The Greatest Disgrace in Marine History-Chapter 100 - 2: The Apology

"A laser cannon... already? On a Pacifista?"

From his bed, Darren watched as Borsalino—calm as ever—ducked his head and strolled out of the hospital room with that irritatingly casual gait.

Darren's eyes narrowed.

So... Vegapunk's already managed to recreate Devil Fruit energy into a weaponized form?

That was no small feat.

And more importantly, it was a huge surprise.

At this point in time, the Shichibukai system hadn't even been established yet. Bartholomew Kuma—the tyrant turned Pacifista prototype—had likely not even set sail.

That meant those terrifying laser-firing units that wreaked havoc at Sabaody Archipelago in the future canon... they didn't exist yet.

They weren't even concepts.

But what if...

What if the North Blue Fleet could be equipped with those very weapons?

Imagine it—row upon row of flying warships breaking through the clouds, descending from the sky like gods of destruction. Each vessel armed with state-of-the-art laser cannons, vaporizing enemies with impunity.

A perfect storm of technological supremacy.

The mere thought sent a jolt of excitement through Darren's spine.

If this plan came together, he would make the so-called "great pirates" of this sea understand one thing:

What it truly meant to go up against science.

Knock knock knock.

A gentle tapping broke his thoughts.

"You may enter," he called out.

The door creaked open—and in walked a striking woman in heels, her every step crisp and commanding.

Long black hair flowed behind her, and beneath that stoic expression was the kind of beauty that inspired both admiration and dread.

Gion—known throughout the Marines as "the Flower of the Marine"

Darren raised an eyebrow and grinned.

"Well, well. If it isn't the rarest of guests."

Gion shot him a cold glance, then calmly placed a bouquet of fresh flowers on the bedside table.

"You're still alive," she said dryly. "Typical of villains. They always live longer than they should."

Darren shrugged, unfazed.

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Behind her, a second figure awkwardly leaned into the room. His face was swollen, nose bruised, and lips cracked—but he was still smiling.

"Lookin' lively as ever," said Tokikake, voice half cheerful, half painful.

Darren broke into laughter the moment he saw the state of his fellow Marine.

"Tokikake, what the hell happened to your face? Got into a bar fight at a brothel?"

Tokikake's already-red face flushed deeper. He glanced nervously at Gion and muttered something incoherent.

Bullseye.

Darren twitched, a few dark lines surfacing on his forehead. He shook his head in disbelief.

"So... what brings you two here?"

Gion stepped forward, her tone returning to professional.

"The officer training camp is about to begin. Both Tokikake and I have been assigned to this session. We'll be heading to Marine Headquarters together... with you."

Darren nodded calmly.

"I saw the list. Makes sense."

Given their strength and achievements in the North Blue, it was no surprise the two of them were invited to join early.

Sure, it was a bit ahead of schedule—but Sengoku probably had his reasons.

Probably also wants me to babysit them again, Darren mused.

"Congratulations," he said aloud.

Gion gave a small nod, turned to leave—but then paused mid-step.

She stood there in silence for a moment... then turned back.

"Captain Darren..." She hesitated. "No. Commodore Darren. I think... I owe you an apology."

Darren raised an eyebrow, interest piqued.

"Oh? Now that's unexpected."

"I take back what I said about you before," Gion said softly.

"Even if you smoke, drink, chase money and women, enjoy violence, and crave authority..."

She bit her lower lip.

"You're still a damn good Marine."

Darren chuckled, eyes narrowing with amusement.

"Fair enough. Sounds like someone saw something."

She said nothing.

But in her mind, the image burned clear: a small flower shop in a coastal town. A father and daughter with changed hairstyles and new clothes—but the little girl's bright smile had given them away.

Darren's grin widened.

"But I gotta admit," he said, "I kinda liked the old version of you more—that wild, untamed look."

Gion's expression darkened instantly. She turned sharply and stomped out of the room in rapid, high-heeled steps.

Darren's laughter followed her down the hallway.

Tokikake stood there shaking his head, looking almost awed.

"Damn. I've never seen Gion apologize to anyone."

Darren smirked. "Never before doesn't mean never will."

"Ugh. Stop acting cool, will you?" Tokikake groaned.

Then, as if struck by a sudden memory, he wrapped an arm around Darren's shoulders and leaned in close.

"But seriously, man... you're so ungrateful. You took down someone like Byrnndi World, and you didn't even let me join in!?"

He raised a clenched fist, eyes blazing.

"You have no idea what it felt like—watching you from the sky while you fought like hell down there. I was trembling with battle-lust!"

"Oh? From what Momonga told me, you were trembling alright—he said you turned pale and almost crushed the railing from how bad your hands were shaking."

"That's because I'm afraid of heights, alright!?"

Tokikake flushed red with indignation.

"Afraid. Of. Heights. Ever heard of that?"

"If you'd just let me down there, we could've fought side by side! Hell, we wouldn't have even needed Borsalino—just the two of us could've taken Waldo!"

He groaned, half mad, half fantasizing.

"It would've been the perfect story: 'Tokikake, Marine genius of Headquarters, defeats legendary pirate!' Imagine how many ladies—er, civilians would've admired me! I'd be the face of justice!"

Darren gave him a sidelong glance.

"Pretty sure you already told that version of events to a few dozen people."

Tokikake choked.

"I—I—I..."

He sat down with a huff, grabbed the nearest fruit basket, and began savagely munching a watermelon slice.

Darren just laughed and shook his head.

He rose from the bed, stretched, and reached for his freshly pressed uniform.

Then, from the coat rack, he pulled down a brand-new Justice cloak—pure white, emblazoned with conviction.

"I'm heading out."

Tokikake, mouth full, asked, "Where to?"

"Red-light district."

"Whoa, wait! Take me with you!"

"Pretty sure Gion will murder you."

"Wha—no! I was just... testing your morals! I'm a man of virtue! I'd never go to a place like that."

"Oh? That's a shame. I was gonna use up the free member cards I got as a 'get well soon' gift."

"Commodore Darren! Those things are a disgrace to Marine values! Let me destroy them personally—I swear I'll do it thoroughly!"

"...."

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To be continued...