Kizaru, now 26, towers over the shore in a tall, hulky figure, wrapped in his impeccable yellow three-piece, a Marine cloak fluttering behind him. His fine features contrast with the brutality of power that hides just beneath the surface.

"Sakazuki, my friend," Kizaru's deep voice resonated as he spoke towards his best friend and fellow Admiral, a 23-year-old Akainu.

"Can you believe it's been three years since we started molding young Kuzan?"

"Time flies when you're forging the future of justice, Borsalino. But tell me, has your… unique style in training paid off?"

Kizaru laughed, and it really was a laugh that made the spines of their subordinates in range gel with goosebumps. "Oh, you have no idea, Sakazuki. The Force has opened up possibilities I never dared dream about."

And sure enough, there floated a crate, floating in mid-air, no support holding it up, just the plain old force of will of Kizaru. He had acquired an extra new power: a template of Goku from The Return of Cooler. Of course, this was a lot cheaper compared to getting the mainstream Goku. Kizaru would just have to work from the bottom up with this man's abilities. Skipped over the fact that he had the Force and Luthor's brains, it would be a purchasing steal to get him up to par with the mainstream Goku.

Young Kuzan stood before them, his eyes hardened by three years of grueling training.

"Admirals," he said, his voice steady, "I'm ready for whatever challenge you have prepared."

Kizaru smiled. Somehow only his face was smiling as his eyes certainly were not. "Brilliant, Kuzan. Your final test starts today. Sakazuki, shall we begin?"

What followed was an exercise in power, to say the least. Akainu's magma collided with Kuzan's ice, and from there, Kizaru's use of light and Force made everything all the more uncontrollable.

"Show it, Kuzan!" Kizaru taunted as if they were caught within some other, world-borne reverb. "Exhibit the fruit of our labors!"

Gritting against his very teeth, Kuzan pushed through his limits. "I won't fail you, Admirals!"

Many calls followed as the dust settled. Complete, totally battered yet wholly unbroken, Kuzan stood tall. Kizaru and Akainu glanced grimly at each other.

"Well done, Kuzan," Kizaru commented with a touch of pride and something else darker in his tone. "You've earned your place among us."

Akainu had very firm nods in disposition; a fire, which was apparent in his eyes, gave his welcome to the newly appointed Admiral Kuzan. "Welcome to the ranks, Admiral Kuzan. May your ice freeze the hearts of those who oppose absolute justice. We'll just have to run it through Sengoku and the World Government, but they should agree."

Later, when Kuzan finally clad himself into the coat of an Admiral, the chill that ran down his spine was not due to the cold of his power of ice.

He observed his mentors: Kizaru, who had the abilities of the Force and hid power similar to those of Goku, and Akainu, unbeatable in his determination to never deviate from his candidacy. "Thanks, Admirals," Kuzan muttered under his breath. "I won't forget the lessons you've taught me."

Kizaru's laughter was ominous. "We know you won't, Kuzan. After all, the way of justice is paved on the bones of the weak, isn't that right, Sakazuki?"

The three Admirals now stood together, the air about them crackling with such power and menace. The Marines have acquired a new Admiral, but at what cost will this be for them?

The tailor's hands trembled as he measured Kuzan's hulking frame. The young admiral's muscles were now bulging out of the small portions of his original marine uniform, which he had been wearing since he had started training with Kizaru and Akainu. Kuzan, once full of brilliant dreams, now held an icy reflection in his eyes.

"Take it easy, old man," Kuzan chuckled. Still, there was an edge in his voice that had the tailor flinching. "I want this suit to strike fear into the hearts of pirates, not come apart at the seams."

Across the room, Kizaru lounged with all the casualness of the young god he was, his handsome features twisted into an almost predatory smirk. He exuded an aura of power that seemed to warp the very air around him. Beside him, the Akainu stood rigid, his eyes burning with barely contained fury.

"So, gentlemen," Kizaru drawled, his voice dripping with false sweetness, "shall we discuss our… extracurricular activities?"

Akainu's lips grinned ferally, "I've been working on new ways to….dispose of pirate scum. Ever wonder how long it takes for a man to melt from the inside out?"

Kuzan moved away from the tailor, who had very quickly gone as pale as the snow he used, and interjected casually, his voice tinged with just a hint of bone-cold chill, "Interesting. I've found that flash-freezing their blood creates the best expressions of terror."

Kizaru clapped his hands together, the boom echoing like a gunshot. "Oh, you boys make me oh so proud. But why stop there? I've been using my... unique abilities to toy with their minds before ending them. The screams are simply delightful."

The three Admirals shared a laugh that would have sent shivers down the spine of any sane person. Casual talk of torture and murder bordered on psychopathy, an epitome of how little they truly cared about Pirates. Hunting & killing them for so long had started to affect their view on general people other than the important Marines and the characters that Kizaru deemed important. He had let Kuzan in on his secret about seeing future events and why certain people must live and die.

In the end, they only cared about the ends to uphold Absolute Justice.

The tailor couldn't help but overhear the monstrous conversation as his crappy hands finished with his work, shaking so bad the needle could hardly go through the cloth. He was aware that any kind of reaction or disgust would only lead the three Admirals to speak up and could probably cause his certain demise in that moment. They were that scary he believed he could die to them despite otherwise.

Kuzan surveyed his reflection, in the new suit, now tailored snugly to his bulky frame. "Nice work. You get to live today." Kuzan messed with the poor tailor

The tailor ran away at full speed to in which he thought to live that day, but the three Admirals beheld together an awful vision of corrupted power.

"So, my friends," Kizaru said, looking amusedly at them all, his handsome face twisted into a mask of cruel amusement, "shall we test that out in practice? I heard something about a piratical crew in the East Blue."

Akainu's eyes gleamed, cruel and eager. "Lead on, old friend. Let's go mete out some 'justice'."

Fully fallen to the darkness that had taken him, Kuzan nodded his agreement. "Give these pirates a taste of the real terror."

Sailing through the water of East Blue was a battleship, with horror being delivered to its destination. Standing on the bow were three figures who would soon be a nightmare for pirates all over the world.

Kizaru looked at the horizon, his eyes the flame of Arcan, glaring. "I can almost taste their fear," he chuckled, his eyes glowing in the dark, twisting his face into a wicked grin.

Akainu, with barely held control, let all his contained fury seethe forth. "These vermin have infested these waters for too long," he growled, magma dripping from his clenched fists.

Kuzan, the youngest of them all, felt something run down his spine—not from fear but anticipation. "Again," he pushed it with a low, eager voice, "tell me about the time you made the Rocks flee."

Kizaru let out a laugh that boomed across the waves. "Oh, young one, it was a day to remember for all time. Sakazuki and I were going to show them the true meaning of terror."

"We held back because of their importance in the story. But even Xebec himself couldn't stand against us," Akainu's eyes gleamed with sadistic pleasure at the memory.

As they got closer to the pirate ship, Admiral Kizaru turned to Kuzan. "Today you'll earn your place among us. Show us what you've learned."

Kuzan nodded, and his eyes hardened. "I won't disappoint."

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

And apocalyptic grew the dawn that followed. Light pierced through the ship's hull like an arrow, and molten rock blew the sails ablaze. It all happened when Kuzan released the final blow, when he sealed terror and destruction deep within the heart of every other crew member, freezing every single one of them into a mask of pure horror. End.

As the frozen pirates shattered into a thousand pieces, Kizaru placed a hand on Kuzan's shoulder. "Well done, my boy. I think it's time you had a name worthy of your deeds."

Akainu nodded in agreement. "From this day forward, you shall be known as Aokiji, the Blue Pheasant."

Kuzan—now Aokiji—felt a surge of pride and something darker. "Thank you, my mentors. I'll wear this name with honor."

As they sailed off from the carnage, leaving the floating ice and charred wreckage alone, Kizaru mused, "This is but the beginning, boys. The world will tremble at the mention of our names."

With eyes that burned with incredibly fanatical zeal, Akainu offered up, "We'll purge this world of the pirate scourge—one crew at a time."

And Aokiji, having fully embraced this new identity, added with chilling calmness, "And we'll enjoy every moment of it."

Their laughter seemed to echo across the sea, a promise of the horrors yet to come. And the legend of Kizaru, Akainu, and now Aokiji; a tale etched onto the very foundation of the world of One Piece, never to be forgotten.

Dr. Vegapunk was hunched over his workbench amidst a field of bizarre contraptions and glowing screens.

"Ooooh, Vegapunk-san." Kizaru drawled, his voice a decided contrast to his imposing physique. "What delicious toys have you dreamed up for us today?"

Vegapunk stood upright at the address, glaring madly through his eyes. "Ah, Admiral Kizaru! You are just in time. I have breakthroughs that will revolutionize the world."

"Submarine ships, Admiral," gushed Vegapunk, pointing at a holographic display. "Think of our forces striking from the depths, unseen and unheard."

That handsome face of Kizaru split into a grin. "Scaaaary~ But tell me, what about my little light show? Any use for that?"

Vegapunk's laugh bordered on maniacal. "Your Devil Fruit? Oh, it's the key to unlimited energy! We could power entire cities with just a fraction of your power."

The laboratory door opened again, admitting Fleet Admiral Sengoku. His imposing presence seemed to dim the room's lights.

"Gentlemen," Sengoku's voice rumbled, "I hear you have something... ambitious to propose."

The one named Kizaru had an innate sparkle to the eyes, as if reflecting an unnatural light. "Ooooh, Sengoku-san, you won't believe what Vegapunk-san has cooked up. Tell him, doctor."

Vegapunk tapped a few keys, and an enormous hologram (not from Kizaru's light) blinked into existence, showing a floating city that seemed to be suspended away from the laws of physics. "Behold, gentlemen. A city in the sky, a beacon of Marine might and technological supremacy."

"Nothing's impossible now, Sengoku-san~" chortled Kizaru; it was strange hearing such a casual tone from a man hinting at such gravity. "Hmm? Just imagine—this whole city up in the air, hovering above the world—monitoring it, Vegapunk-san?"

"Coruscant," Vegapunk breathed aloud, on near-sacred ground. "A country from legends."

Sengoku actually turned slightly pale; it was subtle. "Who shall lead this country?"

Kizaru's grin expands, contorting into a predatorial gleam. "Why, I volunteer, of course~ Who better to rule a city of light than the man-made of it?"

As the three men looked down upon the hologram, bathed in the glow it cast throughout the room, the air seemed to crackle with potential and danger.

"With this," Vegapunk breathed, "this city will be the safest city in the world. No pirate, no revolutionary to ever set foot in this city."

Kizaru laughed, a vile sound that just might make the average man shiver before he could stop himself. "Ooooh, I just can't wait to see their faces when we unveil our little surprise~"

Sengoku nodded rather gravely. "Very well, Borsalino. The sky city project is yours to head. May the heavens help us all."

The hologram cast long, twisted shadows across the room as they continued the back-and-forth.

A new era began in the world of One Piece as Vegapunk's and Kizaru's revolutionary ideas came to life. Seas that were bulging with pirate power not so long ago now cracked with tremors under the weight of such advanced Marine technology and armament.

Specialist Marine submarines, crewed by very highly trained officers, combed the oceanic deep for pirates to be caught en masse. Such stealthy vessels, equipped with the latest in technology, could just rise above the surface and catch a group of pirates unaware.

The most notable development of the Marine arsenal, in this regard, was the weapons designed to erase the powers of devil fruits immediately. These weapons worked via an armament haki, through which on activation, a spiritual energy shield is activated, making it neutral in its receptivity to devil fruit energies. Not reducing them to zero, these weapons neutralized the capabilities that Devil fruit users previously possessed, which were therefore claimed to be insurmountable in advantage for their non-Devil fruit using counterparts.

Bursting with simultaneous genius from Vegapunk and Kizaru, ways were found around energy and power by innovative ways to make use of the power of Devil Fruits towards technological advancement. The fruit found most interesting was the Op-Op Fruit, secretly known as the "Ultimate Devil Fruit," having spatial manipulation potential. It has recognized the birth of powerful energy sources that have never been heard of before in the Marines.

The furthest, the most advanced, by Kizaru and Vegapunk into the new realm of technology was the formation of its physical manifestation; as a giant mountain, it was piloted by elite Marines referred to as a Death Star. That massive battle station, which could roam over vastness and inspire fear into the pirates. The most terrible thing about it was that, with all its superlaser power, it was capable of sending into nothingness not just ships but entire islands, burning them alive.

These all combined made quite a difference and dramatically reduced the activities of the pirates. Happy-go-lucky pirate crews now scampered amid the shadows with diminished numbers, and the sea that once served as the playground for those free-spirited buccaneers was now firmly held in the tight grasp of the Marines.

And when piracy began to decay, so did a new world order began to emerge. It is in this epoch that an increase in the presence of the Marines in the waters and advanced technology changed faith in maritime trade and politics of the globe. But this deformed balance of power questioned freedom and security on the high seas.

While the world rejoiced in the apparent witching hour for gadabout buccaneers, within the admirably few, such as the young Admiral Aokiji, questions began to form about its cost. The power now vested in these Marines was like nothing that had ever existed, and surely, it could hold potential for devastating misuse.

Kizaru, Akainu, and Aokiji were the symbolic leading men of this new world order, with an unsettled outlook towards the future. The problem with the pirates was all but eliminated, yet fresh obstacles arose ahead. The world of One Piece was now, forever, changed, yet time had yet to birth the truth of the matter, if this change was to be significant–or better.

Kizaru stood on the highest stage of this floating marvel that was Coruscant, his hulking form chiseled against the falling sun. Dozens of city winds tore through his yellow three-piece suit and marine cloak, yet he did not flinch; a tower of thunder overlooking his glorious vision.

"Ooooh, it's coming along nicely, isn't it?" Kizaru drawled, not sliding an inch down from his chilled-out persona, which was at odds with the very idea of the situation. Below him, the construction drones and workers scurried about, bringing to life the technological nirvana he had envisioned. The latest was a young Marine officer, who approached with a smart salute. "Admiral Kizaru, sir! The latest reports show that pirate activity has decreased by 98% worldwide."

Kizaru's handsome face split into a grin. "Scaaaary~ Those pesky pirates must be shaking in their boots."

Pouring all the wit he had, he commented before walking off, "Roger, Roger, Roger. What chaos will your death bring?" and fantasized about a man sitting in a cell somewhere awaiting an execution that would shake the world.

That evening, he met with his fellow Admirals in a secure chamber inside Coruscant. His best friend and confidant, Akainu, paced across the room like some caged beast as usual.

"Is the future really worth keeping The Rocks alive and Roger alive?" Akainu growled, magma dripping from his clenched fists. "Crush the remaining pirates while they're weak!"

Aokiji, their young protege, spoke up uncertainly. "But is this really the right thing to do? The timing is everything, maybe it is better to wait for the future."

Kizaru leaned back in his chair, his eyes shining with a light not quite normal. "Ooooh, such serious faces. But tell me, what if I told you that Roger getting a public execution is exactly what the future needs?"

Akainu froze, his eyes narrowing, knowing exactly where this was leading but making a gesture to continue. "Are you saying what I think your saying, Borsalino?"

Kizaru only nodded, this time lowering his voice and speaking in a tone rather uncharacteristically serious, "I've seen it, friends. What Roger's death will bring, a great era of pirates, chaos, and destruction, but also key to unimaginable victory for us."

Aokiji's eyes went really wide in pure shock. "You surely are not speaking the truth, right?"

Kizaru laughed, his voice echoing through the chamber like a chilling scream, sending shivers down his companions' spines. "Suppose I say my light could pierce more than just darkness. We always have to wait for events to come to us no matter how much it hurts; it's the only way we're going to entirely end this pirate scourge for good."

Akainu and Aokiji nodded at the wisdom imparted by Kizaru.

As Kizaru took a breath on his floating paradise, everything felt heavy in terrible knowledge. Untold suffering would be coming in the years despite how small it was now, but he knew it was necessary. He only muttered, "For the greater good," to the words lost in the wind.

The sea boiled yuckily underneath the Marine battleship, its massy silhouette a bad harbinger for any pirate unlucky enough to find it crossing his path. Three men stood on the deck — massive figures whose sheer presence was enough to make the blood run cold in even the hardest of felons. Hulking in stature, Admiral Kizaru was coolly dressed in a yellow three-piece suit over his marine attire; he leaned casually against the railing. His voice, despite his intimidating figure, remained as lazy and drawling as ever. "Ooooh, looks like our little mice are scurrying about again~"

Standing beside him, the young Admiral Akainu clenched his fists, magma seeping between his fingers. "I really wish you could allow me to put an end to this farce once and for all, Borsalino. The Rocks Pirates have bugged us long enough." "Patience, Sakazuki. We must play our parts, as distasteful as they may be," the third figure, Admiral Aokiji, though young himself, was of an ice-cold demeanour.

Kizaru's laugh seemed to hurtle through the air of the deck and was something that, in a sane man, would certainly make the blood curdle. "Now, now, guys. Let's not forget our little game. We mustn't spoil the fun too soon~"

Then, right on time, the mist had opened to expose a pirate ship, along with a black flag and a notorious emblem symbolizing the Rocks Pirates. The deck was full of battle-hardened criminals, each formidable on their own. "Ararara," Aokiji sighed, frost beginning to form around his feet. "Here we go again."

The grin on Kizaru's face widened, his eyes turning more predatory. "Ooooh, never do they learn, do they? Shall we give them a proper Marine welcome?"

The ensuing battle was one of ordered, complex ballets of pandemonium, as a trio of Admirals—individuals who had been subduing the full expression of their monstrous powers—played games with the Rocks Pirates like a cat with its food.