As the New World continued to shift in chaos and uncertainty, Momonga had already arrived at Marine Headquarters aboard a warship.
The vessel, bearing the seagull insignia and the emblem of the North Blue, had just entered the oval-shaped military harbor when it immediately drew the attention of countless Marines and civilians.
"That's a North Blue warship!"
"That's the new North Blue Admiral, Momonga..."
"The North Blue forces seem extremely well-trained..."
"You didn't know? While Vice Admiral Daren served as North Blue Admiral, he launched sweeping reforms within the region's Navy—cracking down on discipline, enforcing strict military regulations, and rigorously training new recruits..."
"Now the North Blue Navy is even more elite than some branches on the Grand Line!"
"That's insane. These Marines... they carry themselves like the Headquarters' own elites."
"Vice Admiral Daren isn't just strong and brilliant—he even excels at training troops. He's a once-in-centuries prodigy in the Marines!"
"No wonder the legendary pirate, Shiki the Golden Lion, died by his hand..."
...
The Marines and civilians murmured among themselves, awed by the warship's soldiers and the sharp, imposing aura they gave off.
Their synchronized movements, unwavering eyes, and the steel-like pressure that radiated from them... one look was enough to tell this was a battle-hardened force.
Unbothered by the chatter around him, Momonga stood at the bow with his arms crossed, gazing at the fortress-like, awe-inspiring Marineford. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"So this is Marine Headquarters..."
It was the first time in his life he had seen the place revered by countless Marines around the world as the "Holy Land of Justice."
The word "Marineford" symbolized a place of unmatched power, prestige, and strength. For Marines across all four seas, serving here was the ultimate dream—a recognition of their ability, and the greatest honor imaginable.
Unfortunately, Momonga hadn't come today for a promotion.
He was here to report.
Daren, still in a deep coma from the injuries he sustained in that battle, had long been transferred to the highest-level ward in the headquarters' military district, receiving care from the best doctors.
But Headquarters wasn't willing to wait for him to recover. They urgently wanted to uncover the truth about that battle.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku had personally ordered Momonga to report in.
This was going to be a delicate situation.
According to Daren's plans, the true strength of the North Blue Fleet must never be exposed. That's why the warship Momonga arrived on was just a standard model.
Moreover, Daren's ties with Doflamingo had to be kept hidden at all costs.
And that made covering everything up perfectly a huge challenge.
Sengoku, the famed "Resourceful General," was no one to fool lightly.
But to Momonga, the truly daunting presence was Kong—the man who'd sat as Fleet Admiral for decades.
At that thought, Momonga let out a long breath and clenched his fists.
In that moment, all the curious, shocked, and respectful gazes from Marines and civilians alike, along with the towering, majestic fortress in the distance, seemed like a flood of beasts bearing down on him.
This line of work... really is like walking on thin ice.
"Everyone else, stay here and wait."
Momonga gave the order in a calm, flat tone.
"Yes, Base Commander Momonga!"
Behind him, hundreds of Marines saluted in unison before returning to their respective posts.
Momonga stepped off the warship and set foot on the dock.
"Captain Momonga!"
A familiar voice called out just then.
The Marines on guard instinctively parted, making way as a confident, striking figure strode forward.
When he saw who it was, a faint smile appeared on Momonga's face.
"Commodore Gion, long time no see."
The woman approaching was indeed Gion.
She smiled and said, "It's been a while. Coming all the way from the North Blue must've been exhausting."
She extended her hand.
Momonga shook it politely, smiling. "It's nothing. All for justice."
"By the way, congratulations on your promotion to Commodore. That was quick."
His tone carried a hint of emotion.
Back when Gion and Tokikake had come to the North Blue as part of the inspection team to evaluate Daren, their ranks were the same as his—Lieutenant Commanders at Marine Headquarters.
In less than two years, Gion had soared through three promotions, going straight from Lieutenant Commander to Commodore like she was riding a rocket.
And him?
He'd been grinding nonstop in the North Blue—endless meetings, military affairs, and training—and still only made it to Captain.
Though to be fair, Daren was already a Vice Admiral now... and after this, he might rise even further.
When it came to promotions, that guy was in a league of his own.
Gion shook her head and said, "Compared to the duties and burdens you carry as the North Blue Admiral, what I do as a Commodore here at HQ isn't worth mentioning."
As she spoke, a trace of guilt flickered across her face.
After everything that had happened, she had finally come to understand just how naïve and short-sighted she'd been back in the North Blue.
She now realized how much patience Daren and Momonga had shown her and Tokikake at the time.
People grow up eventually.
As they mature, they come to understand that not everything is black and white.
Maybe the methods weren't always clean, but it was undeniable—Daren and Momonga had protected the North Blue's peace and stability in their own way.
Isn't that what being a Marine Admiral is all about?
Hearing Gion's words, Momonga paused for a moment.
She's really matured...
"Let's get going. I'm sure Admiral Sengoku and the others have been waiting."
He smiled.
Gion nodded.
The two walked toward the Fleet Admiral's residence, chatting casually as they went.
Having worked together in the past—and even gone through the Celestial Dragons incident in the North Blue—their relationship was closer than that of regular colleagues.
As they talked, Momonga's tense mood began to ease.
"By the way, Captain Momonga,"
Gion suddenly stopped and asked out of the blue,
"Daren often returns to the North Blue... has he ever mentioned me?"
Momonga froze.
He looked over to find her eyes filled with anticipation.
The corner of his mouth twitched.
Seeing her slightly shy, hopeful expression, he came to a quick conclusion:
Daren's already got her wrapped around his finger...
But after going through countless shady "meetings" in the North Blue, Momonga was no longer the green rookie he once was.
He gave a small cough and replied with a serious look,
"Of course he has!"
"Really?"
Gion's eyes lit up.
She trusted Momonga—he had always been serious and straightforward, never one to lie or keep things hidden.
Momonga nodded solemnly and sighed.
"He told me... 'The time I spent with Gion was the happiest in my life.' When I heard that, I honestly thought he'd lost his mind."
With a look of disbelief, he perfectly fulfilled his role as a loyal wingman, delivering that line with heartfelt exaggeration.
"I've worked with him for years, and I've never seen him like that."
A lovely blush instantly spread across Gion's face.
She bit her lip gently and whispered,
"Thank you, Captain Momonga."
Momonga's eye twitched again.
Seeing her look like an innocent girl being sweet-talked... he almost felt bad about it.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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