When Akainu returned in defeat, Sengoku was the first to hear the news. He had been ready to tear Akainu a new one, but considering that he had dealt with the Riku family, and factoring in his past merits, Sengoku let him off the hook.
Upon returning to Marineford, Akainu brought Rebecca and Elizabello II to the Fleet Admiral's office.
Inside, Sengoku sat with a dark expression, not bothering to hide his displeasure.
Akainu, seeing his superior's sour face, remained impassive. He knew he was in the wrong for failing his mission, so it was only natural to endure some of his leader's wrath.
"Akainu, why did you bring these two here?" Sengoku asked, confused.
"Fleet Admiral, this is Elizabello II and his daughter, Rebecca. As the king of a nation affiliated with the World Government, he attempted to aid King Riku. I have brought him here to await your judgment," Akainu reported meticulously.
"King of the Prodence Kingdom, Elizabello II! Are you looking to die? Do you wish to challenge the authority of the World Government and the Marines?" Upon hearing this, Sengoku shot up from his seat, glaring at Elizabello II with fury.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, it is all my fault. I will submit to whatever punishment the Marines see fit, as long as you spare my daughter," Elizabello II said, dropping to his knees with a thud and begging for mercy.
Sengoku had never intended to harm the girl, but Elizabello's dramatic display caught him off guard.
Sensing Sengoku's hesitation, and fearing he might agree to the king's plea, Akainu interjected with his own idea.
"Fleet Admiral, since Elizabello II is from an affiliated nation, he must be punished for offending the authority of the World Government and the Marines. However, if we were to deal with him directly, it could cause instability in the Prodence Kingdom, which would not be to our advantage. For security, I strongly recommend that his daughter join the Marines and contribute to our cause," Akainu stated with righteous conviction.
Sengoku's eyes lit up. He saw even further than Akainu. There were far too many restless kingdoms on the seas. If they could get a hold of some leverage, it would save the Marines a lot of headaches. Of course, such a thing was difficult to achieve. What king would be foolish enough to let their heir become a Marine? It would only work with a child like Rebecca, who was only four or five years old.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, direct everything at me! My daughter is still young!" Elizabello II cried out in desperation, hearing Akainu's words.
"That's enough, Elizabello II. You don't need to say any more," Sengoku said, his tone turning threatening. "I think Admiral Akainu's idea is excellent. We are all one entity. Are you unwilling to contribute to the Marines?"
Hearing this, Elizabello's heart sank. Rebecca, clinging to his side, remained quiet. She already knew everything—knew that Akainu was responsible for her family's death. But to survive, she had to endure, no matter how difficult. Besides, she wanted revenge, and what better place to get it than within the Marines? This was the place that could grant her wish.
"Akainu, take the young lady to Vice Admiral Tsuru. As for you, Elizabello II, while we won't take your life, the fine you will pay will not be small."
Akainu prepared to lead Rebecca away. Though the little girl hated him, she was cooperative, following him without protest.
Elizabello II had no choice but to compromise, watching helplessly as his old friend's granddaughter was taken away. Tears streamed down his face.
Sengoku understood his reaction and had his men lead him away, letting him have his moment to grieve.
Akainu brought Rebecca to Vice Admiral Tsuru's office. Tsuru's kind and benevolent face was a world away from Akainu's fierce and menacing scowl.
Akainu explained the situation to Tsuru and then departed. With the burden off his hands, he was done with the matter.
Rebecca was an adorable, rosy-cheeked child, and her yellow dress hinted at her noble upbringing. Knowing the full story, Tsuru felt a deep sense of compassion for the little girl who had bravely stepped forward to take responsibility for her "father" and atone for his actions.
While she doubted a noble child like Rebecca could adapt to Marine life, her courage and sense of duty reminded Tsuru of her own dear friend, Vice Admiral Gion.
With a soft spot for the girl already, Tsuru immediately accepted Sengoku's arrangement.
"Your name is Rebecca, isn't it?" Tsuru asked gently, looking at the shy child.
Rebecca kept her head down and whispered, "I am Rebecca. I will become a glorious Marine."
Her words tugged at Tsuru's heart. She immediately went to Rebecca's side and pulled her into a warm embrace. "Don't be afraid," she comforted her softly. "From now on, I will be your grandmother. I'm here for you, Rebecca."
Rebecca's body, which had been tense, finally relaxed in Tsuru's arms.
Tsuru felt the change and gently stroked Rebecca's pink hair with a loving hand.
"Grandma…" Rebecca whispered hesitantly, feeling a sense of family she thought she had lost forever.
"Good girl," Tsuru said, patting her back, her heart filled with joy.
Rebecca hugged Tsuru tightly, and all the pain and sorrow of the past few days came pouring out in a flood of tears.
"Waaaaahhh…"
"Go on and cry. It will be better once you've let it all out," Tsuru said, holding her and offering comfort.
It was a tender, heartwarming scene.
"Tsuru-chan! Tsuru-chan, are you in there?"
Garp's booming voice, like a broken gong, shattered the peaceful atmosphere.
In that moment, Tsuru finally understood exactly how Sengoku felt.
"Garp!" Tsuru frowned at his sudden appearance, her expression anything but welcoming.
"Sorry, sorry, Tsuru-chan, I…" Garp scratched the back of his head awkwardly, trying to brush it off.
"You, Garp… you've scared my granddaughter," Tsuru said, knowing him too well to argue further.
From behind Garp, a stunningly beautiful face peeked out, a warm smile on her lips.
"Vice Admiral Garp, I told you that you'd get scolded by my sister if you just barged in like that," Gion, also known as Momousagi, said with a giggle.
"Gion, I don't remember you saying that! Tsuru-chan, sorry, sorry. Granddaughter? This is your granddaughter?" Garp said boisterously, his eyes widening in surprise at the word.
Gion also looked curiously at the child in Tsuru's arms.
Seeing their inquisitive gazes, Tsuru announced openly, "Yes, my newly adopted granddaughter, Rebecca."
"That's wonderful! Now I have a little sister!" Gion said happily, leaning in to smile at Rebecca.
Rebecca looked back at her with curiosity, not fear.
Garp scratched his head, confused. "Why would she call you sister? Shouldn't she call you grandma, too?"
"Garp!" Tsuru's voice rose several octaves.
Gion's expression changed several times, a sight Rebecca found quite amusing.
"Vice Admiral Garp, I want Rebecca to call me sister. Is that any of your business?" Gion shot back before turning to Rebecca. "Come on, Rebecca, call me sister."
Stared at by the beautiful woman, Rebecca shyly obliged, calling out, "Sister," much to Gion's delight.
"Tsuru-chan, how about I help you raise your granddaughter? My grandson could use…" Garp suggested, trying to make up for his blunder.
"Stop right there, Garp," Tsuru cut him off, her face dark. "With your parenting style? I wouldn't trust you!"
"Exactly! Vice Admiral Garp, Rebecca will surely become a great Marine, just like me!" Gion chimed in.
"Bwahahaha! If you don't want to, then fine! Too bad, it would have been great for her to be with my grandson!" Garp laughed heartily.
Far away, on a mountain behind Foosha Village, Luffy let out a sudden sneeze. He paid it no mind and continued his charge toward the wild boar in front of him.
"Hey, Luffy, you okay? I just heard you sneeze," Ace asked with concern, holding his pipe.
"I'm fine, Ace! Watch me send it flying! Gomu Gomu no…" Luffy yelled back, launching himself at the boar.
Unfortunately, the little Luffy was still no match for it.
"Ace, help!" he cried out.
"I'm coming, Luffy! You're such a handful of a little brother," Ace grumbled, but his movements were swift as he leaped to the rescue.
Afterward, the two brothers lay beside the defeated boar, happily celebrating their victory.
"Luffy, you have to get stronger."
"I know! I'm gonna be the King of the Pirates! Shishishi!"