But the illusion was shattered when a tall, dark-haired man approached them.
Bill had grown, but he was still a foot and a half shorter than his father.
Bill hadn't seen his father for almost six months and thought he hadn't changed; he even wore the same dark green and brown suit under a cloak with the word "Justice" draped over his shoulders.
Seeing Aramaki and hearing Sentomaru sigh discontentedly, the three men moved toward each other.
With long strides, Aramaki covered the distance faster than the others and, when they were within reach, he grabbed Bill in a bear hug.
After a few seconds, Aramaki released him and said, "Good to see you, son. Very good."
Bill didn't resist the embrace, and after his father let him go, he said in confusion, "Good to see you, Dad. But shouldn't you be in Vallipo?"
Responding with a broad smile, Aramaki placed a large hand on Bill's shoulder and said, "Just felt the need to see you. Let's talk for a bit."
Shaking his head, Bill replied somewhat naively, "Well... where will you be? I just got back from a long voyage and need to give Captain Sentomaru my report."
Aramaki's hand was still on Bill's shoulder, and looking at Sentomaru, he smiled and said, "Ah, don't worry about that, son. The report can wait until you hand in the documents."Then, his smile became slightly more menacing as he added, 'Right, Sentomaru?'"
Watching the two men, Bill sensed something was off. He wanted to object since Sentomaru was his immediate superior and had always treated him well. But the problem was, when it came to his parents, Bill couldn't treat them like ordinary people. He became more respectful when talking to them.
So, observing their exchange of glances, Bill stood aside and pretended not to notice anything until Sentomaru gave in with another groan, "Alright, alright."
Then, as if struck by an idea, Sentomaru added more insistently, "But listen, Green, MY LIEUTENANT must be in my office by the end of the day with the report in hand, or I will hold you entirely responsible!"
It was the first time Bill had seen someone speak to his father in such a tone, and recalling Rear Admiral Lacroix, Bill prepared to prevent a fight right under Marineford. He knew Captain Sentomaru was strong, but in his eyes, his father was capable of handling this man.
Fortunately, as Bill slightly bent his knees, ready to restrain them, Aramaki burst into loud laughter and said, "See, there you go!"
Pulling Bill along with him, Aramaki didn't spare Sentomaru another glance and said to his son, "I told you there wouldn't be any problems!"
Then, completely changing his attitude, he said, "Now let's go talk in your room."
Nodding, Bill led his father, but attempts to start a conversation were interrupted by general phrases. Eventually, he decided he would soon find out why his father had come and stopped trying.
Picking up the pace a bit, they soon reached Bill's cabin.
Entering the room he hadn't seen for about three months, Bill was surprised that everything was exactly as he had left it, but he didn't feel the sense of "home."
After taking a few steps into the room, his attention was drawn to how his father had sent his vines spreading across the walls and ceiling.
Quickly turning around, Bill felt a moment of caution but sensed no threat, so he said, "You could have warned me before doing that!"
Aramaki didn't respond immediately and stood motionless for a few seconds until the vines retracted back into his body.
Once finished, he said with a slight smirk, "You weren't scared, were you?"
Seeing Bill shake his head and involuntarily roll his eyes, Aramaki added more seriously, "I was just checking for any surveillance devices."
Surveying the room, Bill immediately noticed the thin line of vines covering the entrance door. Looking at his father, he said indifferently, "That's so no one eavesdrops if someone comes too close."
Bill: "Do you think someone might spy on us? What's going on?"
The room looked like a typical dormitory; a simple bed, a chair, a few shelves, and a desk took up almost all of the space.
Before replying, Aramaki sat in the chair and looked at his son.
"Because this is Marineford. There's no less rivalry here than among pirates.This news was a shock for Bill, who always got along with everyone he met.
Of course, he knew that strong people often have big egos, because it's usually the ego that makes them strong.
What struck him was that his father never exaggerated. It was hard for Bill to believe that the rivalry in this organization could be so intense.
Bill: "I've met many Sailors and haven't noticed anything like that..."
To this, Aramaki smirked and said, "Son, you only interacted with those of lower rank and the ones I specifically selected for you."
Pausing for a second, he gestured with his hands and continued, "In general, those of lower rank are good people. They enlisted for the right reasons.
Higher-ranking officers are a whole different matter. On the surface, they may say the right things, but out there..."—Aramaki pointed to the door—"...the sea is vast, and operational resources are limited
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