Chapter 15: Chief of Staff Tsuru's Granddaughter, The Ultimate Foil!
After presiding over the promotion ceremony, Fleet Admiral Sengoku hurriedly left the parade ground. According to Garp's explanation, Sengoku had gone to Mary Geoise to discuss with the World Government leaders how to resolve the recent incident.
It seemed that after Doflamingo learned his cadre had been severely injured and captured by the Marines, he must have contacted the Five Elders immediately. Ian didn't care in the slightest how they planned to resolve it. He wasn't naive enough to think a single action like his would make the World Government and the Marines decide to expel Doflamingo from the Shichibukai. If the World Government did that, wouldn't all their efforts in recruitment become a joke?
Admirals Akainu and Kizaru had not attended the ceremony. It seemed they were on missions and not at Headquarters. Most of the other Vice Admirals, Commodores, and Captains had made appearances and, to some extent, featured in the original work. Once Garp introduced them, Ian could quickly identify them and formed a clear impression of these individuals in his mind.
"Ian, this is... ahem... Captain Peacock of Marine Headquarters." When introducing a young woman, Garp's tone suddenly became hesitant. "She's the same age as you, also a Devil Fruit user. She's very capable... an outstanding young rising star in the Marines!"
Peacock!
Her current position at Marine Headquarters was Captain, and she was a "Whip User" who had eaten the Paramecia-type Whip-Whip Fruit.
The real reason for Garp's hesitation wasn't Peacock's strength, but the identity and background he deliberately concealed.
As someone with knowledge of the future, Ian had an impression of most Devil Fruit users. Peacock's identity and background were that she was the granddaughter of Chief of Staff Tsuru—a true third-generation Marine!
She had long strawberry-blonde hair and emerald green eyes. She wore a hat with a seagull and floral pattern, prominently featuring the letter "M." A Marine cape draped over her shoulders, but the most eye-catching item was the strapless red polka-dot dress she wore beneath it. It wasn't held up by a belt, but relied entirely on her impressive figure to keep the hem firmly in place. Compared to the calm and elegant Chief of Staff Tsuru, her image and personality presented a sharp contrast.
Three years later, Peacock would hold another identity: a member of the Marines' secret special forces, the SWORD unit. As a Captain now, she likely hadn't joined SWORD yet. This made sense, as another key member of SWORD, the "Deserter King" Koby, hadn't even joined the Marines at this point.
"Hello, Captain Peacock. I'm Jock Ian. I look forward to your guidance in the future." Since Garp hadn't introduced her background, Ian pretended not to know and politely shook her hand.
However, as he was about to withdraw his hand, Ian couldn't help but frown. Peacock raised her red lips in a smirk, exerting hidden strength without making a sound, even subtly employing Armament Haki. A creaking sound came from their clasped hands.
"Commodore Jock Ian, congratulations on your promotion and joining Headquarters." Her voice was sweet, but her words carried a bite. "So tall and strong, with such a fierce look... how cute~ I'd really love to have a little sparring session sometime. Defeating a pirate with a bounty in the tens of millions is no reason to get too proud, you know? And just now... were you staring at my figure with lustful eyes?"
Ian cursed inwardly: This woman is playing with fire!
In all his years in the East Blue, he had always been the one to tease others. To be teased like this in front of so many important people today? It was more than just teasing; her words sounded flirtatious, but the actions of her hands were clearly hostile and provocative.
Just as Ian was about to retaliate, Garp suddenly interrupted, "Hey, Peacock, let go of his hand. This is my new favorite disciple. Rein in your... peculiar temper."
Hearing Garp's words, Peacock smiled and released Ian's hand. "Alright, alright, since little Garp says so, why would I be in a bad mood? There's plenty of time ahead, Commodore Ian. Hehehe~" Peacock let out a few unnerving giggles, then turned and left the scene with a sway of her hips.
Garp rubbed his forehead helplessly and didn't elaborate further on Peacock. Instead, he said, "Come on, Ian, I'll continue introducing you to the others. Marine Headquarters is a big place; there are bound to be a few oddballs. You'll get used to it."
Ian shrugged, silently making a mental note about Peacock.
...
After the promotion ceremony, near the Fifth Training Ground.
Captain Hina and her aide, Lieutenant Morgan, were hurrying to their temporary quarters at Headquarters. The collective meeting and promotion ceremony she had participated in today had completely ignited a competitive desire within Hina.
In terms of starting point, Hina's was much higher than Ian's. But now, he had surpassed her and become a hot new star at Headquarters. Of course, after witnessing Ian's strength, it was all understandable. These were the rewards Ian deserved. But as a member of the younger generation of Marines, Hina felt an inexplicable, powerful sense of frustration.
Especially when recalling their encounter with the Warlord's ship that day—she had chosen to detour, while Ian had chosen to uphold the bottom line of justice. The final outcome was the key factor that truly struck Hina.
Whoosh!
Just as Hina was feeling down, a figure caught up with the two of them. It was Ian, wearing a brand new Commodore uniform, looking imposing and majestic!
"Captain Hina, I clearly saw you at the promotion ceremony earlier. You left early during the greetings with the officers after the meeting. After all, you're the person I'm most familiar with here at Headquarters. Why so cold? Am I the only one who thinks we're friends?" Ian walked straight up to Hina and asked sincerely.
Hina was slightly startled and unconsciously avoided Ian's gaze. "Congratulations, Ian, on your promotion to Commodore of Headquarters. I just had something urgent to attend to, so I left first. Hina and you are colleagues, and of course... we are also friends."
Even the officers in the conference room had been impressed by Ian's integrity and courage, let alone Hina, who had witnessed Ian's performance at sea firsthand—his bravery, fearlessness, and immense strength. He was simply the "embodiment of justice" that countless Marines yearned for. Who could refuse such a sincere offer of friendship from a future star of the Marines?
"Hina, I almost forgot. Thanks for reminding me." Ian's tone suddenly turned stern. "I'm a Commodore now, so... Attention!"
Morgan was so frightened he immediately dropped to one knee and saluted.
Hina: "???"
After a few seconds to process this, Hina's eyes widened, but she snapped to attention and saluted.
"Remember one thing at Headquarters: obeying the orders of a superior officer is a Marine's duty! Both of you, left face! It doesn't matter which training ground this is... just run fifty laps around the field in front of you! Report back to me after you finish. For every lap missed, you'll run ten extra!" Ian's words hung in the air.
Morgan immediately replied, almost crying, "Yes, Commodore Ian!"
Hina turned her head, her expression clearly saying, "Alright, alright, you're really holding a grudge, aren't you?" She nodded and whispered, "Understood, Ian... Commodore!"
Watching Hina's slender, stubborn back as she ran off, Ian suddenly felt a twinge of regret.
He couldn't help but mutter to himself:
"Hey... fifty laps... was that too few?"