"You're not the same brat you were back in the North Blue. You can't go around doing whatever you want like you used to."
Zephyr wasn't wearing his usual sunglasses today, so Daren could clearly see the seriousness in his eyes.
"This time, the Marines were able to hold Marineford thanks in no small part to you."
"With the merits you've earned from this battle, you're more than qualified to step into the core decision-making ranks of headquarters."
"Officers, enlisted men, even civilians—all of them have high hopes for you. If you were to stir up some scandal with Big Mom right now..."
His words were vague, but Zephyr knew Daren was smart and politically sharp enough to understand exactly what he meant.
Still, aren't you worrying a little too much?
Am I really that kind of guy?
The grotesque image of Big Mom's monstrous "meat mountain" form from the original story popped into his head, and a chill ran down his spine.
He shuddered, then sighed and gave a helpless smile.
"Zephyr-sensei, please don't worry. There's no way I'd ever be involved with Big Mom."
Zephyr eyed him suspiciously, then said out of nowhere,
"I heard that back in the North Blue, you had quite the thing for mature women... Charlotte Linlin might be a bit older, but she's still quite the looker."
Daren burst into a coughing fit.
Even with his thick skin, facing such a serious accusation from Zephyr made him squirm.
"I really have no interest in her, Zephyr-sensei!"
"Then why is she after you?"
"Because she wants my body! She wants to have my kids! She's a pervert!"
Daren growled through gritted teeth.
Zephyr studied his face carefully, then slowly nodded.
"Good. Just wanted to give you a heads-up... And as for Gion—I'll pretend I don't know anything."
Daren quietly let out a breath of relief.
"Aside from that, there's the matter of the training camp graduation."
"As per tradition, every Officer Training Camp ends with a commemorative graduation ceremony... and at the ceremony, the top of the class gives a speech on behalf of the other cadets."
"You're unquestionably the top of this year's class. That's not even up for debate."
"You should prepare something inspiring for your fellow cadets and juniors. Share some of your insights and experiences—it'll be meaningful."
As he said this, something seemed to come to Zephyr's mind, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
Daren, quick to pick up on it, asked,
"Zephyr-sensei, is something bothering you?"
Zephyr suddenly looked like he'd just eaten something rotten and waved his hand dismissively.
"It's nothing. Just focus on your speech... I've got faith in you, kid."
No way was he going to tell Daren just how "outrageously memorable" the speeches from the last two top cadets had been.
With that, Zephyr patted Daren on the shoulder, stood up, and left the room.
Ten days passed in a flash.
During that time, Daren enjoyed a rare stretch of paid vacation—and finally understood the joy Borsalino always seemed to bask in.
Thanks to his special status and incredible battlefield contributions, he'd been assigned to a top-tier private ward, the kind normally reserved for Vice Admirals and above.
The doctors were top-class, the nurses attentive and charming.
And so, Daren found himself living a dream life—meals delivered to him, clothes laid out for him.
Add to that Amatsuki Toki's doting care and the delicious, nutritious meals she cooked for him every day, and Daren felt like life couldn't get any better.
She was annoyed at first about Big Mom setting her sights on Daren, but the moment she saw the "devastating" state of his injuries, her anger vanished.
In fact, after a little coaxing from Daren, she even gave in and played along with some shameful games in the ward's soundproof room—not entirely unwilling. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novel✦fire.net
"Daren-san, your injuries are fully healed! Your body is strong as a tiger!"
The female doctor, with long auburn hair and half-rimmed glasses, looked at the test results in her hand. A look of disbelief and admiration appeared on her refined face.
"Aizawa-san, as my personal doctor, shouldn't you be the one who knows best how strong I am?"
Daren smiled, puffing on a cigar as he looked at the woman in her early thirties standing before him.
She had the restrained air typical of someone in the medical field, but even her white coat couldn't hide her graceful, alluring figure. It was a sight for sore eyes.
A faint blush appeared on Dr. Aizawa's face, though she couldn't help sneaking another glance at Daren's bare upper body.
His sharply defined muscles radiated masculine strength, and the crisscrossing scars only added a wild edge. Paired with his striking looks and the legendary status surrounding him...
Just as she was getting carried away in her thoughts, Daren finished his cigar and got out of bed. Under her slightly disappointed gaze, he began putting on a freshly pressed uniform.
After adjusting his black tie with meticulous precision, Daren gently took the doctor's hand. As she blushed even deeper, he lowered his head and placed a light kiss on the back of her fair hand, smiling.
"Well then, Aizawa-san. Thank you for taking such good care of me."
With that, he left the lovestruck doctor behind, draped his white cape over his shoulders, and stepped out of the ward.
He walked through the corridor and exited the military hospital.
Three towering figures, each built like no ordinary man, were already waiting outside.
Sakazuki stood tall in a crisp military uniform, cap on his head and a lit cigar between his lips. He was like a battle-hardened spear—firm and unyielding.
Borsalino stood with his hands in his pockets, looking relaxed, gaze wandering off as if daydreaming.
Kuzan, who had been throwing punches into the air with a fired-up look, spotted Daren and waved enthusiastically.
"Daren! We've been waiting ages for you!"
Daren smiled and walked over to the group.
Sakazuki gave him a calm glance and spoke slowly.
"The hearing to promote you to Vice Admiral might just be a formality, but that doesn't mean there won't be people asking awkward questions."
"Doesn't bother me... What about you? Not worried someone might vote against you?"
Sakazuki didn't respond. He just turned and strode off toward the Fleet Admiral's office, his presence imposing as ever.
His large cape billowed behind him, as if infused with iron will and blood-soaked resolve.
"They wouldn't dare."
Yep, classic Sakazuki.
Off to the side, Borsalino smirked and quipped,
"With that kind of vibe, anyone would think we're heading into a war..."