G-1 Branch, the front line of the war.
"I'm afraid... it's not that simple, is it, Ms. Tsuru?"
Only one person in the Marines called Tsuru "Ms. Tsuru": Admiral Aokiji.
Everyone else called her "Chief Staff Tsuru," "Chief of Staff," or "Vice Admiral Tsuru."
Except Garp, with his distinctive greeting: "Tsuru-chan."
Propped weakly against a pillow, Aokiji looked sickly, but his eyes were clear.
"The commander-in-chief suddenly ordered you to take me away. He must have discovered something."
"So is this really all right? Turning a blind eye to it..."
The turmoil in the Holy Land could not escape the Marines' notice.
Even beyond the towering Red Line, the flames shooting into the sky were plainly visible. The distant rumble of explosions was enough to make anyone's heart pound.
They were Marines, yet they were ignoring it. Coupled with what had happened today, Aokiji knew there was something he hadn't been told.
"We're not turning a blind eye..."
Tsuru closed her eyes and said gravely, "My orders are to stabilize the front line at any cost until Fleet Admiral Akainu and the others return."
"And to ignore everything else."
"Are you asking me to disobey orders, Aokiji? At my age, I'd rather not ruin my reputation now."
"Ruin your reputation..."
Aokiji repeated the words, then gave her a teasing look. "You're alone in a room with me in the middle of the night. That might be harder than you think."
Tsuru: "..."
Click...
The door opened. Kureha glanced curiously around the room and asked, "Done talking? Why is he asleep?"
"He's probably exhausted. He only just woke up..."
Tsuru answered calmly, then nodded to her.
"Please look after him, Doctor. In his current condition, going out there would be suicide."
"Heh-heh-heh-heh! Don't worry. Once a patient ends up in my