Chapter 235: 228. Can you add me?
Naval Headquarters in Marineford.
Inside Kizaru's office.
Kizaru appeared quite worn out, resembling a tired fish. He casually smoked a few cigarettes, releasing smoke intermittently, creating an uneasy atmosphere.
Among the potential Admirals at headquarters, he's the sole one not stationed in the New World.
His duties include overseeing the security of the headquarters and looking after the scientific unit where Vegapunk works.
It's definitely less stressful than facing those fearsome pirate leaders in the New World.
After all, the location of the scientific unit is exceptionally concealed, making it nearly impossible for anyone to discover. Therefore, he doesn't need to worry too much about it.
As for Naval Headquarters, any pirate with a bit of intelligence wouldn't dare to attack Marineford.
If Sengoku hadn't assigned him the task of pursuing the fish-man Tiger in the recent years, the wrinkles on his face might not have developed so rapidly.
"It's quite bothersome~"
Kizaru grimaced and absentmindedly made a gesture, putting his fingers in his ears.
"Vice Admiral Kizaru? Are you paying attention?"
The Marine, with a thick head of hair, wore a stern expression and glanced at the clearly distracted Kizaru with a speechless look.
"Ah~ I'm listening~"
"You may proceed~"
Upon hearing this, Kizaru shifted his hands and redirected his gaze towards the Marine at the desk.
The Marine rolled his eyes. As Kizaru's adjutant, who was always with him, he had grown accustomed to the officer's habit of being easily distracted.
Without paying much attention, he continued with the report.
"We've got news from the villagers on Foolshout Island. It seems a bunch of fishmen are planning to make land. They match the description of the Sun Pirates we've been pursuing, so..."
Boom! ! !
The adjutant's report was abruptly cut off by the sound of a door swinging open.
Veins suddenly appeared on his forehead, the corners of his eyes bulged, and he glared fiercely toward the door.
"Long time no see, Vice Admiral Kizaru!"
Atlas strolled leisurely through the office door, greeting Kizaru with a smile.
"Vice Admiral Hakuryu!"
The adjutant also promptly stiffened, his expression swiftly softening as he delivered a standard Marine salute to Atlas, who was approaching.
'Gotta be careful! This is another person I can't afford to upset! Moreover, the he holds a specially designated cabdidate position for the Five Elders, promising a bright future.'
"Hey~ Strawberry is here too?"
Atlas tilted his head to glance at the notably thick-haired Marine in front of him, offering a smile in return.
Unlike Akainu and Aokiji, he spent an extended period at the headquarters, making him well-acquainted with Kizaru and his subordinates.
A seldom-seen two-sword swordsman, he had engaged in a brief sparring match with him.
His strength is quite notable among Rear Admirals.
This is what Atlas claims.
"Atlas? Weren't you doing well in the New World? Why the sudden return to Marineford?"
Kizaru showed no inclination to rise.
If you can lie down, never sit; if you can sit, never stand!
"Anyway, there's nothing much happening in the New World at the moment. I just happened to swing by for a look, but you..."
"You are getting more and more laid-back."
Atlas, familiar with Kizaru's temperament, maintained a lighthearted tone without a hint of annoyance on his face as he teased softly.
It didn't take him long to reach the headquarters. His first stop was to check on the three brothers.
Fortunately, despite not much time passing since acquiring the Rubber-Rubber Fruit, it was more than sufficient for Luffy.
Even at the Marine Academy, where children of generals and military officers abound, the three siblings, raised in the wild since childhood, had become the rulers of the entire school. Even senior students didn't dare to easily provoke them.
"At my age, I just want to peacefully wait for retirement. How can I be like you young folks, capable of making even the Emperor of the Sea retreat alone~~"
"It's quite frightening~"
Kizaru's expression turned solemn as he complained non-stop.
"That..."
"Vice Admiral Borsalino, where are the Sun Pirates?"
Stolo Berry noticed the endless exchange of compliments between the two and promptly interjected.
They've been pursuing Tiger for three years, and despite several reminders from Sengoku, his superior has consistently been impatient.
With a commander like this, how long will it take to get promoted?
"I'll leave it to you. I still have some paperwork to handle."
Kizaru motioned towards the vacant desk, casually dismissing Strawberry.
"Fisher Tiger?"
"Can you add me? I was part of the Mariejois incident exactly three years ago, and I'm quite intrigued by him."
....
Grand Line, somewhere at sea.
Aboard the Sun Pirates.
A flurry of activity envelops the ship, with even the slender Koala exerting herself to contribute her modest strength. The vessel resonates with a cheerful atmosphere.
"Hey! Koala, no need to work anymore. This is a farewell feast specially arranged for you. You're the star today!"
"Yes, yes, we'll part ways soon. Make sure to think of us in the future! Hahaha!"
The crew members, previously engrossed in preparing the banquet, chuckled at Koala.
"Well! I will absolutely not forget you..."
"I'll tell everyone in the village!"
"There are many kind-hearted individuals among the fish people!"
Koala beamed with joy and nodded emphatically in agreement.
Unlike when she first boarded the ship, Koala has undergone a complete transformation.
Now dressed neatly and tidily, her expression is no longer vacant and numb. Instead, she smiles genuinely, and her demeanor has gradually taken on the liveliness typical of a normal child.
"Hey~ when you, little brat, grow up, you'll become just like everyone else!!" Arlong on the side interjected, pouring cold water unceremoniously.
Unlike the other fishmen on the ship, he has never altered his perspective on humans.
During this time spent together, he hadn't formed a deep friendship with Koala, and he dismissed her statement.
"Shut up! Arlong!!"
"Arlong, you scoundrel!!"
The other fishmen, Jinbei included, glared at the dragon.
This guy.
He always enjoys uttering inappropriate remarks on such occasions.
"Brother Jinbei, you've changed a lot in the past three years..."
Arlong shook his head, his expression still unruly.
"Consider this, there's only one person in the village advocating for fish people as good folks. Does that make sense!?"
"It's akin to Otohime's proposal, but it's just falling on deaf ears!"
"Alright, Arlong, Koala will be departing in two days, so refrain from saying such things in front of her."
Tiger found himself compelled to engage in arguments with Jinbei and the others almost daily.
It seems he foresaw that if he were to meet an unfortunate end one day, the Sun Pirates would undoubtedly disintegrate!
"Moreover, I've attempted to reach out to your family. You'll be able to see your mother soon, Koala."
"But for now..."
"Let's throw a party!!!"
"Oh——!! Let's have a party! Let's have a party!"
"Let's set aside thoughts of parting and all that for now!"
"Yes, the most crucial thing at the moment is to throw the party!!"
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