"When will Esdeath-sama return?"
Tashigi pushed open the dormitory door. Esdeath, with Tina, stood at the entrance, both smiling sweetly.
"I must still be half-asleep."
How could it be such a coincidence that Esdeath-sama appeared at the door just as she opened it?
Creak!
The door closed, and Tashigi rubbed her eyes. It seemed her excessive longing was causing her to hallucinate.
"Ah!"
The people inside the room stared blankly as Tashigi opened the door, saw Esdeath, and then closed it again.
"What's wrong with you all?"
She looked at the shocked group, somewhat confused. Had they also seen the same illusion she had?
"Open the door quickly! You've locked Esdeath-sama outside!"
The group immediately rushed to the door, wanting to open it. This foolish Tashigi was being foolish even now.
"Hahaha, Esdeath-sama, Tina is going to die laughing." Tina covered her stomach, chuckling beside her. This Tashigi actually opened the door and then closed it again.
"This Tashigi." Esdeath sighed. She actually thought she was an illusion. How could an illusion be so real?
Creak!
The door opened again.
Tashigi's figure rushed out and burrowed into Esdeath's embrace. This time, no one could snatch her away!
"Esdeath-sama!"
Ain and Domino smiled, but neither rushed over like Tashigi.
"Mmm~ Esdeath-sama~" Little Sadie twisted her body and came to Esdeath's side, wanting a hug, but Tashigi had taken up all the space.
It surprised Esdeath that Tashigi, who used to be so shy and never dared to burrow into her arms, was now so bold. It was always Little Sadie before.
Now she's so daring?
"Wuwuwu…"
A sound of sobbing came from Esdeath's embrace.
If there was anyone whose feelings for Esdeath were the deepest, it was probably Tashigi.
She was the first girl Esdeath met after transmigrating, and she was always the first to stand up and speak for her when things happened.
Now, Esdeath had left her here for over half a year, which was her own fault.
"There, there, don't cry."
She reached out and stroked Tashigi's small head. Among them, her own height was the tallest, even a head taller than Tashigi.
"Esdeath-sama, Tashigi missed you so much." Her head was buried in Esdeath's embrace, unafraid of being suffocated.
"Tina is angry, Tashigi doesn't miss Tina at all." Tina, watching the scene, couldn't help but tease Tashigi.
"Ah! Of course, I missed Sister Tina too!"
She looked up slightly at Tina, saying she missed her, but her hands remained on Esdeath's body, not moving.
"Ah~ Tashigi is so sly~ I want a hug too~" Little Sadie stomped her foot and directly hugged Esdeath over Tashigi.
"Me too!"
Domino also came over for a hug.
Ain, beside them, shook her head helplessly, though she wanted to as well.
After some time, they finally released Esdeath.
She walked over to Ain and gently embraced her, saying softly, "Thank you for your hard work!"
Ain was the oldest among them, and when Esdeath was away, Ain was definitely the one who took care of them.
"It was my duty!"
For the entire next day, Esdeath stayed with Tashigi and the others in the Marine dormitory; there was nothing else to do anyway.
...
"Due to Esdeath's outstanding performance during her tenure, Marineford has once again decided to award Esdeath the rank of Rear Admiral!" Sengoku took out an epaulet and handed it to Esdeath, stroking his braided mustache with satisfaction.
This rank looked perfectly suited for her!
This award ceremony was specially held for Esdeath.
Below the award platform, while not a sea of people, there were many familiar faces; almost all the Vice Admirals and other Generals at Marineford had come.
Of course, there were also Garp, Zephyr, and others!
"Tashigi! Ain! Domino! Little Sadie! For your outstanding performance at the Marine Academy, you are awarded the rank of Lieutenant Commander!"
"Marine Lieutenant Commander Tina, for her outstanding performance during her tenure, is awarded the rank of Brigadier General!"
A series of people were all Esdeath's subordinates.
All five of them stood behind Esdeath, chests puffed out. They were now qualified to stand behind Esdeath, and they were very proud!
"Hahaha, Esdeath is going to establish a female soldier fleet!"
Garp laughed heartily watching this scene. With those women all standing behind Esdeath, it was obvious what their intentions were.
"I think it's great. Under Esdeath's leadership, they will surely grow strong."
Zephyr looked at Esdeath on the stage as if he saw his younger self, full of youthful spirit.
Many veteran Vice Admirals nodded at this sight, feeling that the rank of Rear Admiral was too low.
The one on stage had conquered Sabaody Archipelago; even they didn't have that confidence.
Looking at the reactions of Fleet Admiral Sengoku and others, it was clear they were grooming Esdeath to be an Admiral or even a Fleet Admiral.
Clap clap clap!
Immediately, thunderous applause erupted from below the stage, cheering for a new generation's leading figure emerging from the Marine.
"The award ceremony is concluded!"
"Mmm~ Esdeath-sama~ From now on, we are your people~"
Little Sadie pointed to her epaulet, indicating that they had graduated from the Marine Academy and could now follow Esdeath-sama.
"Is that so?"
"Were you my people before too?"
She smiled, looking at them. Finally, when they returned to Shambles, there would be people to do the work.
Wherever the group of them walked, exclamations would follow.
After all, six beautiful women walking together—who wouldn't be envious, especially Marine Generals?
Along the way, many people even came up to promote their sons, as for men trying to flirt… one look from Esdeath, and who would dare approach?
The next day…
At the Marineford dock, teams of elite Marines were stationed.
This was the first time pirates were coming to Marineford, so the Marine's prestige had to be displayed no matter what.
Esdeath brought Tina, while everyone else had been called by Sengoku and were still busy with graduation matters.
"Fufufufu!"
A tall, slender figure descended from the sky, laughing, and glanced disdainfully at Marineford!
"Marineford?"
He burst into maniacal laughter again, as if he had thought of some joke.
"Fufufufu!"
The first to arrive was the Heavenly Yaksha, Doflamingo.
"Kishishishishi!"
Another tall figure appeared, even dwarfing the 3-meter-tall Doflamingo!
"Heavenly Yaksha!"
"Moriah?"
Doflamingo looked at Moriah with disdain. Among the Shichibukai, he despised this guy the most.
To be a Shichibukai alongside someone like him.
----------------------------------
I've already posted 20 new chapters on Patreon!
If you like the story and want to reaad more, please visit my patreon. Every support is very meaningful!
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you very much!