As for the fact that Strawberry was the one who actually completed the recruitment tasks, Kizaru saw no need to bring it up.
Strictly speaking, Strawberry was following his orders and could be considered his temporary subordinate. Work done by subordinates is credited to their superiors—perfectly reasonable logic.
"…You did well. However, there's no need to visit Gecko Moria anymore. That guy was just defeated by Straw Hat Luffy. Return to headquarters directly," Sengoku instructed.
As Sengoku had been Kizaru's superior for a long time, he was thoroughly familiar with this laid-back Admiral's habits. Even though he knew Kizaru was spinning tales, he couldn't be bothered to call him out, issuing a direct order instead.
"Huh? So soon? But I haven't even had time to… ahem, complete the task yet."
Kizaru cleared his throat. According to the unspoken agreement between him and Sengoku, every time he completed a mission, he was entitled to a period of "slack time."
During this "slack time," Kizaru had the right to take it easy while occasionally working. In other words, slacking off was currently his main activity, and he would only get back to work once he'd had his fill of leisure.
By the usual understanding, Sengoku was breaking the rules this time, and Kizaru felt he was perfectly justified in invoking the principle of "an officer in the field may disregard certain orders."
"Aokiji and Akainu are both out on missions, so the headquarters needs an Admiral stationed there. This time, there's no room for negotiation!"
Sengoku's voice grew sterner, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The Marine staff present in Sengoku's office instinctively straightened their backs. Truly, this was Fleet Admiral Sengoku—stern even when addressing Admiral Kizaru.
"Alright, I'll return to headquarters as soon as possible, Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
Kizaru rubbed his ear, acknowledging the underlying message in Sengoku's words.
The phrase "this time there's no room for negotiation" really just meant "next time we can negotiate." Considering that the dirty and tiring work this time had mostly been done by Strawberry, Kizaru felt it wouldn't hurt to compromise.
After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Kizaru returned to his lounge chair to continue sunbathing.
After all, he only said "as soon as possible." On the open sea, any number of things could happen. Delaying for two, three… or seven, eight, or even nine days was perfectly normal, wasn't it?
Not long after, Hancock, having received the news, came running over in a hurry.
"Beloved, are you really leaving so soon?"
Hancock threw herself into Kizaru's arms the moment she saw him, her voice filled with grievance.
Although they had only spent a few days together, Hancock felt as though life was too cruel. Just when she thought things were perfect, a sly little "cat burglar" had appeared at Kizaru's side.
If this continued, who knew how many more "little fairies" might show up in the years to come? Would there still be a place for her by Kizaru's side then?
"Well, it's all for the sake of justice."
Kizaru sighed deeply. After all, he was a Marine Admiral carrying the banner of justice. He couldn't spend all his time indulging in Hancock's embrace, no matter how tempting it was.
"Then I shall go with you, my beloved! I need to visit Marineford soon anyway!" Hancock declared, clinging tightly to his arm, her captivating eyes fixed on him with determination.
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm returning to the headquarters to carry out a mission. It's too early for you to head there, and there won't be much for you to do. Besides, Marineford isn't a place where you can just wander around freely. There's no need to trouble yourself unnecessarily."
Kizaru gently stroked Hancock's silky hair as he spoke.
Her long, smooth locks felt unbelievably soft and pleasant to the touch.
With her relatively "petite" figure compared to Kizaru, lying against his chest, she resembled an adorable and affectionate oversized pet cat.
"Alright then, but I'll come to meet you as soon as I can!"
Hancock didn't press the issue after being refused. Partly, she was accustomed to obeying Kizaru's instructions, and partly, the effort Kizaru had put in over the past few days had not been in vain.
Having just been thoroughly "pampered," Hancock's dependency on Kizaru had diminished ever so slightly. However, given Kizaru's understanding of her, he knew this state wouldn't last long.
His original plan to delay for two, three… or seven, eight, or nine days was now entirely off the table.
It seemed he had no choice but to heed Sengoku's orders and return to Marineford as soon as possible.
Well, as soon as possible…
On the ninth day of Kizaru's stay on Amazon Lily, Sengoku, having lost all patience, made his sixth call to urge Kizaru to return to Marineford. Finally, Kizaru boarded a ship and left the island.
"My beloved, I will come find you very soon!"
Despite her deep reluctance, Hancock could only stand there, watching helplessly as Kizaru left her chambers.
At the port of Amazon Lily, a Navy warship was already docked, sent specifically to retrieve him. Sengoku truly understood Kizaru all too well.
After the second phone call urging him to return, Sengoku had decided to dispatch a Navy ship capable of crossing the Calm Belt. As expected, even when the warship reached Amazon Lily, Kizaru was still lounging on the island, making no moves to leave.
With a vacant expression, Kizaru left Hancock's chambers and made his way to the port. He boarded the ship with the same dazed look, his figure resembling that of a walking corpse.
Hancock, unable to follow him, was left to nurse her injuries from the intense "farewell battle." Even someone as powerful as a Warlord of the Sea had paid a steep price for her efforts.
"Big sister, Kizaru-sama has already boarded the ship... He looks pretty rough—he might need a few months to recover. Was it really necessary to push things that far?"
Watching Kizaru, pale and visibly exhausted, being helped into the ship's cabin by Marines, Marygold couldn't help but call Hancock on the Den Den Mushi to report what she saw. She asked with some hesitation, her tone tinged with sympathy.
"Hmph… If I didn't push him, it would only benefit that little cat burglar!"
Still injured from their "mutual destruction," Hancock gritted her teeth as she replied.
If the Navy ship hadn't arrived so quickly, she wouldn't have spared a single drop, even if it meant being bedridden for a week!
Meanwhile, Kizaru, who had just entered the ship's cabin with the assistance of stunned Marines, suddenly straightened his back, as if nothing had happened. A smirk spread across his face.
Hancock was still too young—thinking she could drain him dry? She had severely underestimated the resilience of a top-tier fighter's physique.
Besides, as someone who could grow stronger simply by basking in the sun, all the energy he had absorbed over the past few days had only further enhanced his body, which had always been his greatest weakness.
Facing a "strong opponent" like Hancock? Maybe taking on ten of her at once was a stretch for now, but even if two more joined the fray, they wouldn't make him bow his head.
"You there, fetch me a Den Den Mushi. I need to contact Fleet Admiral Sengoku for urgent business!"
Kizaru plopped down on a sofa, casually ordering the Marine who had helped him into the cabin to bring him the communication device.
After all, there was no need to keep up the act any longer.
°°°
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