Homes was the first to respond, his brow furrowed and surprise clear in his voice. "Wait… Tenjin… join the Marines?" His eyes shifted to Makima, silently asking for her input.
Makima waved her hands in exasperation, clearly stressed, and her voice rose as she spoke. "Wait, wait, wait! I'm so confused right now! I don't understand any of this! Devil Fruits, Logias, Haki, joining the Marines… It's all happening too fast! Can someone please explain things to me in, like… baby steps?"
Momonga stiffened, then sat back down and leaned back in his chair and gave a small apologetic smile. "I apologize for getting ahead of myself, Makima-san. Let's take this one step at a time. Your son… having Conqueror's Haki… that is even more significant than the Logia Devil Fruit."
Makima's irritation grew, a frown crossing her features. "And what exactly is Conqueror's Haki? Is it some kind of disease? A curse?"
Momonga chuckled lightly. "Not at all. Simply put, Conqueror's Haki is not something your son learned, nor is it an illness. It is a rare power that appears only in those born with exceptionally strong will. Most people's spirits bend under pressure, fear, danger, authority, but a few are born with a will that refuses to bow. When that will manifests, it overwhelms the minds of others. Those who cannot withstand it lose consciousness, not because they are physically attacked, but because their spirit is crushed under the weight of sheer presence."
Makima's eyes widened, her unease evident. "That… doesn't sound good at all. It makes it sound like my son wants to be a god or rule over others!"
Homes chuckled, clearly amused, and remarked, "Well, you did name him 'God,' Makima-san, so don't act too surprised."
Makima shot him a glare, her arms crossed tightly. "That's… different."
Momonga leaned forward, his tone gentler now. "To clarify, this does not mean your son seeks domination. It means he has the potential to stand above others, to lead without trying, to walk a path that refuses submission. In the Marines, Conqueror's Haki is a warning sigh. Those who possess it often shape the world. Emperors, legends, even monsters. Your son has done nothing wrong, yet he was born with the will of someone extraordinary."
Homes shook his head in awe. "Wow… Tenjin really is that amazing. I can't believe it."
Makima exhaled heavily, her shoulders slumping as the reality sank in. "Why does it feel like his path just got so much harder? And… why does he seem… different? It's like I don't even know my own son now."
Momonga gave a small reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Makima-san. He's still your son. But from this point on, he cannot remain ordinary. That's why I ask you to please allow him to join the Marines. I'll ensure he receives proper guidance and rank. A talent like his left unchecked, is dangerous. Imagine if he were to fall into the hands of pirates… he could become an emperor himself."
Makima ran a hand through her hair, frustrated and weary. "This is… the worst. If only his father were here. I can't do this alone."
Momonga tilted his head curiously. "Has he passed?"
Makima shook her head. "No… he disappeared about three years ago. Actually I have no idea if he's alive or not."
Momonga's expression softened. "I see. That explains some of your hesitation."
Makima straightened, her voice firm but conflicted. "Look, Captain Momonga… this is Tenjin's life. I don't want to be the parent deciding his fate. Even though he's so young, I want him to make his own decisions."
Momonga nodded, respect clear in his eyes. "I understand. That's good parenting. Can we call Tenjin in, then?"
Makima nodded and called out loudly, "Tenjin!"
Back in the children's section, Tenjin was in the middle of recounting his heroic deeds to Tony, who was listening wide-eyed. Tenjin's face lit up with excitement.
"…and then I punched Captain Nagels really hard.'" Tenjin mimicked Nagels terribly, causing Tony to burst into laughter.
But when he heard his name being called. A vein popped in irritation at him being interrupted while recounting his heroic deeds.
"I'm coming, Mom!" Tenjin shouted back impatiently, glaring at Tony. "I'll be back to tell you more!"
He stomped toward the door, exiting with a determined stride.
As he entered the clearing, four adults were staring at him with various expressions of curiosity, amazement, and concern. Tenjin marched straight to his mother.
"You were calling me, Mom?" he asked, crossing his arms.
"Yes," Makima said, her voice calm but with an edge of authority. "This gentleman would like to meet you."
As he followed her line of sight, he simply said "Huh? Mr. Mustache?" casually, looking at Momonga.
Makima's eyes narrowed, her tone sharp. "Tenjin, don't be rude."
Momonga chuckled at the interaction. "It's fine really. I like the nickname. I find it amusing."
He leaned forward, bowing slightly. "Hi there, Tenjin. My name is Captain Momonga of the North Blue Marines. It's nice to meet you."
Tenjin nodded, returning the bow in his own way. "Nice to meet you too."
Momonga smiled warmly. "Good. I've heard that you have amazing powers."
Tenjin's eyes lit up, his grin spreading from ear to ear. "I do! Do you want to see them?"
Before he could demonstrate, Doctor Ruki crossed his arms sternly. "No, Tenjin. I've heard enough about how destructive your ability is. You cannot show it here , you would destroy everything in this clinic."
Tenjin pouted and crossed his arms, "Boooo!"
Ruki scowled. "Don't booo me! Do you know how expensive it would be to fix the damage?"
Homes chuckled softly. "Calm down, Ruki-san."
Momonga maintained his focus on Tenjin, ignoring the bickering. "You don't need to show me, Tenjin. I've heard enough from your mother. But tell me… how would you feel about joining the Marines and using your power to save lives?"
Tenjin's face scrunched in thought. "The Marines? Like you?"
Momonga chuckled. "Exactly. Like me."
Tenjin got into thought a bit, then said "Well… I want to catch bad guys like the Marines, but I also want to stay here and protect Mom. If I leave, who will stop other bad guys from hurting her?" Tenjin said seriously.
Momonga was taken aback, but he smiled warmly. "I see. Very noble. What if I send a detachment of Marines to protect your island? Your mother and everyone here will be safe, and in return, you join us. How does that sound?"
Tenjin paused, fiddling with his fingers, deep in thought. He looked at his mother, seeking guidance.
Makima simply smiled gently. "I cannot decide this for you, Tenjin. This choice will shape your entire life. All I can say is follow your heart."
After a long pause, Tenjin finally spoke. "I… I don't know what to choose yet."
Momonga chuckled. "That's fine. You don't have to decide now. Take about a week to think it over."
Tenjin nodded, a small, confident smile forming on his face.
Momonga stood up, "Well then everyone, I should be on my way now"
Makima, Ruki and Homes all stood up as well. Makima then bowed her head to Momonga and said "Captain Momonga. I truly thank you for your help in figuring out everything surrounding Tenjin"
Momonga waved his hands and said "Don't mention it, besides. I got something out of it as well."
Homes then said "Captain Momonga, let me escort you out."
Momonga responds "Please do."
And both men proceed to walk out and exit the clinic.
Makima slumped back in her chair, exhaling a long breath. Her eyes softened as she looked at her son. "My son… truly is amazing, isn't he?"