When the Dawn warship docked at the port beside the Sabaody Archipelago, it immediately drew the attention of many people.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi's warship had long since become one of the Marines' representative vessels. Reporters who regularly followed world affairs knew certain "unusual" Marine ships like the backs of their hands.
They did not even need to look at the flags or hull numbers. They could identify the ship's commander just by its appearance.
Therefore, when the reporters on the shore spotted the Dawn warship approaching from afar, they had already gathered at the dock, whispering among themselves.
As the warship came to a stop and Tsugikuni Yoriichi stepped ashore, the reporters' cameras all focused on him.
After Yoriichi disembarked, Issho, Fisher Tiger, and Jinbe, who had been waiting for some time, rose one after another and walked over to him.
"It really has been a long time!"
"Issho, Tiger, Jinbe."
Yoriichi's gaze swept swiftly across them, and a faint smile appeared on his face as he greeted them.
"It has been a while, Yoriichi."
Standing before Yoriichi, Issho blinked, revealing slivers of white in his eyes. Rather than addressing Yoriichi by his rank, he chose a more familiar form of address.
He was somewhat older than Yoriichi. Calling him that in front of so many people subtly emphasized their personal friendship and also carried the implication that he was declaring his stance.
Issho could not see with his eyes, but his heart was as clear as a mirror.
The Marines of the Dawn Sword had gathered at the Sabaody Archipelago this time, and Issho had some idea of what Yoriichi intended.
The way he addressed Yoriichi was also his way of telling him that no matter what decision Yoriichi made, he would stand beside him and face it together with