent. Now, the colonels behind me will test your abilities."

"Foss."

"Here!"

"Fermanson."

"Here!"

"…"

"The ten of you, step forward. Begin the test!"

Whoosh!

Boom!

Instantly, the front of the plaza erupted with flashing blades and pounding fists. In moments, a figure was sent flying.

"Next! Reno!"

"Here!"

Time ticked by, and then—

"Sakazuki!"

"Here!"

Heads turned—setting aside his Mag-Mag Fruit powers, Sakazuki's sheer size and presence made him impossible to ignore.

Standing tall in the arena, Sakazuki looked his opponent—a colonel—straight in the eye.

"Colonel, brace yourself."

Colonel Phil grinned. "Haha, don't hold back. Give it your best shot!"

Sakazuki activated his Devil Fruit. His entire body glowed red, skin shimmering with magma while maintaining human form, steam hissing from every pore.

He exhaled, a jet of steam escaping his mouth.

"Red Lotus Mode!"

Shave!

"Magma Burst!"

Whoosh!

Sakazuki vanished, reappearing in front of Phil in a blink. Caught off guard, the colonel had no time to dodge—only one option left.

"Iron Body—Steel!"

Sakazuki's fist slammed into Phil's stomach—sinking straight in.

Pff!

"Ugh—!"

~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~

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