"V-Vice Admiral… how about this one?"
Tashigi twisted awkwardly in place, wearing a sheer top that revealed a glimpse of her black bra underneath.
"Or... do you prefer this kind of outfit?"
Suddenly, her clothes changed into a low-cut V-neck that exposed her cleavage, paired with tight jeans that hugged her hips. She pulled the neckline lower, speaking in a sultry tone.
"H-How about this?"
Now she was wearing a bold, floral bikini. The bottoms clung to the curves of her hips, accentuating her figure.
Though the setting appeared to be Rengoku's office, Tashigi continued changing clothes, one outfit after another.
"Mmm! Commander Tashigi, no matter what you wear—I like you just the same."
'Vice Admiral Rengoku' opened his eyes wide as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Ahh… Vice Admiral, you can't do that…"
Tashigi felt his hand slowly glide down her waist, cupping her hips.
Despite her weak protests, 'Rengoku' leaned in toward her lips.
"V-Vice Admiral…"
Tashigi, as if resigned, closed her eyes and slightly parted her lips.
…
BZZZZT! BZZZZT!
"Ahh!!"
The alarm rang loudly. Tashigi shot upright in bed.
It didn't take her long to realize it had all been a dream.
"…A dream…"
As relief washed over her, she also felt something else—disappointment.
And then... embarrassment.
"Aaaah!! What the heck was I thinking?!"
Her face turned bright red, even to the tips of her ears.
"Anyway… I need to go greet him today…"
Today was the third day since Rengoku had returned to Marineford. Tashigi still hadn't officially greeted him.
The first day, both she and Rengoku had been too busy.
The second day, the fallout from Moria's imprisonment and the Alabasta liberation had made it awkward.
But today—Day 3—she had no excuse. She was his official adjutant, after all.
Following the advice of her friend, she'd started growing out her hair the day Rengoku left for Amazon Lily. After months of care, it now reached her chest. She tied some of it back in a half-up style.
For clothes, she chose something more personal: a purple floral blouse she liked and tight jeans that accentuated her hips but didn't hinder movement.
(Referencing Tashigi's post-timeskip design overall.)
Bartel's comment: "You look way better overall. While you're at it, why not ditch the glasses and go for contacts?"
But she kept her glasses.
Not only was she scared of sticking something in her eyes, she'd done her research: some men were drawn to women with glasses.
And maybe—just maybe—Vice Admiral Rengoku was one of those men.
With that hope in mind, she checked herself one last time and headed out to finally greet him.
...
Tashigi stood in front of Rengoku's office at Marine HQ.
She gave herself one last once-over.
No rips? No stains? Nothing too exposed?
Only after carefully checking everything did she steady her nerves and knock.
"Permission to enter? It's Tashigi."
From inside, she heard his voice.
"Come in."
Just hearing his voice again after so long made her heart skip a beat.
"Yes, sir!"
After a deep breath, she gripped the handle and stepped inside.
The office was just as clean as always.
Ever since Rengoku left for Amazon Lily, she'd taken on the responsibility of keeping it tidy. Even when he told her not to bother, she did it anyway—he wasn't there to stop her.
Thanks to that… the setting of her dream had felt vividly real.
And there he was, at his desk, just like before.
"It's been a while, Commander Tashigi."
"Y-Yes, it has, sir!"
Tashigi gave a salute, just a beat late.
"Thank you for your service during the long voyage."
Rengoku smiled warmly and stood from his seat.
"Yes. Thank you."
"I-I'm so sorry! I should've reported to you right away… I'm unfit to be your adjutant!"
"Unfit? Nonsense! You've come at exactly the right time—I'm truly glad."
Tashigi blinked, confused by Rengoku's response.
"R-Right time… sir?"
"Yes! Over the next three months, I'll be selecting a few Marines for hellish special training! Naturally, Commander Tashigi will be included."
"W-With you, Vice Admiral?!"
Of all the questions she could've asked—When does it start? Why? With whom?—the only thing that came out was whether or not she would be with him.
"You want to do it with me?"
Vice Admiral… don't say it like that…
She suddenly noticed—she and Rengoku were standing in the same positions from her dream.
Same office. Same angle. Same everything.
Tashigi's ears burned red as her heart pounded.
"H-H-Ha…"
"You want to do it?"
Rengoku's repeated question made her completely lose her composure.
It was obviously about training. All she had to do was say she'd like to train together.
But lost in her own delusions, she found herself completely unable to answer.
"Hm? Why aren't you responding, Commander Tashigi?"
Seeing her uncharacteristically flustered, Rengoku suddenly grew concerned.
Could she be sick again?
He quickly strode over to her, and as he did, Tashigi reflexively took a step back—
"Eh…!"
Thud.
There was nothing on the floor, but in classic Tashigi fashion, she tripped over nothing and lost her balance.
Just before she could fall, Rengoku caught her by the waist.
---!!!
This angle. This space!
Was this a dream?
It had to be, right?
Yes, it must be! She'd heard that you could dream within a dream…
Tashigi's body relaxed all at once.
And without realizing it, she muttered,
"Vice Admiral… you can't do that…"
Rengoku, confused, steadied her upright and immediately let go.
"My apologies. I didn't mean to offend you!"
"Eh? Ehh?!"
Tashigi's eyes widened. That line—this wasn't a dream.
She remembered exactly what she had just said, too.
"N-No! That's not it! I do want to do it with you!"
CREAAK.
"Vice Admiral, the troops are assembled in the corridor."
It was Jose, who had accompanied Rengoku to Amazon Lily. He stepped into the office with the Marines selected for training.
The door had already been open, so he didn't bother knocking.
And so… roughly twenty Marines had just heard Tashigi's passionate outburst:
"I want to do it with you, Vice Admiral! Please, let me do it with you!"
...
Thus, for a while, a very strange rumor spread through Marineford Headquarters.
-----------------
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