Truth be told, Raleigh felt a tinge of reluctance about parting with this sword.
Even if he couldn't use it, just keeping it to admire would have been nice.
But since he hadn't drawn any swordsmanship ability cards from the system, the sword would only gather dust.
Giving it to Momonga, however, would perfectly enhance his combat prowess.
Besides, with his Slacking System, Raleigh didn't believe a Ryo Wazamono-grade sword was his ultimate goal.
As long as he kept drawing prizes, sooner or later, he would obtain a Supreme Grade Sword.
"Momonga, this sword is yours now. Make sure to wield it to its fullest potential and strive to temper it into a Black Blade as soon as possible," Raleigh reminded him.
Momonga nodded solemnly, then gave Raleigh a big hug.
"Don't worry, Raleigh. I'll make this sword shine with the brilliance it deserves. In a few years, you might hear my name and its name echoing across the seas."
Raleigh wasn't particularly moved by this.
The Marines had countless members, but only a handful were selected as elite Vice Admirals.
In the original story, Momonga had reached this level without a Devil Fruit or a famous sword.
There was no reason he couldn't advance to a candidate for Admiral under Raleigh's guidance.
Raleigh gently patted his shoulder. "Alright, Momonga, let's get ready and head to the bonfire party to celebrate your promotion to branch chief."
Momonga placed the Dōjigiri Yasutsuna at his waist, replacing his worn-out military sword.
The battle with Coleridge Roy had left that blade jagged and uneven.
"Captain Raleigh, the bonfire party is all set up. We're just waiting for you all now," a messenger knocked and entered to report.
"Come along, Gion, Tokikake. Let's drink until we passed out tonight."
The enthusiastic Raleigh invited his old classmates, especially Gion.
Back in school, he never realized Gion had such... assets.
How had she developed so well in less than half a year?
Ah, if she had been this... distracting... back then, Raleigh might not have won so many of their spars.
Faced with Raleigh and Momonga's enthusiasm, Tokikake happily agreed.
After hesitating for a moment, Gion nodded and followed them to the beach beside the training ground.
By now, a tall bonfire had been built.
Groups of marines had already gathered in clusters, drinking and boasting.
Alcohol was the catalyst for camaraderie.
After three drinks, previously unfamiliar colleagues became close brothers.
The elite marines from headquarters were now addressing the 133rd Branch marines as brothers.
"Old timer, let me toast you."
"Brother, let's drink together."
Gion sat beside Raleigh, staring blankly at him as he drank heartily.
Since graduating, she had carried a burning desire to surpass him.
This drive had constantly pushed her to improve.
But when she failed against Raleigh once again, something strange happened.
Gion didn't feel particularly disappointed, as if losing to him was completely normal.
"Gion, would you like to have a drink with me?"
Raleigh turned and noticed Gion staring at him, making him somewhat flustered.
To break the awkward atmosphere, he raised his glass.
Gion smiled slightly, pushing those unrealistic thoughts from her mind.
Celebrating tonight was what mattered.
Their glasses lightly touched.
Raleigh threw his head back and downed his drink, while Gion took small, delicate sips.
Soon her face turned bright red, but her personality became remarkably cheerful.
"Come on, Raleigh, let's keep drinking!" She grabbed his arm and refused to let go, daring him to a drinking contest.
Meanwhile, Tokikake didn't notice their interraction, having gotten lost in the marines' flattery.
"As expected of a genius from headquarters. Commander Tokikake's drinking style is so impressive!
"Commander Tokikake has already downed thirty bottles of rum—what a magnificent man!"
Tokikake flamboyantly tossed his hair, stood up with a full bottle, and declared.
"Let me tell you all, I'm a true champion when it comes to drinking. I've never been afraid of anyone!"
"Commander Tokikake is so cool!"
"Count me in too!"
Amid the clinking glasses, Tokikake had completely fallen in love with this small outpost.
He even considered applying to headquarters for a transfer to become a branch commander here.
Given their busy duties, Marines typically avoided excessive drinking.
But today was a special celebration, and the alcohol ban was lifted—a reward for the soldiers' hard work.
As the atmosphere warmed up, Raleigh stepped to the center with a bottle of rum.
Raising it high, he shouted.
"Brothers! Today is special. First, let's welcome Commander Gion, Commander Tokikake, and the others from headquarters! Bottoms up!"
Raleigh toasted Gion from across the fire while Momonga slung an arm around Tokikake—both tilting their heads back to drain their glasses.
"Second—I've been promoted! I'll be leaving Branch 133 soon. Thank you all for your efforts during my command."
"Third—our beloved Captain Momonga will take over as commander of Branch 133! Cheers for Captain Momonga! Drink up tonight—we won't stop until we drop!"
Raleigh ignited the party, pushing the excitement to its peak.
Everyone began drinking with wild abandon.
Though sad to see Raleigh leave, everyone knew this was a promotion and proof that their commander had impressed headquarters.
After chugging a full bottle, Raleigh began swaying.
He staggered back to Gion and collapsed beside her.
"I thought you could hold your liquor," Gion teased, arching an eyebrow.
A man never admits weakness—especially before a beauty.
Raleigh took two deep breaths and roared, "I'm the God of Wine at Branch 133! I never surrender—bring more drinks!"
Gion's flushed face clearly showed she was a lightweight.
He just needed to outdrink this amateur, and then he could sleep.
But Raleigh never expected... Gion's eyes only grew brighter with each drink, while he became utterly disoriented.
He lay sprawled on the floor, hugging a bottle and giggling.
"Gion... you're so beautiful."
Gion, who'd been quietly eating and drinking, felt her heart leap.
'What was this fool saying? Of course I'm beautiful... It's just his eyesight that's terrible. He slept through our academy days and never even noticed me... Is this... a confession? Why does it feel completely different from when Tokikake says it?'
"Raleigh..."
"Huff... huff... huff..."
Gion turned her head and saw Raleigh sleeping soundly, still clutching the bottle.
For some inexplicable reason, she got angry and punched his leg.
Clearly, she didn't use much force, as he didn't wake up.
Gion originally intended to return to her own warship, but after swaying a few times, she sat back down.
"Forget it. I'll just sleep here. Everyone's in the same state anyway."
The bonfire party continued until three or four in the morning.
Momonga hadn't drunk much; he had too many matters to attend to, making him the most sober.
When he arranged for someone to send the sleeping soldiers back, he discovered:
Beside the fire pit, two people who had originally been some distance apart were now nestled together.
Gion was using Raleigh's arm as a pillow, while Raleigh's chin rested on Gion's head—both sleeping soundly.
Momonga didn't order any soldiers to disturb them.
Instead, he quietly brought a blanket and covered them both.