Marineford.
In a tavern in the town behind the base, the renowned Vice Admiral Chaton was drinking himself into a stupor while sighing endlessly.
Marineford, Navy Headquarters, was not merely a massive fortress. Behind it lay a town where Marines and their families lived.
Outside working hours, Marines would also come to this town to enjoy their rare moments of rest.
So it was hardly strange to see some high-ranking Navy Headquarters officer drinking heavily at a tavern in town.
Even so, Vice Admiral Chaton, who was knocking back cup after cup of alcohol, still left the surrounding Marines bewildered.
After all, the man was drinking with tears streaming down his face. He was no longer silently sobbing—he was on the verge of bursting into loud wails.
And beside him, an Admiral was roaring with laughter.
"Come on, Brother Kaki, you don't need to be this heartbroken, do you? How long has it been already?"
The man known as Ryokugyu laughed loudly. "Since it's already impossible, just find another target! There are plenty of pretty girls at headquarters!"
One wept while the other laughed. The contrast could not have been sharper.
"Gion is different from everyone else!"
Kaki swallowed another bitter drink. "I-I will only ever love Gion!"
"Then there's nothing to be done."
Ryokugyu shook his head helplessly. "You can only try to bring her back."
Chaton froze for a moment, then nodded excitedly. "That's right! We can still do that!"
"Although she committed a grave crime, if Gion is truly willing to turn back, then if she makes amends and we beg Sengoku and the others, perhaps the government will show leniency!"
Ryokugyu's mouth twitched. This guy sure recovered quickly.
The more Chaton muttered, the more convinced he became. "That's right, Gion must be made to return to