The fierce wind abruptly ceased—gone as quickly as it had come.
The clear blue sky reappeared overhead, and brilliant sunlight spilled down, casting a soft glow across Dragon's face. His gentle smile felt like a spring breeze.
"Mon... Monkey... You're Vice Admiral Garp's..."
Tokikake stared wide-eyed at Dragon, his expression frozen in disbelief.
Of course, he knew that the famous Marine "Hero" Garp had a son holding a key position within the Navy. But unlike most officers stationed at Headquarters, Vice Admiral Garp's son had volunteered for Grand Line patrol duty, so Tokikake had never seen him before.
Dragon turned to him and smiled.
"You must be Headquarters' Lieutenant Commander Tokikake, right? I'm often away on missions, but I've heard the name of your genius many times."
Tokikake froze, then his scruffy face suddenly flushed with a dramatic blush. He covered his face with both hands and began fidgeting in place.
"Aww, genius? That's just people exaggerating! Rear Admiral Dragon, you flatter me too much!"
He was practically floating with joy, little red hearts bubbling above his head as he screamed internally:
"This is the son of Hero Garp! The son of a Marine legend just called me a genius!!! Hahahahaha!!!"
Dragon chuckled, then turned to Gion, his gaze warm.
"Gion, it's been a long time." Find the newest release on noveⅼfire.net
Gion gave him a serene smile.
"It has been a while, Dragon."
As fellow second-generation officers from the core of Marine Headquarters, the two naturally shared a close bond.
Standing off to the side, Daren watched the exchange with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
It was the first time he'd seen Gion wear such a genuine smile. He had to admit—Dragon, the man destined to become the future leader of the Revolutionary Army, definitely had a unique charisma.
Dragon turned next to Momonga, eyes full of calm confidence.
"Then if I'm not mistaken, this must be Commodore Daren's right-hand man—Vice Base Commander of the 321st Branch in the North Blue, Lieutenant Commander Momonga?"
Faced with Dragon's sincere and friendly demeanor, Momonga seemed slightly overwhelmed. He gave a small nod and said in a low voice,
"Yes, Rear Admiral Dragon."
He raised his hand in a crisp salute.
"No need to be so formal. We're all comrades here—there's no need to stand on ceremony."
"Oh, right—congratulations in advance. The appointment from Marine Headquarters has been finalized... As of today, you are officially the highest-ranking officer in charge of military operations in the North Blue: Captain Momonga."
As he spoke, he motioned with his hand.
From the warship anchored at the port, a well-trained Marine leapt from the deck and swiftly ran over, respectfully handing a document to Dragon.
"Rear Admiral Dragon."
Dragon accepted it with a smile.
The young Marine—Felmer—froze for a second, then stared at Dragon with stars in his eyes, trembling with excitement as he clenched his fists.
He'd only joined Dragon's ship two days ago and had never even spoken to him. There were hundreds of crew on board... Yet Dragon still remembered his name!
With a serious expression, Dragon handed the appointment letter to Momonga.
"Congratulations, new Admiral of the North Blue... Captain Momonga."
Momonga accepted it with both hands, voice solemn.
"All glory... to justice."
The two saluted each other at the same time.
Then Dragon turned toward Daren, his deep eyes locking onto him with a soft smile.
"Commodore Daren, my warship needs some time to resupply. Before we depart, how about a chat?"
"Of course, Rear Admiral Dragon."
Just what he was hoping for.
Even if Dragon hadn't approached him, he would've made the effort himself. After all, this was the future revolutionary leader who would one day shake the seas—Dragon of the Marines era.
Naturally, Daren was curious.
What kind of person was Dragon in his youth? What was his stance toward the government? What kind of justice did he believe in?
At the very least, one thing was clear: Dragon had a natural charisma and leadership presence.
He respected subordinates, smiled easily, remained patient and gentle, humble and composed, sincere and warm—he exuded a radiant trustworthiness.
The mark of a true leader.
"This way, Rear Admiral Dragon."
Daren raised a hand and smiled.
The two exchanged polite gestures before walking side by side toward the Base Commander's office.
"Hey hey hey, Gion, did you notice something...?"
Tokikake crept up to Gion and whispered in a hushed voice,
"Those two guys... are completely opposite in style, aren't they?"
Gion blinked and instinctively looked up.
Daren and Dragon, similar in height and build, had already walked ahead to the entrance of the military fortress.
Daren on the left stood beneath the fortress's shadow, while Dragon on the right was bathed in sunlight.
The two conversed and laughed heartily.
Yet the justice cloaks flowing behind them took on completely different hues beneath shadow and light.
One black, one white.
At the same time, somewhere on the Grand Line...
A massive warship sliced steadily through the roaring waves, sailing firmly in a set direction.
"At current speed, we'll reach Headquarters in half a day," the adjutant reported solemnly.
Sengoku was in high spirits.
In fact, he hadn't felt this good in years.
His sworn enemy, Byrnndi World, had finally been eliminated—and the World Government's commendation had already arrived.
Although he hadn't directly taken part in the operation, he was still listed as the official leader. The Five Elders themselves had expressed their satisfaction with the mission's results and encouraged him to keep pushing forward, their words filled with trust and expectation.
This trip to the North Blue had also opened his eyes to new possibilities.
Even setting aside the potential for airborne fleets, the sheer technological advancement of the North Blue fleet's weaponry alone was enough to make Sengoku envious.
He could already imagine how awe-inspiring it would be when Headquarters' elite warships were outfitted with such state-of-the-art arms.
Just thinking about it brought a smug smile to his face.
He picked up the armament price list Daren had submitted, flipping it open as he muttered with confidence,
"It's just money... If even the North Blue fleet can afford it, then surely the great Marine Headquarters..."
His smile suddenly froze.
He shot to his feet in disbelief.
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