(Kyle steps into the spotlight… and someone else sees red!)
---
The Marine soldier who had delivered the message earlier waited until Kyle left… then sneaked back into the room, wide-eyed and muttering to himself.
He still couldn't believe it.
Momousagi, the Flower of Marineford, was just chilling in Kyle's room like it was no big deal. The way she was admiring that legendary sword—Sakura Tokugure—was enough to make his knees weak.
He wished he were Kyle.
Meanwhile, inside Kyle's mind, system prompts flickered one after another:
> [Ding! You have received 10,000 Attention Points from Sailor Jahal!]
[Ding! You have triggered the Gold-tier Draw!]
Kyle's heart raced.
This is insane. I didn't even do anything this time!
He hadn't fought anyone. He hadn't used his Gravity-Gravity Fruit. All he'd done was walk around HQ and show off a couple of rare swords—and boom, people noticed.
He was finally beginning to understand something important:
Attention = Power.
Whether it was Golden Lion's lingering hatred, the awe of HQ soldiers, or Gion's fascination with his weapons—every reaction fed the system.
All I have to do… is stay in the spotlight.
And today was perfect for that.
He was about to meet Admiral Zephyr in the main square—publicly. Dozens, maybe hundreds, of Marines would be watching.
If he could show just a glimpse of potential... just enough to wow them...
The points would skyrocket.
He focused on the draw.
The golden wheel inside his mind started spinning wildly. It glowed with bright arcs of light—faster than ever before.
This was no ordinary draw.
This was Gold Tier.
Just one level below Diamond.
> [Gold Wheel: Spinning...]
Kyle watched the options flicker past:
1. Intermediate Armament Haki
2. Intermediate Hand-to-Hand (Taijutsu)
3. Swordsmanship
4. Advanced Geppo (Moonwalk)
5. Advanced Observation Haki
6. Paramecia - Slippery Fruit
7. Logia - Mera Mera no Mi
8. Intermediate Mental Strength
He whistled low.
This stuff is elite...
Each prize was equivalent to years—maybe decades—of training. Even a mid-tier reward would put him above most captains.
He tensed as the wheel began to slow.
It clicked past the Devil Fruits... paused between Swordsmanship and Haki... then landed:
> [Intermediate Observation Haki – Acquired!]
Kyle exhaled.
"Not bad," he muttered. "Could've been a Logia... but this will do."
But then—something weird happened.
The golden arrow vibrated.
Then, to his shock, it split—a smaller golden pointer extended from the main one like a branching spark.
> [Additional Award Unlocked – Due to Overload of Attention Points!]
[Drawing second prize...]
The smaller pointer slowed...
...then landed directly on the sword icon.
> [Swordsmanship – Acquired!]
Kyle's eyes widened.
A grin spread across his face.
He finally had it.
Real swordsmanship—not beginner-level technique, not flashy slashes, but the solid fundamentals and instinct of a warrior. He could now hold his own even without relying on gravity powers.
"Let's go," he said to himself, gripping the hilt of Sakura Tokugure. "I'm ready, Zephyr."
---
Elsewhere in Marineford...
Sailor Jahal was still muttering to himself, rubbing his head as he walked.
"That guy... how's he so lucky? Just sharing a room with Momousagi like it's nothing. I swear, I saw her smile. She never smiles!"
He shook his head, baffled.
Are they dating? Nah... no way, right?
Still... they were alone in there for a while...
He was so deep in thought, he didn't notice the tall, khaki-clad figure suddenly blocking his path.
A man in a Rear Admiral's coat. Lean face, near-invisible pupils, and an odd, mischievous aura. He held a bouquet of... weird yellow flowers.
Definitely not roses.
"Yo, Jahal," the man said, grinning. "Seen Vice Admiral Momousagi around?"
Jahal froze.
Oh no.
Tea Dolphin.
Real name: Tokikake.
Current Rear Admiral. Professional stalker. Serial simp.
He was infamous in Marine HQ for one thing: chasing Momousagi around like a lovesick puppy. And now he was back, holding a bouquet of—wait...
"Are those... chrysanthemums?" Jahal asked, dumbfounded.
Tea Dolphin held the bouquet proudly.
"Beautiful, right? Thought I'd change it up this time. Something different! Momousagi likes flowers that mean honor and respect, not just romance."
He gave a wink and leaned in. "You think she'll like them?"
Jahal swallowed. This guy's delusional...
"Well?" Tea Dolphin pressed. "Did you see her or not?"
Jahal was about to lie—but Tea Dolphin's expectant face pushed him over the edge.
He cracked.
"She's, uh... she's still in Kyle's room."
"...Eh?"
Tea Dolphin blinked. The grin faded. His hand trembled slightly.
"In... whose room?"
"Kyle," Jahal said. "The rookie. You know, the one who fought the Golden Lion? Zephyr's recruit."
There was a long pause.
Then:
"WHAT?!?!?!"
The flowers hit the ground.
"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!?!?"
Tea Dolphin's face twisted in shock, jealousy, confusion—and a little heartbreak.