"…Then…"
Sakazuki turned to Renn Hawk.
"From now on, Hibari will be in your care, Hawk."
With that, he turned and walked away.
He still had military affairs to deal with. If it weren't for Hibari, he wouldn't have bothered to come here personally at all.
"…Uh…"
Renn Hawk stared at Sakazuki's retreating back, feeling helpless.
A few words to introduce the girl, then turning his back and leaving immediately.
Yep, that was exactly Sakazuki's style.
Hawk turned his gaze to Hibari.
"…"
The girl stood with her head down, fingers fidgeting nervously, eyes fixed on her boots.
Every so often, she'd steal a glance upward at Hawk, curiosity flickering in her timid eyes.
So this was the Renn Hawk her father couldn't stop praising after returning from the East Blue?
Her father had even said Hawk was the future of the Marines, and that she should learn from him as much as possible.
But… how exactly was she supposed to learn from him?
And… would Commodore Hawk be scary?
"Ah—"
Suddenly, she realized Hawk was looking right at her. Startled like a frightened rabbit, she jerked her head down and refused to lift it again.
"…Haa…"
Hawk felt a faint ache throb at his temples.
Admiral Sakazuki… is it too late to return this one?
Forget it. No way was he volunteering to get a magma fist through the chest.
"Hibari."
"Y-Yes!"
Like a student called upon in class, Hibari jumped in shock and shot up straight, her back stiff as a board.
"No need to be so nervous," Hawk said gently. "Let's walk and talk."
"Yes, Commodore Hawk."
As Hawk led the way, he could feel the cautious gaze following closely behind him.
Sigh. Clearly, he needed more female marines under his command. Otherwise, with only Hibari around… well, a lot of situations were going to be awkward.
…
Along the way, Hawk asked, Hibari answered.
Before long, he had a general sense of her background.
She had just graduated from Headquarters' recruit training camp and was now seeking a unit and commanding officer to continue her development.
Sakazuki had recommended Hawk, praising him as an excellent teacher and superior.
Hibari had agreed immediately.
Currently, her rank was Ensign, and she specialized in firearms during combat.
"Hibari," Hawk said, "you're Admiral Sakazuki's daughter. And Admiral Sakazuki is my patron."
If not for Sakazuki's support and recommendation, Hawk would never have risen through the ranks so quickly. That was a debt he had to remember.
"So from now on, there's no need to address me by rank. It feels too distant."
"Yes… Hawk-senpai."
"…No need to add 'senpai' either."
"…Alright, Mr. Hawk."
"…."
Hawk stopped walking and rubbed his forehead.
Why did it feel like her way of addressing him was getting more and more distant?
"Just call me big brother."
"…Okay. Big Brother Hawk."
"Hahaha—"
Watching Hibari obey him so straightforwardly, Hawk couldn't help but laugh.
Sakazuki, the man with a personality so rigid it bordered on obsession, had a daughter with such a soft, timid personality?
What a contrast.
"Tap, tap…"
Suddenly, an elderly figure appeared around the corner ahead.
A silver-haired woman with a frail frame, dressed in a Vice Admiral's uniform. Her face was etched with wrinkles of age, but her eyes remained sharp and clear.
Hawk's heart skipped a beat.
Vice Admiral Tsuru!
A legendary figure of the same generation as Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Garp.
The Marine's strategist, wielder of the Wash-Wash Fruit, and a staunch believer in "Pure Justice."
"Vice Admiral Tsuru!"
Hawk immediately straightened and saluted.
"Commodore Hawk."
Tsuru noticed Hawk and Hibari, smiled, and nodded.
"Getting to know little Hibari, are you?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Ah, Vice Admiral Tsuru!"
Hibari saluted nervously.
Tsuru gave her a kindly nod before turning her keen gaze back to Hawk. Those eyes, sharp enough to pierce into a man's heart, carried a faintly amused glint.
"Little Hawk, Sakazuki speaks very highly of your leadership."
"You flatter me, Vice Admiral. I've only done my duty."
"No."
Tsuru shook her head lightly, walking closer.
"Sakazuki may be strict, but as a Marine Admiral, his eye for people does not fail him. He not only acknowledges your sense of justice, but also your ability to cultivate subordinates."
"The spirit and discipline of the 16th Branch soldiers Sakazuki highlighted them again and again in his reports."
Her tone shifted.
"Speaking of which, my granddaughter Peacock was just promoted to Headquarters Lieutenant Commander. She's talented, but she still needs tempering. Headquarters may be comfortable, but it lacks the soil and guidance that will truly help her grow."
"So, I'd like to assign her to your G-3 Branch, under your care. Would you be willing to take her in?"
"…"
Hawk's expression froze instantly.
What? Again?!
Vice Admiral Tsuru!
Admiral Sakazuki just dropped his daughter into my lap, and now you want to send your granddaughter too?
I'm going to G-3 to be a Branch Commander, not to run a daycare for Marine elite brats!
If you want someone to babysit, go find the real kindergarten headmaster Admiral Borsalino!
…
East Blue, 16th Branch
Dane put away the Den Den Mushi and looked at the swordsman beside him.
"Welcome to the Marines, Zoro."
"Mm."
"Come on, I'll take you to get your gear."
Zoro followed Dane and received a fresh Marine uniform, a pair of polished boots, and some standard personal supplies.
Afterward, Dane gathered all the soldiers on the training grounds.
"Brothers!"
His voice boomed across the field.
"We've just received Commodore Hawk's orders. Before our full deployment to the G-3 Branch on the Grand Line, everyone will rotate on leave!"
"Go home! Visit your families!"
The training field went dead silent for a beat, then erupted in thunderous cheers.
"Woooooo!"
"Commodore Hawk, long live!"
More than a few hardened soldiers felt their eyes sting.
They knew this might be the last chance. Once they set foot on the Grand Line, returning to the East Blue wouldn't be easy.
And yet, Commodore Hawk had remembered this for them.
When the noise settled, Dane walked over to Zoro.
"And you? Do you want to go back as well?"
"…."
Zoro stayed silent.
Go back?
In his mind, he saw the familiar image of a dojo the Isshin Dojo.
And the ever-smiling, gentle master who ran it.
Yes. He should go back.
To see his master, and to visit the grave where his dearest friend and his first dream still rested.
He was about to step onto a new path, and before that, he needed a proper farewell to the past.
Zoro lifted his head, eyes sharp with determination. He gave Dane a firm nod.
"Shimotsuki Village, right? Good timing. There are a few soldiers heading that way. Go with them."
"…Alright."
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