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"Impressive swordsmanship," Captain Hina remarked, a lady's cigarette between her lips as she approached Ikki, Nami, and Nojiko. "Hina doesn't often see such skilled female swordsmen in the East Blue."
Her gaze swept over Nami and Nojiko before settling on Ikki. "You're their captain, so you must be stronger than they are." Hina's eyes locked with Ikki's, as if trying to read his true nature.
She had witnessed what Nami and Nojiko had accomplished moments ago. Though she acknowledged their strength, she didn't consider it particularly noteworthy. Only Ikki gave her pause.
"Marine, what do you want?" Nami stepped between Ikki and Hina, regarding the pink-haired Captain with suspicion. Nojiko positioned herself beside Ikki as well. Neither woman knew why Hina had come, but her calculating expression put them on guard.
"Hina is here to investigate Captain Nezumi's disappearance," she explained. "Though it's embarrassing to admit, Captain Nezumi appears to have been seriously negligent in his duties." She kept her focus on Ikki. "Can you tell Hina where Captain Nezumi is?"
Hina maintained her steady gaze on Ikki, keenly suspecting his involvement in the missing Captain's situation. Before arriving at Cocoyasi Village, she had visited the East Blue's 16th Marine Branch, which Nezumi commanded. Evidence of his misconduct had already been discovered there.
"Captain Nezumi?" Nami and Nojiko glanced at Ikki questioningly.
Ikki smiled at them, then raised his hand and clapped. At that signal, a door opened in one of Arlong Park's buildings.
As Nami and the others watched, Marine soldiers emerged one by one. Finally, two Marines appeared carrying the bound Captain Nezumi.
"There were Marines here?" Nojiko asked in confusion. "Captain Ikki, what's going on?"
"It's quite simple," Ikki replied, proceeding to explain Captain Nezumi's corrupt dealings with Arlong's crew.
"That bastard! A Marine Captain actually protecting pirates?" After hearing this, Nami immediately turned and glared at Nezumi.
"Mmmphhh!" The bound Captain Nezumi writhed desperately, trying to get the nearby Marines to remove the sock stuffed in his mouth. When they made no move to help, he turned his pleading eyes toward Hina.
"Captain Nezumi, Hina has already investigated you," she stated coolly. "There were indeed many irregularities during your tenure. Hina will conduct a thorough investigation and interrogation regarding your transactions with Arlong's crew."
Hina turned to the Marines she had brought. "Take these soldiers into custody and separate them for questioning. The surviving members of Arlong's crew should also be apprehended."
"Yes, Captain!" Her soldiers saluted, raised their rifles, and approached Nezumi and his men. Under their escort, Nezumi, his corrupt Marines, and the surviving fishmen were quickly removed from Arlong Park.
Suddenly, only Ikki, Nami, Nojiko, and Hina remained in the demolished compound.
"Ikki, do you have something to tell Hina?" After a moment of silence, Hina spoke first.
"What do you mean? Is Captain Hina planning to charge me with restricting Captain Nezumi's freedom?" Ikki shrugged with a smile.
Though Smoker hadn't come personally, Ikki was only mildly surprised. And while Hina wasn't as idealistic as Smoker, she was still a principled Marine. Since she had already investigated Nezumi, Ikki wasn't concerned she would challenge him over a corrupt Captain.
"That won't be necessary," Hina shook her head. "Hina simply wants to confirm that you were the one who arranged for the Marine soldier to report Captain Nezumi."
"Yes, that was me."
"Why report to Smoker? Do you know him?"
"I don't know him personally, but I know his reputation for hating injustice and that he's stationed nearby."
"So now that Smoker isn't here, are you disappointed?"
"Although Captain Smoker didn't come, I believe Captain Hina will follow the path of justice and won't protect a criminal Marine."
"You seem... quite familiar with Hina."
"Captain Hina is known throughout the Marines for her beauty. How could I not recognize you?"
Hearing Ikki's compliment, Hina adjusted her sunglasses, her expression unchanged. She was tired of such flattery.
After studying Ikki for another moment, she turned and walked toward the exit of Arlong Park. Without looking back, she said, "Ikki, Hina will remember your name. Hina will quickly resolve this matter with Captain Nezumi and Arlong's crew. Depending on the outcome, Hina may speak with you again. Be prepared for that possibility."
Hearing this, Ikki smiled. "It was an honor to speak with 'Black Cage' Hina of the Marines. However, before you leave, Captain Hina, could you arrange for the collection of Arlong's bounty? I also have Captain Jango of the Black Cat Pirates aboard my ship. Could you process his bounty as well?"
Hina raised her hand dismissively. "Go to Marine Headquarters for that!" With those words, she disappeared from view.
"She's gone, Captain Ikki," Nojiko whispered, leaning close to his ear with a teasing smile. "Nami will get jealous if you keep staring after her like that."
"What are you talking about, Nojiko?" Nami protested, hands on her hips as she shot her sister an exasperated look. Even so, she couldn't help glancing furtively at Ikki, relieved to find he wasn't gazing after Hina.
Yet this reaction confused her. She patted her cheeks and refocused her attention on Ikki.
"Captain Ikki, I successfully defeated Zenitsu's sword shadow!" she announced proudly.
"I sensed it. Congratulations, Nami—you didn't disappoint me."
"It's all thanks to the medicine you gave us," Nami replied with a smile, taking one of Ikki's arms. "By the way, Captain, now that I've completed my challenge and officially become a swordswoman, have you prepared a sword shadow for Nojiko to challenge? She's become quite strong. Could we let her try now?"
Nami continued enthusiastically, "Also, since my strength has advanced, when will I be able to achieve Shikai with Gonryōmaru? And will Nojiko eventually receive a zanpakuto like your Zangetsu and my Gonryōmaru?"