In the traditional Japanese garden, the rustic bamboo shishi-odoshi occasionally made a soft "clack" as it filled with the drizzling rain, startling the goldfish in the pond and sending them scattering.
Between heaven and earth, a misty white blanket enveloped everything, steam rising and spreading.
The white-haired Tsuru sat cross-legged at the screen door, gazing at the tranquil, secluded garden. Remembering the recent high-level Marine Headquarters meeting, the wrinkles on her face seemed to deepen.
"Troubles are insurmountable, it seems…"
She sighed softly, a touch of self-mockery in her voice. "If even that boy can't be protected, then is the Marine truly still upholding justice…?"
Though she had only met Nao a few times, she held a strong fondness for the warm and bright young man. She had long regarded him as a leading figure among the younger generation, and even the future hope of the entire Marine Headquarters.
And now, even though he had clearly acted to rescue over a thousand innocent children and punish a wicked pirate, because of the opponent's special status, they were forced to turn around and send that young man to a military tribunal, to suffer imprisonment? Making heroes bleed and weep?
…How ironic.
Her heart struggled, a mix of pain and torment. Tsuru wearily closed her eyes, feeling as though she ought to do something, yet lacking that subtle push, always unable to make the final decision.
And just then.
A pale green, aged Transponder Snail slowly wiggled out from inside the room to the screen, looking up at its owner of many years and letting out a soft "Buruburu."
Another meeting to be held? Tsuru opened her eyes, frowning slightly. After a moment's hesitation, she picked up the receiver.
The result surprised her slightly.
"Sister."
On the other end of the line, it was Momousagi's low voice.
Marine Headquarters Elite Training Camp, Training Ground
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Punch after punch, iron fists slammed into the iron wall, instantly pulverizing it. Amidst the ever-intensifying rain, an unending series of explosions echoed.
Zephyr held a large black umbrella, standing in front of the wire fence, silently watching as his old friend Garp unleashed his frustrations. Nearly half of the training ground lay in ruins under Garp's relentless assault.
Boom!
Another punch, carving a massive, several-meter-deep crater in the ground. Garp finally stopped, returning to the entrance. Ignoring the black umbrella Zephyr offered him, he stood soaked in the rain, expressionlessly meeting Zephyr's gaze.
"Still pissed off?"
Zephyr spoke calmly, a toothpick dangling from his mouth.
"Of course I am!"
Garp's face was as grim as a stormy sea. "Though it's not the first time… this is truly one of the times in recent years I've most wanted to rush to Mariejois and punch every single one of those World Government higher-ups in the face…"
"And those fat pigs wearing bubble helmets?"
"You can't disrespect the great World Nobles like that," Garp squinted at Zephyr. "Hey, Zephyr, that kid Nao is your star pupil, from every angle, isn't he?"
"Of course."
Zephyr nodded without hesitation, a faint smile on his face. "Talent's important—but character matters even more. To face absolute power without fear… being his teacher is one of the proudest moments of my past decade or so."
"Coincidence, then."
Garp grinned. "To be his guide into Headquarters, I'm extremely proud of that too. So, it would be pretty boring if we couldn't watch him grow step by step in Headquarters, wouldn't it?"
"It would be utterly boring, indeed."
Zephyr's gaze penetrated the rain, looking at the empty training ground. He said faintly: "However, if one's most prized student is sent to court by their own side, if that were to happen, continuing as the instructor of the Marine Headquarters Elite Training Camp would be the most boring thing of all."
"Hahahaha, looks like you've made up your mind, Zephyr!"
Garp finally broke into a happy smile, heavily patting his old friend's shoulder. "Good thing too! I've been a Marine for so many years, I'm tired and weary. Let those bastards who side with the World Nobles handle these meaningless, boring affairs, how about that?!"
Zephyr spit out the toothpick, a wide grin on his face.
"Suits me perfectly."
...
In the Garden of a Two-Story Villa
The garden was filled with blooming roses and peonies, stretching their petals and veins in the rain. A frail old woman moved among them, oblivious to the increasing downpour, leisurely trimming branches…
Rainy days are perfect for sleeping.
Sadaharu was currently napping on the wooden floor, but little Hina, fresh from a bath, had no mind to rest inside. She lay on Sadaharu's soft belly, watching the figure in the garden with a worried expression. "Grandma, it's raining heavily now."
After a moment, Hina couldn't help but remind her. "You'll get sick from the rain. Trimming the plants isn't urgent, you can always do it tomorrow…"
"Perhaps I won't be here tomorrow?"
The gaunt old woman didn't lift her head, still intently tending to the plants in her hands.
"It took me half a year to finally get this garden in such good shape. It's hard to let go, so let this old woman serve these little flowers one last time."
"Oh…"
Hina blinked, as if understanding something.
"You've decided then?"
"The moment I stepped out of the meeting room, I decided."
Chishio put away her gardening shears, turned around, and said with a smile, "I'm used to living in my hometown in the West Blue. If it weren't for that boy, I wouldn't have come back to this place. Now that he's gone, there doesn't seem to be any point in me staying here."
"Is that so…"
Hina tilted her head, looking at the towering Marine Headquarters fortress in the rain. She felt a pang of reluctance in her heart, but finally nodded. "It's really not interesting here. Gull Island is more fun."
"…"
Chishio looked at her, a gentle and beautiful smile gracing her aged face. "Then stop lying there. Go pack your things. We'll head back to the West Blue first thing tomorrow morning."
"Okay."
Hina nodded obediently and turned to go indoors.
Splash!
Behind her, the sound of the rain suddenly grew louder, pouring down, like a silver river cascading from the increasingly dark night sky.
The Next Morning
On the essential path leading to the Marine Headquarters fortress, five figures, arriving from various directions, coincidentally met at a crossroads.
They saw the white letters in each other's hands, felt a slight surprise, then couldn't help but smile in knowing synchronicity.
"Hey, Sengoku, didn't you say yesterday you didn't want to deal with this messy business anymore?!"
"I can't help it. I really didn't want to, but someone called, crying their eyes out, pleading for that kid…"
"Tsuru, why are you here too? You're not close with that kid, are you?"
"This old woman isn't close, but I can't stop someone in my family from being close to him."
"Hahahahahahaha! Zephyr, did you hear that? There's more than just the two of us joining the fray!"
Five remnants of an old era, five legendary Marines who once fought side-by-side, now stood in a line again. Amidst countless surprised gazes, they walked together into the Marine Headquarters building.
…
Marine Calendar 1501, on the last day of August, the intense heat lingered, and autumn had yet to arrive.
Torrential rain fell from deep night until dawn; this was destined to be a tumultuous day.
On this day:
Marine Headquarters Admiral, Sengoku the Buddha.
Marine Legendary Hero, Vice Admiral "Hero" Garp.
Marine Headquarters Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Tsuru.
Marine Headquarters Deputy Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Chishio.
Marine Headquarters Elite Training Camp Chief Instructor, former Admiral Zephyr!
These five high-ranking Marine officials, in response to Nao's arrest by the CP department and his transfer to Enies Lobby for killing a Warlord of the Sea, jointly submitted their letters of resignation to both Marine Headquarters and the World Government! When the news broke, public opinion erupted, and Headquarters was shaken to its core!