This line of work wasn't easy [1/3]

A few minutes later.

The speedboat, carrying Noah alone, raced toward Picado Island at full speed.

Onigumo hadn't come along after all, and the reason was rather heartwarming.

It wasn't entirely a matter of weight. As captain, he was responsible for every soldier aboard his ship.

This was the Grand Line, after all. Someone strong had to stay behind to keep pirates from seizing an opening.

The night sky.

Countless stars glittered around a bright, high-hanging moon.

The sea breeze was cool, and shimmering waves surrounded him. Noah scooped up some water to wash his face, then looked down, catching glimpses of brilliantly colored fish and the exquisite play of light as they swam past.

"Now this is nice..."

He lay back contentedly on the deck and gazed up at the full moon. For some reason, he remembered the night several months ago when he and Momousagi had swapped bodies. The moonlight had been just as clear and bright then.

I wonder what my little bunny is busy with now...

It's been ages since we last talked.

"Less than two months until I can return to Marine Headquarters."

Noah rested his head on his arms, his gaze distant. "Once they tally up my military merits, Gion will probably get quite a shock..."

His efforts over this period hadn't gone to waste. His current military merits were more than enough to earn him the rank of Commodore. By the end of his three-month stint, he would start at Rear Admiral at the very least.

As for Vice Admiral, that would really depend on his luck.

After all, there had never been such a precedent since the Elite Training Camp was established.

As the night deepened, he enjoyed this rare stretch of leisure with only the moon over the sea