Kizaru sat comfortably beside Hawk, lifting a steaming cup of red tea.
"Hawk…"
"The strength of Rear Admirals Zoro and Sanji is already enough to spar with the elite Rear Admirals."
He took a sip, his eyes behind the lenses scanning the distance at the two figures struggling to stand, supporting each other as they moved aside to rest.
"With my careful guidance…"
"And a little more time to grow, they'll become true Admiral-level forces in Headquarters."
"..."
Hawk listened quietly, setting down the intelligence summary. He smiled softly. "Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease."
"But Kizaru…"
Hawk's gaze flicked toward him, a teasing note in his voice. "I remember the bonus that Admiral Sengoku promised long ago has already been deposited. Your retirement fund must be overflowing by now."
"So why are you still working so hard to earn extra?"
"Are you planning to empty the G-3 branch treasury?"
Hawk knew Kizaru's character well a classic workaholic who only works for rewards. When Hawk had first asked him to guide Zoro and Sanji, he had felt unsure.
Admiral Sengoku had promised a massive bonus to motivate him. The reward had arrived, but Hawk hadn't been certain it would sway Kizaru.
Unexpectedly, he agreed immediately.
"Ha ha "
Kizaru set down his cup. He removed his sunglasses and slowly polished the lenses with a pristine handkerchief.
This simple gesture revealed his eyes entirely.
The lazy, irreverent eyes usually half-lidded now carried a quiet seriousness.
"The Navy has been my home for most of my life."
"Hm…"
Hawk nodded slightly, listening.
"I used to think Navy work was boring and troublesome. Every day was dealing with stupid bureaucrats and annoying pirates. I couldn't wait to retire."
Kizaru's voice grew more reflective.
"But now, it's different."
"After the Marineford War, the number of pirates on the seas has visibly decreased."
"There are fewer emergency dispatches, fewer perfunctory reports, and I no longer have to deal with foolish Celestial Dragons."
Ha ha
Kizaru's lips curved upwards unconsciously.
"Admiral Sengoku seems to be enjoying himself at G-3. Beating up careless pirates in Paradise, training new recruits he's more spirited than when he was Fleet Admiral."
"He's repaired his relationship with Zephyr as well, calling occasionally to discuss Devil Fruit research. Almost everything I figured out on my own, he's already learned from me!"
"Even Sakazuki, our fellow countryman, sometimes puts aside work to invite me to share a meal, to talk about everyday life."
"He's also asked me to help guide little Uni's speed development when I have time."
"..."
Kizaru glanced mischievously at Hawk.
"Speaking of which, that little one is constantly saying, 'Hawk is great' or 'Hawk is amazing.' Want me to "
"Uh…"
Hawk's cheek twitched ever so slightly. He sipped his tea to hide his embarrassment.
Kizaru chuckled. "Young people's business isn't for me to meddle in."
"If you need me, you know where to find me."
He stretched leisurely, continuing, "That Beakpunk fellow is busy reverse-engineering Kuma while studying civilian tech and new weapons. He's fully absorbed in pursuing his ideals."
"Once Kuma goes through a few more surgeries, he'll fully return to human form."
"And Waru's temporarily taking care of Bonnie. That little mischievous girl keeps pranking him daily I can't help but enjoy watching it!"
Kizaru put his glasses back on, his gaze returning to its usual lazy state. Yet beneath that relaxed exterior was a warmth born of belonging.
"..."
Hawk listened quietly, understanding completely.
This was no longer the Navy shackled by the World Government, fragmented by internal factions, compromising for the sake of so-called balance.
It was becoming a true organization, alive with ideals, flesh and blood, and a future.
"So, I really like the Navy's current atmosphere!"
"Besides…"
Kizaru winked at Hawk. "By putting in a little extra effort myself to pave the way for you young ones, I can enjoy retirement without worry."
He stood, patting Hawk on the shoulder, strolling leisurely toward Zoro and Sanji.
"Training continues~"
The rumble of engines filled the harbor as five massive warships and a large battleship slowly docked at Marineford.
The heavy metal gangway dropped with a thud.
A tall figure emerged first Rear Admiral Dain.
Close behind was a man with two cigars in his mouth, scowling, striding down from the large battleship.
"Hmph !"
He exhaled smoke, letting out a deep grunt.
Just thinking about missing the complete annihilation of two Yonko crews made his skin crawl. If he had been there, how satisfying it would have been!
"If I were there, one White Burst and the entire bay would turn to dense smoke! Then I'd borrow a spark of magma from Fleet Admiral Sakazuki…"
Smoker's fists cracked as he imagined it. "Whitebeard, Red-Haired, and all their lackeys would enjoy the most spectacular explosive funeral!"
"Tina thinks your plan is too simplistic, Smoker."
A calm, elegant voice spoke as Tina approached, walking at ease.
She removed her sunglasses, pink hair fluttering in the sea breeze.
"At that moment, protecting Alabasta is crucial."
"It's the conversion base. Any mistake and all operations could collapse."
"You…"
Smoker opened his mouth to argue, but Dain laughed and shook his head, cutting him off.
"Smoker, Tina…"
"Go inside quickly. Don't keep the boss waiting!"