Three days later.
Branch 321, Military Hospital, High-Level Ward.
One by one, the blood-soaked bandages were peeled off, revealing fresh pink skin and raw muscle underneath.
The well-defined, muscular physique radiated masculinity, making the young nurse blush, her mouth dry.
"Daren-sama, I'll remove the cast on your arm now."
The young nurse spoke softly.
"No need. I'll do it myself."
Daren smiled, lowered his head, and clenched his fists—hard!
Crack!
With that motion, the muscles in his arms swelled and flexed, forcibly shattering the cast into powder.
After rolling his shoulders and loosening his joints, Daren closed his eyes, enjoying the nurse's gentle cleaning and care.
Knock knock knock...
A soft knock at the door, followed by Sengoku pushing it open with a smile.
"Daren, did you see the reports in the paper? You've made quite the name for yourself across the seas..."
Daren saluted with a smile.
"It's all thanks to your guidance and trust, Admiral Sengoku."
He signaled for the nurse to leave the room.
Sengoku chuckled in satisfaction.
Somehow, when this kid flattered him, it always sounded pleasing to the ear.
"Looks like you've recovered well."
He eyed the Marine officer up and down—not Captain anymore, but Commodore now.
"Not bad. I've been stuck in bed for three days, at least," Daren replied.
Sengoku's eye twitched.
He shook his head and continued,
"You've received the notice from headquarters, right? The officer training camp's induction ceremony is in seven days."
Daren nodded.
"Good..." Sengoku paused, as if wanting to say something more but hesitating.
Daren chuckled.
"Admiral Sengoku, you're here to ask about the North Blue Fleet, aren't you?"
This kid... really sharp.
Sengoku sighed inwardly, then his expression grew serious.
"Yes, that's right."
"Daren, with your insight and strategic ability, you should understand the significance of the North Blue Fleet's model to Marine deployments."
"A naval fleet capable of flight is enough to change the balance of power across the seas."
"But don't worry. The Four Seas forces operate independently, and the North Blue Fleet will remain intact... What headquarters wants is to implement the fleet's model within the main forces."
Daren raised a hand and firmly replied,
"No need to say more, Admiral Sengoku. As long as I can contribute to justice, I'll cooperate fully."
"I'll compile a detailed list of the North Blue Fleet's configurations and ship modifications for your review. If headquarters needs anything, I'll provide whatever I can."
"However, Admiral Sengoku, I should remind you—the North Blue Fleet's situation is unique. The weapons and equipment, as well as the ship modifications, might be rather costly."
"Hahaha! That's not a problem at all!"
Sengoku burst out laughing, clearly pleased with Daren's response. His gaze toward the young man was filled with approval.
Now this—this is a rising star of the Marines.
Not like that slacker Borsalino, who's never around and always has such a lackluster attitude!
"Well then, I'll leave it at that."
Sengoku patted Daren on the shoulder with a smile.
"I've got high hopes for you, Daren. Make sure to stand out at boot camp!"
He paused, then leaned in slightly and lowered his voice.
"...Once you graduate, come be my adjutant."
"...Nice weather today, Admiral Sengoku."
A slow, drawn-out voice came from the doorway.
Sengoku's face darkened.
Daren's expression turned strange.
There stood Borsalino, already leaning lazily against the doorframe with his hands in his pockets, watching Sengoku with a half-smile.
The room fell into an awkward silence.
Sengoku stood frozen. A few beads of sweat began forming on his forehead.
Suddenly—
"Hey! It's me, Sengoku!!"
He whipped out a military Den Den Mushi from his coat and shouted into it, panicked.
"What?! Something that serious happened!? Alright! I'll return immediately!!"
He rushed out of the room, his steps hurried and a little clumsy.
Daren: ...
Borsalino casually pointed at the Den Den Mushi.
"Uh... Admiral Sengoku, I think the line wasn't connected..."
Sengoku froze. His expression shifted.
"Mmm... bad signal?"
He gritted his teeth.
"Damn it, and at such a critical moment too..."
With that, he picked up the pace and disappeared down the hall.
Dark lines slowly appeared on Daren's forehead.
Borsalino chuckled and stepped into the ward.
"Seems like your recovery's going well."
"Not bad."
Daren flexed his still-stiff wrists and elbows.
Borsalino gave him a glance. Beneath those toad-like shades, something shimmered.
"Never thought you were hiding this deep... The North Blue Fleet really caught me off guard."
Daren shot him a look and smiled.
"Rear Admiral Borsalino, just say what you're here to say."
Borsalino raised both hands in mock surrender.
"You got me."
"Alright, alright. I do have something to talk to you about."
His slow, dragging tone made him seem all the more irritating.
"The North Blue Fleet is impressive. An airborne fleet has huge strategic value. But didn't you notice something? Even with Germa 66's tech-based weaponry, the fleet's firepower... still isn't quite enough?"
Daren narrowed his eyes, subconsciously sitting upright.
"What are you implying, Rear Admiral Borsalino?"
Borsalino smiled faintly.
"The Marines are about to establish a new scientific unit—meant to work directly with research from the 'genius scientist' Dr. Vegapunk. The goal is to apply his innovations in combat to strengthen Marine forces."
"As someone five hundred years ahead of his time, Dr. Vegapunk has recently uncovered some very interesting patterns... Based on them, he's developed a rather intriguing weapon."
That piqued Daren's interest.
"You want to field-test it and collect combat data?"
"Bingo."
The light in Borsalino's glasses flickered.
He grinned.
"Is the North Blue Fleet interested?"
Daren asked,
"What kind of weapon is it?"
Borsalino raised one finger.
"This."
A wave of intense, destructive heat began rising from his fingertip.
Golden light started to gather...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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