A relentless sun pounded down on the training grounds of the Marines, its rays seeming to warp themselves around Kizaru's towering form as he stood in shadow and made for an unseen observer of sorts. His green eyes were dull and chilled, locked upon the spectacle in front of him: Akainu—relentless as ever—running young Kuzan ragged.

"Again!" Akainu's voice cracked like a whip. "You think pirates will wait for you to catch your breath, boy?"

Kuzan, sweating profusely, nodded grimly and raised his hands. Ice crystals started forming in the air and began congealing into a gigantic wall. Akainu's magma-wreathed fist smashed right through it with ease that was terrifying to behold.

"Oooh, Sakazuki-kun," Kizaru drawled, carrying his voice clear across the training ground, "don't break our new toy just yet."

As Akainu turned to reply, Kizaru felt once more––that telltale tingling at the edge of his consciousness. The Force, as Rey had dubbed it, surged inside him, a stormy tempest barely contained within the bounds of his skin.

He had tamed it alone, this power beyond anything One Piece had ever known. Combined with abilities in light, awesome haki, and Lex's brain, it made him… unstoppable.

"Just checking him, he's need to be worth our time, Borsalino," Akainu growled, his eyes flashing back toward Kuzan. "Now, again!"

Kizaru's lips twisted upwards into his habitual lazy grin, but he was anything but relaxed inside. The Force had always whispered in his ear, glimpses of perhaps futures, of power beyond imagining. Sometimes it took all of his truly impressive willpower to keep the mask in place.

"Ooooh, I think our little ice cube is coming along quite nicely," Kizaru said, his voice pitched just loud enough for Kuzan to hear. "Maybe it's time for a little... light training."

Kuzan's eyes lit up at the prospect, but Akainu shook his head. "Not yet. He needs to learn endurance first."

As the training session progressed, Kizaru closed his eyes and reached out with his newest senses. He could feel the ebb and flow of energies around him—the burning intensity of Akainu, the determined chill of Kuzan—and beyond, that vast ocean of power that was the world itself.

With a thought, he could destroy them both. With a gesture, he could remold the very island they stood on. The power was intoxicating, terrifying in its scope.

But he held back.

"Oooh, I think that's enough for today," Kizaru said finally, his voice cutting through the sounds of combat. "Our little Kuzan looks about ready to melt."

Akainu grunted in agreement, and Kuzan sagged with relief. On their way back to the base, Kizaru hung back, his eyes far away.

"Is everything all right, Admiral Kizaru?" Kuzan asked, noting his distraction.

Kizaru had a really nice smile for purposes of hiding what one really meant. "Just fine, ice cube. Just… thinking about the future."

Turning away, the air itself about Kizaru would shimmer and ripple reality just ever so slightly. The world of One Piece held within it the greatest power to ever walk among Akainu and Kuzan, and of this, they had no idea.

In the dimmed lab, Dr. Vegapunk stood in the lengthening shadows of the hulking Admiral Kizaru. The latter's three-piece yellow suit seemed to shine with his marine cloak under the haunting light from the screens and monitors all around them.

"Ooooh, Doctor Vegapunk," crooned Kizaru, his green gaze glowing bright with intelligence, "I think it's time we should speed up our plans."

Dr. Vegapunk looked up from his workstation, his eyes wide with curiosity. "What do you mean, Admiral?"

Kizaru's lips curled into a smile that was equal parts charming and chilling. "We've been thinking too small, doctor. The Pacifista and The Death Star are just the beginning. What if we could advance our technology by… oh, let's say 500 years?"

Vegapunk's jaw dropped. "Five hundred years? But that's. that's impossible!"

"Impossible?" Kizaru chuckled, and once again, that small sound sent shivers down Vegapunk's spine. "My dear doctor, we live in a world of Devil Fruits and Haki. Impossible is just a word for the unimaginative."

Kizaru started pacing, his massive frame moving with a grace that was surprising for its size. "We start with energy. Imagine harnessing the power of Devil Fruits, not just for a few things, but whole cities at once. We could create clean, unlimited energy sources that would make even the most advanced nations look primitive."

Vegapunk nodded slowly, his mind racing with possibilities. "And transportation? Communications?"

"Exactly," purred Kizaru, "We develop ships that can sail underwater for months at a time, with materials that can keep up with the load of the deepest seas. Devices of communication that will send a message all around the world in a millisecond, using the very fibers of technology itself."

As Kizaru spoke, holographic projections in yellow burst to life about him, illustrating advanced weaponry, medical marvels, and impossible machines. Vegapunk's eyes grew wide at each new revelation. "But, Admiral," he whispered, "the cost… the resources needed…"

Kizaru's smile turned predatory. "Leave that to me, doctor. I have... certain powers that will ensure we have everything we need."

"We'll begin with small pilot projects," Kizaru went on, his voice taking on a near-hypnotic quality. "Testing our new technologies within controlled environments. Picture it: clean energy powering entire islands, advanced medical facilities capable of curing diseases previously thought incurable."

Vegapunk nodded fervently, caught up in the vision. "And the defense systems? The Marines would need to adapt at this rate of change."

"Oh yes," Kizaru chuckled, "we will revolutionize our defenses. Envision soldiers that could rival giants in strength and ships as airborne as they are seafaring, equipped with weapons that could partially nullify Devil Fruit powers at great distances.".

As the night ate on, Kizaru and Vegapunk were plotting and scheming in their conversation, their voices rising as the hours rolled by. They outlined research facilities, education programs, and implementation strategies that would recur. If One Piece was going to change how it worked, this would be how nobody could ever imagine.

As the first rays of dawn crept into the laboratory, the world welcomed a new future—a time when the lines between science and magic became synonymous, when the impossible became common, and the shift in power perpetual.

Kizaru stood up, extending his huge frame. "Well, doctor, I believe we have some work ahead. Shall we?"

Vegapunk nodded, a mix of excitement and trepidation in his eyes. "Yes, Admiral. Let us change the world."

As Kizaru strode out of the lab with Vegapunk, his yellow suit gleaming in the morning light, a cold smile played across his handsome features.

The air in Sengoku's office crackled with tension as Kizaru, Vegapunk, and Akainu stood before the Fleet Admiral. Sengoku's eyes, weary but sharp, scanned the document before him.

"This plan. It's ambitious beyond anything we've ever attempted," Sengoku muttered, his brow furrowed.

Kizaru's lazy smile belied the steel in his green eyes. "Ooooh, Fleet Admiral, you have no idea how ambitious it truly is."

With a wave of his hand, casual as brushing away a fly, Kizaru sent Sengoku's desk floating gently into the air. Akainu's eyes widened, his fists clenching instinctively. Vegapunk stumbled back, his mouth agape.

"What… what is this?" Akainu growled, magma bubbling beneath his skin.

Kizaru's chuckle was low and dangerous. "This, my dear colleagues, is the key to our success. The Force, a power beyond anything our world has ever known."

Over the course of the following hour, Kizaru demonstrated abilities so profound as to defy comprehension. He conjured matter from thin air, manipulated time and space, and even briefly lifted the veil between dimensions.

With this power," Kizaru drawled, his voice oddly serious, "our plan isn't just possible. It's inevitable."

Sengoku leaned back in his chair, his mind whirling with the implications. "Borsalino... how long have you had this power?"

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Kizaru's smile was enigmatic. "Ooooh, long enough to know its potential. And long enough to know we need to use it carefully."

Vegapunk, ever the scientist, was already scribbling notes. "The applications are endless. With this, we could create any resource we need, solve any logistical problem."

Akainu's eyes narrowed. "And what's to stop you from using this power to take control yourself, Kizaru?"

The room was once again filled with laughter, this time ice-cold and crawling on their skin. "My dear Sakazuki, if I wanted governing to be mine, none of you would be able to hinder my path. But that's not my goal. I want to see our world evolve, to reach heights undreamed of. And for that, I need every one of you."

Sengoku stood. He decided on a course of action. "Fine. The plan is set in motion. But Borsalino, this power of yours. It stays between us. The world isn't ready to know of it."

As they went out of Sengoku's office, already making plans, Kizaru hung back. His eyes shone like lamps lit from within as he gazed out across Marineford.

In the course of the next few decades, the world would change beyond anything anyone could ever have envisioned. Islands rising from the ocean. Technology leaping forward by centuries. And power wouldn't just shift easily; it would blow away like sand in a storm. And through it all, crouched at the very epicenter of everything with his fingers gently tugging at the strings, would be a figure who held within his hands the very power of creation—Admiral Kizaru.

The future was bright, blinding even. And Kizaru had every intention to shape it in impossible acts, one at a time.

The training grounds of Marineford resounded with clashing steel and grunts of effort. At the very center stood Kuzan, not yet known as Aokiji, his lanky frame slick with sweat as he faced off against a barrage of training dummies.

Kizaru lounged some ways away, his muscular form draped elegantly in his yellow three-piece suit and marine cape jacket. His green eyes gleamed with interest as he watched the progress of his protégé.

"Ooooh, Kuzan-kun," Kizaru called out lazily across the field. "You're getting closer. Can you feel it?"

Aokiji gritted his teeth, focusing on his outstretched hand. For a moment nothing happened. Then as frost creeps slowly along a window pane, a faint black sheen began to spread over his fingers.

"I… I've got it!" exclaimed the normally laconic Kuzan, suddenly excited.

Kizaru smiled languidly. "Good, good, very good indeed. Now lets see you use it, shall we?"

Kizaru sent a light ray with a careless flick of his wrist in Aokiji's direction. It felt like time slowed as the young marine-focused, uttering the will to let the fledgling Haki spread further.

The beam struck the partially armored hand and caused it to scatter in a shower of sparks. Aokiji rocked backward with a wincing expression but remained standing.

"Ooooh, not bad at all," Kizaru mused, his tone a mix of pride and amusement. "You're learning faster than I had expected."

Akainu watched from the side, scowl deepening. "He's still too soft," the hot-headed marine growled. "You need to push him harder, Borsalino."

Kizaru turned his pointed gaze on Akainu. "Now, now, Sakazuki. We each have our ways of teaching. And mine, as you can see, are working out well."

Kizaru approached Aokiji, walking with a peculiar mix of grace and laziness that belied the coiled power he had within. He laid his hand on the shoulder of the young marine, and Aokiji felt a strange warmth flow through him.

"'Ah, the key, my dear Kuzan; first imagine your will as an unbreakable shield. Let it flow through you, around you—becoming an extension of yourself,'" Kizaru said in a low pitch before continuing in a half-whisper.

Aokiji closed his eyes and focused on the words of Kizaru. As he did so, the black glossy sheen of Haki continued spreading, covering his entire arm.

"That's it," Kizaru purred, eyes glowing green in what was almost a light of predator instinct. "You are getting it. This power will let you stand against any of the strongest around the world."

Aokiji opened his eyes and marveled at the sight of his arm sheathed in Haki. "It's... incredible," he breathed.

Kizaru smiled cryptically. "Oh, this is just the beginning, Kuzan-kun. Just the beginning."

As Aokiji went back to his training, his moves fiercer than before, Kizaru looked out toward the sea.

The serenity of the training ground was broken by the high-pitched cry of a Den Den Mushi. Kizaru's lazy smile disappeared as he picked up the call, his green eyes narrowing at what he heard.

"Ooooh, it seems we have some uninvited guests," Kizaru drawled, an undercurrent of excitement tingeing his voice. "The Rocks Pirates have been spotted somewhere close."

Akainu's fists clenched, magma churning under his skin. "Those bastards" he growled. "It's time we showed them the true might of the Marines."

Aokiji tensed as his newfound Haki fizzled across his skin. "Let me help," he insisted. "I'm ready."

The space was thick with tension when they were close enough to view the pirate ship. Kizaru's eyes focused on one figure in particular—Nyon, beautifully batted around against the brutality of the environment that surrounded her. Their eyes held only for a moment, and so much was conveyed unsaid.

Akainu placed a restrictive hand on Aokiji's shoulder. "Stay back," he ordered. "You're not ready for this level of combat."

Kizaru nodded. "Ooooh, Kuzan-kun, watch and learn. But remember, even we must… restrain ourselves at times."

The battle exploded with a violence that sent the sea rippling out in all directions as Akainu, a good deal more powerful than canon, charged directly at Whitebeard, their powers clashing and sending shockwaves across the sea.

Thus, Kizaru found himself pitted against the young, mighty, but powerful Kaido. "My, my," mused Kizaru as he dodged a thunderous blow with preternatural speed. "So much potential. It would be a shame to end it here, wouldn't it?"

Akainu and Kizaru was aware that they both needed to hold back as they fought. The future Kizaru had captured, destiny shaping, required these pirates to survive and grow in strength.

In the middle of it all, Akainu caught Kizaru's eye. A mute understanding passed between them. They could finish this now, reveal their true strength, but at what cost to the future they gingerly wanted made?

"Ooooh, Sakazuki," Kizaru called out, loud enough to be heard over the din of battle. "Remember our long-term goals."

Akainu grunted in acknowledgment as he visibly reined in his power, trading blows with Whitebeard.

Aokiji watched as he widened his eyes in pure amazement at it with an impression of fear. He could not imagine so much raw power.

As the battle continued in earnest, raw power crackled through the air. Kizaru moved with an elegance that suited his hulking frame, his yellow suit spotless despite the chaos around him. Kaido was young, impudent—already a force to be reckoned with—but struggled to keep up.

"Ooooh, you're quite the handful, aren't you?" Kizaru drawled, dodging another one of Kaido's earth-shattering blows with ease.

Kaido was gasping, though still smirking. "You... you're the greatest enemy I've ever seen," he replied, feeling frustration and admiration well up in his voice.

Kizaru's green irises flashed with an unnatural light. "My oh me—such high praise. Yet, young creature, I must ask if you understand the game we are playing here."

Kizaru manifested behind Kaido with a burst of speed that defied comprehension, his voice dropping to a soft, menacing whisper. "Ooooh, you should know, your crew only draws breath because I will it so. There are… plans in motion that require your continued existence."

Kaido's eyes widened, and he felt a shiver run down his spine despite the blaze of combat. "What… what do you mean?"

Kizaru laughed, his voice like a shattering crystal. "Now, now, that would be telling, wouldn't it? Let's just say, the future has need of monsters like you."

Not far away, Akainu was keeping Whitebeard at bay. The young pirate, already known for his incredible brawn, proved no match against the relentless Admiral.

"Gurarara," Whitebeard laughed, but something in that laughter was uneasy. "You Marines have been holding out on us, haven't you?"

Akainu's frown deepened. "You have no idea, old man. Consider this mercy."

Xebec, of course, watching all of this from the sidelines, felt this cold dread settle in his stomach. These Admirals, simply toyed with two of his best. The extent of their power hidden—both terrified and intrigued him.

"Captain," Shiki muttered, "we need to retreat. They're... they're not even trying."

Xebec nodded, his pride warring with his survival instinct. "All hands, fall back!" he bellowed. "We live to fight another day!"

Neither Kizaru nor Akainu moved to pursue as the Rocks Pirates began their retreat. Their eyes, filled with knowledge of things yet to come, watched the pirates with an unsettling intensity.

Nyon boarded last and turned to give Kizaru the last glance; their eyes locked on each other, ablaze with so many unsaid emotions and secrets of the Rocks Pirates.

As soon as the pirate ship disappeared from view, Aokiji approached his superiors, his eyes wide open in incomprehension—part awed, part confused.

"Admirals," he said hesitantly, "I don't understand. Why did we let them go?"

Kizaru turned his sun-silhouetted bulk to his protégé, adjusting his yellow tie loosely. "Kuzan-kun, the world's a stage, and we players are in just one grand performance. Some roles, well… take time to develop."

Akainu grunted in agreement. "The future demands sacrifice, Kuzan. Remember that."

And as they walked back toward base, Kizaru's mind was open to so many possibilities.

For weeks after the encounter with the Rocks Pirates, Kizaru and Akainu were mauled by attention. Their names were on every tongue from the busy streets of Marineford to the dingiest taverns of the New World.

Kizaru spent his time lounging in his office, somehow managing to be graceful despite his outsized frame squeezed into a yellow three-piece suit. He lazily paged through the latest newspaper. His green eyes were quirked up at the headlines, looking at them through an expression of amusement.

"Ooooh, Sakazuki," he drawled, peeking at his fellow Admiral. "Seems we're quite famous now. How. inconvenient."

Akainu scowled, magma bubbling beneath his skin. "Fame is a distraction, Borsalino. We have better things to do."

As they walked through the Marine Headquarters, whispers and awe-struck glances followed in their wake. Young recruits stumbled over themselves, eager to catch a glimpse of the Admirals who had sent the fearsome Rocks Pirates running.

"Admiral Kizaru! Admiral Akainu!" called a young ensign, his voice shaking in excitement. "Is it true you fought off the whole Rocks crew single-handedly?"

Kizaru's lazy smile grew wider. "Ooooh, now that would be quite the tale, wouldn't it? But you know how these stories tend to. grow in the telling."

Akainu grunted, his patience starting to wear thin. "Get back to your duties, ensign. We have no time for idle gossip."

Unbeknownst to the Admirals, their legend growing was having an unforeseen influence with their recent foes. Deep within a dark cave on a remote island, the Rocks Pirates tended to their wounds and plotted their vengeance.

Kaido slammed his fist onto the wall, creating a decent-sized crater. "We can't let this go! Our rep will shatter!"

Whitebeard, nursing a bruised ego and several broken ribs, nodded grimly. "Gurarara. Those Admirals made laughingstocks of us in the view of the world. We must show the world that the Rocks Pirates are still a force to be reckoned with."

Xebec leaned forward, light dancing, dangerous, in his eyes. "Patience, my friends. This setback is... unfortunate, but it does give us an opportunity. The world now watches these Admirals with bated breath. When we defeat them, our infamy will grow tenfold."

In Marineford, Kizaru had been standing on the balcony of his personal quarters, out overlooking the sea; The setting sun sent an unearthly light across the waves, similar to that light which flickered sometimes in his eyes.

"Ooooh, Sakazuki," he hummed, knowing that his fellow Admiral was near. "Do you feel it? The wheels of fate, turning ever faster."

Akainu joined him, his usual scowl deepening. "They'll come for us again. The Rocks. They won't be able to resist the challenge."

Kizaru smiled, enigmatic. "Indeed. And when they do, we'll be waiting. After all, every story needs its… antagonists."