Over the next few days, Kane lived a very successful life at Marineford.
By day, he was a highly respected Marine rising star with a limitless future, an idol to countless Marine Soldiers who looked up to him as the pinnacle of military excellence. By night, he was a diligent and tireless life mentor, reaping massive discipline points while gaining respect and admiration from his students at the same time. With the token of affection known as konpira, Gion's commitment to him reached a whole new level; she followed his every instruction to the point of near-blind obedience. This increased Kane's point-farming efficiency by several notches, making every evening a lucrative endeavor.
In his spare time, he would take his three best friends, Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino, to hide in a secret base, sipping aged wine and discussing the true meaning of justice. Living a life where he could walk tall in the headquarters, tease the future Admiral candidates at night, lead the future Three Admirals astray when bored, and harvest discipline points in bulk, Kane felt like he was flying high. He was even enjoying himself so much that he forgot about home.
However, peaceful days are always short-lived.
This afternoon, under the pretext of correcting sword-gripping posture, he held Gion in his arms, engaging in an in-depth exchange.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
A series of oppressive knocks on the door interrupted the romantic atmosphere in the office. Kane's brow furrowed in displeasure. He had long ago ordered that no one should approach while he was conducting private instruction.
"Rear Admiral Kane."
From outside the door came a voice without the slightest emotional ripple.
"By order of the highest level of the World Government, please come with us immediately."
The highest level of the World Government? Kane's eyes narrowed. Who else could claim to be the highest level of the World Government besides those five old men?
"Understood."
He gave Gion, who was already blushing furiously in his arms, a reassuring look, signaling her to go into the lounge first to avoid any unwanted questions. Then, he slowly put on his clothes before walking over to open the door.
Two men stood quietly outside. They wore spotless white suits, white top hats, and eerie masks that showed no expression at all. Their figures were upright, and their presence was as restrained as an abyss. But the sense of dread and oppression seeping from their bones was far beyond what any Marine officer could compare to.
CP0!
The World Government's top intelligence organization, the direct guards of the Celestial Dragons. Kane sneered inwardly. What was bound to come has finally arrived. He had made such a big stir; if the Gorosei hadn't reacted, they would have lived all those years in vain.
"Gentlemen, is there something I can help you with?" Kane had a look of appropriate confusion on his face.
"Rear Admiral Kane, the Gorosei wish to see you." The masked CP0 leader's voice was cold, with no respect at all. "Now, immediately, come with us to the Holy Land Mary Geoise."
"Oh? The Gorosei want to see me?" Kane put on a look of being flattered. "It is my honor. Please wait a moment, I need to change into a formal military uniform."
"Hurry!" the CP0 Agent interrupted coldly. "The Gorosei do not have time to wait for you."
The smile on Kane's face remained, but his eyes quietly chilled. Giving you face, and you don't want it. He didn't lash out; he just turned back, closed the office door, locked it, and walked straight into the inner lounge.
In the lounge, Gion was sitting nervously on the edge of the bed wrapped in a blanket, her pretty and heroic face filled with worry. Seeing Kane enter, she immediately stood up.
"Brother Kane, is it people from the World Government? Is it because of me..."
She thought their secret disciplinary relationship had been discovered, and her heart was full of guilt and unease.
"Don't be silly, it has nothing to do with you."
Kane picked up the brand-new coat of justice hanging nearby and walked over to Gion, his face once again wearing that signature gentle smile that could melt all anxiety.
"It is just that those old men have taken a bit of interest in me, this rising star, and want to talk to me about the future of justice. You know, exceptionally talented people always get special attention from above."
He reached out with his broad hand and gently stroked Gion's smooth black hair, a hint of doting and reluctance showing in his eyes.
"But while I'm away, you are not allowed to be lazy."
Kane's fingers slid down her hair and lightly tapped on the ornate scabbard of konpira, his tone becoming low and serious.
"You must feel the breath of this sword with your heart. When I return from Mary Geoise, I will be checking your homework. If your grip is still that stiff by then..."
He leaned down, his lips close to Gion's already red ear, his warm breath fanning her skin with a hint of ambiguous threat.
"Then... I will give you an even stricter punishment."
"Mm..."
Gion's body went limp, a current of electricity instantly surging through her whole body, her original worry instantly replaced by shyness and sweetness. She looked up, her beautiful eyes seemingly about to overflow with water, and nodded firmly.
"Yes! I... I will definitely work hard! I will wait here for you to return!"
"Good girl."
Kane smiled and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, as if treating his most cherished lover. After soothing Gion's emotions, Kane turned around, the tenderness on his face instantly vanishing, replaced by a hint of depth and calculation in the face of unknown risks. With a thought, he took out three Senzu Beans from the system space and hid them close to his body. This was his true trump card.
Mary Geoise was a dragon's den and a tiger's lair; even with the system, he was used to planning for the worst. Then, he put on a brand-new, spotless white Rear Admiral's coat and hung tensa zangetsu at his waist. After straightening his clothes, Kane took a deep breath and adjusted the curve of every muscle in his face.
When he turned around again, the black-bellied ambitious man had disappeared, replaced by that upright pillar of the Marine. He walked to the door and pulled it open abruptly. What the two CP0 Agents outside saw was a dignified, heroic, and perfect Marine radiating the light of justice. That calm and unhurried aura made even the two battle-hardened CP0 Agents freeze slightly.
"Let's go."
Kane looked at the smooth wall by the door, adjusted his high collar one last time, and revealed his signature, refreshing smile.
"Don't keep the Gorosei waiting."
He stepped out of the office, his pace firm and powerful, his voice even carrying a hint of appropriate anticipation.
"Coincidentally, I am also very curious to see what the legendary Holy Land actually looks like."
The news of Kane being taken away by CP0 quickly reached the ears of the Marine top brass.
In the Fleet Admiral's Office, Kong slammed his fist on the desk, making the teacups rattle.
"Bastards! Those CP jerks actually took someone right from under my nose!"
Sengoku pushed up his glasses, his expression equally grave. "They carry the Gorosei's orders; we have no right to interfere."
"What do those five old geezers want?" Garp picked his nose with an indifferent look, but a hint of worry flashed deep in his eyes. "That kid Kane might have a bit of a foul mouth, but his heart is in the right place."
Sengoku glanced at Garp, who was still speaking well of Kane, and sighed in his heart. He knew things were far from that simple. A summons from the Gorosei was always a test. Pass, and you would soar to the heavens. Fail...
"I hope that kid understands what should be said and what... should not."
Sengoku looked out the window at the stretch of sea leading to the Red Line, which at this moment seemed exceptionally deep.
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