Marine Headquarters, Marshal's Office
"Chiga, this is the appointment letter from Headquarters. You haven't officially graduated yet, but they've decided to make an exception. You're being given the rank of Colonel and assigned temporarily to Sabaody Archipelago," said Sengoku, handing over a neatly folded uniform and a sealed document.
Chiga glanced through the letter, then met Sengoku's eyes. "Understood, Marshal Sengoku. Should I head out immediately?"
"Yes. This assignment has already been delayed. Your deployment to Sabaody isn't just a Marine decision—it comes directly from the World Government as well. Be careful."
Chiga raised an eyebrow. The World Government? Were they already watching him? "Do they have any specific instructions?"
Sengoku shook his head. "Nothing direct. But I have a hunch. You've stood out during your time here, and they've taken notice. The Government probably believes you'll be someone important in the future… and they want to observe you up close. You should know—the Celestial Dragons frequent Sabaody to buy slaves. Your attitude toward them will be watched closely."
He paused before continuing, "I don't need to tell you how things are. You've seen enough to understand. But as Marshal, I still have to say this: don't provoke the Celestial Dragons. If you can't tolerate them, avoid them. They rarely bother with the Marines anyway."
Sengoku's expression was serious. He clearly feared that a strong-willed recruit like Chiga might act rashly. After all, one wrong move near the Celestial Dragons could destroy a future as bright as Chiga's.
Chiga nodded. He wasn't some hotheaded kid, not mentally. He understood the weight of what was being said. "I promise, I won't cause any unnecessary trouble."
Only after hearing that did Sengoku allow himself to relax. He waved a hand. "Good. You're dismissed."
As Chiga stepped out of the office, he nearly ran into Garp. The grizzled Vice Admiral grinned and immediately slung an arm around Chiga's shoulders. "Isn't this Chiga! Come on, come on, let's grab some senbei from Sengoku's stash!"
Chiga chuckled and shook his head. "Just came from there. I'll pass on the freeloading."
Garp noticed the document in his hand. "What's that? Assignment letter? You graduate early or something? Where are they sending you?"
Chiga replied, "Not early graduation. Just… sort of an internship. I'm being stationed at Sabaody."
Garp froze. "Sabaody? That damn place? Why are they sending you there? That's where the Celestial Dragons crawl around. Rotten bastards, the lot of them!"
"GARP!! What nonsense are you yelling now?! Get in here!!"
Sengoku's furious voice roared from the office.
Garp made a face toward the doorway but quickly turned back to Chiga. "Anyway, kid—seriously. Be careful. Stay away from the Celestial Dragons as much as you can."
Chiga nodded once more. "Thanks, Vice Admiral Garp. I'll keep that in mind."
With that, he took his leave. As soon as he stepped outside the building, he activated his ability and flew off toward the port.
Medis, resting lazily on his shoulder, stirred. "Master… what are Celestial Dragons? Why is everyone warning you about them? Are they that strong?"
Chiga scoffed. "Strong? No. Just trash wrapped in gold. One day, I'll carry a few bags of rice up the Red Line."
"Rice?" Medis blinked. "Are we delivering food to them?"
"No. I mean I'll crush them."
"Ohhh! Then I'll help carry the bags! Let's bring lots of rice, Master! I believe in you!"
Chiga chuckled and reached up to scratch her under the chin. Medis purred in delight. "You sure believe in me a lot."
"Of course! Master is unbeatable!"
Soon after, they reached the port. Chiga scanned the ships until his eyes landed on one bearing a familiar, bold character on its sail—"Crane."
He smirked.
Vice Admiral Tsuru's warship. There was no mistaking it.
As he approached, he spotted someone leaning over the railing—Gion. She waved at him cheerfully.
Since their verbal skirmish that night, this was their first meeting. Chiga's lips twitched slightly as he recalled it, earning a roll of the eyes from Medis.
Today, Gion wore her standard justice cloak and a crisp uniform, radiating confidence and elegance. Chiga glanced at his own uniform. No cloak. He felt slightly cheated.
Shrugging, he skipped the stairs and soared through the air, landing smoothly on the deck.
Immediately, he noticed the crew—entirely made up of female Marines—turning to look at him.
"Who's that? He's cute."
"Wait, isn't that a Colonel's uniform?"
"He looks so young. Is he here to see someone?"
"Didn't Vice Admiral Tsuru ban men from boarding without official reasons?"
Before they could gossip further, Gion approached, heels clicking confidently on the deck.
She smiled brightly, though she kept her hands to herself. "Surprise! It's me again, your ride to your new post."
Chiga smiled. "I didn't expect this, but I'm not complaining."
"Hehe~"
"Vice Admiral Tsuru isn't onboard?"
"Nope. She stayed back at Headquarters. This warship's all mine now."
"Well then, I'll be in your care, Sister Gion."
"That depends on how obedient you are, little brother Chiga~"
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