"Someone escaped right under Aunt Tsuru's nose? I can't believe it."
The next day, Hailan, at home, quickly heard about the breakout at the G1 base. The Navy usually tries to cover up incidents that boost pirate morale and diminish its authority, and this time was no exception. Even within the Navy headquarters, only a few knew about it.
"Could this be one of Little Tsuru's plans?" Z carefully paced around the room, feeling that this incident was more complicated than it seemed. However, he had not been an admiral for many years and did not interfere in matters outside his jurisdiction.
Hailan, on the other hand, thought more deeply: "Rosinante is a 'Calm-Calm Fruit' user. Now that he's disappeared, and a mute escaped from G1, is it possible he's using this opportunity to infiltrate the Donquixote family?"
Despite his speculations, Hailan knew this was beyond his reach for now.
"Are you sure you don't want to wait another year?" Zephyr suddenly asked Hailan, dropping the breakout matter, which was not his concern.
Since coming home, Hailan had told Zephyr he planned to start carrying out missions independently. In the Navy, promotion requires the necessary strength and many military achievements. Otherwise, Vice Admirals Jonathan, Gion, and Chaton would have advanced instead of others.
"Don't worry, Dad. I've realized that with my current strength, as long as I don't venture into the New World, I shouldn't face much danger."
"Good, go boldly. Strive to surpass my achievements as soon as possible!" Zephyr felt gratified by Hailan's determination. Though he cared for Hailan, he would have been disappointed if Hailan had remained too cautious to take on missions.
Since stepping down as an admiral, Zephyr had a new dream: to nurture heroes. Sakazuki, Kuzan, Momonga, Strawberry, Chaton, Gion... and now Smoker, X Drake, Tashigi, and Hailan... Watching new talents rise within the Navy gave Zephyr great satisfaction. He had devoted his later years to training future leaders for the Navy.
Leaving home, Hailan headed to Navy Headquarters. Fleet Admiral Kong, Admiral Sengoku, and Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Tsuru handled the Grand Line and New World affairs. Meanwhile, Major General Kongming managed the four seas' naval operations. Kongming, an eccentric man dressed like the historical strategist Zhuge Kongming, had a good relationship with Tsuru and Garp.
When Hailan first met this strange man dressed like Zhuge Kongming, he wondered if someone else had traveled to this world before him. After spending time with him, Hailan concluded that this guy was probably not a time traveler.
"Rear Admiral Onigumo, I have a very challenging mission here. Can you lead a team for this operation?" Kongming asked in his office. Rear Admiral Onigumo was reviewing a document at the desk while Smoker, with his bald head, sat on the sofa nearby, and Vice Admiral Kuzan lay on another couch, snoring.
Hailan nodded to Smoker, who responded with a glance then sat beside the snoring Kuzan.
Onigumo's expression grew darker, like a storm cloud blocking the sun.
"Bam!"
Onigumo slapped the document onto the desk, startling Kongming. Hailan and Smoker exchanged puzzled looks, unsure of what had provoked Onigumo.
Kuzan continued snoring, accustomed to ignoring any noise that posed no threat. But he would awaken instantly if he sensed danger.
Onigumo was furious. " You're Sending me to the weakest East Blue for a mission, Kongming. Do you look down on me?"
Onigumo's anger seemed genuine, not just an attempt to trouble Kongming.
"Rear Admiral Onigumo, what do you mean by that? Watch your words," Kongming responded, mixing ancient and modern speech, which felt awkward to Hailan. People from Wano Country had similar peculiar speech habits.
"Hmph!"
Onigumo turned away in a huff.
Kongming explained, "I understand sending a rear admiral to East Blue might seem like a waste of your power. But intelligence indicates this time's enemy involves powerful forces, not just a few pirate crews. That's why a rear admiral is needed to prevent significant casualties."
Onigumo remained unconvinced, "What if your frivolous arrangements leave the Grand Line short of a rear admiral, allowing billion-berry pirates to flee to the New World? Can you bear the responsibility of shaming justice?"
Kongming retorted, "Are East Blue pirates not pirates? Even small-time ones deserve justice."
"Any random captain could handle those low-tier pirates."
"You..."
Kongming felt his words were wasted.
"Fine, I'll find another rear admiral..."
"Let me go!" Smoker suddenly offered, "Major General Kongming, Rear Admiral Onigumo! Although I'm only a Seaman Second Class now, I'm a Logia Devil Fruit user. I should handle East Blue easily."
"No," Vice Admiral Kuzan, now awake, interrupted. "Smoker, if you leave, who will help me manage things here?"
"So, Vice Admiral Kuzan, can't you sleep a bit less?" Smoker replied.
"Brat, is that how you talk to a superior?" Kuzan scolded, though he wasn't furious.
"If there's nothing else, you should leave. I'll find someone else," Kongming sighed, finding these headquarters troublemakers exhausting. They were reckless and often caused more problems than they solved.
"I'll go," Hailan finally spoke.
"You..."
Kongming knew Hailan's strength and background, "What about Zephyr-sensei...?"
"I've already told him. Don't worry about any trouble," Hailan assured.
"Fine, I'll arrange your mission," Kongming agreed.
Onigumo's cold gaze shifted from Kongming to Hailan. But Hailan wasn't bothered, knowing Onigumo only showed respect to Vice Admiral Sakazuki.
Hailan glanced deeply at Onigumo, then picked up the document:
"Request for assistance from the East Blue Loguetown branch..."
"...Lieutenant Bellemere..."