One Piece: Marine's Justice

"Mm-hmm~ I understand!"

"Don't worry, they won't hurt anyone."

"It's a necessary sacrifice… all in the name of justice."

In the Fleet Admiral's office, Kong held the receiver of a Den Den Mushi, speaking earnestly with someone on the other end. His tone alternated between calm persuasion and subtle threats.

Standing a few steps in front of the desk, Cross studied the man intently.

He was an imposing elder with a broad chest, tanned skin, and a thick white beard and hair shaped like the kanji for "mountain" (山). A stitched scar ran beneath his left eye. Dressed in a white suit adorned with medals and a soft yellow scarf around his neck, he wore a Justice coat with golden epaulets draped over his shoulders. His presence was unwavering and commanding, like a mountain rooted in the earth.

This man was none other than the Fleet Admiral of the Marines—Steel Bone Kong!

It wasn't until a long moment later that Kong finally hung up, turning his gaze toward Cross. After studying him for a few seconds, he gave an approving nod and smiled.

"Even though the walking statues running amok in Skoggy, the Sculpture City, are a bit of a headache, you handled things on Carocal Island rather well."

"Thank you for your praise, Fleet Admiral. I did it all for justice," Cross replied solemnly.

"That's the spirit, everything for justice," Kong echoed with a smile, then his tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious.

"In recognition of your actions on Carocal Island, a promotion would've been in order. However, since you're about to enter the Marine Academy, this achievement will be held in reserve. Once you graduate, your merit will be restored in full, and I'll personally award your new rank."

"Understood, and thank you, Fleet Admiral!" Cross replied with visible delight, snapping off a sharp salute.

In truth, he wasn't that concerned about rank itself, what he really valued was the autonomy that came with promotion.

The higher your rank, the fewer people who could boss you around. Without a rank, even as a promising recruit, everyone above you was a superior officer. That was… well, a bit of a pain.

"No need to thank me. You earned it," Kong chuckled. "Alright, go get that shoulder looked at. Someone will escort you to the academy."

"Yes, sir!"

Cross shifted his gaze slightly, glancing at his still-aching left shoulder. Then, with a more upright posture, he saluted again with his right hand and turned to leave the Fleet Admiral's office.

Watching him go, Kong shook his head with a faint smile, then muttered to himself with a hint of frustration.

"That little brat's slick, I'll give him that. Still, those resurrected statues are a real nuisance. We can't just let them run loose here at Marine Headquarters… Hmph, best to find somewhere secure to contain them."

"Good thing the six warships weren't big enough, or that kid would've hauled every last sculpture from Skoggy back to Marineford!"

...

Meanwhile, Cross had just stepped out into the corridor when he spotted Gion leaning lazily against the wall, arms crossed, her famed blade Konpira at her hip.

Raising an eyebrow, Cross lifted a hand in greeting. "Gion-san. Long time no see."

Hearing his voice, Gion straightened and crossed her arms, a faint scowl on her face.

"Took you long enough. Was the Fleet Admiral rambling non-stop in there?"

"Eh... he was just busy on the phone," Cross replied, startled by her words. He glanced nervously at the closed door behind him and quickly offered an explanation.

"Tch, not like I care," Gion waved it off dismissively, giving Cross a quick once-over. "Come on. I'll take you to the Marine Academy."

"Wait, you're my escort?"

Cross blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting that the person Kong mentioned would be Gion.

"Yep. I happened to be on leave today, but Tsuru roped me into playing errand girl for you," Gion replied irritably, shooting him a glare.

It was obvious that Vice Admiral Tsuru had arranged for Gion to guide him, knowing that Cross didn't really know anyone at Marineford. Given that the two had met before, it made sense.

"Uh…"

Cross scratched his head awkwardly. Feeling guilty for interrupting her day off, he offered, "How about I treat you to a meal, any place you want."

"Now that's more like it."

Gion raised her head haughtily, clearly pleased by the gesture.

Without missing a beat, the experienced Gion led Cross through the Marine Headquarters fortress and into the town district at the rear of the island.

As the residential area for Marine families, Marineford's town had everything one could ask for, from standard housing and taverns to upscale villas and fine-dining restaurants. It even featured a casino and public bathhouses, offering all the leisure and entertainment found in any major city.

In fact, thanks to its proximity to Marine Headquarters, Marineford was arguably the safest town in the world outside of the Holy Land Mariejois, the seat of the World Government atop the Red Line.

As they strolled through the streets of Marineford's town district, Cross saw that the majority of passersby wore the standard blue-and-white Marine uniform. Officers clad in Justice coats were a common sight as well.

Not surprising, considering Marineford was home to a standing force of 30,000 troops and dozens of warships. With many officers' families also residing on the island, the town was entirely populated by Marines.

"Yo, Gion! Is that your little brother?"

"Gion-san! Long time no see!"

"Major Gion, heard you were on leave, care to grab a drink?"

"Hey Gion! We're headed to a group dinner, come join us!"

Along the way, Cross was taken aback by how popular Gion was. People, both men and women, greeted her enthusiastically, many even inviting her out for drinks or meals.

What the heck?

So being pretty comes with a charisma buff too?

"You're really popular, huh?" Cross remarked in surprise.

"Obviously," Gion replied proudly, lifting her chin like a smug little swan. "And don't think treating me to one meal gets you off the hook. I've got plenty of offers."

"Ugh…"

Cross rolled his eyes and didn't respond to her boast. Instead, he turned his attention to the shops lining the street, scanning for a good high-end restaurant.

Suddenly, Gion came to a halt and pointed to a modest-looking eatery nearby.

"Let's eat here. I love their ochazuke and Yatsuhashi sweets."

"Juen Restaurant?" Cross read the sign over the entrance and raised an eyebrow. "Gion-san, shouldn't we find someplace more upscale? A few meals won't break my wallet."

At that, Gion shot him a sidelong glance and scoffed, "You think I'm trying to save you money? Please. I know you're a noble and loaded."

"Ugh…"

Cross scratched his head, suddenly feeling a little awkward. "So… does this place have something special about it?"

"The owner's a retired Marine," Gion explained. "His cooking's top-notch, and he doesn't skimp on ingredients. Don't be fooled by how small the place looks, it's not cheap. Even Tsuru comes here when she's got the time."

"Is that so? Well, I'm definitely looking forward to it then," Cross said, his eyes lighting up with genuine interest.

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