Havar: "What is the rank of the officer in charge of this base?"
Aramaki snorted at the question, understanding what Havar was getting at.
Aramaki: "It seems to be a captain named 'Blue Vestito.' A man locally known, though you know how things are in the lower seas. Much can be hidden from a regional commodore, let alone a rear admiral."
Like many staff officers, Aramaki had a low opinion of the Blue corps of officers. Too often, insignificant local captains abused their authority, thinking themselves hegemons, only to be killed by some unknown individual. Then this 'nobody,' out of fear of the Marines, would turn to piracy, trying to protect themselves. Once someone became a pirate, there were no negotiations, no matter what injustice they had suffered—they had to be found and severely punished.
Thus, Aramaki believed that the officers of the Blue Sea undermined the goal of world peace, and this thought further darkened his mood.
Havar: "Vice-Admiral, you've been granted indefinite leave from this base due to the extreme circumstances your family found themselves in. I think it won't be too difficult to find a new assignment for you during this time."
Aramaki wasn't surprised by his partner's formal tone. Havar was his best friend, but he was also a professional who lived for the Marines and adhered to the principles of Absolute Justice. He knew that Havar understood the importance of the base they were at, and it would be hard for Havar to come to terms with leaving this post.
Aramaki: "Look, Havar, depending on the situation with her and the child, I might retire from the Marines. It is also possible that I will request a demotion and a new assignment. I will make a final decision based on reality when I reach South Blue. But first, I will take the frigate currently used by Komil, and I will need a crew to sail with me. I'm not asking you to come with me—the work you do here is vital for Justice across the world, and you've worked damn hard to become a captain in the New World. However, I do need you to gather thirty marines who will go with me."
Without a moment's hesitation, Havar replied, "Vice-Admiral, if you give the order, half the base will be ready to set sail by noon. I think the vast majority of them will be ready to follow you to your new assignment. If you promise me you won't retire, I will personally join you in South Blue and request a demotion in rank."
This offer touched Aramaki, although he didn't show it. He knew that despite Havar being the junior officer in their duo, he was much more resolute. Perhaps Aramaki had been the same before he met his wife, but priorities change when you have a family. Havar never considered starting a family, and that was the biggest difference between them.
Aramaki: "Komil will be able to handle most threats in this area; however, he will need you to organize and advise him. We also can't afford to deploy more experienced personnel to South Blue. Since that red-haired tyrant left, we've been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We need to regain control over the nations in this area before another bastard of Roger takes their place."
Nodding slightly with reluctance, Havar replied, "I agree, and we have to take into account the situation between Whitebeard and Kaido. The more they fight, the more pirate riffraff scatters. It might be possible to bring several large islands in this region under control, but sooner or later, stronger forces will emerge that will threaten our position. Komil is a good man and a strong marine, but I'm not sure he has the strength to take advantage of this opportunity..."
Just as Aramaki was about to respond, a logistics officer knocked on the door, carrying a sky-blue Den Den Mushi the size of a human head.
"Sir, the code is set, ready for connection."
Aramaki: "As always, efficient. Good work, Ensign Darragh. Commander Havar, take care of my request. Let the people know it will be a minimum five-month journey round trip. I need three navigators and helmsmen with the rank of ensign or higher; no sailors with eight or more years of service. The rest is at your discretion."
Nodding, Havar saluted and turned to leave. Watching his friend's back, Aramaki felt a slight sadness, realizing this was likely the end of their partnership, and wondered how soon, if ever, they would meet again. In the coming days, he would try to find time to speak with Havar, as once he left, everything would be up to fate.
Standing, Aramaki took the Den Den Mushi from Darragh. It was a basic Den Den Mushi, the size of a human head, but in Aramaki's large hands, it seemed about the size of his palm.
Aramaki: "This is Vice-Admiral Aramaki from Base NW-RH1. Connect me with Vice-Admiral Komil "Over."