The New World, Marine G-5 Base.
"Whoa, a samurai! This is my first time seeing one..."
Ace looked on with visible excitement as Kuina's warship descended slowly, returning from Dressrosa where she had picked up Kin'emon and Momonosuke.
Yes—descended, not docked. Unlike standard Marine warships, Kuina's ship was a smaller airborne battleship.
The Skyblade, as it was known, was a far cry from Golden Lion's crude pirate vessel cobbled together from a floating island. Designed personally by Dr. Vegapunk of the Marine Science Division, the Skyblade bore little resemblance to traditional warships.
But Ace knew—that was just scratching the surface.
The Skyblade was Kuina's standard combat vessel. The real behemoth was the Skydome Fortress, an orbital airborne fortress hovering five thousand meters above her. It housed elite troops who constantly monitored the surroundings of the G-5 base.
Streamlined for aerodynamics, the Skyblade was said to be designed based on advanced "aerodynamic principles" that conserved Kuina's stamina to the fullest. It was also equipped with Lightforged Sigil-enhanced rest chambers, allowing her to quickly recover if fatigued.
On top of that, the Skyblade inherited the Holy Light Shield system from the Dawn's Watch, allowing it to weather even the fierce storms dreaded by Float-Float Fruit users.
"A way better ride than mine for travel..." Ace thought with a twinge of envy. His ship, the Blaze, was also equipped with Vegapunk's flame propulsion system—superior in speed, mobility, and power compared to most vessels.
It could even take to the skies briefly using flame bursts for emergency support or retreats—but when flight was standard like with the Skyblade, well... it felt lacking in comparison.
"Heh... At least Blaze outguns the Skyblade."
Ace rubbed his chin, comforting himself. Their functions were just different—his ship was a frontline assault vessel. Kuina's was built for transport and support.
Kuina descended from the Skyblade with a calm smile, accompanied by Kin'emon and Momonosuke, the latter two still stunned from their fantastical flight.
"Gentlemen, this is the Marine Headquarters' G-5 Division in the New World. The Fleet Admiral will meet with you shortly... please, follow me and get some rest first."
"Hey! Kuina!"
She looked up to see Ace waving enthusiastically—his eyes sparkling as he gazed at Kin'emon.
"Ha-ha! I've finally met a real samurai!"
"Huh? Weren't you waving at me?!"
Kuina's fingers drifted toward her sword hilt. Her large eyes narrowed slightly, lips curving into a teasing smirk.
"Rear Admiral Ace, huh? You seem quite taken with samurai... This is Kin'emon-san, who happens to have a special technique called... Flame-Cleaving Slash (Foxfire Style)"
"Eh?"
Ace wiped sweat from his brow. Ever since he'd reunited with Sabo after the Paramount War, the old man—along with Sensei—had been whispering behind his back, plotting something cryptic...
And the way people looked at him and Kuina lately—it was weird.
Was it just him? Or had Kuina's attitude changed, too?
Maybe girls just got weirder when they grew up?
Still... Flame-Cleaving Slash?
"Whoa! That sounds badass! Is it like... a sword technique that slices through fire?! I'm getting chills already!"
"..."
Kuina gave the grinning, clueless Ace a sidelong glance before turning to introduce him:
"This idiot is Rear Admiral 'Fire Fist' Ace. He's a Logia-type Mera Mera no Mi user. In your terms—think of it as a fiery form of yokai magic."
"Haah?!"
Kin'emon and Momonosuke's jaws dropped.
"A power that turns one into fire?! Incredible yokai magic!"
"And your powers are even more incredible, Rear Admiral Kuina!"
"...They're alright."
Kuina thought of Kin'emon's own ability, the Garb-Garb Fruit—a power she figured many girls would love.
"Don't just stand there, you big dummy," she said, flicking Ace's forehead. "Take them inside. I still have business to wrap up with Tashigi before she can come over."
"Aww~ Are you leaving already, Admiral-neechan~?" Momonosuke said, visibly downcast. He had only recently been separated from his mother—and now, standing before such a stunning woman whose beauty rivaled hers, he felt strangely comforted. Kuina gave off a warmth and familiarity reminiscent of Wano.
But... weren't there no female samurai in Wano?
"I've got a mission to handle~ But another lovely lady will be here soon, so behave yourselves, okay~?"
A glimmer of amusement flashed in Kuina's eyes. There was no way Wright would send his junior sister to personally escort these two without giving Kuina a heads-up—they were both certified lechers!
Just thinking of the "program" Wright arranged for the little pervert had her trying not to laugh.
A bit of discipline might do him good... This boy has a heavy responsibility to carry. But right now, he's just a spoiled brat. If the fate of Wano rests on his shoulders, I'd be too embarrassed to even mention it to Father!
Still, for senpai to go this far... What a grand gesture. He really is amazing!
Having entrusted Kin'emon and Momonosuke to Ace, Kuina took off again.
Ace leaned closer to Kin'emon.
"So, Samurai-san! I heard you guys from Wano have mystical ninja and stuff... Is it true? Do you actually know any? Are they always yelling 'Nin! Nin!' and throwing shuriken and doing clone jutsu?!"
"..."
A bead of sweat ran down Kin'emon's temple. This young man—despite being a Rear Admiral like Kuina—seemed... less than reliable.
But a Marine this young, this high-ranking... and interested in ninja?
"Well... they don't exactly yell 'Nin! Nin!' but the shuriken and clone techniques, yeah, those are real."
Remembering Raizo, Kin'emon couldn't help but puff up slightly. Wano's ninja, like its samurai, were quite famous overseas.
"One of my comrades is a ninja—he's very skilled. If there's a chance, I'd be happy to introduce you, Rear Admiral."
"Ahaha, that'd be amazing!"
Eager as ever, Ace led Kin'emon and Momonosuke toward the living quarters.
"First, let's get you a bath and a change of clothes. Then I'll take you to eat something!"
"Time to sample some Marine cuisine! The cafeteria is one of our top perks here. Maybe not gourmet-level, but still top-tier food!"
He chuckled as he saw the duo's eyes ignite with excitement—almost literally.
"Marines have to eat well and eat plenty to maintain their strength. That's why Marine HQ puts great importance on our mess halls!"
"All-you-can-eat, totally free!"
"So... so blessed!"
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