The next morning, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting a warm glow over the bed.
Mike slowly opened his eyes, greeted by the crisp, fresh air unique to the early hours after a storm.
He gently slipped out from under the covers, moving with a lightness that wouldn't disturb the two "little kittens" that still sound asleep.
Glancing down at the twins nestled in the silken sheets, he tenderly stroked their hair before pressing a soft kiss to each of their foreheads.
With a faint, satisfied smile lingering on his lips, he silently stepped out of the room.
At the door, Commander Hayes and Kuro stood at attention, their postures rigid and their eyes alert—like two silent sentinels.
"Good morning, Captain Mike," they saluted in unison, their voices clear and resolute.
Mike gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping over their faces with a trace of approval before landing on his newest subordinate.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his tone casual yet carrying an undercurrent of genuine care as he patted Kuro's shoulder.
"After a good night's sleep, I feel fantastic, sir," a flicker of raw excitement flashed in Kuro's eyes.
The effect of the Senzu Bean was truly miraculous.
His external injuries had completely healed, and after a full night of rest, his mind and body felt sharper than ever.
"That's good to hear," Mike smiled faintly, his eyes softening.
"You're one of mine now. That damn dragon attacked you out of nowhere. So, I took a swing at him for you."
"Captain..." Kuro looked at Mike with a wave of gratitude, a warmth flooding his heart that he hadn't felt in years.
He knew the Captain's temperament well by now—the man rarely concerned himself with most matters or people.
But the moment Kuro had been hurt, Mike had acted without hesitation, pursuing the enemy himself to exact vengeance.
This kind of meticulous, resolute care gave Kuro a long-lost sense of belonging.
At this moment, he knew he had truly found his place.
"Captain, I did not choose the wrong person to follow," Kuro said, his voice fervent, his emotions nearly overflowing as he stared at Mike with burning determination.
"No matter what happens, I will stand by your side. Forever."
"It's nothing, just a small matter," Mike responded lightly.
He pulled a cigar from his pocket and deftly lit it.
Though the initial shock of nearly losing his first real subordinate had been jarring, the outcome had been a net positive.
Kuro was unharmed and now fiercely loyal, and he had awakened his Conqueror's Haki in the process.
A blessing in disguise.
His gaze drifted into the distance.
With Luffy's departure, the entire ocean would soon be thrown into chaos.
Captain was a good rank, but to maintain his leisurely life at Headquarters amidst the coming storm, he would need more than just one capable subordinate.
Kuro was the foundation, but he couldn't handle everything alone.
'Looking towards the future,' Mike mused.
'I still need more power... more assets.'
His mind immediately turned to CP9, the elite spy organization of the World Government.
Though they would eventually be defeated by Luffy, the potential of its members was undeniable.
'They are a goldmine of talent just waiting to be claimed,' he thought, a predatory glint in his eye.
He began to mentally assemble his future team.
'For raw combat and enforcement, I need Rob Lucci and Kaku.'
'For administrative skills, Kalifa is a rare talent, and Kuro will need the help'.
'The others can handle espionage and miscellaneous tasks.'
He recalled their future.
After their defeat, they would be framed by their former superior, Spandam, and hunted by the very government they had served.
It would be their most desperate hour.
'And that,' Mike schemed, 'is my golden recruitment opportunity.'
'I will swoop in, offer them a new path, a new purpose under my protection.'
'With my status as Kizaru's adjutant, securing them won't be an issue.'
With a team like that, his future would be secure.
Martial prowess from Lucci and Kaku.
Administrative genius from Kuro and Kalifa.
For any ordinary matter, he wouldn't even need to lift a finger.
'I'll just prepare to retire at Marine Headquarters! Ahahaha!'
"We've seen all that Loguetown has to offer," Mike said, snapping out of his pleasant daydream.
He took a deep drag from his cigar and casually addressed his men.
"Let's go."
"Captain, where to next?" Major Hayes asked cautiously.
"Alabasta!"
"Yes, sir!" The Major nodded without hesitation and turned to prepare the Log Pose.
Just then, a familiar "Vroom—!" broke the morning silence.
The roar of a three-wheeled motorcycle grew louder as Mike looked up to see Smoker riding toward them in a cloud of dust, a fresh cigar clenched between his teeth.
"Yo~" Mike grinned, a teasing glint in his eyes.
"Smokey, you're still here?" He was slightly surprised.
He had assumed Smoker would have already left in a blind rage, chasing the Straw Hats.
Smoker exhaled a ring of smoke, his expression uncharacteristically relaxed.
"I didn't leave."
"That's the right call!" Mike laughed and clapped Smoker on the shoulder.
"Staying in Loguetown is a great choice! The Grand Line is way too risky."
"Hop on, let's go," Smoker grinned, waving his hand and signaling for Mike to get in the bike.
"Huh? Get on?" Mike froze, looking at Smoker in confusion.
"Where are we going?"
Smoker's grin widened, a look of pure, unadulterated pride on his face.
"The motorcycle shop."
"Huhh???"