Banquet time always passes quickly, and the moment of departure had arrived. Hera and the others returned to the ship with their new companion, Nami. After seeing that the rooms could be connected, Nami also wanted to live with the three of them and connected her room as well.
This made Hera wonder if she should have just made her own room bigger from the start.
Hera thought to herself that since she was back in the East Blue, she should stop by to see Genzo and Luffy. She wondered if Ace had set sail yet, and since Kuina hadn't seen her father in two years, they would visit together this time.
After Nami joined, the argo's sailing speed increased slightly. Nami was always able to keenly use the wind to accelerate the ship. They soon arrived at Shimotsuki Village in the East Blue. In the dojo, besides Genzo, Hera saw another person who was quite unexpected.
Seeing the two familiar faces, Hera said in surprise, "Sabo, Dragon, why are you two here?"
Dragon was also somewhat surprised to see Hera's Marine uniform. "I originally thought you would become a pirate with that kid Luffy. I didn't expect you to actually become a Marine."
Sabo said, "Hera, it's been a long time."
Genzo said, "I often provide food for the Revolutionary Army. I didn't expect you to run into them."
Hera stuck out her tongue and said, "Then should I report you to the Marines, Master Genzo?"
Genzo laughed. He had already talked about Hera with Dragon and Sabo, so he naturally didn't think Hera would actually report him. He played along and said, "Spare me, the most precious thing I have has already been taken away by you."
Seeing her father, Kuina couldn't contain the joy of their reunion and ran over. "Father, I can already use both types of Haki now!"
Genzo was happy to hear this, but he also felt worried about the hardships Kuina must have endured to awaken them. He asked, "How have you been over at the Marines? You must have suffered a lot. Did anyone make things difficult for you?"
Kuina said, "No, the people in the Marines are very kind to me. I've even met Admiral Kizaru and Admiral Aokiji, as well as Grandpa Sengoku. While in the Marines, I also asked Sister Gion to teach me a lot."
Genzo was momentarily speechless at Hera's background; this was practically the status of a Marine princess.
Dragon, on the other hand, wasn't that surprised. When Dragon was young, Garp had told him not to reveal his name to train himself, but now that he had a granddaughter, Garp couldn't wait to tell the whole world she was under his protection. This shift left Dragon somewhat speechless for a moment.
Genzo and Kuina also began to chat about life in the Marines. From time to time, phrases could be heard like "Hera is too amazing, she even helped Teacher Zephyr defeat Whitebeard Jr. during Marine training camp" and "We also dealt with the Arlong Pirates, where I met a 'Six Sword Style' Fishman."
Genzo nodded as he watched the excited Kuina, chiming in occasionally. He felt glad that he hadn't stopped her dream; the current Kuina looked much happier than before.
On the other side, Sabo and Hera also chatted about their respective experiences. Hera told him about her daily routine at the Marine training camp and introduced him to her new companions, Ain and Nami.
Although Ain was surprised that Hera also had a connection with the Revolutionary Army, she soon calmed down. She secretly resolved not to speak of this matter, as she could not betray Hera's trust.
Nami, on the other hand, didn't feel much. She didn't quite understand the business of the Revolutionary Army yet, so she appeared quite indifferent.
As they chatted, Sabo grew excited and insisted that his little sister see his strength. He was about to pull Hera toward the sparring platform when Dragon stopped him. "We came here in secret this time. It's not appropriate to cause too much of a commotion."
Sabo pleaded, "If that's the case, then just one move. How about just one move?"
Hera was also very curious about Sabo's strength and looked at Dragon with a face full of anticipation.
Genzo saw the situation and said, "Let them exchange one move. They're just two children. With me here, the noise won't get out."
Dragon nodded, which counted as his agreement.
Sabo said to Hera, "Don't underestimate my progress these past few days. Brother Dragon also teaches us the Six Powers."
Hera took her military saber in hand. She was also curious about Sabo's current strength and settled into a stance.
Sabo moved first, shouting, "Dragon Claw!" Black Armament Haki spread over his hand as he used a strange technique, forming his fingers into a claw and lunging toward Hera.
On Hera's military saber, white space ability and black Armament Haki intertwined. She used her strongest move currently: the Cancer Sword enhanced by Haki, slashing toward Sabo's Dragon Claw.
The two techniques collided, and the overflowing aura was entirely blocked by Genzo. In the end, the slightly older Sabo gained a bit of an upper hand, forcing Hera back two steps.
Although Sabo won the clash, he knew in his heart that he had already lost. Hera was currently too young; he had only won slightly because of his advantage in physique and Haki. In a real battle, with Hera's speed, his techniques would be even harder to land. He resolved in his heart to practice even more diligently.
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