Late at night, the sea breeze carried a salty chill as it swept past the G-3 Branch.
The base had long since sunk into silence, with only the footsteps of patrolling soldiers echoing through the empty corridors.
Inside the Branch Head's office, however, the lights were still blazing.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
A crisp knocking sound came from outside.
Balancing a large tray on her head, Hibari stood at the door. On the tray was a late-night meal carefully prepared by Sanji.
"Come in."
Hawke's slightly hoarse voice came from inside the room, as though he had been in a long discussion.
Hibari pushed the door open and stepped inside, momentarily stunned by the sight before her.
The spacious office was filled with papers and drafts spread across the massive desk. Hawke and Zephyr were leaning close together, engrossed in their discussion over the documents.
It seemed the two of them had been talking all night.
"Clink—"
Hibari carefully set the tray down on the nearby tea table.
Her gaze fell on the documents scattered across the desk, their titles growing stranger with each glance.
"G-3 Branch Military Reform Proposal."
"Recruit Psychological Evaluation Model, Version 1.2."
"Merit-Based Promotion System Based on Data Analysis."
"Tri-Unit Coordinated Combat Manual for Marine Squads."
Beside the manual lay an even thicker document titled "G-3 Branch Soldier Compensation and Welfare Security Plan," which detailed vacation time and bonuses allocated according to rank, position, and wartime achievements.
Eventually, Hibari's attention was drawn to the document in Zephyr's hands.
He was reading it with extreme focus, his one intact hand trembling faintly.
On the cover page, bold letters spelled out its title:
"Integrated Marine Family Support and Logistics Plan."
"..."
Zephyr's fingers brushed over the cold paper as though it carried the weight of a thousand tons.
He flipped to a page, and the contents stabbed into the softest, most painful depths of his heart like needles.
"Families of fallen soldiers (parents, spouses, and children) will receive the Marine's highest-level death benefit, paid monthly until the surviving relative passes away."
"The merit earned by fallen soldiers can be converted into special points, allowing their families to take priority in moving into Marine-exclusive secure housing communities."
"Severely injured soldiers who are no longer able to serve can be reassigned to Marine logistics departments while retaining their current pay grade, ensuring financial stability."
"..."
Each clause was clear, cold, and precise—yet beneath the clinical language flowed an undeniable warmth.
Zephyr thought of his wife. He thought of his son.
"Hawke…"
His voice was hoarse as he lifted his head sharply.
"Has this… has this entire system already been implemented here at G-3 Branch?!"
Only someone who had experienced soul-crushing loss could understand what this level of security meant to a Marine who had dedicated his life to justice.
This wasn't just about money.
This was dignity. Recognition.
This was what gave a man the courage to shed his last drop of blood on the battlefield with a smile on his face!
"Yes."
Hawke met Zephyr's gaze and answered firmly.
"I believe that only a soldier with no fears for his family can give his heart completely on the battlefield!"
"We need to make sure both they and their families understand that when they bleed for the Marines,"
"…the Marines will always be the strongest shield standing behind them!"
"!!!"
"Boom—"
Zephyr felt as though thunder exploded in his mind.
Loyalty. Training. Belief. Honor. Logistics…
At that moment, all the fragmented concepts were seamlessly woven together into a complete, systematic, and airtight military doctrine through Hawke's words.
From recruitment to retirement, from the soldier himself to his entire family—every aspect had been dissected and optimized.
"..."
The training philosophy Zephyr had spent decades building—his greatest pride—was now trembling, shaken to its core.
He finally understood why Sengoku called Hawke "the future of the Marines."
He finally understood why Sakazuki viewed him as the sole successor to the Hawk Faction.
What this young man carried in his mind…
Was far more terrifying than his monstrous strength.
"No wonder…"
Zephyr muttered under his breath, his voice low and rough.
"No wonder you were able to train a force like that…"
"Kid, quickly!"
He urged anxiously, slamming a hand on the desk.
"Explain that… that 'Post-War Psychological Trauma Intervention System' to me in detail! Hurry!"
"..."
"At least eat something first."
Hibari gently pushed the steaming plates toward the two men, softly reminding them.
Only then did Hawke and Zephyr snap out of their trance, hastily wolfing down food while continuing their intense discussion—one that could redefine the very future of the Marines.
Hawke glanced at Zephyr's absorbed expression as he scribbled furiously.
"..."
A complicated wave stirred in Hawke's chest.
He thought of the old man before him—the man who had devoted his entire life to the Marines—and the tragic fate that awaited him in the original timeline.
His family… slaughtered by vengeful pirates.
His students… massacred by a future Shichibukai, his right arm shattered beyond repair.
In the end, disillusioned with the Marines, he would defect, waging war against the entire world of pirates by himself…
Only to be killed by one of his own former students.
Zephyr's life… was both magnificent and unbearably cruel.
Tragic. Ironic.
"But…"
Hawke stared out the window, silently murmuring to himself.
"Zephyr-sensei… since you've come to G-3 Branch,"
"…the tides within the Marines are already beginning to shift."
"The twisted Shichibukai system will soon be crushed."
"And your tragic ending… will never come to pass."
"Haaah—"
Hawke let out a long breath and lifted his head.
Unknowingly, the night outside had faded, replaced by the pale glow of dawn stretching across the horizon.
Morning had come.
Now, the G-3 Branch was safeguarded by five elite Vice Admirals from Marine Headquarters, making its defenses nearly unbreakable.
Zephyr-sensei personally oversaw new recruit training, ensuring an endless flow of fresh blood for the Marines.
Dane managed the base meticulously, following Hawke's strategic framework, keeping every detail running smoothly.
The rear lines were now solid. Unshakable.
"Then…"
A cold, deep fire burned in Hawke's eyes.
"It's time I continued my journey!"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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