The sun hovered at its peak, casting a golden sheen across the deck of the **Moby Dick**, now transformed into an arena of warriors. The mainmast was wrapped in banners bearing the Whitebeard insignia. Around it, groups of pirates gathered, their spirits high, blades sharpened, and hearts pounding with excitement.
On the forward hull of the ship, three figures sat calmly.
Gunnar, arms folded, back leaning against a barrel, his golden eyes scanning the scene. Beside him, Ace, flames lazily dancing on his shoulder, played with a piece of straw between his teeth. On the far side sat Isshin, legs crossed, his polished blade resting across his knees like a monk preparing for war.
"Didn't think Pops would actually go through with this tournament," Ace muttered, glancing around. "We're pirates. We settle things by punching each other, not drawing up rosters."
Gunnar smirked. "You say that like you're not itching to burn someone's eyebrows off."
"I am," Ace admitted, grinning. "I just didn't expect an audience."
Across the deck, the squads were assembling.
---
Squad One: Marco's Team
At the port side of the deck stood*Marco the Phoenix, cool and composed, arms behind his back. Blue flames danced around his shoulders as his sharp eyes surveyed the field. Beside him were:
Fossa, with his long red cloak and massive sword on his back.
Rakuyo, twirling his chain-mace lazily, chewing a toothpick.
Marco nodded slightly. "Let's show the brats why we're first division."
---
Squad Two: Jozu's Team
Near the central mast, Jozu, the Diamond Man, cracked his massive knuckles. The sunlight bounced off his crystallized arm like a lighthouse beacon. Flanking him were:
-Curiel, wielding dual pistols and a wide grin.
Atmos, his lion-like mane tied in a war-braid, resting his great axe on his shoulder.
Jozu stomped once on the deck. "Hope they brought spare teeth."
---
Squad Three: Vista's Team
Toward the stern stood Vista, swordsman extraordinaire, mustache pristine, swords crossed behind his back in an "X." With him:
Blamenco, grinning beneath his oversized hat, chewing something constantly.
Namur the merman, standing with arms crossed, calm and unreadable.
Vista glanced sideways. "Let's keep it graceful. No blood on my coat."
---
There were their Commanders with their trios.
Around the upper decks and crow's nests, the remaining division commanders had formed three-man cells_ seated in circles like rival clans. Some sipped rum. Others checked weapons. All watched the main deck with anticipation.
Then came a hush.
At the center of it all stood Smoothie, tall and statuesque, her long legs and imposing presence undeniable. She wore a sleeveless white coat with the Whitebeard insignia stitched across the back—something that hadn't gone unnoticed. Her eyes scanned the deck coolly, arms folded, one foot resting on a crate.
Whitebeard's voice boomed from the quarterdeck like a thunderclap:
"This will be a test of strength, will, and unity! The winners lead Division Zero. And to make sure no one gets funny ideas... Smoothie here will be the referee."
"Under her gaze, no trickery. Only strength."
There were murmurs of approval. A few nervous glances. Some smirks.
Gunnar leaned toward Ace and Isshin, arms still folded.
"Damn," Gunnar muttered, "she makes a ref's coat look better than a wedding dress."
Smoothie, hearing that, didn't respond immediately—but a smile crept across her lips.
A real smile.
There was a beat of silence. Ace nearly dropped the straw from his mouth. Isshin's eyes actually widened. Marco, from across the deck, stared. Vista blinked twice. Jozu even stopped flexing.
Fossa whispered, "Did she just smile?"
Atmos nudged Curiel. "I thought she didn't have facial expressions."
Rakuyo muttered, "I thought she killed the last guy who flirted with her."
Gunnar raised an eyebrow. "What? That's just how we talk."
Smoothie glanced at him, her voice calm. "I'm just thinking how cute you'll look limping back here after I disqualify you for cheating."
Gunnar chuckled. "And I'm thinking how much I love it when you threaten me."
Ace turned away, grinning like a kid about to watch a bonfire explode.
Isshin just muttered, "Lovers in a warzone. World's truly gone mad."
The drums of the ship began to beat slowly. The match was about to begin.