In the Kingdom of Sorbet, Renji's residence.
As the head of the South Sea Navy, Renji naturally had to shoulder the responsibilities that came with the position.
Maintaining the peace and stability of the South Sea, protecting its people from pirate attacks, resolving disputes between islands, and overseeing the conduct of the Navy—these were all part of his duties.
However, Renji had delegated all these tasks to Kuzan, who was also responsible for managing personnel.
"Kuzan, didn't I delegate all authority to you?" Renji sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Shouldn't you be handling these matters with ease by now?"
"Why are you coming to me again..."
Kuzan forced a bitter smile. Was it really appropriate to say such things so openly?
"Admiral, headquarters asked me to inform you in person that Golden Lion Shiki might be heading to the South Sea," Kuzan said. While it was true that headquarters had instructed him to relay this message, they hadn't specified that it had to be done face-to-face.
He had chosen this timing to visit Renji's residence mainly to score a free meal.
As for Golden Lion Shiki, he had confirmed with his contact at headquarters that while the pirate might come to the South Sea, the East Sea was also a strong possibility.
After all, the East Sea was widely known as the weakest sea (both in terms of pirates and the Navy). If Shiki wanted to recuperate, the East Sea would be his first choice.
"Golden Lion? He's severely injured. Even if he comes to the South Sea, he won't be able to cause any trouble in the short term. Just arrange for a Navy patrol to monitor the South Sea regularly," Renji said.
An injured Shiki would undoubtedly be on high alert, making it unlikely that they could locate him quickly.
"However, have all the islands remain vigilant. If any small islands or similar objects mysteriously disappear, report it immediately," Renji instructed.
"Understood! I'll make sure your orders are carried out!" Kuzan saluted.
"Oh, right. Since Dragon is here too," Renji said, snapping his fingers, "from now on, the two of you can work together. The South Sea's affairs are in your hands."
Dragon and Kuzan exchanged glances and nodded simultaneously.
Dragon, however, looked a bit embarrassed. "Admiral, so far, I've only been involved in capturing pirates. Handling administrative matters... I might not be good at it. Maybe I should just focus on hunting pirates..."
During his time at headquarters, Dragon had never been involved in management. He knew his strengths lay in leading troops and combat, not in administrative tasks.
(Note: The Revolutionary Army led by Dragon only overthrew kingdoms and installed influential local figures as leaders. They didn't fundamentally address the underlying issues in those kingdoms.)
"Dragon, do you remember why Garp sent you here?" Renji asked.
Dragon answered without hesitation, "Vice Admiral Garp sent me to learn from you..."
As he spoke, he realized what Renji was getting at.
"Exactly. Learning. Managing islands, addressing the people's needs—these are things you must learn!" Renji emphasized.
"But..." Dragon still hesitated.
Renji cut him off. "No buts. Everyone starts from scratch and learns step by step. Don't expect to master everything overnight. If you don't know something, ask Kuzan or others for guidance."
"Remember, those who excel are your teachers! There's something to learn from everyone."
Renji patted Dragon's shoulder encouragingly. "I believe you can grow into a Navy officer who can stand on his own."
Feeling the weight of Renji's expectations, Dragon's eyes moistened slightly. Such high hopes, such trust—how could he refuse without disappointing Renji?
At that moment, it was as if he had found the guiding light of his life.
Dragon responded loudly, "I will learn from them diligently!"
Renji nodded with satisfaction, inwardly thrilled. He had just recruited another hard worker, lightening his own workload.
Perfect!
Renji glanced discreetly at the now-energized Dragon. Hunting pirates was something the South Sea Navy could handle.
But administrative tasks? Those were best left to professionals like Dragon and Kuzan. They had the talent for it. (After all, one was a future admiral, and the other would become the leader of the Revolutionary Army. Both were exceptional in their own ways.)
"Work is important, but don't neglect your training," Renji reminded. "That goes for you too, Kuzan."
"Understood! (Got it!)" both replied in unison.
Dragon had been educated in an elite environment and was determined to achieve his goals once he set his mind to them. Kuzan, on the other hand, wanted to stay by Renji's side, and improving his strength was a necessary step.
"Admiral, when's dinner? It's been a while since I've tasted your cooking..." Kuzan said sheepishly.
Renji chuckled. "I knew you had ulterior motives. You couldn't even wait to hide them."
"It's just a meal. You make it sound like I'm committing a crime..." Kuzan laughed.
"..."
The six of them gathered around a spacious dining table, laughter and chatter filling the room.
The table was laden with a variety of delicious dishes, their enticing aromas making everyone's mouths water. The soft lighting and warm atmosphere made the room feel cozy and inviting.
Looking at the feast before him, Kuzan smiled broadly. "It's been a while since you cooked such a lavish spread. We're in for a treat today."
Dragon eyed the unfamiliar dishes on the table. "I've never seen these before."
"Just eat and enjoy. You won't find these outside the Kingdom of Sorbet," Kuzan said, placing a portion of food on Dragon's plate.
Dragon took a bite, and his eyes lit up. "This is amazing!"
"..."
While this world had its own unique delicacies—like water meat, seafood rice, and naturally grilled lizard meat—they didn't quite suit Renji's taste. So, he had cultivated his own vegetables and spices.
As the saying goes, "System products are always top-notch." The ingredients he grew had become a specialty of the Kingdom of Sorbet, and a portion of his military funds came from selling them.
...
Marineford, Navy Headquarters Infirmary.
"Garp, you almost went too far this time," Sengoku said, annoyed.
Garp, munching on rice crackers, grinned. "I finally found some time to visit you, and this is the thanks I get?"
"We enlisted together, remember? Don't break my heart," Garp added, feigning hurt.
Sengoku's eyebrow twitched. "Oh, so you remember we're from the same batch? Where were you when I needed help hunting Golden Lion?"
Garp, knowing he was in the wrong, muttered, "I was in the East Sea and couldn't make it in time..."
"And now you come here to annoy me!" Sengoku clutched his chest, exasperated. "Forget it. If it weren't for the CP agents stepping in, I might not have made it back."
Garp frowned. "With your strength, you shouldn't have had such a hard time against Golden Lion."
"It couldn't be helped. At sea, I couldn't fight at full strength. Shiki used his ability to control too many islands. I couldn't handle them all."
"Besides, Shiki wasn't alone..."
...
---------
(TL/N): If you are intressted you can read up to 30 chapter on patreon.com/Yanet96 search with this link.