"So, why are you showing me this?" Vivian asked Momousagi, puzzled.
"No special reason, just wanted to let you know that you're quite famous now, representing the face of our Navy. So, you need to pay more attention to your image when you're out."
"What's wrong with my image?" Vivian asked, clearly dissatisfied.
With his naturally handsome looks and added charm points, every woman he passed would turn to look at him.
But Momousagi didn't say anything. Instead, she pointed to Vivian's lower half.
Vivian looked down.
Well... how to put it?
Okay, he did leave in a bit of a hurry today, ending up wearing only his sleeping shorts with his Navy uniform, making it look like he wasn't wearing pants at all.
And with his thick, bushy leg hair... calling it unsightly would be an understatement; it was downright eye-searing.
"Ahem, I'll pay more attention next time," Vivian said, coughing awkwardly.
"Also, the mission to capture the Seven Warlords has begun. Sister Tsuru wants me to take you along to apprehend Trafalgar Law, Buggy the Clown, and Boa Hancock," Momousagi continued.
At that moment, a young reporter who had been following Momousagi couldn't contain his excitement any longer. He pulled out his camera and started snapping photos of Vivian.
Click!
Click, click, click—!
Vivian: "..."
"Let me introduce myself. I'm Kits Gordon, an intern reporter for the World News, here to document your mission!"
Gordon extended his hand to Vivian, holding it as if it were a precious object.
Just as he was about to kiss Vivian's hand, Vivian quickly pulled it away using his Observation Haki.
"Damn…" Vivian looked at Gordon with wary eyes.
Momousagi smiled and added, "By the way, Gordon likes boys."
Vivian: (,,#?Д?)
"Thunder Breathing..."
"No need, no need."
Seeing Vivian suddenly place his hand on his sword hilt, Gordon quickly tried to calm him down.
The scene that followed was predictable.
Because of Momousagi's appearance, Vivian's identity was "exposed," leading to many admirers crowding around him for autographs.
"Thunder Swordsman Vivian!"
"We're your fans!"
"Can we take a photo, Lord Vivian?"
Fujitora, who had been quietly eating, was pushed aside as more and more people surrounded Vivian and Momousagi, their enthusiasm reaching a fever pitch.
After finally dispersing the crowd, Vivian barely had time to take a bite before more people lined up outside the restaurant, wanting to catch a glimpse of the Thunder Swordsman.
"This doesn't make sense."
Vivian took off his uniform, covering his leg hair, and said, "Am I really that famous? Shouldn't they be more interested in seeing Admiral Momousagi?"
"In this world, people's admiration for heroes is no less than their appreciation for beauty," Gordon said with a smile. "Your performance during the Summit War was broadcast live for everyone to see. Especially when you faced death with calm, unyielding eyes, it left a deep impression on all of us..."
As he spoke, Gordon couldn't help but wipe tears from his face.
"That's right!"
Nearby, a few young male civilians also began to sob quietly.
Vivian: "…"
Are you all really that emotional?
"So, as I said, you have many admirers out there now. You should always be mindful of your behavior and actions to leave a good impression of the Navy on the public," Momousagi added.
To be honest, she was somewhat envious of Vivian, even a little jealous.
After all, she was now an Admiral, but these civilians were more captivated by her beauty. She also wanted to be revered and admired like Vivian.
That's why, shortly after taking office, she directly proposed to Tsuru that she personally lead the team to capture the Shichibukai.
As long as she could capture all the Shichibukai on the list and imprison them in Impel Down, wouldn't her position as Admiral be secure?
At least no one would question her strength anymore…
"You should rest well today. Tomorrow morning, we'll set off for Amazon Lily."
Amazon Lily is in the Calm Belt, not far from the current G1 Headquarters, making it the best choice.
"So soon?"
Hearing the words "Amazon Lily," Vivian raised an eyebrow but remained calm on the surface, saying, "I just got back less than a day ago. Isn't this a bit too rushed?"
"Rushed? Several Vice Admirals left two days ago, just not to Amazon Lily…"
"Why?" Vivian was puzzled.
"Of course, because Amazon Lily was left for Admiral Momousagi," a female marine following Momousagi said proudly. "Admiral Momousagi and Vice Admiral Tsuru are sisters. With just one word, who would dare compete with my lady?"
As the words fell, Vivian and the others looked at Momousagi in shock, while Momousagi turned and gave the female marine a helpless look.
"Impressive." Vivian gave a thumbs up.
But at the same time, he thought, this kid is really clueless. She even talks about connections so righteously. She probably hasn't been scolded much by Momousagi…
The scene fell into a brief silence again.
After a moment, Momousagi shook her cloak and left the restaurant. The crowd at the door then rushed in, surrounding Vivian and starting an impromptu "autograph session."
…
The next day.
Vivian, dressed in uniform with his hair slicked back and a cigar in his mouth, appeared on the deck of the warship, smiling and waving to the crowd at the port who were seeing him off.
"No need to see me off, everyone. Go back now. Rest assured, I will definitely capture those vicious pirates and bring them to justice!"
As his words fell, fireworks filled the sky.
Vivian turned and walked towards the cabin.
Meanwhile, on the shore, Sengoku and Tsuru stood on the balcony of the base's top floor, watching Vivian's warship through binoculars.
"That kid has been tested so many times already. I think there's probably nothing wrong with him, right?"
"But some things seem too coincidental." Sengoku stroked his chin.
"Let's see how he performs this time."
…