Hasagi! [Two-in-One]

"Cover Story: East Blue, Part 4 — 'Oh no, I've really done it now!'"

"Another day began with artillery training. The fat instructor was excessively strict and found fault with everything. He often hit and kicked recruits over the smallest mistakes, and they had long since grown fed up with him."

"My turn. Standing before the cannon, Bell-mère nervously worked through the required steps. The fat instructor glanced over from a distance without criticizing her, and she had just breathed a sigh of relief when the cannon before her suddenly rusted through and collapsed, turning into countless flecks of iron that scattered from the battlements on the wind..."

The newcomer was Martha.

A captain from Marine Headquarters and Momousagi's loyal adjutant of many years, she had once barred Tokikake from Momousagi's hospital room without a shred of courtesy.

This time, too, she had followed Momousagi across the sea to take up a post in the West Blue.

"What is it, Martha?"

Momousagi looked up at her breathless adjutant, smiled, and handed her a glass of water.

"Why are you in such a panic? Remember what I told you? Whatever happens, don't rush. Staying calm is the best sol—"

"Rear Admiral!"

Martha took the glass but did not drink. She urgently cut Momousagi off.

"It's Rhodes Island! The fleet there just sent an emergency message. A giant saber-toothed tiger has appeared on the island, and it's fighting Mr. Noah to a standstill!"

"Based on our preliminary assessment, it has to be Dugalileo, the Drought, one of the Beasts Pirates' highest-ranking officers. We don't know when he came to the West Blue or—Rear Admiral?"

Her words broke off. Momousagi had shot to her feet, snatched up the coat of justice beside her, thrown it over her shoulders, and rushed straight out