The first light of dawn spilled from a clear blue sky, sketching everything in fine gold. A soft breeze stirred, and crystalline dew slipped from coral and leaves, their shimmering surfaces catching the warmth.
Inside the hotel suite, chaos reigned. Clothes were strewn everywhere; a long dress lay torn to ribbons; even the plush bed had partially collapsed.
"Now that was a truly exhilarating battle…" Darren stood before the full-length mirror, suit crisp, energy restored. As he carefully straightened his black tie, a smirk tugged at his lips.
"I—I was merely upholding world order. Don't… don't get the wrong idea," Stussy protested weakly from the ruined bed, pupils unfocused, crimson lips parted. She turned her head stubbornly, teeth set.
But her voice betrayed her unease.
"Yeah, yeah. Congratulations on successfully maintaining world peace," Darren said, rolling his eyes.
Tsundere behavior really was in a woman's nature. Just last night she had been clinging to him.
The memory of her hazy, breathless cries of "Master" sent a wash of indescribable satisfaction through him.
"I'm off. Battleships don't wait."
He lit a cigar, clamped it between his teeth, and strode out with a triumphant grin.
The door clicked shut.
Stussy lay motionless for a long half hour before she managed to sit up. Her gaze fell on the two "正" tally marks etched on her thighs. Shame flushed her alluring face; she ground her teeth.
"That shameless bastard… Now I can never wear short skirts again!"
---
Fish-Man Island, Inner Harbor.
The battleship had already been coated; its sails unfurled, the bold strokes of "Justice" billowing across the canvas.
The harbor teemed with people.
"Vice Admiral Darren, I love you!"
"Darren-san, please visit the Battigua Kingdom!"
"Vice Admiral Darren—!"
Royal consorts, noble ladies, and princesses from various Member States ignored the murderous glares of their fathers and husbands, batting their lashes at their ideal lover. Some even wept.
Farther back, Fish-Man Island's people waved wildly.
"Darren-nii! Don't forget our promise! When I grow up, I'll marry you!"
On Germa 66's fortress battleship, little Reiju clung to Vinsmoke Judge's leg, waving tiny hands, face flushed.
Darren stood on the deck, smiling and waving in every direction.
"Darren's really popular! No wonder he's my worthy rival!" Kuzan watched the tall, dashing figure with sparkling eyes, excitement practically radiating off him.
"Tch. What's so great about him… Housekeeping told me he never left his room last night," Tokikake scoffed, lip curled. "So what if he's popular? All talk, no action—a coward with big ideas."
Amid cheers and farewells, the battleship eased away, clearing the inner harbor and passing through the entrance channel, escorted by Ryugu Palace guards riding sea beasts, before settling onto its designated sea route.
Behind them, the dreamlike underwater paradise dwindled, and the dark hush of the deep sea closed in around the ship.
"Vice Admiral Garp, we're heading straight back to Headquarters, right?" Darren asked, lighting a cigar and sinking into a beach chair, eyes closing. Last night's ferocity had drained him; drowsiness lapped at his mind.
"Yep. The Shichibukai investiture is about to start," Garp said, producing a bag of senbei from who-knew-where and crunching away with a wide grin. "If I'm not mistaken, some of the Shichibukai should already be arriving at Marineford."
Darren narrowed his eyes, smiling. "Then Headquarters is about to get lively…"
---
Marine Headquarters, Admiral's Office.
A kettle simmered, filling the room with fragrant steam.
Staff Officer Tsuru lifted the teapot and poured for Sengoku and herself. "Try this," she said, sliding a cup across.
"Mmm. Wonderful aroma…" Sengoku inhaled deeply, satisfaction easing across his face.
He was in excellent spirits.
No Garp sneaking in to steal his senbei; no Kuzan's fiery enthusiasm rattling the halls; no Tokikake's endless pestering…
At last, peace.
"This tea was a gift from that boy Darren," Tsuru said, taking a delicate sip.
Sengoku paused, a wistful look crossing his face. "I'll give him this: the rascal knows how to win people over." He recalled the massive box of privately baked senbei Darren had sent to his family quarters.
"He causes fewer headaches than the other brats," Tsuru murmured with a faint smile. "Aside from his womanizing."
Sengoku waved it off. "Please. Men have flaws. No one's perfect. The kid's got it all—looks, build, power… Of course women are drawn to him. Can't exactly tell him to stop being so charming, can you?"
A messenger knocked and entered, presenting a Visual Den Den Mushi. "Report, Admiral Sengoku. A video message from Vice Admiral Garp on Fish-Man Island."
"I see," Sengoku said, taking the device and dismissing the aide.
He started the playback, turning to Tsuru with a smile. "And even if he's a bit of a womanizer, what harm could it—what in the world is this?!"
His eyes bulged; his jaw dropped. Tsuru choked and sprayed tea.
The Den Den Mushi projected a staggering scene: a swarm of royal family members and noble ladies from Member States crowded around a tall, handsome Marine vice admiral—groping, kissing, and shamelessly flirting.
A flock of brilliantly dressed women fluttered around him, giggling like silver bells.
The vice admiral, utterly at ease, teased them one by one, making them tremble with delight, eyes gleaming like spring water.
In the background, kings, nobles, and dignitaries glared murderously.
Sengoku: …
Tsuru: …
"Sengoku… what were you just saying?" Tsuru asked, lip twitching.
Sengoku: …
Watching the scene unfold, he wanted to slap himself. He'd thought Garp, Kuzan, and Tokikake were unreliable, so he'd sent Darren to the wedding instead—counting on the kid's political savvy and adaptability to keep things orderly.
He never imagined Darren would be the biggest problem of all.
Suddenly, the clamor of a brawl and agonized screams erupted outside the window, laced with arrogant laughter.
Bang! The office door slammed open.
A messenger stumbled in, pale and breathless. "Report! Admiral Sengoku, we have a situation! The Shichibukai… have arrived!"
Sengoku and Tsuru traded a look of alarm.
To be continued...