The great purge of the Orenfence Kingdom concluded as the birdcage enveloping the skies disappeared.
Fujitora, who had been reluctantly appointed as the Mayor of Orenfence, was swamped with work.
Since many of the laws enacted by Orion were completely unfamiliar to him, his already chaotic situation made it impossible to quickly organize his tasks.
As a new day dawned, the thoroughly disoriented Fujitora arrived early at the palace gardens.
Spotting Orion already awake and telling some story to Aqua in the imperial garden, he hurried over and bowed.
"Marshal Orion, I simply can't make progress with many matters in Orenfence, especially regarding the policies you've proposed..."
Seeing Fujitora drenched in sweat this early in the morning as he approached with Joanna, Orion couldn't help but chuckle.
"Issho, now you understand that governing a nation and implementing good policies isn't as simple as you imagined, right? In the past, you only knew to uphold benevolence and justice, but never considered what you'd do if given a stage to realize your ambitions. That's why you're struggling now!"
Hearing this, Fujitora's facial muscles twitched slightly as he sighed helplessly.
"The main issue is that many of the concepts proposed by the Marshal are completely unheard of to me, so I don't know where to begin."
Cutting to the chase, Orion pulled out a Den Den Mushi from his pocket and tossed it to Fujitora and calmly said.
"Use this to directly contact Crocodile in Wano Country. He'll tell you what to do next and where to start! Additionally, when you contact Crocodile, relay orders to Lu Feld and Giberson—have them send some capable subordinates to assist you."
Fujitora's expression changed slightly.
"Lu Feld? The Financial Emperor of the underworld?"
Orion nodded: "They're working for me now. Go on—with Crocodile assisting you remotely, I believe you'll quickly find your footing."
"Understood!"
Not wanting to waste another moment, Fujitora turned to leave while decisively dialing the Den Den Mushi.
The Den Den Mushi had just connected when Fujitora spoke first in a pleading tone.
"Crocodile, this is Fujitora. Ahem, who I am isn't important. What matters is that Marshal Orion has entrusted all matters regarding Orenfence to me, and I have no idea where to begin. Especially with many of the unprecedented concepts Marshal Orion has proposed—they've left me utterly perplexed. I humbly request your guidance!"
"Oh, and there's also Lu Feld..."
As Fujitora hurried away, his voice gradually faded beyond an arched gate in the imperial garden.
After watching Fujitora depart, Luna, who had been sitting quietly beside Aqua in a brand-new outfit that made her look exceptionally beautiful, blinked and tentatively spoke up.
"Marshal, let me help as well. The people of the Orenfence Kingdom have been subjected to years of brainwashing rule by the royal family and nobility, and many misguided beliefs have become deeply ingrained. The ideas and policies you've proposed might not be implemented smoothly."
"No matter."
Orion waved his hand with a smile. "There's a saying from my homeland: 'Strict discipline produces filial children.' If these people hold onto stubborn, misguided beliefs, Morgans and Dunn will ensure they have an unforgettable experience."
Hearing this, Luna hesitated but ultimately chose to remain silent.
She understood exactly what Orion meant—if any citizens resisted Fujitora's reforms in Orenfence or interfered with them, the Marines would resort to the "stick education" method.
Yesterday, she had witnessed firsthand how swiftly the Marines wielded their sticks—multiple strikes per second—leaving the reform-disrupting crowd howling in pain.
Though the Marines' methods were admittedly extreme, the results were surprisingly effective.
When she returned this morning, she found that the same troublemakers from yesterday had become docile and were now actively participating in the reforms.
"Luna, I have a question for you!"
Orion suddenly shifted the topic. "As a former noble of the Orenfence Kingdom, you must have some understanding of what it means to be a noble. Tell me, in your eyes, what should a true noble be like?"
"Don't hold back—speak your deepest, most honest thoughts. Because this will determine whether you can continue staying by Aqua's side. Though Aqua is fond of you and you've done much for her, I won't allow your beliefs and values to influence her negatively!"
At this, Luna froze momentarily before shifting her gaze to Aqua, who sat beside Orion.
Aqua blinked her large sparkling eyes at Luna, as if equally curious about the nature of true nobility.
After two days of adjustment, Aqua no longer tensed up at every little thing—clearly, she had realized just how extraordinary her "Uncle Orion" truly was.
"Marshal, my answer... may not fully satisfy you."
After a brief silence, Luna spoke sirencely.
"When I was young, my father taught me that a noble should never abuse power to bully others or flaunt status through actions. Instead, they should prioritize upbringing, morality, and personal integrity. As nobles, we must hold ourselves to higher standards, cherish honor, and bravely shoulder responsibilities."
"Father always said that true nobility is clean and elegant."
At this point, Luna's eyes turned slightly red, her voice trembling with emotion.
"It was precisely because Father's ideals clashed so fundamentally with the royal nobility of Orenfence that he ultimately... met his end because of them."
Realizing she was becoming emotional, Luna quickly looked up at Orion, forcing a faint smile as she whispered.
"But I don't believe my father was wrong. I still maintain that true nobility should be exactly as he described—this is how it ought to be!"
Observing Luna's reaction, Orion couldn't help but feel moved.
"When corruption becomes the norm, purity itself becomes a crime."
"Luna, you had a great father."
Surprised by Orion's high praise for her father, Luna froze momentarily before standing up hastily and bowing to him.
"Marshal, thank you."
"No need for thanks. Your upbringing and everything you've done for Aqua make you deserving of all you have now!"
Just as Orion finished speaking, a figure entered through the arched gate of the imperial garden—Admiral Gion, who had accompanied Orion to Orenfence.
"Marshal, we have an unexpected guest requesting an audience!"
Gion approached Orion swiftly, casually pulling out a newly bought box of snacks from her pocket and handing it to Aqua before continuing.
"The former ruler of the North Blue, King Vinsmoke Judge of the Germa Kingdom, along with Reiju, the eldest daughter of the Vinsmoke Family!"
Before Orion could respond, Aqua stood up, stretching out her arms and calling out.
"Aunt Gion, hug!"
Without hesitation, Gion smiled and scooped Aqua into her arms, planting a kiss on the little girl's cheek before turning to Orion.
"Shall we meet them?"
"The Vinsmoke Family? The so-called 'Rulers of the North Blue'?"
Orion narrowed his eyes slightly. "They're already here?"
"Yes, they're at the port now!" Gion nodded. "Though the Birdcage has been lifted, they didn't dare land without your permission."
"Since when did the Vinsmoke Family become so well-mannered?" Orion chuckled wryly before standing decisively.
"Let's go—"
Before he could finish, Gion cut in firmly, "Have Hina accompany you, or Luna. I'm busy today!"
With that, Gion kissed Aqua's cheek again and turned to leave without another word.
"?"
Orion blinked in confusion. "Since when did you get so close to Aqua? Give me back my daughter! If you like kids so much, go have your own!"
Gion glanced back, her smile radiant.
"I already have Aqua!"
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