"Hina's Words"
Gion didn't believe a single word.
She could tell—Hina was clearly covering for Luo Lan.
But…
What the hell is that brat up to now?
"Hina," Gion said, her voice firm, "just answer me truthfully on one thing, and I promise I won't press further."
Hina hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. Ask."
"Has that brat betrayed the Navy?"
Gion was deadly serious.
In all the years Hina had known her, she had rarely seen Gion wear such a grave expression.
"No. He hasn't," Hina answered without pause. "Luo Lan has never betrayed the Navy, nor has he done anything against justice."
"This…" She took a breath, placing her hand over her heart. "I can swear on it."
Gion stared into Hina's eyes.
For a full thirty seconds, she searched for any flicker of a lie.
Then, finally, she looked away.
"Alright. I won't ask anymore. And I won't investigate further. I just hope…"
"…you're right."
---
An hour later, Hina was sent back to the ship Rhodes.
And Gion, after retrieving her launch vessel, turned her warship around and sailed straight toward the Calm Belt.
---
At that same time, Tsuru was in her office, going through reports.
Buru buru buru…
She picked up the Den Den Mushi. "Tsuru speaking."
"Sister Tsuru, it's me—Gion."
"How did it go?"
Tsuru set aside her files and leaned back in her chair.
"With my Observation Haki, I could sense that Luo Lan's strength has already reached or perhaps even surpassed that of a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral."
"His physical condition improved?" Tsuru asked, surprised.
"I'm not sure. But what's even stranger—Hina's strength has skyrocketed too. She's no weaker than a Vice Admiral either."
"That's impossible…"
Tsuru frowned deeply. Unlike Gion, who had been stationed at Mary Geoise and hadn't seen Hina for years, Tsuru had seen her just three months ago.
Back then, Hina was certainly impressive, a top-level Captain close to Commodore. But now—Vice Admiral level?
That kind of power leap shouldn't be possible in such a short time.
"I know it sounds crazy," Gion said, "but it's the truth. I asked Hina directly. She refused to reveal Luo Lan's secrets but swore to me that he hasn't betrayed the Navy or violated justice."
"And I could see in her eyes—she wasn't lying."
Tsuru fell silent for a moment.
"…Then we'll leave it alone."
"Alright. But sister Tsuru… with Luo Lan and the Fleet Admiral now on such bad terms, why continue hiding the truth from him? I mean…"
Gion hesitated, then brought it up again. "Wouldn't it be better if he knew?"
"Gion," Tsuru interrupted sternly, "Sengoku had no choice. Given Luo Lan's personality—if he ever finds out that his brother is still alive, that he was sent to Mary Geoise, and what happened there…"
"That truth must never reach him."
"…I understand," Gion replied softly, though her heart felt heavy.
Tsuru's voice was cold and calm, but behind it was a clear warning.
"At first, I thought Luo Lan would live out his life as an ordinary person, and that secret would be buried with us."
"After all, who would dare go to Mary Geoise and court death?"
"But now… I'm no longer sure."
"We'll wait. We'll watch. And see if this kid… can one day gain the power to flip the table."
Tsuru ended the call.
Her thoughts drifted back to that day, years ago.
When she arrived on the island, Sengoku had called.
That call revealed everything. It changed her course of action—and her fate.
She went to the designated location and intercepted Doflamingo.
There, she found him. Unconscious. Barely alive.
But before she could bring him back, three CP0 agents appeared, carrying the direct order of the Five Elders.
The man was taken.
Neither she nor Sengoku could stop it.
They were even ordered to keep it a secret.
And so, Luo Lan—freshly released from that infamous black cell—was told that his beloved brother had died.
---
A few days after Gion left, the Danaan returned.
Smoker had made a major haul.
Not only had he recovered a large amount of loot, but he also brought back over 300 new recruits.
Many were rescued slaves, but more were civilians saved from pirates.
They were first to attend ideological re-education classes.
Then came basic training.
After that, they would each have one opportunity: to choose a subject of interest and take an exam.
If they passed, they could enter the Super Naval Academy.
And should they graduate, Luo Lan had promised—at the very least—they'd receive the rank of Ensign.
Of course, getting in was no easy feat.
Out of over 3,000 applicants, only 187 passed the first exam.
And that was with the questions deliberately set at a beginner's level, as it was the academy's inaugural recruitment.
In future exams, the bar would be far higher—and the pass rate, even lower.
Currently, the most popular courses were:
Marksmanship and Swordsmanship.
Naturally.
During the academy's opening showcase, instructors from each department had demonstrated their "talents."
A marketing gimmick, yes—but effective.
After all, who could resist?
Sword slashes splitting boulders.
Snipers taking down targets over two kilometers away.
Everyone wanted in.
Why?
Simple.
Because it looked cool.
Because it looked so damn cool.
Other classes like navigation, ship design, or naval tactics? Important—but not exactly "performance" material.
---
After Ian led the new recruits away, Luo Lan approached.
"Smoker, did you follow my instructions?"
"Relax. Everything's set."
"Good."
Luo Lan let out a relieved breath.
Then, a familiar whirlwind of orange hair came charging down the dock.
"Luo Lan! You didn't steal anything, did you?"
"What are you even saying? I haven't even gone in yet!"
Nami eyed his empty hands, then relaxed.
Turning to Smoker, she asked, "So? How much did you get?"
"Not much in Berries—just 30 million. But in goods? We fenced most through the black market. Should bring in around 300 million."
Nami frowned at the first number.
"Only" 30 million?
That phrasing made her eyebrows twitch.
But the second number?
Ahh… much better.
300 million in loot?
Not bad at all.
Without another word, she and her two aides hurried into the ship to inspect the haul.
As Nami vanished into Danaan, Luo Lan turned to Smoker.
"How much did we hold back?"
"360 million Berries."
"Not a fortune, but it'll go a long way," Luo Lan said, nodding with satisfaction.
His mood?
Excellent.