The ceremony was over, but the crowd lingered, unwilling to disperse.
Kane's words, "May we be that one and only light," had almost instantly become the motto of all the young Marines.
The atmosphere was especially festive in the square formation composed of new recruits, as if it were a holiday.
"So... so amazing..."
A tall, stunningly beautiful girl stood in the crowd, clutching her military cap tightly. Her eyes had practically turned into hearts as she stared fixedly at Kane's figure.
She wore an ill-fitting recruit uniform, but it did nothing to hide the astonishing proportions of her heaven-defyingly long legs.
Her jet-black hair was tied into a neat ponytail, and her pink lips were slightly parted, clearly still lost in the soul-stirring speech.
Gion.
The future Navy Headquarters Admiral Candidate, codenamed "Momousagi."
Right now, she was just a passionate young girl who had recently graduated from a swordsmanship dojo, joining the Navy with dreams of Justice.
Looking at that handsome face, that tall and straight posture, that powerful speech... everything perfectly matched the young girl's every fantasy of a "hero."
It gave her "Justice" a concrete form.
"How can there be... such a perfect man..." Gion's cheeks flushed crimson as she unconsciously whispered, "That kind of spirit, that resolve to burn himself for the sake of Justice... Is this... the light I am meant to follow?"
"Hmph, what's so great about him."
A voice dripping with sourness suddenly sounded from beside her.
Gion's fine brows furrowed as she turned to look.
The speaker was a man whose appearance was... how to describe it, very "sloppy."
He had downturned eyebrows, squinty eyes, and wore a fedora that looked sleazy. He was currently picking his nose with a look of displeasure.
Tokikake.
The other future Admiral Candidate, codenamed "Chaton."
Of course, right now, he was just an arrogant guy in the recruit pile who relied on a bit of brute force and thought highly of himself.
Seeing the goddess of his dreams making such a love-struck face at another man, Tokikake felt a sourness so intense it was about to rise from his throat.
He had been pursuing Gion for quite some time, only to be mercilessly rejected every time.
And now this.
This guy named Kane had done nothing but say a few pretty words on stage, and he had completely mesmerized his goddess.
How could he tolerate this?
"Gion, don't be fooled by a pretty boy like him," Tokikake said in a low voice, thinking himself very clear-headed.
"Look at him, all soft and delicate. He must have survived the Golden Lion's attack because Vice Admiral Garp and the others did all the work. He just went and picked up the scraps. It was pure luck."
"I even suspect he didn't write that speech himself. Maybe Admiral Sengoku had someone ghostwrite it for him..."
With this belittling, he hoped to show Gion his "rationality" and "maturity," to make her understand who the truly intelligent man was.
To his surprise, Gion's willow-like brows shot up, her pretty face frosted over. The way she looked at him was as if she were looking at a pile of trash.
"Tokikake, what nonsense are you spouting?"
"I will not allow you to insult Rear Admiral Kane like this!"
"Insult?" Tokikake grew anxious. "I'm stating the facts! Gion, think about it, a nineteen-year-old Rear Admiral, is that reasonable? There must be some shady business behind it! I just don't have his kind of good luck!"
The more Tokikake spoke, the more worked up he got, trying to win back his goddess's attention by disparaging Kane.
"And look how fair-skinned he is. He's obviously a pretty boy who gets by on his looks. In a real fight, I could probably take him out with one punch..."
Zing!
A crisp clang of a blade rang out.
Gion had drawn the standard-issue longsword in her hand, its bright gleam reflecting directly onto Tokikake's sleazy face.
"Shut up, Tokikake."
The young woman's voice was chillingly cold. Her eyes, which usually held a hint of youthful innocence, were now terrifyingly sharp.
"If I hear you utter one more word of insult toward Rear Admiral Kane, I will cut out your tongue."
Tokikake's neck shrank back in fear, and cold sweat instantly broke out.
He had never seen Gion with such a murderous expression.
Just then, the crowded throng of people automatically parted to the sides, clearing a path.
"Excuse me, coming through."
A gentle voice drifted over.
Tokikake looked up, and his soul nearly flew out of his body.
Kane, draped in his brand-new Admiral Coat, was walking through a side path, surrounded by a group of commissioned officers. It seemed he wanted to avoid the frenzied crowd on the main path and had deliberately taken a detour.
Up close, the sense of pressure was even stronger.
Perfect muscle lines filled out his shirt, and the golden Admiral Star on his shoulder shone with the light of authority under the sun.
Kane seemed to sense the gazes from their direction, his steps pausing slightly as he turned his head.
His gaze swept lightly over the frozen Tokikake before finally landing on Gion, who was still holding her sword-drawing pose.
Their eyes met.
Gion felt all the blood in her body rush to her head. She fumbled, trying to sheathe her sword.
But the more flustered she got, the more of a mess she made. With a click, the blade got stuck at the mouth of the scabbard, refusing to go in no matter what.
She was so embarrassed she wished she could find a hole to crawl into.
It's over, I've left my idol with the impression that I'm a violent woman...
Just then, a slender hand reached over and gently pressed down on her sword's hilt.
Kane leaned over slightly, carrying the pleasant scent of sun-drenched sea salt.
His fingers moved slightly, helping her adjust the angle, and the longsword slid smoothly back into its sheath.
"Swords are not for pointing at your comrades, soldier."
Kane's voice was soft, tinged with a smile, and held no hint of blame.
He looked at the blushing girl, his gaze lingering for a second on her extremely familiar face.
'Huh? Isn't this the future Momousagi? Look at this innocent little thing, still a greenhorn recruit.'
Kane was amused. He had to start investing in such a high-potential stock now.
An idea struck him, and he took out a piece of high-end chocolate he had just swiped from Sengoku's office.
"Take it."
Kane stuffed the chocolate into Gion's still-trembling hand, then reached out and very naturally ruffled her soft, black hair.
"You have a good eye. In the future, come work under my command."
After speaking, he turned without a hint of reluctance and strode away, his back the very picture of effortless cool.
Long after Kane had walked away, Gion remained in that posture, tightly clutching the chocolate as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.
The warmth of his large hand still lingered on the top of her head.
"Go... go under his command..."
Gion felt as if she were steaming. Her dazed eyes gradually became firm, even fervent.
"I must become stronger! I must join Rear Admiral Kane's unit!"
Meanwhile, Tokikake, who had been completely ignored and reduced to a background prop, watched his goddess's infatuated state. His entire world turned gray, the sound of his heart breaking clearly audible.
[Ding!]
As Kane walked away, a crisp notification sound suddenly rang in his mind.
[Detected that the host's personal charm has caused "Future Admiral Candidate" Tokikake to have a mental breakdown, indirectly damaging collegial relationships.]
[Achievement Unlocked: With a Good Enough Shovel, No Corner Is Un-diggable.]
[Violation Value +1000!]
Kane's steps faltered slightly, and he rubbed his chin, somewhat baffled.
"This works too?"
"I didn't even do anything? That Tokikake guy... could he have a fragile constitution?"
Still, free points were free points.
Kane's mood brightened considerably. Humming an unknown tune, he headed toward his office.
"Ah, this is youth~"
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