I Am Honkai

What do you do if your superior places their most cherished daughter under your command?

This is a loaded question—no matter what you do, there's bound to be something off about it.

Frankly, in Sanguinius's mind, he had no intention of bringing Alyssa along to eradicate the pirates in the New World.

Empress Selene's decision to have Lady Alyssa leave the Imperial Palace and lead her own forces had already been analyzed to death by all levels of Imperial society.

Speculations ranged from "balancing the military units of the Empire" to "an impromptu whim for amusement" or even "preparing her as an heir to the throne."

But in Sanguinius's eyes, all of it was pure nonsense!

As a transcendent empire, everything in the Sacred Selene Empire stemmed from the Empress herself.

The current Sacred Selene Empire bore little resemblance to its predecessor, the Thousand-Year Empire.

Here, one crucial order of things cannot be reversed: the Empress's legitimacy does not stem from the Empire; rather, the Empire's legitimacy stems from the Empress.

Because Selene exists as Empress, the Empire—this massive and even bloated entity—can continue to function and expand.

Did Selene need to fear mutiny from her generals?

No chance. Regardless of how loyal Sanguinius's commands made his soldiers seem, the moment he showed any signs of rebellion, forget moving his army—his orders wouldn't even make it out of his own tent.

And do you think the Empire's Court of Judgment, established by Sebas, is merely for show?

Sanguinius was certain that the number of Judgment operatives planted within the Blood Angels legion was not small, and they were undoubtedly present even in his personal honor guard.

While Empress Selene might not care to micromanage such matters, Sebas was a different story. He trusted no one but Selene herself.

So, was the Empire really so desperate for an heir?

Sure, it's understandable for citizens to worry about an Emperor without an heir, but if someone appears overly concerned or ingratiating about it, you'd have to wonder what they're really after.

Could it be… they're hoping for Empress Selene's untimely demise?!

Open the door! 1Judgment Court!

In Sanguinius's personal opinion, Selene's intent was likely far simpler: she just wanted Alyssa out of the Imperial Palace and to find her something to do.

Even if it didn't change Alyssa's somewhat scatterbrained nature, it would at least give her more experience and independence.

As for the grisly task of wiping out the pirates in the New World, Sanguinius felt there was no need to trouble Lady Alyssa with such dirty work—it was better left to him.

Although Alyssa herself was indifferent to the concept of mass slaughter—having once personally ordered a one-in-ten culling of an entire world's population—that had been her acting alone.

Now that Lady Alyssa was accompanying him on this campaign, it was absolutely inappropriate for her to engage in such bloodstained efforts.

More importantly, the Empire already had enough bloodthirsty types among its upper echelons. The only "husky" among the Empire's wolfpack couldn't be allowed to become just like the rest.

From Sanguinius's perspective, this sentiment was likely shared by the Empress herself. Selene probably didn't want Alyssa turning into someone as cold-hearted as she… um, correction—as benevolent as she was.

The Empire could use a bit of warmth, after all.

And given Alyssa's expressed curiosity about fishmen and merfolk, this task seemed like a perfect fit for her.

An intriguing species like that, presented as a trophy to the Empress, would surely delight Alyssa.

"Which fish-men? And merfolk?"

Hearing Sanguinius's suggestion, Alyssa paused, tilting her head with a finger on her cheek.

Seizing the moment, Sanguinius turned to Leiva and shot him a glance: Beep beep beep… Leiva, you go ahead.

Leiva nodded, returning the silent signal with equal subtlety: Beep beep beep… Got it. Lady Alyssa is all yours. I'll make my escape—err, I mean, go handle the negotiations.

Watching Leiva's quietly retreating figure, Sanguinius smiled warmly.

"Ahem, Lady Alyssa, weren't you curious about seeing mermaids? Well, they exist."

"Really?!"

Alyssa's joy was unmistakable, her eyes curving into crescent moons.

But a moment later:

"Gross."

Recalling the repulsive fish-man who had slobbered all over her arm back on the Sabaody Archipelago, Alyssa scowled.

"If mermaids are as ugly as that fishman I encountered, then forget it… too hideous."

Completely judging by appearances, huh?

Suppressing an internal sigh, Sanguinius explained, "That shouldn't be the case. Based on prisoner confessions and intelligence gathered via Soul-Reading, there's a nation of fish-man located 10,000 meters beneath the sea near Sabaody Archipelago…"

"Fish-Man nation?"

"Yes, either Fish-Man Island or Ryugu Kingdom… well, it doesn't really matter." Pausing briefly, Sanguinius continued, "And most importantly, fishmen and merfolk are distinct species. Beautiful mermaids do exist."

As he spoke, Sanguinius crouched down slightly, leaning in to whisper into Alyssa's ear.

"Besides, didn't you say the Empress once told you stories about mermaids? Imagine finding a real one and presenting it to the Empress—she'd be thrilled."

"I'm going!"

"Sanguinius, are you sure about this? If we don't participate and leave everything to the Sisters of Battle, won't their casualties be too high?"

On the Red Line, a Blood Angel officer clad in ornate power armor approached Sanguinius, speaking with measured respect.

"It's fine. Don't forget, Leiva's Black Templars Third Legion's support forces have also arrived. One of their major deployment points is the Sabaody Archipelago. Black Templars will handle everything."

As Alyssa's figure disappeared into the horizon, Sanguinius withdrew his gaze, turning toward the New World in the second half of the Grand Line.

"Order the Second, Fifth, Seventh, and Eleventh Astartes Companies to sweep the New World from four directions. Leave no corner unchecked—every island must be thoroughly cleared. I don't want a single pirate escaping!"

"If you encounter strong resistance, don't waste time engaging directly. Call for orbital bombardment and finish them off quickly."

The Red Line, the Four Seas, and the first half of the Grand Line—most of the world's land territories were already under their control. What little remained wasn't worth holding back for.

"Understood!"

Just then, crack, crack, crack!

From the direction of the New World, a vast expanse of black clouds rolled in. Thunder roared, filling the atmosphere with a palpable pressure.

Bolts of lightning rained down like a deluge, while dark red, web-like arcs of lightning coursed through the ominous clouds.

"It seems someone has come knocking. This power that distorts the skies… as they call it, Conqueror's Haki? A Yonko, perhaps?"

Resting his hand on the hilt of the Crimson Blade, Sanguinius stood at the edge of the Red Line, gazing out at the vast expanse of ocean ahead.

Gradually, as the storm grew more intense, a massive, dual-masted ship of gold and crimson hues entered the waters off the "Red Port," drawing the attention of everyone present.

Its sails bore the unmistakable emblem of a black Jolly Roger, adorned with a scarred left eye—a mark belonging to none other than one of the Four Emperors.

"A Yonko! The world's most charismatic man—'Red-Haired' Shanks?!"

Even from afar, the oppressive aura of Shanks' Conqueror's Haki swept across the area, leaving a swath of reporters unconscious from the psychological strain.

"I am Shanks! Ladies and gentlemen, might you tell me—who are you?"

Amplifying his voice with Haki, Shanks bellowed from a distance.

"Mere brigands."

Shaking his head in disdain, a Blood Angel officer showed no inclination to reply. Raising his hand to signal the heavy artillery stationed on the Red Line, he prepared to issue the command:

"Fi—"

"Wait. Let's hear him out. Let's see what this brigand has to say."

Stopping his subordinate mid-command, Sanguinius spread his wings. A radiant golden light surged around him as he launched himself forward.

Boom!

With a thunderous roar, golden brilliance clashed against the dark red aura of Shanks' Haki, shaking the seas around the Red Port to their core.

"Sacred Selene Empire, Astartes Ninth Legion, Blood Angels—Legion Commander, Sanguinius."

His voice resounded clearly, reaching Shanks aboard the Red Force.

"Then, Lord Sanguinius, might you grant me the courtesy of retrieving the body of Silvers Rayleigh?"

Suppressing his simmering fury, Shanks spoke coldly.

"He was once my vice-captain and a man I owed a great debt."

"Denied."

Without a moment's hesitation, Sanguinius refused. What does your debt to him have to do with me?

As his words fell, lightning crackled and—clang!

A dark red slash, hundreds of meters long, flew forth, aiming straight for the summit of the Red Line.

The devastating arc obliterated everything in its path, pulverizing all obstacles beneath its sword aura. Even the ocean seemed to part in its wake.

Boom!

Meanwhile, elsewhere…

New World, Former Marine G1 Branch—now Marine Headquarters, New Marineford.

Thud!

A shadow loomed over the fallen CP0 operative.

"Sakazuki! What are you doing?! Do you know what this means?!"

"You're committing treason! Are you prepared for the consequences of betraying the World Government?!"

"I know exactly what I'm doing. So what?"

Gulp.

"Dog Biting Crimson Lotus!"

Sakazuki's right arm turned a blistering red as molten magma surged forth. His fist took the form of a snarling hound as it erupted.

With a sickening crunch, the CP0 agent's chest was torn open, molten rock searing his flesh and filling the air with the acrid scent of burning meat.

Retracting his bloodstained arm, Sakazuki muttered expressionlessly:

"The World Government has fallen. Now, the question is—what becomes of the Navy?"

Despite being the largest military organization under the World Government, the Navy possessed no independent tax base or territorial revenue. It was entirely reliant on government funding for its operational costs.

Not even Sakazuki could conjure resources out of thin air. Fighting wars was one thing, but managing finances was beyond him.

Initially, after receiving the Empire's recruitment pamphlets, Sakazuki had been tempted but chose to wait and observe.

But things moved too fast—so fast that before Sakazuki could even initiate contact with the Empire, the World Government was simply… gone.

Now, there was only one option left: the Empire. Who else could the Navy turn to?

Independence?

Impossible without supplies, wages, or the logistical support that the World Government had previously provided.

Turn to piracy or emulate pirates by pillaging?

Out of the question. Anyone suggesting such a thing would be melted on the spot by Sakazuki!

Shing!

A flash of golden light.

"Oh, Sakazuki, killing a CP0 agent sent by the Five Elders? Truly frightening."

Hands in his pockets, Borsalino spoke in his usual aggravating tone, his mouth curling into a smirk.

Sakazuki's gaze flickered briefly, as though he had made up his mind.

"Borsalino, unfortunate news: I've just received confirmation that the World Government has fallen."

Crossing his arms, Sakazuki turned to face him fully.

"Is the information reliable?"

At this, Borsalino's previously nonchalant demeanor turned serious.

"There's photographic evidence from surveillance snails. All of Mary Geoise has been destroyed."

Massaging his temples in frustration, Sakazuki added, "And I intend to negotiate with the Empire."

"The Empire? You mean the so-called rebels?"

"Exactly. I've already dispatched envoys, and they've responded. One of their senior figures is coming to oversee the negotiations personally."

Just then.

The blaring of alarms echoed throughout New Marineford.

"They're here."

Opening his office door, Sakazuki strode out.

As he walked, he raised his wrist communicator.

"Stand down. This is not an enemy attack. All units, hold position and do not engage."

Emerging from the fortress-like headquarters, Sakazuki looked toward the sky.

There, looming shadows began to blot out the sun.

Gigantic steel leviathans, machines of war and destruction, dominated the skies with their chilling mechanical grandeur.

Each warship, resembling an immense mountain, bore a hull of gray and black, adorned with intricate metal plating. Rows of gun ports bristled like deadly thorns, while cathedral-like superstructures loomed atop them.

The air was heavy with their ominous presence as they descended upon New Marineford.

Soon, hummm!

Several mid-sized transports detached from the fleet and landed on the fortress' upper platforms, extending ramps.

Thud, thud, thud!

The synchronized, thunderous march of hundreds of Astartes resounded like an earthquake, shaking the fortress to its core.

For a fleeting moment, a glimmer of approval shone in Sakazuki's eyes.

These are soldiers—not bandits.

Surrounded by the Black Templars Honor Guard, Leiva descended from one of the transports.

Wearing a regal purple-and-gold power armor and draped in a commanding cape, Leiva walked forward without his helmet, meeting Sakazuki's gaze.

"I am Sakazuki. Greetings, Lord Leiva."

"A pleasure, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki. I am Leiva, Legion Commander of the Astartes Third Legion, Black Templars."

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