Sabaody Archipelago – Area 16, Marine Base
A swirling black hole abruptly tore open the air inside Chiga's office. From it, two figures emerged—Chiga and Kalifa.
As Chiga stepped out, his footing faltered. Kalifa immediately moved to support him, her voice laced with concern.
"Are you alright? Are you injured?"
Chiga's face was pale, but he offered a weak smile.
"I'm fine. Just a bit exhausted. A little rest, and I'll be back to normal. Besides, with your concern, my dear secretary, I already feel much better."
Kalifa gently patted his arm, eyeing him with playful disapproval.
"You're still in the mood for jokes in this state? Go sit down. Rest."
She helped him to his chair, then walked over to pour a cup of hot tea. After blowing on it a few times, she brought it to his lips.
"Here. Drink slowly."
Chiga took a few sips, obedient for once. Kalifa watched him closely, then stepped behind his chair and began massaging his shoulders with her slender hands.
Eyes closed, Chiga relaxed into her touch. After a moment, he murmured,
"You still have work to do, don't you? News of my fight with Rayleigh will spread fast. If your report is late, it won't look good."
Kalifa's hands paused for a beat. Her voice softened.
"You saved my life. Taking care of you is more important right now."
Chiga reached up and gently pressed her hand, turning to face her. His tone grew serious.
"I'm fine now. Go. Besides, letting the government see what I'm capable of might actually work in my favor."
Reluctantly, she turned to leave. At the door, she glanced back. Chiga offered a small, reassuring smile. She turned away quickly, shutting the door behind her.
The moment she left, Chiga closed his eyes—and when he opened them again, the three tomoe in his right Rinnegan flared to life, pulsing once before returning to normal. Instantly, the pallor drained from his face, replaced by a healthy flush. The fatigue vanished—he looked completely refreshed.
This miraculous effect was thanks to the unique Mangekyo Sharingan ability in his right eye—Ishinaga-hime.
Named after the Japanese goddess of longevity and agelessness, Ishinaga-hime purged all negative conditions from the body, restoring the user to peak condition. The only limitation—it could be used just once per day.
But even that drawback wasn't much of one. Imagine if Aokiji had this ability during his ten-day battle with Akainu. He could've recovered ten times. That fight wouldn't have lasted ten days. Akainu would've dropped from sheer exhaustion halfway through.
In essence—this was a cheat ability.
As is often the case, Mangekyo Sharingan powers are born from deep emotional trauma. Chiga's came from the fear of death—crippling, inescapable fear. Born an Uchiha in Konoha, he had been ostracized, his eyes coveted by Danzo, and then forced to witness the infamous Uchiha massacre. He knew the plot too well—and knew death was inevitable.
When a small war claimed the lives of all his comrades, the mental anguish triggered the awakening of his Mangekyo. From that came Ishinaga-hime.
The final trigger for the dojutsu's return today was the lingering weakness from his battle with Rayleigh. The timing was perfect—it let him recover instantly from the immense drain of his high-level techniques: Chibaku Tensei and two Tengai Shinsei, in addition to standard Shinra Tensei and Bansho Ten'in. Not to mention, his body here was still under eighteen.
And why didn't he use it the moment he got back?
…It absolutely wasn't because he wanted to enjoy Kalifa's care a bit longer. Definitely not.
Elsewhere — Kalifa's Quarters
Back in her room, Kalifa picked up her Den Den Mushi, dialing a secure line.
The receiver clicked to life.
"This is Stussy. Kalifa, do you have updates on Uchiha Chiga?"
"Yes. Uchiha Chiga just engaged in battle with Silvers Rayleigh."
"…Nani? Silvers Rayleigh? The Dark King? Roger's right-hand man?"
"…Unbelievable. That man was hidden there all this time? Truly… the darkest place is under the lamp. What was the result? Is Uchiha Chiga still alive?"
Stussy's voice, usually composed, trembled slightly. She remembered Rayleigh's terrifying might—the ease with which he had once dismantled a fleet. In her mind, Chiga had no chance. He had to be dead.
A pity. Such talent, gone so young.
Kalifa's voice stiffened as she replied,
"Uchiha Chiga is alive. He's just exhausted and resting in his office. As for Rayleigh… he didn't gain much advantage. In fact, he was injured."
Silence. Stussy's mind reeled. Eventually, she said,
"Kalifa… do you take full responsibility for what you've just said?"
"…You've been performing well lately. I'll report this to the higher-ups. That will be all for now."
Kalifa ended the call and sat still for a long while.
She hadn't reported everything. Not the Gravity Devil Fruit. Not Chiga's peculiar abilities during the fight.
Some things the World Government didn't need to know—not yet. Maybe it was a small repayment for saving her life.
Or maybe… something more.
Meanwhile — Stussy's Office
Stussy exhaled deeply, trying to suppress the emotions bubbling beneath the surface. After a moment, she reached for a different, concealed Den Den Mushi in her cabinet. She took a deep breath, then dialed.
The line connected, and an old, commanding voice came through.
"What is there to report?"
Stussy straightened her posture, speaking with utmost reverence.
"Respected Gorosei-sama, this is Stussy. I have critical intel to report… concerning Uchiha Chiga and Silvers Rayleigh."