Issho was stunned for a moment—he hadn't expected Kaito to invite him to join the Marines the moment he opened his mouth. Did he really trust him that much?
But Kaito didn't give him time to think it over. He got straight to the point.
"Issho, I know you. A Paramecia-type Gravity Fruit user. Righteous and principled. You're perfect material for a Marine."
Issho was surprised that Kaito even knew the details of his Devil Fruit ability. He couldn't help but ask:
"How does Admiral Shikiryū know so much about me?"
"Heh, that's not something you need to worry about. I'm only asking—are you willing to join the Marines?"
Issho fell silent. Right now, he was more like a wandering ronin, drifting through the world. Of course, with his nature, there was no way he'd ever become a pirate—but joining the Marines? He'd never really considered it.
Yet after witnessing Kaito's actions in Dressrosa, he had to admit he'd begun to feel a spark of interest in the Marines. And now, being invited directly by Kaito... to be honest, he was tempted.
He didn't think too long. Slowly raising his head, Issho looked straight into Kaito's eyes and said:
"All right. I'll join the Marines."
As he spoke, Issho offered Kaito a not-quite-standard Marine salute. He no longer referred to himself with the old-man tone. From this moment on, Kaito was his commanding officer.
Seeing Issho accept the invitation, Kaito nodded in satisfaction. He was genuinely pleased.
A combatant at admiral-level strength was now officially under his command—who wouldn't be happy about that?
Suddenly, Kaito felt a tug on the hem of his coat. Looking down, he saw Rebecca staring up at him with her big eyes.
She looked a little intimidated by Kaito. As soon as he looked her way, she quickly withdrew her hand and spoke in a timid voice:
"U-um... Shikiryū, when I grow up... can I join the Marines too?"
So it wasn't just Issho who'd been moved—this little pink-haired girl had also been deeply impressed by Kaito's actions. In her heart, the Marines now represented justice. It was something she admired.
Kyros hurried over and gently tapped Rebecca's head, scolding her:
"Rebecca, don't trouble Admiral Shikiryū. Focus on practicing your swordsmanship first!"
"But... will training with a sword make me strong like him?"
"Uh..."
Kyros choked on his words. He really wanted to say,
"You're thinking too far ahead. Even your old man here, after decades of training, still can't beat that guy—let alone you."
But if he said that, he was afraid it would crush her motivation to train, so he found himself stuck, not knowing how to respond.
Thankfully, Kaito stepped in to smooth things over. He crouched down and gently pinched Rebecca's cheek with a smile.
"Of course you can. But you're still too young right now. Once you're as tall as Robin over there, then you can try becoming a Marine. I'm sure you'll be strong enough by then."
Hearing that, Rebecca turned her head to look at Robin, who smiled at her warmly and gave an encouraging nod.
Rebecca nodded vigorously, then shouted:
"I understand! I'll train really hard and become an excellent Marine!"
Kaito smiled, though in his heart he thought—things were going to get real lively in the Marines in a few years. As far as he knew, Ace, Law, Nami, and Nojiko had all set their hearts on joining the Marines.
Once they all entered the academy together... it was going to be fun.
Rising to his feet, Kaito looked around at everyone in the great hall and said:
"All right, I should return to HQ now. Everyone, until next time."
He opened a Door-Door Space and motioned for Robin and Issho to step in. Though it was Issho's first time seeing a Door-Door Space, now that he was officially a Marine, he treated Kaito's words as orders and strode inside without hesitation.
Once the two were inside, Kaito was just about to use Flying Thunder God to return directly to HQ when—
Viola suddenly rushed forward and threw her arms around him.
Seeing this scene, King Riku and the others behind Viola tactfully turned their backs. The king had long known his daughter had a soft spot for Admiral Shikiryū—and now, after being saved by him, she'd completely fallen.
But he was worried... could his daughter handle a man like this?
They were royalty, yes, but in front of a Marine Admiral—especially the strongest one—status didn't count for much.
Thinking of the bumpy road his daughter's love life might take, King Riku let out a silent sigh.
So be it. Let's hope she gets what she wishes for in the end...
Rebecca was still staring blankly at the two embracing. Kyros had to forcibly turn her around, though she kept trying to sneak glances back.
Viola, pressed against Kaito's chest, stood on tiptoe and kissed him, pouring out all her long-held emotions in one bold move.
Thankfully, Kaito pushed her away just in time—any longer, and he might not have made it back to HQ today.
Viola looked at him with a trace of resentment in her eyes. Clearly, she wasn't finished yet.
Kaito stared back at her helplessly. He was really starting to understand just how passionate Dressrosa's people could be—no holding back at all!
...
Inside the Door-Door Space, Robin watched the entire scene unfold with a blank expression. But one of her feet kept grinding slowly against the floor.
Issho, being blind and unable to use Observation Haki inside the Door-Door Space, sensed something and asked in confusion:
"Miss, you seem a bit uneasy. Did something happen outside?"
"No. Nothing happened."
Robin's tone was perfectly calm—but her eyes never left Viola.
She was feeling a very strong urge to pluck a few petals off that woman.
...
Kaito's lips were now stained with a bright red hue—that was from Viola's lipstick. He licked his lips and said helplessly:
"You really didn't hold back, huh?"
"Admiral Shikiryū, I—"
Viola didn't seem the least bit embarrassed. She still wanted to say more, but Kaito cut her off:
"All right, I really do need to go. Here—take this. If you're ever in danger again, just use it and call my name."
He casually pulled out a Flying Thunder God kunai and handed it to her. Then, in a flash, he vanished from the hall.
After Kaito left, Viola carefully placed the still-warm kunai into her clothes, standing silently for a moment. Then she turned around with a smile and said to Rebecca:
"Rebecca, how about Auntie takes you to join the Marines when the time comes?"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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