Marine G-10 Branch.
Having just disembarked, Tsugikuni Yoriichi was pulled into the reception room by Major General Rocca. After guiding Yoriichi to a seat, Rocca's gaze casually swept over Kyros and Issho, who stood behind Yoriichi.
The smile already plastered across his face grew even broader.
"Yoriichi! It's been a long time!"
"This time, not only have you made quite a name for yourself, you've also brought great honor to the Marines!"
"Ever since God Valley, this is the first time the Marines have achieved such a major victory in our struggle against pirates."
"I heard that when those fellows at Headquarters received the battle report about you, every one of them was left slack-jawed."
"Ho ho ho, the Marines have worthy successors!"
"This old bag of bones had better make room for you young people sooner rather than later!"
As he spoke with Tsugikuni Yoriichi, Major General Rocca kept studying Issho and Kyros. His gaze lingered on Issho even longer than it did on Yoriichi.
Though Issho could not see, even without activating Observation Haki, his senses were exceedingly sharp. Noticing Rocca's gaze, Issho gave the Major General a gentle smile in his direction.
Major General Rocca did not sense the usual stiffness and restraint that Marine officers and soldiers displayed when facing a superior.
Judging from Issho's uniform and epaulets, Rocca knew that he was merely a Marine noncommissioned officer, with a rank even lower than Kyros beside him.
Yet Rocca sensed an exceptionally weighty presence from Issho. Though the other man had not made a move, Rocca knew that this unfamiliar noncommissioned officer was probably not someone to be underestimated.
Where did this brat find all these kids?!
To Rocca, Issho, who was already in his thirties, was still just a "kid." He was secretly shocked. He