Several dark lines formed on Darren's forehead, his temple twitching in irritation.
That damn Tokikake… sooner or later, I'm going to make him pay for that.
He rolled his eyes skyward, suppressing the urge to curse, before turning his attention back to Toki—still pressed against his chest, her delicate face wet with tears.
"That's just Tokikake's nonsense, Toki," he said gently, brushing a strand of green hair from her cheek. "You know how he exaggerates. I'm fine. Stronger than ever."
Then, as his grin turned teasing, his tone dipped low. "If you don't believe me… I could prove it right now."
Toki blinked, confused for a moment—then her eyes widened as the implication sank in.
"Ah!" She jumped away, her cheeks turning scarlet. Her fingers fidgeted nervously as she looked everywhere but at him.
"Ahem…"
The sound of a deliberate cough cut through the tension.
"Just reminding you," came Momonga's dry voice, "I'm Lightning Man, not Invisible Man."
Darren turned slowly, shooting him a glare. "If you know you're Lightning Man, you could take a hint and vanish already."
He leaned back with a smirk. "And don't act like some innocent rookie. I may not be in the North Blue anymore, but even I hear things about you, 'Executive Momonga.'"
Momonga's face flushed crimson. "That's—! I—!" He floundered helplessly, unable to form a coherent defense.
Toki, ever the peacemaker, stepped in with a warm, composed smile. "You must be Mr. Momonga. It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about you from my husband—he often says you're his most trusted partner, someone he could stake his life on."
Her voice was soft yet steady, the kind that carried both kindness and quiet strength.
Momonga blinked, caught off guard. Such poise... and that serene grace... No wonder that bastard's completely smitten with her.
He quickly shook her hand, returning her smile. "Nice to meet you, Sister-in-law."
"Alright, alright, that's enough socializing," Darren interjected, waving dismissively. "You've got work waiting in the North Blue. Go on, before I assign you more paperwork."
Momonga sighed in defeat. With a flash of light, his body dissolved into a streak of lightning and vanished.
As soon as the static faded, Darren turned back toward Toki, his expression shifting into a wolfish grin. "Finally. Alone."
"Now," he murmured, slipping an arm around her waist, "allow me to prove how healthy I am."
Toki gave him a reproachful look, though her blush deepened. "You shouldn't be moving around like this, Husband. Your wounds haven't healed yet."
Her voice softened. "Besides… there's something I need to tell you."
Darren chuckled, drawing her closer. "You can tell me while I'm listening."
But before he could take things any further, Toki pressed her palms lightly against his chest, her breath trembling. Her next words came out barely above a whisper.
"Husband… I'm pregnant."
Darren froze. His hand, halfway up her back, went rigid.
His brain stopped working for a solid three seconds.
I'm… going to be a father?
His eyes widened in disbelief. "Really?"
Toki nodded shyly, cheeks glowing pink. "Yes."
A heartbeat of silence—and then Darren burst into a broad grin. "That's… wonderful!"
He laughed aloud, giddy with disbelief, then quickly helped her sit up, his movements suddenly gentle and cautious. "When did you find out?"
"I knew the last time you came home," Toki said softly. "But with the battle against the Golden Lion, I didn't want to distract you."
A pang of guilt twisted in Darren's chest. He'd been so obsessed with strength, training, and duty that he hadn't noticed the most important thing in his life changing right before him.
"Toki… I'm sorry," he murmured.
She smiled, shaking her head. "My husband is the greatest hero of our time. I'd never weigh you down with such trivial things."
Her hand brushed gently over her abdomen, her expression tender, radiant. "I'm happy just knowing I carry your child."
For once, Darren found himself speechless. The sight of her—the calm grace, the quiet pride—stirred something deep within him.
He scrambled awkwardly to his feet. "Th-then you should rest! I'll, uh… get up. You take the bed."
Toki blinked, then burst into quiet laughter, pressing her hand to her lips. "I'm fine, Husband. You're the one who should rest."
She leaned forward, eyes soft. "Promise me you'll recover quickly, alright?"
Darren straightened, nodding solemnly. "Mission guaranteed."
He hesitated, scratching his cheek. "And… sorry, Toki. I didn't realize..."
A faint blush crept across Toki's cheeks as she avoided his gaze. She whispered, "I could... help my husband with that..."
"Huh?" Darren froze.
"Never mind, never mind. Your body is under more strain—"
Before he could finish, Toki had already lowered her head, her face burning crimson.
Fifteen minutes later, Toki rinsed her mouth in the private bathroom of her hospital room and bid Darren farewell.
As he watched her retreating figure disappear through the doorway, a tender smile curved his lips.
I'm going to be a father.
The thought echoed in his mind, both exhilarating and terrifying.
For the first time, the weight of responsibility settled over him—solid, undeniable.
After a deep breath, he reached for his Military Den Den Mushi.
The snail clicked and blinked awake almost immediately.
"Darren? What's wrong now?" came Sengoku's familiar gruff voice.
"Admiral Sengoku," Darren said, his tone unusually formal, "since I led the operation against the Golden Lion, I assume I'm entitled to the majority of the battle merits?"
"Of course," Sengoku replied without hesitation. "Your promotion papers are already in motion. You're guaranteed a position as an Admiral candidate. Beyond that, Headquarters will honor any reasonable request you make through me. Why do you ask?"
Lighting a cigar, Darren exhaled a slow plume of smoke, his voice calm. "Then I'd like to use part of my battle merits. Please assign the best medical team and nursing staff from Headquarters to my estate. And increase the security perimeter to maximum."
There was a pause.
"What's going on?" Sengoku asked, puzzled. "Health issues? Why the sudden need for security?"
Darren smiled faintly, his gaze drifting toward the distant horizon outside the hospital window. The sea shimmered under the sun, endless and bright.
His usual sharpness softened into quiet warmth.
"Toki's pregnant," he said simply.
For a moment, there was silence. Then Sengoku's booming laugh exploded through the receiver.
"Ha! Wonderful news, you little rascal! Congratulations!"
"You just focus on getting better. Leave the rest to me—I'll handle everything!"
He thumped his chest proudly, his voice ringing through the line. "I guarantee it!"
To be continued...