In his office, Sengoku, the fleet admiral, clenched his teeth, a hand on his face. The news of Luffy's attack on the Celestial Dragon Charlos had just reached him, and he inwardly cursed his old friend Garp's family. "That damn kid again... Striking a Celestial Noble...", he grumbled, his voice heavy with frustration.
On a couch, a lazy voice broke the silence. "We can't let this slide... I'll take care of it." A tall man, hands in his pockets, got up nonchalantly. Kizaru, one of the three admirals, adjusted his glasses with an enigmatic smile.
"Alright, Kizaru," replied Sengoku, his gaze fixed on him. But before he could add anything, a subordinate rushed in.
"Admiral Sengoku! We have reports confirming Ryumen Sukuna's presence at Sabaody!"
Sengoku sat up straight, eyes widened. "What? Was he involved in the incident?" he asked in a grave tone.
"No, according to our sources, only the Straw Hats are responsible," the soldier replied, his voice trembling under the admiral's piercing gaze.
Kizaru raised an eyebrow. "What should I do, Sengoku-san? Bring back Sukuna's head?" he said, still nonchalant.
Sengoku shook his head. "No. War is approaching, and we can't afford unnecessary losses. Focus on the Straw Hats."
"Phew~ What a pain," sighed Kizaru as he left the room to prepare his fleet.
Sengoku slumped in his chair, exhausted. But the informant wasn't done. "Admiral... We also have concerning news. It seems that Gojo is starting to move again."
Sengoku closed his eyes, resting his forehead on his hands. "This is not good... This crew gives me headaches every time they move. Am I too old for this?" he muttered, staring at the ceiling with a sigh. "Maybe it's time to retire..."
************
At the Sabaody Archipelago, Auction House
In the crowded room, all eyes were on a man with white hair, accompanied by a giant. Rayleigh, the legendary right-hand man of the Pirate King, observed the scene with almost comical nonchalance, an empty alcohol bottle in hand. Beside him, Hacchan, injured, struggled to breathe.
"Rayleigh...", he murmured, supported by Pappagu.
"Oh, Hacchan! Long time no see!", exclaimed Rayleigh, a warm smile on his lips. But his expression darkened as he saw his friend's injuries. "Who did this to you?"
Before Hacchan could answer, Rayleigh swept the room with a wave of Supreme Haki. The weaker ones collapsed, eyes rolling back, while the enemies fell like flies.
"What's happening? Why are they fainting?!" Chopper exclaimed, panicked.
In a corner, Kid, with dark eyes, watched the scene. "Impossible...", he murmured, as Law, nearby, shared the same silent shock.
A sudden laugh erupted, attracting all eyes. Sukuna, amused, stared at Rayleigh with a predatory smile. "Still as monstrous, old man," he said, with an interested glint in his eyes.
Rayleigh burst into laughter. "Sukuna?! And... oh, little Maki, look how you've grown!"
"Don't call me little!", growled Maki, provoking another burst of laughter from Rayleigh.
"What are you doing here, Sukuna?" he asked, curious.
"I was hoping to get my hands on the Dark King as a slave," Sukuna replied with a mocking smirk, making Rayleigh roar with laughter.
"Hahaha! Next time, it'll be you, Sukuna!"
Sukuna stood up, followed by Maki. "We're leaving. Gojo is calling us." He cast a last glance at the rookies. "You're lucky, kids. The Marines outside won't be a problem for you."
"Say hi to Gojo for me!", Rayleigh called out as Sukuna walked away with a casual wave.
Luffy, as impulsive as ever, muttered, "Who's that bubblegum-haired guy? I'm gonna..." He didn't have time to finish as Nami smacked him on the head.
"Idiot! Don't provoke him, he'll kill us!", she shouted, on the verge of tears.
A heavy silence fell. Rayleigh observed the Straw Hats, a smirk on his face. The events of the day promised memorable encounters.
************
In the New World, Big Mom's Territory
On a lush island controlled by Smoothie, the Minister of Juice, the air smelled of citrus and sea. In her room with light purple tones, Smoothie prepared herself carefully, brushing her long whitish hair and adjusting her beige hat. Her two sisters, Cinnamon and Citron, watched her with teasing smiles.
"Looks like you want to see him again, Smoothie-nee," Cinnamon remarked, hands on her hips.
"It's been five months since Mother proposed this marriage. I didn't think it would turn out like this," Citron added, a mischievous smile on her face.
Smoothie turned, her voice calm but curious. "What do you mean?"
Cinnamon shrugged. "Usually, Mother's marriages are purely political. But you... you seem happy."
"Even in love," Citron chimed in with a laugh. "It's the fourteenth time you're going to see him!"
Smoothie looked up at the ceiling, a gentle smile on her lips. "In love, huh? Maybe... When I'm with him, I feel different."
Cinnamon chuckled. "Well, it's not surprising since you two already kissed!"
Smoothie blushed slightly, her comb moving faster. "Th-that was a mistake!", she protested, her voice louder.
Citron giggled. "Even you, Mother's strongest warrior, get all shy around him."
Smoothie sighed, regaining her composure. "What am I supposed to do? He doesn't show that kind of intentions... But if I wanted to, I could..." Her voice softened, almost inaudible.
"Oh? Say that again!", teased Cinnamon.
"Nothing!", Smoothie shouted, standing up abruptly. She was about to leave when Cinnamon stopped her.
"Wait, a letter from Gojo has arrived."
Smoothie snatched the message and read it in silence. A dark aura suddenly enveloped her, sending shivers down her sisters' spines.
"Smoothie-nee...?" Cinnamon tried, nervous.
"That white-haired idiot... He could have warned me earlier!", growled Smoothie, a menacing smile on her lips. "Just wait until I see you, Gojo..."
Citron picked up the letter from the floor and read it quietly: "Smoothie-chan, I have business to attend to. Don't miss me too much, even though I know it'll be hard. See you soon, your amazing Gojo."
The two sisters exchanged a glance. "No wonder he doesn't look like an Emperor," they thought in unison. The relationship between Gojo and Smoothie was an explosive mix of joy and frustration, but undeniably unique.
************
Back at Sabaody, at Shakky's Bar
The Straw Hats, gathered around Rayleigh and Shakky, were processing the revelations about the legendary Pirate King's former first mate. Nami, ever curious, broke the silence. "Rayleigh-san, how powerful are the Infinity Pirates? Even a Celestial Dragon seemed terrified of this Sukuna..."
Rayleigh burst into laughter. "Not surprising! Their captain wiped out an entire Celestial Dragon family, after all!"
Chopper's eyes widened. "Then why didn't the Marines send an admiral?"
Shakky smiled. "They did. But it was a crushing defeat for them."
Robin, pensive, added, "It's said that Gojo is the most hated man by the Government, but he doesn't desire to dominate this era. Am I wrong?"
Shakky shook her head. "No. But, Luffy, if you want to be the Pirate King, you'll have to surpass him."
Luffy chuckled. "No problem! Anyone who stands in my way, I'll kick their butts! Shishishi!"
Nami and Usopp screamed in unison, "We're gonna die!"
Sanji, curious, turned to Rayleigh. "And their captain, Gojo? What's he like?"
Rayleigh gazed at the ceiling, thoughtful. "He's... both similar and different from Roger. Both want to shake up the world, but each in his own way."
Zoro, leaning against a wall, calmly asked, "Is that why he's so hated? And his crew, these 'curses'?"
Shakky spoke up. "It's simple. Gojo is the captain of the Infinity Pirates. Under him, there are three Curses, his most powerful lieutenants, and ten Shamans, each with their own ship and crew. Their territory consists of eleven islands, one of the most formidable in the New World."
Usopp trembled. "I never, never want to run into them!"
Luffy, undeterred, exclaimed, "Where can I kick his butt?"
Nami smacked him again. "Shut up, idiot! Didn't you listen?!"
Rayleigh laughed. "Not yet, Luffy. For now, Gojo could defeat you with just one finger."
Usopp collapsed, in tears. "We're doomed!"
************
In the New World, Gojo's Territory - Eian no Sezai
In the heart of the main castle of the Infinity Pirates, a palpable tension prevailed. Around a massive table, all the Shamans and Curses, except Sukuna and Maki, were gathered. The atmosphere was so heavy that even the bravest pirate would have fled. Two hours earlier, Gojo had ordered this gathering, and everyone had answered the call.
Seated at the head of the table, Gojo removed the bandage covering his eyes, revealing a sparkling gaze. With a radiant smile, he declared, "Well... Shall we begin?"
Meanwhile, Kizaru was approaching Sabaody, ready to track down the Straw Hats. At Marineford, the Marines were preparing for an imminent war against Whitebeard. Elsewhere, Shanks was gearing up to confront Kaido. Events were unfolding, and destiny seemed poised to shake the world. Only time would reveal the outcome of these confrontations.