As Michael left Hogback's courtyard, he felt quite contemplative.
Though just a minor character, Hogback's story genuinely reflected how his own existence had influenced the entire world.
With Gekko Moria not having collapsed into despair and instead becoming a Warlord, he never became obsessed with collecting corpses to create zombies.
Thus, he never contacted Hogback at this time under the pretense of reviving Sindollie.
And Hogback, who should have become one of Moria's three main subordinates, had instead wandered far from his original path, entering the "Empress" branch-affiliated hospital with thoughts of atonement.
However, Michael didn't fully trust him just because he wanted to repent.
If he wanted redemption, he could spend his life as an ordinary surgeon in the hospital.
After all, human greed knows no bounds.
Who knew when his desires might overwhelm his guilt and regain dominance?
After completing his general tour of Amazon Lily's territory, Michael was largely satisfied.
Both the military recruitment infrastructure and Hancock's governance showed remarkable effectiveness.
Moreover, they hadn't abandoned Amazon Lily's tradition of producing fierce, powerful women, continuing to supply the Marines with excellent warrior candidates.
Finally, he headed to the "Empress" Marine branch with Sandersonia and Marigold.
The moment he stepped inside, Michael was immediately reminded of his first arrival at Amazon Lily.
Nothing but women everywhere!
"Due to the unique nature of the 'Empress' branch, almost only female Marines from Amazon Lily join... During this time, we even managed to recruit many descendants of Amazon Lily who were scattered abroad through the World Military Draft," Marigold said with a smile.
"But you just said 'almost,' didn't you?"
"Ah, this... You'll understand once you see for yourself."
Sandersonia led Michael deeper into the Marine branch.
Passing through the office area, they arrived at the training grounds.
The original beast-fighting coliseum of Amazon Lily had been completely transformed into a Marine training base.
Many strong Amazonian warriors were currently training on the field.
But right in the center, an exceptionally conspicuous giant figure was engaged in combat training with a group of elite Amazonian warriors.
Michael rubbed his eyes.
If he wasn't mistaken...
Wasn't that kid Jack!?
When did he end up in the 'Empress' branch!?
"When did Jack get here?"
"Jack was transferred to the Empress branch three years ago... right after he completed his rookie training on Sabaody Archipelago," Sandersonia said, casting a somewhat resentful glance at Michael.
"You really should pay more attention."
Her tone seemed less about defending Jack and more about airing her own grievances.
Michael broke into a cold sweat.
For these children whose original fates he had already altered—now capable of standing on their own—Michael had deliberately avoided excessive interference.
After all, he didn't want to be that annoying dad who meddled in everything.
But not doing so made him seem neglectful...
Maybe he should share a drink with Whitebeard and exchange some parenting advice?
"Ahem... I've been busy... But has Jack grown even taller? Tsk tsk, that physique is truly terrifying."
As Michael spoke, Jack—in his human-beast hybrid form—was holding his own against over twenty elite Amazonian warriors.
Judging by their uniforms, these women were already Marine officers.
And masters of Armament Haki at that.
After a series of defensive maneuvers, Jack seized an opening and shattered their encirclement with a single heavy punch.
What followed was a landslide victory.
"Wahahaha! Big sisters! I won again this time!"
"My, my, we really can't match you Jack."
After the fight, the Amazonian warriors gathered around Jack, smiling warmly at the young giant.
"Ahahaha! I'm Vice Admiral Michael's favorite disciple! Of course I'm strong!" Jack's rough, brutish face wore an expression of immense pride.
Hearing this, Michael's eye twitched.
"Hey! Jack! What nonsense are you spouting!?"
"Favorite disciple? Since when did I ever say that!?"
Michael's voice pierced through the air like a blade, straight into Jack's ears.
Jack turned and saw the idol he'd been longing for day and night.
Then...
"Vice Admiral Michael! I missed you so much!"
Tears of joy streamed down Jack's face.
With a mighty leap, his eight-meter-tall body came crashing down toward Michael.
"Huh!?"
All the Amazon Lily warriors around Michael changed their expressions.
"Run for it! Jack is having another one of his fits!"
Michael sighed and spread his four wings.
Taking to the air, he effortlessly intercepted Jack with one hand mid-flight.
Then he gently placed him back on the ground.
"Vice Admiral Michael is Vice Admiral Michael! Lifting me with just one hand! You're truly incredible!"
"Forget that... Shouldn't you reflect on the fact that if you'd crashed down at full force with your durability... the training grounds would've needed major repairs! That's all money down the drain!"
Compared to Jack, Michael's physique seemed almost diminutive.
Yet it was precisely this stark contrast in size that made the scene of stern Michael reprimanding Jack—who was being scolded like a naughty grandson—so oddly comical.
Michael wouldn't let this guy run wild...
After all, the funds for constructing the Marine and Revolutionary Army's various infrastructure projects mostly came from his own pocket!
When it came to money, no issue was trivial!
"Ahem, Vice Admiral Michael, I've been holding back quite a bit!" Jack said proudly, puffing out his chest.
"In the past three years, the training grounds at the Empress's branch have only needed major repairs twelve times!"
"T-twelve times!?" Michael's brow furrowed as he grabbed Jack by the ear.
"Twelve major repairs in three years! Are your training grounds freaking disposable seasonal items or what!?"
"I can't help it, Vice Admiral Michael. As a future pillar of the Marine, I have to train hard!" Jack also wore a helpless expression.
"I know the branch training grounds can't withstand my intensity, so I've tried going to uninhabited islands nearby to train... but Hancock-neesan always stops me, saying we need to protect Amazon Lily's ecosystem... hence the twelve major repairs."
"...You're quite obedient to Hancock, aren't you?"
"Heh, what can I do?" Jack scratched his head sheepishly. "She's been beating me up since we were kids—can't help having some psychological trauma."
"Psychological trauma... Since when did you learn such sophisticated terms?"
"...Vice Admiral Michael, I've consistently scored A+ in the Marine-wide academic assessments!"