The scorching sun hung high, and clouds formed various shapes in the sky, appearing and disappearing.
From a high vantage point, the endless blue sea stretched out, and a massive warship flew the seagull flag symbolizing peace and justice. The secondary mast bore a large flag with the character “Tsuru.”
This was a gigantic warship, like a colossal behemoth cutting through the waves. The ship was surrounded by numerous cannon fortresses.
Marines patrolled the deck, maintaining strict order.
As they sailed, pirate ships fled at the sight of the warship, not daring to engage.
All because of the seagull flag and, more importantly, the “Tsuru” flag.
“Yuska, how long until we reach Marineford?”
In the spacious, bright office within the warship, a woman with loose bangs and dark blue hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a blue and white shirt under a justice cloak, spoke. She wore two bracelets on her right hand and green earrings.
This woman, Tsuru, was a beauty exuding a mature, competent aura. Her curvaceous figure made her look like she was in her thirties, but she was actually over 50, as alluring as a ripe peach.
Tsuru, Vice Admiral of the Marine Headquarters and Chief of Staff was a powerful woman combining strength, intelligence, beauty, and authority.
“Vice Admiral, we will arrive tomorrow.”
Beside her, a plump female rear admiral with green afro hair, sunglasses, and lipstick replied.
“Good.”
Tsuru’s eyes remained on the intelligence reports, not looking up.
“Vice Admiral, is it true that Pirate King Gol D. Roger is in the South Blue?”
A tall, slender female rear admiral with short yellow hair and a purple shirt under her jacket entered, carrying coffee.
“Natayubis, Rear Admiral of the Marine Headquarters and dual-wielding swordswoman, like Yuska, was one of Tsuru’s direct subordinates. The Marine fleet led by Tsuru was mostly composed of women.
“More than fifty percent sure.”
Tsuru set down the reports, taking a sip of coffee.
“We wasted our time in the North Blue.”
Yuska also took a sip of her coffee.
“Where’s Yaffel?”
Looking around, Tsuru noticed one of her trusted subordinates was missing.
“The boy woke up, so Yaffel probably went to see him.”
Natayubis thought for a moment and said.
“His life was saved, but his eye…”
Yuska sighed regretfully.
“Damn pirates, sparing neither children nor the elderly. It’s a shame the ringleader escaped.”
Natayubis was furious, gritting her teeth.
Tsuru remained silent, her face calm.
Yesterday, while passing by, they had exterminated the Scar Pirates, but it was too late. Over a hundred villagers had been massacred, with only a single surviving boy.
And he was severely injured.
Scar, the pirate captain, was cunning and escaped quickly.
Tsuru hadn’t even seen him.
As Chief of Staff, Tsuru had a heavy workload, so she left the task to her subordinates. She was numb and accustomed to such tragedies, having seen worse.
A few minutes ago, in the medical room of the warship.
Foxy, who had been unconscious, suddenly opened his right eye, filled with horror and fear, his bandaged face drenched in cold sweat. The pain in his eye and chest was excruciating, like needles stabbing him.
Raising his head slightly, Foxy looked around. He was lying on a hospital bed, his upper body bandaged, with only his right eye and mouth exposed. His right hand was connected to an IV.
Recalling the moment he fainted, Foxy realized the Marines had saved him.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Foxy lay there, glad he was still alive.
“You’re awake?”
The door opened, and a hefty woman in a nurse’s outfit entered, carrying medical supplies.
“Where am I?”
Foxy asked, looking at the stout nurse.
“On a Marine warship. You need to stay in bed for a few days due to your chest injuries.”
The nurse began changing his bandages.
“Thank you.”
Foxy thanked her sincerely.
“Vice Admiral Tsuru saved you,” the nurse smiled.
“Vice Admiral Tsuru?” Foxy’s eyes widened. “The Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Tsuru?”
“Yes.”
“Can I meet her?” Foxy asked, his hands trembling.
“I’ll ask for you. Just rest for now.” The nurse nodded and left.
“Thank you.”
As the nurse left, Foxy stared at the ceiling, his right eye filled with excitement and resentment.
He had to get stronger and survive.
This was an opportunity.
Shortly after the nurse left, a female rear admiral with short black hair and a voluptuous figure entered. It was Yaffel.
“You want to meet Vice Admiral Tsuru?”
Seeing Foxy wrapped in bandages, Yaffel felt a twinge of pity.
“Who are you?” Foxy asked, noticing her Marine coat and realizing she was a Marine officer, but unsure of her rank.
“Rear Admiral Yaffel of the Marine Headquarters.”
Yaffel pulled a chair over and sat by the bed.
“Thank you for saving me.”
Foxy thanked her sincerely.
“As Marines, upholding justice is our duty. What’s your name, boy?”
“Wang… Foxy.”
“Foxy, rest assured, you’re safe now.” Yaffel comforted him, knowing he must be feeling lost and scared.
“Rear Admiral, are there any other survivors from the village?”
Foxy asked hopefully, looking at Yaffel.
Yaffel’s expression stiffened, and she hesitated before speaking.
“Only you.”
“And the pirates…” Foxy gritted his teeth, his chest tightening painfully.
“The captain, Scar, escaped.”
The room fell silent, Foxy’s eyes vacant.
“Rest well.” Yaffel stood up, sighing inwardly.
“Rear Admiral, I want to thank Vice Admiral Tsuru in person and join the Marines.”
Foxy struggled to sit up, calling out to Yaffel.
Turning back, Yaffel looked at Foxy. “I’ll ask for you, but Vice Admiral Tsuru is very busy, so…”
Yaffel didn’t finish, but her meaning was clear.
“Rear Admiral, I’m a Devil Fruit user. Please give me a chance.”
Foxy pleaded, determined to seize this opportunity. His brush with death had shown him the depths of despair and helplessness.
He had to change, get stronger, and live well.
Aphelandra’s last words still echoed in his mind.
“A Devil Fruit user?”
Surprised, Yaffel’s eyes softened as she looked at Foxy.
“Yes.”
Foxy nodded firmly.
“Alright, rest up. I’ll inform Vice Admiral Tsuru.”
“Thank you, Rear Admiral.”
As the door closed, Foxy lay back, wincing in pain, but his eyes were filled with unprecedented determination.
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