"..."
"Dane, you're telling the truth."
Hawke confirmed, "Roronoa Zoro?"
"Yes!"
"..."
"Green-haired? Three-Sword Style?"
Hawke clarified, giving more specific details.
He still couldn't believe it. He had only been away from the branch for a few days, and Dane had already recruited Zoro into the Navy.
"Yes!"
Dane replied a little awkwardly, then glanced at Zoro standing nearby, ears perked and listening intently.
Zoro was curious whether he could really join the Navy.
But when he heard the words "green-haired," his expression darkened.
Hawke, are you being polite?!
"Phew—"
Having confirmed it once again, Hawke stopped running.
He pulled a cigar from his pocket and lit it.
Damn it!
Dane, you little…!
You really got Zoro to join the Navy?!
Hawke's mind raced through Zoro's profile.
Zoro, also jokingly called "Three-Sword Zoro," was an absolute master of getting lost.
Within a five-meter radius, he could lose his way. In the entire world of One Piece, there was no one else like him in this regard.
He hailed from Shimotsuki Village in the East Blue and trained under Shimotsuki Koshiro. Fulfilling the last wish of his dear friend Kuina, he aspired to become the world's greatest swordsman.
Kuina…
Zoro had a clean heart, was loyal and righteous, with a will of steel.
If properly trained, he could become a fine Navy officer in the future.
Since Dane had called, he obviously wanted to bring him to the G-3 Branch.
But without the future Vice Emperor, what would happen to King Luffy?
Hah—
What he does is none of my business.
Zoro, I'm taking you!
"Dane, where's Zoro?"
"Hawke, he's right beside me."
"Let him take the call."
Soon, Zoro's voice came through the Den Den Mushi: "Commodore Hawke, I am Roronoa Zoro."
"..."
"Zoro, I've heard of your name."
"Before you officially join the Navy, there are a few things I need to make clear."
"Yes!"
"First, Navy discipline is different from being a bounty hunter."
Hawke's tone became serious: "Here, orders are absolute."
"If you're told to go in one direction, you cannot go another."
"If you're told to charge, you cannot retreat."
"No personal heroics—only the collective and obedience."
"Second, you will start as a Seaman Recruit."
Hawke knew very well that given Zoro's strength and potential, giving him an officer rank at headquarters would not be unreasonable.
But if that were done, what would his brothers who had fought alongside him think?
A rookie joining the Navy, no matter how talented, cannot just parachute into an officer position.
This rank had to be earned by Zoro himself.
Given his abilities, the process would be quick.
There was not a hint of hesitation in Zoro's voice on the other end: "Understood, Commodore Hawke. I accept!"
"Good."
Hawke turned and asked, "Zoro, what is your dream?"
"To become the world's greatest swordsman!"
"The world's greatest swordsman, huh…"
Hawke chuckled lightly, "You're still too weak for that now."
"Work hard."
"In the future, you will meet the man who currently sits on that throne."
A year later, during the Summit War, Mihawk would be forcibly conscripted to participate.
The current Zoro was no match for Mihawk. But after a year of intensive training, he might finally be ready.
"...."
"Commodore Hawke, you mean… Dracule Mihawk?"
Zoro's voice was filled with uncontrollable shock and longing.
Joining the Navy really gives him a chance to meet that man?
"Yes."
"The Shichibukai are recognized by the World Government as major pirates."
"Nominally, they fall under the same authority as the Navy."
"As long as you are strong enough, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet Mihawk."
"That's great!"
Zoro's reply through the Den Den Mushi was full of unprecedented enthusiasm.
"Zoro."
Hawke instructed, "Hand the phone back to Dane."
"We'll meet at the G-3 Branch."
"Yes!"
Soon, Dane's voice came through the phone again.
"Hawke, did you need me?"
"Dane, once we reach the G-3 Branch, it won't be so easy for the brothers to return to the East Blue."
"These days, let them take turns on leave to visit home."
"..."
Dane paused, then a warm feeling surged in his heart.
Hawke really thinks ahead!
"Yes!"
Click—
Hawke hung up the phone and looked up at the sky.
First, he would pick up his things.
Then, he strode toward the Logistics Department.
Soon, he arrived.
The officer responsible for distributing rank equipment was an old sailor with a face full of wrinkles.
He glanced at the transfer order signed personally by Fleet Admiral Sengoku and showed a hint of shock in his cloudy eyes.
Commodore Hawke, all over headquarters these past days?!
The youngest Commodore in Navy history!
Truly a hero emerging in youth!
The old sailor turned and walked into the storage room.
Soon, he returned holding a brand-new set of equipment.
A pure white Justice cloak, with the word "Justice" embroidered in black thread on the back.
A pair of golden epaulets representing a headquarters Commodore rank shimmered in the light.
"Commodore Hawke, please take it."
"Thank you."
Hawke took the cloak; it was heavier than expected, and the texture of the fabric far surpassed a branch-level Captain's uniform.
He draped the cloak neatly over his shoulders, securing the golden epaulets.
The pure white cloak swayed lightly with his movements.
Snap—
Hawke stepped out of the Logistics Department and saw Fleet Admiral Akainu standing not far away.
Beside him was a little girl, about 1.6 meters tall.
She wore a fitted Navy uniform, her long golden hair tied in a ponytail that swayed as she moved.
Her large, lake-blue eyes were now curiously yet timidly surveying her surroundings.
"Hawke."
Akainu waved at him.
"Admiral Akainu."
Hawke stepped forward and saluted.
"Come…"
The usually stern lines of Akainu's face softened slightly as he pointed to the little girl beside him.
"Let me introduce you. This is my daughter, Hibari."
"Hibari, this is Commodore Hawke, your future superior and mentor."
"Hello, I'm Hawke."
Hawke extended his hand confidently.
His gaze fell on the girl, and a trace of understanding crossed his mind.
So this is the girl who will follow him to the G-3 Branch—Akainu's daughter, Hibari.
Even cuter than her three-year-later appearance in the original, like a delicate porcelain doll.
Hibari…
"..."
Hibari timidly looked up at Hawke.
The man before her was tall and imposing; the Commodore cloak made him look even more handsome.
Her fair cheeks instantly flushed crimson.
Flustered, she extended her small hand, lightly shaking Hawke's hand, then withdrew.
"Y-You… hello…"
Her voice was barely audible, like a soft whisper of a fawn in the forest.
"Commodore… Hawke…"
"I'm Hibari."
...
(This chapter has been published for review. Thank you. For each review +1 additional chapter)