Chapter 69: Justice

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After all, disobeying orders alone was enough to warrant a discharge. It was a fundamental breach of duty.

However, during his months-long absence, he had eliminated numerous pirates, potentially earning him the title of a second "Marine Hero."

As for the Vice Admirals, they were seething with resentment, yet dared not voice their displeasure, fearing the wrath of this ruthless individual. Garp and Sengoku exchanged knowing glances, a silent acknowledgment of their shared experience with rebellious subordinates.

"Youth is a wonderful thing," Garp remarked wistfully.

"In your office, in broad daylight? How romantic. You're much more daring than we were back in the day," Momousagi teased.

Realizing the misunderstanding, Ian immediately turned to glare at Momousagi, only to be met with Tashigi's blushing face. The entire Marine Headquarters knew that she was Ian's subordinate, and their relationship was close.

Now, even if he jumped into all four seas, he wouldn't be able to wash away the implications. His fellow graduates, especially the women, would never let him live this down.

Good heavens, he wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear.

But wasn't this also an opportunity for Tashigi to stake her claim? Indeed, misfortune and fortune often went hand in hand.

"Haha! Don't be angry, Ian. I was just joking. Besides, wasn't I just helping you two out?" Momousagi said with a laugh, sensing Ian's displeasure.

Both Ian and Tashigi were surprised. Momousagi had only recently acquired her Devil Fruit ability, yet she wielded it with remarkable proficiency. Even Diamante, the original user, had only reached this level of mastery after years of practice.

"At our level, we're already considered top-tier fighters. Even without Diamante's example, we can quickly master any ability." Momousagi's explanation made sense. Perspective and environment played a crucial role in one's growth and potential.

Momousagi and her peers had witnessed countless Devil Fruit users, making it easy for them to replicate and adapt their abilities.

"I still feel like I can push it further." Momousagi expressed her dissatisfaction, then raised a slender, jade-like finger and flicked it gently.

Whoosh! A ripple emanated from her fingertip, leaving Ian and Tashigi speechless. "Gion-mama, you're leaving us in the dust! You've already awakened your Devil Fruit?!"

"Not fair!" Ian exclaimed, earning a deadly glare from Momousagi for calling her "mama." Tashigi, on the other hand, received an affectionate head pat. Favoritism much?

Even with his Dimensional Template System and its limitless potential, he still needed to devour souls to progress. Every ability, even those granted by Devil Fruits, required time and effort to master. Yet, powerhouses like Momousagi could achieve mastery and even awaken their abilities seemingly effortlessly.

Indeed, if hard work alone were enough, what need would there be for genius? By the time others began their arduous training, those blessed with innate talent had already reached the summit.

Those who pursued them could only trail in their wake, choking on their dust.

"With this, you've solidified your position as an Admiral candidate. You've surpassed even Vice Admiral Chaton." Ian acknowledged. Being comparable to an Admiral was still inferior to actually being one.

It perfectly complemented her swordsmanship and physical prowess. Diamante, the previous user, had simply been outmatched by Ian's superior physical abilities and the combination of his Spring-Spring Fruit, Explosion, and Rumble powers.

However, in the hands of a skilled user, a seemingly inferior Devil Fruit could surpass even the most powerful ones.

"Helloooo, is Vice Admiral Ian in?" A languid voice called from outside the office. They all knew who it was without even seeing him.

Tashigi immediately rose to open the door. After all, she held the lowest rank among them. It would be a breach of protocol for a Vice Admiral to open the door for an Admiral.

The figure who entered was tall and imposing, dressed in a white suit vest, dark blue shirt, and a Marine Admiral coat draped over his shoulders. His distinctive afro was unmistakable. It was Kuzan, also known as Admiral Aokiji, whom Ian had yet to meet since joining the Marines.

His face bore an air of perpetual drowsiness, as if he had just woken up. A green eye mask covered his forehead, allowing him to nap whenever and wherever he pleased.

"Helloooo, isn't this little Tashigi? My, how you've grown!" Aokiji greeted her with a playful tone.

Flirting was one of his hobbies. Even Nami, after being de-aged by Ain, hadn't escaped his teasing. Tashigi didn't mind. Being flirted with was a testament to her beauty. Others wouldn't even warrant a second glance.

"You flatter me, Kuzan-taicho. Vice Admiral Ian has been expecting you. Please, come in." They had anticipated Aokiji's arrival, but not so soon.

The small Vice Admiral's office was suddenly crowded, filled with the presence of three individuals possessing Admiral-level strength.

"Ah, Gion-nee-san, you're here too?" Aokiji greeted Momousagi.

"Indeed." Momousagi's eyebrows furrowed at Aokiji's casual address. Ian and Tashigi exchanged bewildered glances. They could understand him calling Momousagi "mama," given their age difference.

But for Aokiji, in his forties, to call her "nee-san" was… unexpected. Though, upon closer inspection, it wasn't entirely inaccurate.

Aokiji was Garp's protégé, while Tsuru was Sengoku's contemporary. Calling Momousagi "nee-san" made sense. It seemed the mystery of her age had been solved. She was likely in her fifties, like Tsunade in the Naruto world, an ageless beauty. Tsunade maintained her youthful appearance through the Strength of a Hundred Seal jutsu.

Momousagi, on the other hand, had likely utilized Ain's Reverse-Reverse Fruit to de-age herself.

But did he really have to point it out so blatantly? Revealing a woman's age was a surefire way to invite her wrath. The temperature in the room dropped several degrees.

"Brrr, I didn't use my powers, so why is it so cold?" Aokiji continued, oblivious to the chilling aura emanating from Momousagi. "Gion-nee-san, did you acquire a new Devil Fruit? The Chill-Chill Fruit, or perhaps the Snow-Snow Fruit?"

"Kuzan-taicho, please stop…" Tashigi pleaded. Momousagi was on the verge of exploding, but to their surprise, she regained her composure.

"Honestly, you're insufferable. If I could beat you, I'd seal that foul mouth of yours shut!" she retorted.

"Kuzan, little brother," Momousagi teased, capitalizing on his misstep. Since he had exposed her age, she would take advantage of the situation. It was his own fault for provoking her. Now it was Aokiji's turn to pale. Against Momousagi, with her newly awakened Flag-Flag Fruit,

he wasn't entirely confident in his ability to win. But she chose to restrain herself, biding her time, waiting for the opportune moment to reveal her true strength. A skilled Marine possessed not only physical prowess but also a sharp mind and unwavering composure.

"So, what brings you to this Kid's office? You're the strongest force in Marine Headquarters. Surely there's nothing you can't handle. And I believe this is your first meeting, isn't it?" Momousagi's interest was piqued. "Should I excuse myself?"

"No need. It's not a secret. I'm here to inquire about someone who defected to Crocodile… Nico Robin."

"Crocodile's subordinate? A survivor of Ohara? The Devil Child, Nico Robin…?"

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Word Count [1315]

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To Be Continued..

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