Seeing the pride on Momousagi's face, Zephyr sighed inwardly.
He knew all too well that Gion, aside from being around Tsuru, usually maintained a cold, untouchable "Goddess" persona. It was only in front of old man Rowan that she would reveal this side of a vulnerable young woman.
In Marine Headquarters, there were countless young talents interested in Gion. In particular, Vice Admiral Tokikake, codenamed "Chaton," who held the same Admiral Candidate status as her, had confessed his feelings to the girl over a hundred times. And every single time, he had been ruthlessly rejected.
Granted, Chaton's looks were... let's say, "uniquely" unattractive, but his strength was officially recognized by the Headquarters. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been cultivated as an Admiral Candidate. Of course, Gion was equally exceptional, earning the same honor. This was due to her own excellence, but also to Rowan's earnest guidance back in the day.
Thinking of Chaton, Zephyr suddenly felt a surge of wicked humor. If Chaton stumbled upon this scene of Gion clinging to Master Rowan, what would his face look like?
He'd probably be in utter despair. No wonder Gion looked down on him; it turned out her idol was a legendary Marine like Rowan! Zephyr chuckled internally, the corners of his mouth twitching upward.
Seeing Zephyr's expression, Ain, standing beside him, looked confused. What on earth is Master Zephyr thinking about? Why does he have such a... sleazy grin?
Shortly after, Rowan and the group arrived at a private elevator within the Headquarters building, taking it directly to the top floor. Stepping out, Rowan couldn't help but sigh. "It's certainly much quieter up here at little Sengoku's place."
As the Fleet Admiral, Sengoku was the brain of the entire Navy. Naturally, the Chief's office was on the highest floor of the fortress. Rowan strode toward the office and, without so much as a knock, pushed the heavy doors open.
Seeing the scene inside, Rowan grinned. "Yo, seems like quite a party in here today. Sengoku, Garp—long time no see!"
At that moment, the Fleet Admiral's office held more than just Sengoku and Garp. Seated there were the Navy's three "Highest Combat Powers," the Admirals: Aokiji (Kuzan), Kizaru (Borsalino), and Akainu (Sakazuki).
Everyone froze for a second. The first to react was, predictably, Garp, who was still mid-crunch on a rice cracker. After a moment of dazed silence, he dropped his snack, blurred across the room, and scooped Rowan up, spinning him around three times in the air.
Fortunately, upon entering the office, Gion had been sensible enough to let go of Rowan's arm. Otherwise, she would have been taken for a ride in the air as well.
Setting Rowan down after the three rotations, Garp let out his signature boisterous laugh. "Hahahaha! Old Man! You finally made it! I've missed you to death!"
Garp looked like he wanted to plant a massive kiss on Rowan's weathered face.
"Alright, alright! You brat, you're at this age and you still have no shame!" Rowan pushed Garp away with mock disgust. He then raised his pipe and gestured behind him. "Look who the Old Man brought for you."
"Hmm?" Garp blinked and looked in the direction Rowan pointed. Peeking out from behind Zephyr and Tsuru, he saw the nose-picking, idle-looking Luffy.
Garp's face went into shock. "Old Man! Why did you bring Luffy here?!" This was something Rowan definitely hadn't mentioned over the Den Den Mushi!
"Teacher!"
Inside the office, Sengoku—who had been discussing matters with the others—bolted upright from his chair. Unfortunately, he wasn't as fast as Garp, who had already beaten him to the punch. Once Garp was shoved aside, Sengoku took a deep breath, strode forward, and gave Rowan a powerful embrace.
"Teacher... long time no see!"
Nearly twenty years of separation meant Sengoku's longing for Rowan was no less than anyone else's. Unlike Garp, he couldn't live a carefree life or run back to the East Blue whenever he felt like it. It was no wonder Garp had refused the promotion to Admiral. As the Fleet Admiral, Sengoku dealt with endless affairs daily; only in the quiet of the night did he find a spare moment to stare at Rowan's photograph and zone out.
For years, his greatest regret was not being able to stay by Rowan's side to take care of him. But there was no helping it; he couldn't abandon his duties at the Headquarters. Fortunately, his teacher was here now—and he looked healthy and well.
"Mr. Rowan!" "Yo~ It really has been a while, Mr. Rowan."
After Sengoku and Rowan parted, Admirals Aokiji and Kizaru, who had already stood up, greeted Rowan in unison. Though their ranks were now higher than Rowan's was at retirement, Marine Headquarters wasn't just about rank. Rowan's seniority and status alone commanded such respect.
Akainu, however—the man of the magma fruit—remained expressionless. He simply gave the Fleet Admiral a curt nod. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I have matters to attend to. I won't disturb your reunion."
With that, Akainu walked straight out of the office, merely nodding to Tsuru and Zephyr as he passed them. Rowan watched Akainu's receding back but said nothing.
Akainu's cold reception was expected. Akainu followed a philosophy of "Absolute Justice" that was far too extreme. Back in the day, he had ordered the bombardment of a civilian evacuation ship to ensure his justice was met. In the future, he would even strike down his own soldiers for retreating. To a man of his pride and conviction, a retired Vice Admiral like Rowan, who was often known for his "lazy" behavior in the past, was naturally not someone he would hold in high regard.
Aokiji, on the other hand, had always been respectful toward Rowan due to his ties with Zephyr and Garp. As for the "Old Slicker" Kizaru, Rowan had no comment.
"Teacher, don't mind him. Sakazuki is just like that," Sengoku said, shaking his head.
In truth, even Sengoku was a bit helpless regarding Akainu. But Akainu hadn't done anything technically wrong, and since the meeting was over, his departure was the logical choice. Otherwise, he would have just been sitting there in an awkward silence with Rowan.
"It's fine," Rowan waved it off indifferently. He wasn't a petty man. Besides, he had never mentored Akainu; why should the man go out of his way to respect him?
If he really wanted that brat's respect, he could just casually show off his strength and take down a couple of Warlords. Akainu would have no choice but to see him in a new light.