Kalifa

The day was bright and beautiful. On Tsuru's warship, Senga lay on the deck, his head resting on Gion's lap, drinking juice served by Gion, utterly at ease.

The female Marines standing guard nearby looked straight ahead, their initial shock having long since turned into indifference.

Gion patted Senga, who was about to fall asleep, and asked, "Hey, what are your plans for Sabaody this time?"

Senga stretched and lazily replied, "No particular plans. I'll probably just hang around for a year. This time, I mainly need to build up some experience with the World Government."

"The World Government? How did you get on their radar?"

"From what Fleet Admiral Sengoku said, they want to assess me. And isn't that a place the Celestial Dragons like to frequent? So they're having me stationed there for a while."

"Celestial Dragons... Senga, do you know what that name signifies?"

"I do. It signifies a bunch of trash. Alright, I've heard so much about them my ears are ringing. Don't worry, if they don't bother me, I won't bother them."

Seeing this, Gion stopped talking, hoping Senga knew what he was doing.

Because Marine Headquarters and Sabaody Archipelago were close, the warship soon reached its destination. As soon as Senga disembarked, he saw rows of Marines waiting to greet him, led by the highest-ranking officer here, Rear Admiral Ambuster.

Ambuster wasn't just there to greet Senga, of course. After all, Senga was only a Captain at the moment.

Swish. Gion appeared behind Senga. Ambuster immediately led the Marines forward to greet them.

It seems my rank isn't high enough yet, Senga thought, shaking his head and smiling, not too bothered. Gion waved at Ambuster, indicating she had delivered the person and was preparing to leave. Then, she smiled slightly at Senga and said, Tianlai Novel Network, "I can only escort you this far. I'm leaving now."

Senga nodded and said with a smile, "Thank you for your hard work, Gion."

Gion feigned anger, saying, "Why are we being so formal between us?"

After saying that, she pinched Senga's cheek. Gion did this naturally to build Senga's prestige and make his stay here more comfortable.

Ambuster saw their interaction and wiped the sweat from his brow. This Uchiha Senga has quite the background, and he's so young. I should treat him with caution.

Gion gave Senga some final instructions before leaving. This time, she didn't linger. One reason was that their relationship was no longer what it used to be, and the other was that her usual patrol area was close to here, so she could visit anytime.

After Gion left, Ambuster quickly walked up to Senga, not daring to put on airs. He said kindly, "You must be Captain Uchiha Senga sent from Headquarters. I am the highest commander here, Rear Admiral Ambuster. If you need anything in the future, you can come to me."

Senga replied with a smile, "I don't have any particular needs. I'll be working under you for a while, so please take care of me."

Senga's attitude put Ambuster's mind at ease. This Uchiha Senga seems easy to get along with. I have to admit, having a background really opens doors everywhere. Even though my rank is higher than Senga's, I can't afford to be negligent.

After some pleasantries, Ambuster took Senga to Area 66 of Sabaody Archipelago, where the Marines were stationed.

He led Senga into an office and pushed the door open, only to be astonished to find two women already sitting inside, whom he had no idea were there.

One of the women had short, curly blonde hair, an elegant appearance, wore a white hat, a pink dress with a white shawl, and high heels.

The other woman looked younger, with long blonde hair, a cold expression, wore glasses, a black mini-suit with a black tight mini-skirt, black fishnet stockings on her legs, and black pointed high heels.

"Who are you people? How did you get here?"

Ambuster had no intention of admiring beauties and adopted a vigilant stance, staring intently at the two women before him.

Senga, however, was much calmer. Judging by their appearances, he had already guessed their identities. The one with the white hat was CP0's Stussy, and the other was the future CP9's Kalifa.

Seeing Ambuster's posture, Stussy stood up, handed him a document, and then chuckled, covering her mouth, "Ara ara, Rear Admiral Ambuster, no need to be so nervous. We mean no harm. Allow me to introduce ourselves. We are from the World Government. My name is Stussy, and this is Kalifa."

World Government people? Ambuster's pupils contracted as he looked at the document in his hand. These are people I can't afford to offend. What exactly is this Uchiha Senga's identity? Why are these deities I never see coming out like they're free of charge?

However, no matter who they were, they were beyond his ability as a Rear Admiral to offend. He could only endure it silently. Composing himself, Ambuster respectfully returned the document to Stussy and said, "My apologies, Ms. Stussy. May I know what instructions you have for coming here in person?"

Stussy returned to her seat, elegantly crossed her legs, picked up a cup of hot tea, blew on it gently, and took a sip. Metis, watching this, quietly complained to Senga, Master, this old woman is really putting on a show. I really want to scratch her!

Senga comforted her and said in his mind, Never mind. This woman has a significant background, and she's likely here for me. Let's see what she wants first.

After taking a sip of tea, Stussy put down the cup. She no longer looked at Ambuster but focused her gaze on Senga behind him, still smiling, and said, "I'm here to see our new Marine star, Captain Uchiha Senga."

It's him after all. Fine, let you important figures play your games. Just don't drag me into it. Seeing that she wasn't looking for him, Ambuster wisely turned and left the office, gently closing the door behind him.

After Ambuster left, Senga spoke, "May I ask what business you have with me, Ms. Stussy?"

Stussy smiled and shook her head, extending a finger to point at Kalifa beside her.

"Although I'd like to see this generation's Marine rising stars, I'm not the main focus this time. My task is just to bring her to you and introduce her. Her name is Kalifa, and she will be your secretary during your time in Sabaody."

Upon being introduced, Kalifa immediately stood up and walked in front of Senga. She bowed 90 degrees directly, and from Senga's perspective, he could see a deep cleavage.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. Please take care of me in the future, Colonel Senga."

Senga didn't reply but looked at Stussy. Stussy knew that this arrangement was indeed a bit abrupt. After all, Senga was only a Captain now, and assigning him a secretary was a bit ostentatious. However, she had already prepared an explanation.

"The arrangement for Kalifa to be your secretary is from the government. She will mainly be responsible for your daily life, food, accommodation, transportation, and work matters. Since you've just come from the training camp and don't have much experience, and Sabaody is a very special place, this is the government's kindness."

Heh, sounds nice, but it's really to monitor me, isn't it? To see if I have the potential to be a loyal dog? Still, even though he knew it, he had no reason to refuse right now.

Thinking this, Senga helped Kalifa, who was still in a bowing posture, to her feet. He extended his hand to her. Kalifa looked at him with some confusion. Senga smiled and said, "I'll be counting on your care in the future, Secretary Kalifa."