"Where?"
No sooner had Sabo spoken than Noah's eyes suddenly lit up.
The moment he spotted the figure at the plaza entrance, he instantly dashed over with such speed that both Sabo and Koala were caught completely off guard, their eyes widening in surprise.
Under their incredulous gazes, Noah—who had sprinted toward the plaza entrance at top speed—suddenly slid into a kneel, dropping to both knees and facing the elderly woman entering the plaza accompanied by Admiral Gion.
He called out obsequiously, "Hello, Grandma!"
Before Sabo and Koala could react, the surrounding Marine officers of various ranks, upon seeing the old woman's appearance, immediately swarmed over in a frenzy, encircling her layer upon layer.
To secure a spot closer to the old woman, many officers began fighting without a word.
In an instant, figures were sent flying out of the crowd, leaving Sabo and Koala increasingly bewildered.
The previously solemn, majestic, and imposing impression they had of Marine Headquarters vanished entirely in that moment.
However, though the solemn and dignified image was lost, Sabo didn't find it unpleasant.
In fact, he felt that this version of Marine Headquarters had more human warmth.
...
Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's Office.
With Gion's promotion to admiral, Hina—who had taken over as Orion's dedicated secretary—calmly and systematically reported the work achievements over the past period.
"Forty minutes ago, Impel Down sent a message: since all prisoners participated in the work, the repair work at Impel Down has been completed!"
"During this time, a small number of prisoners attempted to escape Impel Down, but they were all foreseen by Katakuri and executed on the spot!"
"Half an hour ago, a message also came from the North Sea: the staff sent by Crocodile have fully commenced work, extending the Wano Country model to the four nations of the North Sea. After meeting with the representative sent by Crocodile, Judge of the Vinsmoke family submitted an application to the World Government, requesting a permanent territory as their land. As of now, the Chamber of Authority has not given a positive response!"
"Ten minutes ago, the New World Marine Intelligence Division reported that Shanks and Whitebeard have met again aboard the Moby Dick. The New World Marine Intelligence Division has requested instructions: should we issue a warning to the Red Hair Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates?"
"No need," Orion waved his hand, his tone calm.
"As long as they don't cause any disturbances, ignore them. The most important thing at this stage is the World Conference. Just have them closely monitor both parties' movements."
Hina nodded and continued reporting, "During their meeting, the warship led by Mihawk forcibly entered the territory of the Whitebeard Pirates and, meet face-to-face aboard the Moby Dick, demanded that the Whitebeard Pirates cease interference with Fish-Man Island. Whitebeard showed no reaction. Currently, Mihawk has led the warship toward Fish-Man Island."
"Mihawk sent a message: Jinbei has been ordered to remain on Fish-Man Island to conduct a site survey for the Marine base. Mihawk proposes building two Marine bases on Fish-Man Island. From now on, anyone entering or leaving Fish-Man Island must undergo security checks at the Marine bases, regardless of their identity."
"That's a good proposal!"
Upon hearing Mihawk's suggestion, Orion's eyes lit up.
"If these two Marine bases can extend their influence to Fish-Man Island, it would be impossible for anyone to enter or leave Fish-Man Island unnoticed, whether through Paradise or the New World! This way, any pirates attempting to use Fish-Man Island as a gateway to the New World would have nowhere to hide! When Jinbei arrives at Fish-Man Island, relay my orders to him: I grant him full authority to handle the Marine base matters on Fish-Man Island. It would be best to mobilize the residents of Fish-Man Island and involve them in the base construction!"
"If anyone causes trouble during this period, regardless of who they are, he need not seek my permission—I grant him the authority to act first and report later!"
"Yes!" Hina nodded, then continued her report.
"Five minutes ago, the two Revolutionary Army members, Sabo and Koala, arrived at headquarters. They are being received by Rear admiral Noah. Vice Admiral Garp also sent a message five minutes ago—he has taken Ace, Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp aboard a warship and has already set sail for Cocoyashi Village."
"After locating the two adopted daughters of the posthumously honored Marine hero Bellemere in Cocoyashi Village, Vice Admiral Garp will proceed to the Baratie."
At this point, Hina set down the documents in her hand and looked up at Orion.
"Fleet Admmiral, today's work report is complete!"
Just as Hina finished speaking, a commotion erupted from the direction of the square outside the headquarters building, causing both Orion and Hina to simultaneously turn their gaze toward the floor-to-ceiling window opposite them.
"What's going on out there?"
Observing the scene in the square through the window, Orion frowned slightly.
"Is it the weekend today? Why is everyone gathered in the square?!"
Hina did not conceal the truth and explained.
"Princess Aqua was taken to the square by two headquarters officers. The officers are likely playing games with Princess Aqua! Additionally, Granny insisted on going to the square to play, and Admiral Gion couldn't dissuade her, so she took Granny to the square as well."
Hearing this, Orion's lips twitched slightly.
With both the young favorite and the elderly favorite appearing in the square at the same time, it was impossible for the square not to be chaotic.
Most importantly, he couldn't scold anyone.
Because whether it was the young one being unhappy or the elderly one being upset, he couldn't handle either.
At that moment, the office door suddenly swung open, and Gunko, wearing a newsboy cap, strode in.
She stood beside Hina and got straight to the point, facing Orion.
"Fleet Admmiral Orion, Imu-sama asks when you will return to the Holy Land?"
"Why? Is something the matter?"
Orion blinked, somewhat bewildered.
"Did she specifically send you to headquarters? Has some trouble occurred in the Holy Land?"
"There is indeed a minor issue."
Gunko nodded and continued, "Sengoku and Saint Jaygarcia Saturn have never gotten along. Half an hour ago, for some reason, they fought again in the Room of Power. Imu-sama hopes that Fleet Admiral Orion will advise Sengoku to know his limits. Even if he dislikes Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, he shouldn't fight in the Room of Power. So far, the Room of Power has been renovated several times because of the two of them. If they continue like this, not only the Room of Power but the entire World Government headquarters building might be damaged!!"
"Did she send you all the way to headquarters just for this, and even ask me to intervene?" Orion waved his hand, unable to hold back a laugh.
"I think she's simply bored in the Flower Chamber and looking for something to do!"
"Not just this matter," Gunko tilted her head to glance at Hina standing nearby, who was keeping her eyes downcast as if minding her own business, then continued.
"Imu-sama has heard you brought back a daughter from the North Blue and wishes to meet her."