Serious: Operation Clean Up (mandatory meeting for marines and shichbukai)

It was a bright sunny morning in marineford. The gulls were calling in the air. The waves were gently beating the docks of headquarters. Marine soldliers were doing daily morning drills. Darnel was happy that didn't have to those anymore. Being an admiral did have its perks. Though he was abit unhappy he couldn't patrol anymore and was restrained to HQ. Darnel had called a meeting for all available marines and warlords for an important discussion. Admiral Darnel had devised a battle plan that would change the balance of power for the grand line forever. The Yonkou have all left into the New World which has left many islands left for grabs. It would be wise for the marines their move now. Darnel was waiting at the docks for the arriving marine ships. He picked up his den den mushi to call for his crew whereabouts.....

"It's the admiral..."

Victor's sweat bathed his entire body. He had been stuck at Marine HQ ever since he was injured in a skirmish against a pirate crew some time ago. During his recuperation time, he missed a war... A WAR! Ever since then he had been training on the base under the tutelage of a superior officer in the arts of soru and geppou. Now, Victor was fully healed. In his private quarters, he was performing his morning exercises.

"The first dock, you said?"

He had finished his training days ago. To condition his body, the officer instructed him to undergo an intense exercise regiment several times a day during his free time. It wasn't so much building muscles or increasing stamina to ungodly levels. It was training his body to handle the strain of his improved movement abilities as to not cause major injuries to himself. At the same time, he could fine-tune his own abilities...

"Yes Darnel. I will be right there."

Victor grabbed his officer's cloak which was draped over a chair in his quarters. He picked a flower from the vase by his windowsill and cast it into the great expanse of the sky. The wind picked it up and carried it in its gentle grasp. The petals were picked by the cool sea breeze... one two three four five six... leaving the flower itself falling toward the sea, where it would find its new home.

Victor peered out the window and strained his eyes to seek the petals. Yes, there were six in total. He closed his eyes momentarily and opened them again; this time, there was a fire blazing within. He grasped his right arm with his left and pointed his fingers out the window.

Vector Shotgun.

He short-soru'd forward, launching five vectors out the window, one from each finger. However, instead of the finger-width vectors that were a waste of aptitude, he managed to cut the width to the size of each fingernail... it was an improvement. The vectors flew with soru-like speed. One two three four... no five. Four out of five targets hit was not bad. He got his marine uniform on and draped his cloak over his shoulders.

"Justice" left the room and closed the door behind it.

[Sulight Charged: 16 Posts]

A ship could be seen making it's way towards the Marine Headquarters. Although it was the size of an ordinary marine battleship, the vessel was unique. It was artwork, sailing with grace despite of it's immense mass and the people inside it rejoiced the fact that they had been called to an important navy meeting. On their last mission they had managed to free an island that had been claimed as the base of a group of pirates

The leader of such ship was non-other than Rear Admiral Lenny Celeste, and his ship had been re-dessigned by himself, naming it Betelgeuse, in honor of the stellar theme of his crew. The marine had fought the pirate who was now known as one of the Emperors of the Sea, Maximillion Maimo. Together with the now dead Vice-Admiral Derge Sr, they had managed to defeat him. Differently from other fellow members of the government organization, Lenny did not believe in the term "Absolute Justice", he wasn't one that aimed to destroy pirates at all costs. His ultimate goal was to protect the people, since they deserved to mantain a tranquil live.

The ship had slowly come into the docks of Marineford and was now almost completely immobile. One anchor wasnt enough to prevent a ship of that monstrous size from moving, hence, a few anchors were thrown down from each side of the ship. The sails that reflected the color of ivory with shades of red, orange and yellow were put up by some assistants of the crew.

A wooden bridge was extended to land. It creaked under the feet of a tall figure. The Rear Admiral walked towards the main building of Marineford. He expected his crew to follow him.

COMMODORE TANKU

A Marine battleship, colored slightly greener than standard ones and most notably with extra armor on it, pulls into the harbor at Marineford. It pulls up to a docking slip and throws down multiple anchors in order to keep its huge mass in place. The gangplank descends and Marines rush down, getting in line for the arrival of their commanding officer.

Tanku disembarks his ship at Marine HQ. His Marines- his family- are lined up on either side of the dock as he goes toward the main building. He turns and faces his men. "Men, you've done excellent jobs on this voyage. You may all go to the mess hall and eat, then head to the barracks for some rest!" He puts his hand down, signaling them to drop their salutes.

"Sir yes sir!" they shout excitedly before running to the mess hall. Tanku laughs and shakes his head.

"Marines and their food," he thinks to himself. He pulls a lettuce leaf out of his pocket and munches on it, his flat teeth grinding it into a swallowable paste. Before he walks inside, he turns to the ship docked near his- a large, elegantly designed ship with what appear to be red sails- and shakes his head, grinning at its extravagance. "Celeste, what the hell have you done with that thing?" he mutters, waiting at the end of the Rear Admiral's dock to greet him.

The Admiral immediately recognized one of officers that stepped off a battleship. It was Lenny. One of the marines he had fought together with against Maximillion all those years ago. It was a tough battle, and Lenny had earned his stripes that day. He was a good man and had a very promising crew. If Darnel had to resign he would accept no one other than Lenny as his replacement. Then the admiral began to see more marines begin to dock. Some he had known other he had never seen before, but he was eager to meet them all. Darnel went to greet his fellow marines


(Bolt)
A huge robotic cyborg appeared walking behind Lenny. It was none other than Captain Bolt Armstrong or "BA#2". A weaponized human being, Bolt has lost all emotions and prior memories. As many marines would be excited and happy to be called to headquaters Bolt was quiet and reserved. Bolt scanned the area. He saluted his superior "Vice Admiral Lenny I sense three approaching objects heading our way."

"FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" a laughter was heard and a man appeared from behind Darnel. The man was none other than Ferdinard Maimou, the Rear Admiral, cousin and former rival of the sea emperor, Maximillion Maimou. "FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" he kept laughing as he looked at Lenny and he started walking towards him slowly. He raised his hand in order to shake hands with him and he said "I have heard a lot about you, Rear Admiral Celeste. My name is Ferdinard... Ferdinard Maimou of the Hooded Knights.". The man wanted to introduce himself fully to see how his enemy would react.

Commander Daruki had just began to sail towards the island where he was ordered too, Marineford. Daruki had just gotten a promotion and was now ordered to another meeting there his first one was with Admiral Nishiki and this one was the newly appointed Admiral Darnel. Daruki was riding to marineford on a confiscated pirate ship when he saw cannons being fired at the ship Daruki was on, with a combination of Soru and Tekkai Kenpo, Daruki caught the cannonballs and tossed them back at top speeds at the ships causing an explosion when one hit an explosives room, Daruki stood at the tip of the burning ship and barked at himself, "Damn now your ten seconds late!" Daruki used soru to get back on his ship and made it to Marineford as he greeted marines on his way to the meeting.

Lilith stepped off the ship behind her leader, she stayed calm and showed little emotion on her face. Even when on the inside she was excited because this was her second meeting her at marineford. She walked in line behind her captain her eyes set forward only to be averted by the sound of an explosion and another flashy entrance by Daruki. From what she knew this was also his second meeting here at marineford. She watched as he made his way towards the main area, there was nothing really interesting going on with Daruki anymore so she turned her attention back to the meeting but yet again her focus was switched when another interesting individual made his way into her sight. Ferdinard of the Hooded Knights. She hadn't heard most of what he said so she spaced out yet again and continued walking.

[Sunlight Charged: 17 Posts]

Lenny looked at Bolt as he approached him, he shook his head to show that he didnt understand what he meant by the statement he had just formulated. Lenny looked around and saw a couple of other marines getting to the island, he saw that in the distance, the sillhoutte of Admiral Darnel cut against the white walls.

"Bolt... I dont understand what you mean."-he told Bolt, who was one of his oldest crewmates. -"By three objects do you mean people, actual objects (like projectiles) or something else of that nature?"

Then he turned around to face a marine that he hadn't met before in his missions... or that was what he thought at first. He turned back to look at Lilith as she left the ship and kept walking... but then, a flash of memories appeared in his mind.

"My ship is nothing out of the ordinary more than a little of coloring... Wait- T-Tanku?" -he asked when he remembered the other marine's name. -"Clubtail Tanku???"

A gigantic grin crossed Lenny's face as he recognize one of his old friends from the academy... a looooong time ago. He patted him in the back as a way to salute him. As he did this, he saw Rear Admiral Ferdinand Maimou walk towards him with a hand rosen towards him.

Lenny took the other Rear Admiral's hand in a grasp and shook it with friendly strenght. He smiled to him as well when he said that he had heard of him.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Rear Admiral Maimou." -Lenny calmly said. -"I have heard a lot of you as well... it pleases me to have good company in this day."

He said this last thing directed to him and also to Tanku.

Izlend stood near Darnel, leaning on a post that made up part of the dock. His arms and legs were crossed with his head looking down and his eyes closed. To most it was almost look as if he was sleeping, but he wasn't; he was sitting there on that post constantly aware of his surroundings and those around the admiral. Darnel was his first captain thus the one Izlend worked under, him becoming admiral didn't change the fact. Despite his low rank, Izlend refused to take orders from anyone but Darnel and his superiors. The stubborn boy was as abstinent as ever. However unlike before when he was filled with a child like hope, he felt more bound to duty than anything. He felt like it was his duty to protect the admiral as his guard more than his subordinate. Either way Izlend always got the job done, even despite his attitude.

COMMODORE TANKU

Tanku smiles and falls in after Celeste, standing next to his old friend while he greets Maimou. "Suuure it's not, Celeste. It's great to see you again, though, and I'll be glad to be in your company for the day. After all, this meeting will be nothing short of us getting chewed out for something we had nothing to do with. Well, for me at least." He laughs and extends a hand to the other Rear Admiral. "Commodore Torogasu Tanku, sir. A pleasure to meet you. I've heard only good things."

Tanku looks around. He sees a woman he'd heard of before, Lilith, before turning toward the building, where he spots Admiral Darnel. "Even the Admirals, huh? This must be huge..." he thinks to himself.

Darnel walked toward the group of marines. He rubbed Izlend's head as he passed by. A rare sign of affection from an overworked admiral. Maybe he should plan a vacation so he could spend more time with his boys. It had been awhile and things were a lil hectic lately especially with the yonkou causing chaos in the new world. Darnel stopped in front of the gathering group of marines. All of them were greeting each other telling tales of the adventures or just introducing each other. Darnel gave a loud firm cough indicating it was time for them to be queit. It was his time to talk. He gave a salute to the marines before talking.

"Welcome to marineford fellow marines, I apologize for calling you all in such short notice. Some of you I have had the honor of meeting before others I never even heard of as of this moment all of that ends. It won't matter if you are an vice admiral or a just a recruit I want to know all your names. Reguardless of rank we are all marines and I value all of you equally. Let me be clear now that anything dicussed during the meeting will stay in the war room. No one is to say anything about the contents of the discussion besides to me and everyone here. Loose lips will be considered traitors and will be hanged. If anyone should disagree can leave now, but for those who do stay will recieve a chance at eternal glory and honor. Please follow me we talk further inside."

A small ship neared Marineford, but it wasn't of the marines. The lack of World Government detailing was apparent from a distance, and the boat was clearly of rugged pirate-make. It wasn't long until the ship came to a halt near the farthest reach of the port. Even though a sparse location of the dock was chosen specifically, the pirate vessel still stuck out among the marine warships like a sore thumb. Stranger still, the boat appeared to act of its own accord. The sails were raised and the anchor dropped without a single person doing the physical work required.

There was only a single figure to be seen on the entire ship. Reclining at the base of the mast sat a reluctant Avis Ridley, one of the lesser-known shichibukai the World Government has employed. This was one of last places she wanted to be, but she was due for a visit for quite some time now. Of course on this day the perfect weather had to be such a tease. It was perfect for sailing. Or hunting puny pirates. Neither of which she'd be doing today. Instead, she would most likely be dealing with the many politics the government had a knack for spewing. Eventually, Avis unwillingly made her way into the unfamiliar territory of Marineford.

She kept to herself as she meandered across the docks, stopping a short distance from a grouping of particularly loud marines with fancy titles. It appeared they had just begun their meeting as the admiral gathered their attention. Waiting near the back of the group seemed like her best bet for the time being. Avis waited until the marine finished his short speech before blatantly clearing her throat to gain the admiral's attention in particular.

"I do hope I'm not too late to join the party... I enjoy a good hanging, particularly when it's not my neck at the end of the rope," Avis said nonchalantly, a slight grin on her face.

"FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" Ferdinard laughed as soon as he listened to the words of his fellow Rear Admiral, Lenny Celeste. Then, he turned his head towards the direction of Commodore Tanku. While keeping his smile on his face, something that he always had, he stopped shaking hands with Lenny and he moved the same hand towards the direction of Torogasu. He shook hands with him and he said "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Tanku!!! FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!". It looked like Ferdinard enjoyed the company around him, just like Lenny did. Especially because he had some common things with Lenny...

[Sunlight Charged: 18 Posts]

"Well, it seems like this meeting is going to be good." -Lenny told Tanku. He scratches his left arm and he adjusted his long sword in it's sheath located at his left hip. He wasn't the type of person that would use his weapon all the time, but it served it's purpose. During his training he had learnt to profficiently fight using whichever weapon he had in his way. It was a useful skill for when you had no other way to fight.

He looked at Ferdinand Maimou again, he could read that there was some kind of interest in his eyes. Then he remembered that he was the cousin of Yonkou Maximillion Maimou... maybe that was the reason why he seemed interested on him, since Lenny had fought against him together with Derge Sr. Lenny had to accept that if it wasnt for that marine, rest in peace his soul, he wouldn't probably be alive.

Suddenly Admiral Warshack starts to speak. For his word selection, Lenny could tell that really important matters would be treated in the meeting. And that it probably wouldnt be the normal talking, talking and talking, but more of taking action about real things that were happening in the Grandline. Lenny nodded to his last words and started to walk behind the Admiral, keeping a distance so that he wouldnt show disrespect.

Then a known face showed up. It was one of the shichibukai, Avis Ridley. Lenny had no idea that the shichibukai would show up as well.

Fireworks shot into the sky and exploded into vibrant and colorful sparks that rained down upon Marineford. From the sheer magnitude of the number of the fireworks it felt as if waves of pressure and heat had enveloped the area. However a moment later everything having to do with the fireworks just disappeared, there were no signs they had been shot. Not even the smell of the gun powder remained. In the middle of the group of marines two new figures stood, Shichibukai Youri and a cloaked figure; likely a member of Youri's crew or a guard or something like that.

"So when are we going to get started!?!" exclaimed the shichibukai obnoxiously.

COMMODORE TANKU

Tanku falls in behind Lenny, walking toward the building with his old friend. He looks back at Maimou and shudders, remembering something he'd heard about the man being the cousin of former yonkou, Maximilion Maimou. Clearly, Maimou had taken a keen personal interest in Lenny. He then turns and looks at both the Shichibukai who'd deemed the meeting important enough to attend. As a recently promoted Commodore, Tanku wasn't quite familiar with their faces, but could tell by the way in which each had entered who they were. Both were extremely dangerous individuals, and Tanku doubted that the man who'd arrived with Youri was harmless.

"Lenny, do you have any idea what this meeting is about?" he inquires of his old friend. He knew it had to be something important, even moreso now that the Shichibukai had arrived. Tanku assumed it had to be something related to actually taking action as opposed to the sort of pep talk that had gone on at meetings he'd attended previously.

Ferdinard looked towards the warlords who had arrived at the place of the meeting. While most members of the marines did not know that the Shichibukai would appear in the meeting, Ferdinard actually had knowledge about it. Being the highest in terms of ranks in the Hooded Knights, the marine had knowledge over stuff that the other people did not have. He knew that Youri, as well as Avis would come for the meeting so that they would discuss with Admiral Warshack.

However, something strange was going on and Ferdinard could see that... Along with Youri, there was a cloaked figure. He looked much like a guard of the Warlord and probably that would be the answer that he would receive if he questioned who that man was. Ferdinard, though, had received information about the majority of the Warlords and he knew that the sly fox, the tricky illusionist bastard that Youri was, was so proud of his powers that he would not accept walking with a guard. Things could have changed, though. After all, Youri also had his ass handed to him by a rookie pirate...

Even if the vibes that the strange man was emitting were actually disturbing Ferdinard a little bit, the marine would not say anything. After all, he knew that he was overreacting in a few things. This was probably his idea... He could not say a thing for Youri and the man without proving it. If anything, those men were protected by the World Government. He did not want to have trouble. Instead, as the people who were there for the meeting walked towards the meeting room, Ferdinard said "I believe it is about time for the meeting to start~~~!!! FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" and he laughed loudly, as if nothing passed through his mind.

"Now who started this shindig without me...?"

Standing at the door of the meeting room stood Admiral Major Payne. Though old, He stood tall and strong with his new assistant Vice Admiral , Light next to him. She stood near her commanding officer and eyed the room.

"There is no Danger sir....You may enter the room.."

Major Payne: "Dammit Light for the 5th time...stop scouting out for no reason..where in Marineford for crying out loud...Shut the hell up and stand at the door..."

Payne walked pass everyone in the room not taking a second glance towards them. Not even acknowledging them their presence. He then made it next to his new Admiral and grined.

"So they made a kid like you Admiral...Looks like the Marines are at least TRYING to look powerful...So whats this "meeting' for "Admiral"..."

He than sat down in his chair reserved for him and listened in on the meeting.

(OOC: As Sk said that he's away, I will try to start the conversation so that the thread won't be inactive)

"A hello would be much appreciated, your majesty, Admiral Major Payne!!! FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! It has been a while... I think it has been since the battle against Anubis in Arabasta, right?" Ferdinard said with a wide smile on his face, like he always did. Apparently, before the newly appointed admiral and his superior officer, Darnel Warshack, could address the reason that he called this meeting between the high ranked marines and the warlords, Ferdinard took the chance to speak and make a small introduction to the matter. He stood on a chair, right next to Darnel and he grabbed a few folders who were placed in front of him. Then, he said "Gentlemen... Before the Admiral can explain to you with details the reason of this meeting, I am going to give you a brief explanation about the matters of our discussion.".

Then, he started passing the folders to each member who was there for the meeting. He opened a folder for himself as well and he explained "Okay. I am going to read you something really important. Normally, one would say that this is not a meeting between the warlords and the marines as the majority of them is not here. However, that is wrong. Most of the warlords are here because with the new, recent decision of the World Government the pirates with the names "Avis Ridley, Youri Mountain and Namor Oceanus" are now the only pirates who remain in the Seven Royal Warlords. The rest are now dismissed and from now on their bounty will be active once again. In case you meet with William E. Waldon, Shiv Mistwolf and the other former members of the warlords, you have to take them down at all costs." Ferdinard said and then he turned his head towards Payne and his newly appointed assistant, Vice Admiral Light. "Now, Admiral Payne, the text I am going to read is specifically mentioned for you..." Ferdinard continued and he started reading once again "Regarding the Shichibukai, the World Government from now on has decided that the man responsible for them will be from now on, Admiral Major Payne. Admiral Major Payne from now on has the right to call meetings with the royal warlords and is responsible for commanding their force." he completed and then he stopped talking. A moment of pause followed and then the man said "And now, I believe it is about time for us to go to the first matter of discussion that this reading has been called for. Warlords and fellow marines, and of course, Admiral Payne, what are your suggestions for the new members of the Warlords? With the current situation going on and the Yonko marching to the New World, we have to be quick and take a crucial decision about how the empty slots will be filled. We need to bring again the balance of the powers of the World, before it will be too late. The matter is open for discussion. FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!".

Ferdinard was being careful at what he said. He knew that he had to show the proper respect to the Warlords and Admiral Payne, as much as possible. That was why in his speech, Ferdinard was not talking about Payne as a fellow marine but as a different individual. After all, it was a fact that Payne was stronger than many marines together and he was one of the strongest fighters that the World Government had under its arsenal. He did not want to irritate him.

"..Fair Enough...Light....get me a list of all the active Warlords and their current events..If needed we'll appoint new ones..."

"Yes Admiral Payne.."

Payne looked towards Ferdinard and noded. Though he though the VA's character was a bit obnoxious. Payne respected Ferdinard. He crossed his legs and locked his hands together as he looked around the room. Eyeing everyone who was present. New faces and old he saw. Payne inhaled and than exhaled, exhaling fire from his mouth. He than looked up as if he were going to speak.

"During my absence it seems we've gotten new marines...in saying such only so much would be appropriate..The Warlords will be given a single Marine Crew to aid them of any type of attack on them personally..We will call them "Strike Crews" you'll go about your business of course, but if your assigned Warlord is attacked you'll jump to his aid no matter the circumstances...Any one appose to this motion...please...I'd love to hear your apposing statement.."

"I doubt that nobody can actually oppose this statement. FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" Ferdinard responded to the admiral, while laughing, as always. "The decision of the World Government is actually signed by the 5 Gorosei. Regarding the Warlords, you are the one responsible right after the Gorosei and the World Commander in Chief. As a result, no matter what the opinions of the marines are, your call is the one that will actually be accepted." Ferdinard mentioned. The man wanted to make it clear that Payne was the one who was going to decide about the Warlords, in case somebody did not agree with his decisions. For some reason, Ferdinard looked like he was backing up Payne.

"...Then its settled..We'll form Strike forces using the Marines nearly most lethal warriors...I will host a Battle Royal Every month to pull in new members. Depending on your strength will depict what Strike force I send you too. Stronger members will assist weaker Warlords..A Warlord falls or is unprovoked attacked on any terms we'll be their to wipe up the blood..Showing we are quick to react will make more and more pirates afraid to strike and will make the ones who want our attention strike knowing we'll come..in doing so we can weed out the unruly pirates from the low tide under the radar groups. Once we eradicate the rebels. The lower ones will be squashed with little less than a flick of the Marines pinky...But that will be only if necessary.."

Light then rushed to Payne side and bent over. Her skirt rising up her hips showing her panties.

"...Admiral Payne..I've gotten the list of the Shichbukai like you requested.."

Payne's eyes then widened as he grinned his teeth with rage. His entire chair then busted into flames as he stood up in sheer shock and anger. Payne's not one to lose his cool over small things. But this was a rage most have rarely seen.

"HOW IN THE HELL DOES THE MARINE ONLY HAVE TIES WITH THREE MOTHER FUCKING SHICHUBUKAI! THIS IS AN OUT RAGE!"

"I suppose I arrived at a heated moment." Another marine entered the meeting point, one that had been absent from his duties for a while now. Commodore Tamuri Todd, a bodyguard of the Gorousei transferred from them and into the marines some months ago, Todd was usually absent, sent to either hunt down a troublesome pirate or simply himself deciding to travel around and train. Not liking very much the fact that he got here a bit late, and apparently got there at a really bad timing, cutting off the discussion, the man simply sits down, and crosses arms, standing silent and serious. Just because he was summoned there, didn't mean he had to talk anyway. Therefore, he just sat and waited to see what the rest would talk about.

Avis silently listened to the meeting progress for a time, deciding not to read the folder handed to her quite yet and set it on the table. She found the ground to be more interesting than the topics at hand until talk of the warlords caught her ear. At the mention of some admiral taking 'command' of the shichibukai, Avis' eyes shot up and her brows furrowed in an instant. They couldn't possibly be serious. A marine admiral, commanding the shichibukai as if they were a bunch of marine peons to be ordered around? And they wondered why there weren't many warlords remaining.

"Let me spell this out simply for you..." Avis slowly and methodically made her way towards Payne and Ferdinard. It wasn't threatening by any means, but she meant business. "I do not want to deal with a lousy crew of marines hand picked by someone else. I will not be cleaning up after other shichibukai. If we're to be on good terms, I'll be doing things on my terms. Capiche?" She gave a frustrated sigh and leaned against a nearby wall, massaging her temples. Now wasn't the time to start a fight but these people were seriously starting to get on her nerves.

"I'm going to be blatantly honest with you. If you wish to keep your number of precious shichibukai from dwindling any further, I highly suggest you don't treat them as peons at your disposal. You'd be fools for doing so. Worry about keeping us around before looking for new blood; otherwise you'll have seven of your precious titles to fill."