"Hey, this is it, look."
"This really was such a long time ago..." Kuina took the photo, her expression somewhat odd.
"It's been five years, hasn't it? Did you cut this out from a newspaper? I can't believe you kept it until now, it's already a little yellowed..."
She wouldn't mention that she also cut it out back then.
She just didn't carry it with her, but carefully stuck it onto her cherished lamp, so that every time she read, she could see it with a glance upward.
Unfortunately, a year later, some damned thief stole her lamp, leaving her with no outlet for her anger that day, so she gave Zoro a good beating.
"It is very old... But it's super cool! Don't you think?"
Tashigi pushed up her glasses, recalling the past with eyes full of longing.
"Did you know? When I saw this report back then, I stayed up all night shaving my clothes pole into a bamboo sword! Practicing diligently every day, later joining the Navy, dreaming that one day I could be like him, using the Sword of Justice to protect the peace of this sea..."
The girl who was shy and bashful just moments ago suddenly burst out with this long string of eager and excited words, making Nojiko and Nami glance at each other.
"Hey, I say."
Nami was fully absorbed in listening, but Nojiko couldn't hold back any longer, quietly leaning close to Kuina's ear:
"This is exactly like you, are you sure you don't have any blood relation? Maybe we should call Mr. Koushirou right now and ask?"
"Get lost!"
Kuina pushed her away grumpily, then turned to Tashigi with a cheerful smile:
"Don't worry, today is the day your dream comes true. In just a few more minutes, he'll be here. You can look as much as you want, and you'll even get to have lunch with him."
Eh? Eh? Eh?
Have lunch together?!!
Tashigi's glasses slipped down to the tip of her nose, her breath suddenly quickening, her face turning as red as an apple:
"R-really, is it really true... Huh, why am I so lucky today? Am I dreaming, first I meet Lady Kuina, and now, also get to be with Lord Shano..."
Aah! The girl covered her face as if she would faint from happiness.
Just as she felt like she would float up like a bubble, she was suddenly jolted by a thunderous shout beside her ear.
"Recruit Tashigi!"
A Sergeant from the Navy, his face full of muscle, somehow happened to pass by and noticed her, sternly saying:
"Why are you still wandering around? Haven't you received the news? Colonel Smoker's ship is returning early, and will soon arrive back at the port!!"
"All personnel at the base are temporarily canceling leave, and that includes you. Now hurry back to the base, change into your uniform, and get to the dock to line up and await orders!"
What?
At this time, of all times!
Tashigi looked up at her superior as if struck by lightning, her emotions soaring just moments ago, now plummeting to the depths.
"W-why, Sergeant?"
She was on the verge of tears, trying to make a last stand, "Didn't Mr. Smoker always dislike such fanfare? Why would he give such an order?"
"This isn't from Colonel Smoker, but from higher up, I don't know who exactly."
The Sergeant cast a peculiar glance at Kuina, then turned back, coldly adding:
"Anyway, I heard some really important VIP is arriving, and the Sheriff and the Administrative Officer of Log Town have already gone to the dock to welcome them. As a little recruit, you shouldn't worry so much, just follow orders!"