"I'm just a fool. This is my first time at headquarters, and there's still a lot I don't really understand."
Daren replied with a calm smile, leaving no openings.
Kong: ...
You dared to kill a Celestial Dragon, and you're claiming ignorance?
Sengoku tried to probe you before, and you dodged it with ease—yet you still say you're unfamiliar with Marine Headquarters?
With an annoyed expression, Kong pulled a cigar from his case and tossed it to Daren.
"You really are a natural-born politician. I'm not going to beat around the bush with you."
Clenching a cigar between his teeth, Kong lit it and said slowly,
"After these two Celestial Dragon incidents, the government's distrust and suspicion toward the Marines have reached new heights."
Daren had just struck a match to light his cigar, but hearing Kong's words, he casually corrected him,
"No, just one."
"The cause of the North Blue incident has been identified... Saint Xildes-sama's official ship was attacked by a large Sea King and he died in the encounter."
"I personally extend my deepest apologies and condolences."
"…Yeah, yeah. If you say it was a Sea King, then it was a Sea King."
Kong waved dismissively, clearly unimpressed. He took a deep drag from his cigar, then after a pause of several seconds, continued,
"Anyway, the government's mistrust has reached the highest point since I became Fleet Admiral."
"As for whether they'll send someone to investigate this incident, to be honest, I don't know."
"But one thing's certain—the promotion plan that had already been pretty much finalized has now been put on hold."
"Promotion plan?" Daren asked with some curiosity.
"Yeah."
Kong nodded.
"Originally, within the next three months, I was supposed to head to Mary Geoise and take up the role of 'Commander-in-Chief of the World Government's Armed Forces,' and Sengoku would naturally succeed me as Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters."
"But now, thanks to what happened with Dragon, that finalized promotion plan has been suspended."
So that's what happened!
A sense of clarity washed over Daren.
In fact, he'd already caught wind of rumors—about Sengoku's upcoming promotion from Headquarters Admiral to Fleet Admiral.
Back then, he was puzzled.
After all, he vaguely remembered that Sengoku's promotion to Fleet Admiral wasn't supposed to happen this early.
After the Great Pirate Era began, it was Sengoku who authorized the Buster Call during the Ohara incident—and at that time, he was still an Admiral.
Thinking back now, everything lined up.
It was likely that Sengoku's leadership came under scrutiny from the government because of Dragon's "defection," leaving him stuck at the Admiral rank for years and delaying his promotion to Fleet Admiral.
But that wasn't surprising.
Dragon wasn't just any Rear Admiral.
The bloodline he bore, the identity he held, and what he symbolized—all of it went beyond the typical responsibilities of a Marine Admiral.
And yet, this "son of a hero," the pride of the Marine Corps, had openly killed a Celestial Dragon!
This was undoubtedly a heavy blow to the Marines as a whole.
"This is only temporary. It won't be long before the doubts fade with time, and the World Government forgets all about it."
Daren smiled as he spoke.
"After all, they still need us Marines as their main fighting force."
"Before that happens, allow me to congratulate you in advance on your promotion, Fleet Admiral Kong."
Kong looked at Daren and suddenly chuckled.
"Don't be so optimistic. This time, it's not just me and Sengoku who are caught up in this."
Daren's smile froze.
...?
Then he heard Kong continue, smiling as he said,
"Your battle report was beautifully written, almost flawless—but regardless, the Celestial Dragons were killed in the North Blue."
"Both incidents involving the deaths of Celestial Dragons happened in the North Blue... within the jurisdiction of the so-called 'King of the North Blue.'"
"So I regret to inform you that your own promotion, which had already been confirmed, has also been put on hold."
Then, with a hint of smug amusement, he added,
"Of course, it's only temporary. I imagine it won't be long before the doubts fade with time, and the World Government forgets about it."
Daren: …
Well, the old man's still sharp.
Looks like that 300 million Belly bonus is gone.
Should've asked for more.
That was a promotion to Rear Admiral at Marine Headquarters!
A rank most Marines never reach their entire careers!
For many, it's the highest they'll ever go!
And now it's been delayed.
Daren had been thinking that once he made Rear Admiral, he could finally hold his head high in front of Sakazuki and Borsalino, stand on equal footing... no longer needing to fake salutes to his so-called "superiors."
Now look what happened—just when it was within reach, it slipped away.
Damn it, Dragon. If I'd known, I would've kicked you harder...
Did you really have to stir up trouble in the North Blue?
Cleaning up after you wasn't enough—now I have to take the fall too.
Thinking this, Daren let out a quiet sigh.
"I'm willing to accept any arrangement from headquarters."
Still, he didn't actually feel much about it.
The position of Rear Admiral didn't mean much to him personally.
"Alright, just giving you a heads-up."
Kong nodded, glanced out the window at the night sky, and said with a grin,
"That's enough talking. Go on, get going. That woman from Wano Country is probably getting impatient."
At that last line, the old man even winked at Daren with a teasing tone.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral."
Daren saluted.
"Mm. Off you go. Happy holidays, kid."
Kong waved him off.
...
Marine Headquarters, Officers' Residential Compound.
Daren looked at the lanterns hanging from the front porch and the warm glow spilling out from behind the courtyard walls. A soft warmth rose in his chest.
He paused, took out a handkerchief to wipe the grime from his face, and removed the bandages wrapped around his body.
He gave his face a few pats, trying to look a little less exhausted, and forced a smile.
He knew he was far from a model Marine, but at least for Toki's sake, he didn't want her to worry.
He pushed open the courtyard gate.
"Toki, I'm back! Happy holi—"
Daren froze, his raised boot pausing mid-step.
Inside the house, in the living room, sat two breathtaking women with completely different auras, facing each other across a table filled with food. The atmosphere felt... off.
"Husband, you're home."
Amatsuki Toki turned toward him with a radiant smile.
The corner of Daren's mouth twitched.
"I—I came at a bad time... Wait! I just remembered, Admiral Sengoku was looking for me!"
"No, Admiral Sengoku isn't looking for you."
Opposite Toki, Gion sat with her high ponytail and sharp, commanding presence. She looked at Daren with a dangerous glint in her eye and smiled.
"You're right on time."
Daren: …
That line... definitely sounded ominous.