"Vice Admiral Darren, all the tests are normal. Your wife and the baby are both in excellent health."
Marine Headquarters, Marineford—Military District Hospital.
The attending physician closed the chart, looked up with a smile, and delivered the news. Darren and Toki exhaled together, relief softening their faces.
"That's wonderful. Thank you, Doctor," Darren said, rising to shake her hand.
"You're very welcome," the middle-aged doctor replied warmly. As their hands parted, she leaned in and whispered, grateful, "I still haven't properly thanked you for what you did for my son."
"We're friends," Darren said with an easy smile. "Helping each other is natural. Think nothing of it."
A mother knows her child. She understood exactly how capable her son was—or wasn't. If he truly had what it took, he wouldn't still be a Headquarters Lieutenant at nearly thirty. She would retire in two years. Becoming attending physician to Vice Admiral Darren's wife and unborn child, she cared for Toki with meticulous diligence, while quietly hoping this chance might help her son.
She had only meant to test the waters—yet Vice Admiral Darren agreed at once.
What had he said?
"Lieutenant? No—Commander. Commander Kentaro."
The transfer order arrived within two days.
It was a desk post in the Logistics Department, likely the peak of her son's career—but at least he wouldn't be sent to the front lines. For her so-so son, it was perfect.
Remarkable, she marveled. Such overwhelming power—almost absolute. It was as if he could move the heavens with one hand.
What others saw as a casual favor had become a turning point for her family.
"Let's head back, Toki," Darren said gently, helping her up.
She was several months along now, her belly gently rounded; walking had become a little awkward. Yet the glow of pregnancy softened her features. Even with the added fullness, her poise and serenity radiated a quiet, maternal beauty.
"All right, husband," Toki said, offering the doctor a parting bow as Darren guided her from the room. Then, as if remembering something, she glanced up with a small, sweet smile. "Could you wait outside a moment? I have a few more questions for the doctor."
Darren paused, then nodded. "No problem."
Probably women's matters, he thought. And there was nothing to worry about—the tests were perfect, and the child was strong. The doctor had even said their baby would be far sturdier than most.
Two minutes later, Toki emerged, beaming, and took Darren's arm. "Let's go home."
He didn't teleport them back. On the doctor's advice, Toki was keeping active to support her fitness and immunity. Hand in hand, they strolled through Marineford's streets, drawing their share of envious glances.
"Darren!!"
A booming voice rolled down the avenue.
Darren stopped.
A cloud of dust kicked up as Kuzan barreled toward them and skidded to a halt.
"Hahaha! I knew you'd be back!" He dipped his head politely to Toki. "Hello, sister-in-law!"
Straightening, he puffed out his chest. "I'm Kuzan—Darren's lifelong friend and greatest rival! We've fought 135 times: Darren 85, me 50!"
Toki looked to Darren, puzzled. He could only offer a helpless shrug.
After a beat, she smiled and inclined her head. "Vice Admiral Kuzan, a pleasure. I'm Toki. My husband speaks of you often—he says you're a formidable opponent and a friend he deeply values."
"Really?!" Kuzan's eyes flared, locking onto Darren.
Darren: …
"Something like that," Darren said. "But I don't have time for a duel right now, Kuzan."
White steam snorted from Kuzan's nose as he nodded vigorously. "No problem. Next time!"
"I actually came to give you this." He produced an invitation and handed it over. "King Neptune of Ryugu Palace, Fish-Man Island—member state of the World Government—cordially invites Marine Headquarters representatives to his wedding ceremony three days from now."
Kuzan folded his arms, grinning. "You and I are the official Marine representatives."
Neptune's wedding? Darren accepted the invitation, its cover adorned with graceful fish-men in mid-swim. He flipped it open, his gaze pausing briefly on the name Otohime.
"Got it," he said with a smile. "Tell me when we depart."
---
After escorting Toki through Marineford's commercial district, Darren finally stole a rare moment of leisure. Back home, he hung up his cloak and turned—
—and froze.
Toki stood with quiet grace, gazing at him with tender warmth as her fingers loosened the sash of her kimono. A soft flush colored her cheeks; her skin glowed; her dark hair caught the light, all mature elegance and gentle allure.
"Toki, what are you…?" Darren stammered, stunned.
The scene felt familiar—and those white ankle socks…
"We… haven't been close in a while," she murmured, lowering her head, a delicate blush blooming across her flawless face. She had resolved to show her husband her most beautiful self.
"I asked the doctor," she said softly. "She said it's fine—as long as you're gentle. She even said it might be good for development."
She stepped closer, lifting her eyes. Innocence and shy allure mingled across her features. Darren's throat went dry.
A bright, contented smile blossomed on her face, anticipation shining in her eyes as she whispered, "…Take me."
Boom—
Darren's mind went white, all other thoughts burned away.
"Then we follow the doctor's orders," he declared solemnly.
To be continued...