The news of Uchiha Chiga's return spread through Marineford like wildfire.
At the women's training ground, Gion stood with sharp eyes, overseeing the female soldiers' drills. Her strict tone and relentless corrections made the recruits sweat and groan in misery.
Suddenly, Ain appeared, her high heels clicking against the stone as she hurried over. She leaned close and whispered into Gion's ear.
The soldiers froze. To their shock, Gion's usually stern expression softened, then broke into a radiant smile.
"Chiga is back!?" she exclaimed, her composure almost slipping.
Ain nodded quickly, her cheeks flushed pink.
The soldiers were dumbfounded. The pair of Gion and Ain were infamous as the "Devils of Marineford" — no one ever associated them with sweetness or joy. Yet here they were, looking almost girlish in their excitement.
"Training ends here," Gion announced suddenly. "You have half a day off."
The recruits stared in disbelief as Gion grabbed Ain's hand and dashed off.
"Did Vice Admiral Gion just smile…?" one soldier whispered.
"She even gave us half a day off. Am I dreaming?" another gasped.
"Forget that—didn't you hear? She said Chiga is back!"
"Chiga? That name… wait! You mean the King!?"
The women broke into a frenzy. Even after two years of absence, Chiga's name had only grown into legend. Old veterans bragged endlessly about having seen him, while newer soldiers only knew him as a myth.
"The King is back! Maybe we'll see him too!"
"I'd run a hundred laps just for the chance to greet him once!"
In the crowd, a blonde recruit with pure white wings lowered her head—Conis. Unlike the others, she didn't cheer.
Her heart trembled.
"Conis, why are you so quiet? Don't you want to see the King?" her comrade asked.
Conis bit her lip. "Yes… but people like us—are we even worthy?"
"Of course! Haven't you heard how close Vice Admiral Gion is with him? Trust me, we'll get the chance!"
Conis nodded faintly, but doubt still clouded her eyes. Ever since Chiga had left, the Tendo puppet he entrusted to her had gone dormant. She feared he had abandoned her. Still, she played music by its side every day, praying it would awaken. That pain and longing eventually drove her to join the Navy.
Now, as she gazed at Chiga's golden statue towering in Marineford, she whispered softly, "Chiga-san… do you still remember me?"
Inside Marine Headquarters, Kalifa adjusted her glasses and hung up a Den Den Mushi. She untied her ponytail, letting her golden hair spill over her shoulders, then left behind her mountain of paperwork and stepped out.
Robin was already waiting, arms folded, a smile on her lips.
"You know too," Robin said knowingly.
Kalifa's professional mask cracked into a rare smile. "Boss is back. I'm going to see him."
Robin's eyes softened. "Together, then."
The two hurried toward the palace, only to find they were the last to arrive.
Chiga sat in the grand hall, golden eyes glowing warmly. Nerona clung to him tightly, refusing to let go, while Hancock stood beside them, smiling helplessly. Gion and Ain occupied seats opposite him, chatting as if no time had passed.
Kalifa's breath caught. Her heart raced. She trembled slightly as she whispered, "Boss…"
Chiga looked up at her and Robin. His smile was like sunlight, washing away the years of distance.
"You're back," he said gently. "Come here."
Robin hesitated, but Kalifa couldn't restrain herself. She ran straight to him and settled onto his lap, ignoring everyone's stunned gazes.
The others exchanged wide-eyed looks. Kalifa, the ever-composed career woman, had just done the unthinkable. For years, she had drowned herself in work to endure Chiga's absence. Now that he had returned, her restraint shattered.
Nerona bristled, ready to fight for her spot, but Kalifa's eyes flashed with a pink glow. Nerona's defiance crumbled instantly, and she slumped against Chiga's shoulder like a docile kitten.
Chiga blinked in surprise. "Kalifa… did you develop a new Devil Fruit ability?"
Kalifa closed her eyes, resting her head on his chest. "Mm. Just a simple charm. It doesn't hurt anyone."
Chiga chuckled. "Fitting for a Nine-Tailed Fox. Still…"
Kalifa smirked faintly. "I only use it on Nerona. She's too noisy sometimes."
The hall erupted in laughter. Everyone knew Nerona's mischievous streak and her constant whining of, "Wait until Chiga comes back, you'll regret it!"
Chiga smiled and brushed his hand through the little tuft of hair on Nerona's head.
"You little troublemaker," he teased softly. "I'll find a Devil Fruit for you one day."