The Marines were in a frenzy, low ranking Marines assigned to paperwork running the Marine HQ like a colony of Ants with water flooding the mound. There was so much commotion after the reports came back that a group of pirates not only invaded the Citadel, but also was successful in their attempt and then on top of that escaping a buster call.
Muromachi was pacing his office with a receiver in hand. "Kuroryu, I have orders for you. I need you to take care of this and-" The Talk with the Admiral was interrupted as the door slammed opened
"Don't bother that kid Muromachi! I'll take care of this." A boisterous man came through the door, a wide smile on his face. The sudden interruption caused Muromachi to roll his eyes. "Ugh…Scratch that Kuroryu. Stand by and return to your business."
The gruff voice confirmed before hanging up "Sir."
"Fine." Muromach slammed the phone receiver down as he fell into his seat "Guess that gives me one less thing to worry about instead of waiting for one of the other admirals to lead a blockade to Water 9."
Three Days have passed since the Attack on the Citadel. Leroy had it worst out of any of them physically. But it was a surprise that he woke up so soon afterwards. Especially after having taken close to two weeks to wake up from the Fight with Hornigold.
Raven especially had a far better feeling than before. She was visibly more cheery. Still the introverted woman, but everything about her seemed to be so much more relaxed and confident. Like a new light had been lit in her eyes
"How are you feeling Cap'n?" The blue haired doctor asked while Leroy began to scarf down some food. "Sluggish. My body aches but every time I try to rest I can't help but worry…"
He'd been worrying because they were currently in one of the Nuff Wright company buildings that had been emptied out. Marines were scattered through the island, and thanks to the stealthy eavesdropping of one Kamiko Kirk and Jeanne, they were able to gather information that more Marines were on their way.
"So- What're you going to do now, Cali?" Asked Winslow as he was in a temporary office, Calliope resting her arms behind herself on the couch nearby.
"I've already decided that I'm going to leave with them…You were right Win, these guys really are what I need in my life…" She said as she gazed at her metal arm, now no longer a simple wire frame, instead having bits of armor on it as a shell.
"I also promised them that I'd make them a new ship if they got me out of there. And after seeing just how that ship spoke– And the love that they had for it. I know that what I choose to build for them will be appreciated…"
"And I've had Ideas for that ship of Mine for years. I think this is going to be the perfect time to build it. We still got that special wood right?" Calliope turned to Winslow who returned with a smile.
"So you think it's time to finally use it huh? Alright. I'll the the Shipwrights ready and we'll begin construction tomorrow…"
They had already discussed Malle's death. Winslow had come to the conclusion of how to celebrate the man's death. And honestly? Cali didn't really want to think about it. She was good at being able to move on quickly from grief. Especially with everything that happened in her childhood. She knew that grief wouldn't do much for herself like it did for others.
"So Cali's really going to leave, huh?" Asked a purple haired muscular woman with a welding helmet on her forehead. Chest wiping his watery eyes as he delivered the News to the others.
"Yep. She's decided that it's finally time for her to leave. And has left me in charge of the Orphan Punks in her stead…"
"Really? She left you? After what you did?!" Spoke a long hair dark skinned boy.
"I know…But she forgave me. Even as I begged for forgiveness and confessed. She forgave me…" Chester said with a sullen look
"Guy…" Spoke another boy with dark skin this time with short buzzed hair. "If Cali chose Chester, then we have to respect her decision right? Besides, We gotta make sure that we see her off when she sets sail right?"
"Really?!" Leroy shouted as he leaned on the table. "You're really gonna build us a Ship Cali?!"
"Duh! I'm your Shipwright now aren't I? I gotta make sure that you guys have a proper ship to sail with, cuz I am not gonna let you or myself sail on some dinky Sloop!" She said bashfully with a roll of her eyes.
"So, Imma need all the idea's y'all got and I'll give 'em to Winslow so he can make some express shipments and have it all ready quickly."
"Oh!" Leroy said slamming his hands on the table and hopping up. "I've already got a name!" He hustled over to Cali and whispered in her ear, Cali's eyes widening as she heard it "Oh! I like it!"
"And it's gotta be big! Bigger than the Palm!" He said spreading his arms
"Maybe a Carrick!" Jeanne offered, Kirk giving another suggestion "Maybe a frigate!"
"No wait, a Galleon! Or A Man o War!" Leroy declared "Alright Alright! I'll figure something out. Now I just need to know the stuff you want in it."
"I could use a proper Kitchen…" Noir said, scratching his scruff. "If there's a place for me to train I don't really care." Kale said with folded arms
"Oh! A Game room!" Leroy said energetically "I need a proper Doctors office! A place where I can properly synthesize medicines!" Dezzi said with a raised fur hand
"Medicine Machines huh? That'll be pretty complicated but I'm sure winslow knows a place…"
"A garden! And a bar!" Kirk said with sparkles in his eyes. "A Library would be nice. I've quite a number of books that I haven't been able to properly store." Raven said with a simple smile on her face. In the days since the Attack, she'd gotten far more out of her shell. Smiling far more often and speaking just as much
"How about an Aquarium! Oh! A workshop!" Jeanne said. "I could help you draft up blueprints! I'm no architect but I can certainly give some more Ideas for spaces!"
As the crew continued to chatter, a Ship had pulled up to Water 9. A large metallic plated marine battleship with a wooden large galley made of metal and stone. It was like a floating building. The front pointed like an Ice Breaker with multiple chimneys at the back of the ship as the sails flapped with the Marine Logo.
The Crew had already disembarked and was wandering through the City. Many of the civilians looked in awe at the tall man. A flat cap on his head that shaded his eyes, hiding them
"So he's in there huh?" The man spoke in a deep gruff baritone. Looking to a few of the shipwrights that were standing guard out front, their nerves instantly leaving them as they saw the figure.
"Outta way" The man waved his hand as he approached the building, hearing the discussion inside.
The man tensed his fist and gave a slight blow to his knuckles before reeling back his fist and crashing through the wall! Shattering it to near dust, haze spreading through the room as it caused some of the crew to fall!
Coughing spread through the room as Kale, Noir and Leroy all hopped to attention and ready for a fight!
"You know–" The voice began as the light illuminated him from behind, shilouetting him before breaking through the dust. He was enormously tall, standing at a staggering 9'6 1/2. His shoulders are broad and muscular, body well conditioned from decades of battle. The Navy Jacket hanging off his shoulders, the crimson red cuffs denoting a touch of his personal taste into his jacket. The Kanji for 'Justice' written down on the back He wore a Full off-white suit. A deep red shirt beneath the tightly buttoned suit jacket.
"I never thought we'd meet this way, Red Sash…" The man pulled his flat cap from his head, exposing his grey hair, and long beard. Face wrinkled in old age.
This was none other than Vice Admiral Tetsuken. The Iron Fist. The Hero of The Marines…
But to Leroy, the Sight was Familiar as he let out an exacerbated question
"G-Grandpa?!"