Loguetown Base

Inside the submarine's captain's quarters, the lighting was dim.

"You're leaving, aren't you?"

Dawn sat before the porthole, holding a glass of red wine. The wine gently swayed in the glass, reflecting the glowing fish swimming through the deep sea beyond the window.

Just yesterday, news of Fleet Admiral Kong's "death from illness" had spread across the world. Compared to being killed by a powerful enemy, the headquarters had chosen a more dignified explanation. The world needed stability, and the Marines needed morale. Sometimes, the truth was simply too heavy.

The figure by the bedside paused slightly. Gion grabbed her justice coat and covered the skin exposed to the air.

"I can't cut myself off completely. Even after learning of the World Government's darkness, even after seeing what those high-and-mighty Celestial Dragons are really like... I didn't put on this uniform just for them."

"There are countless people in the Marines like me. They believe in justice and are willing to give their lives for it. If even we leave, then the Marines will truly become nothing more than the Celestial Dragons' lapdogs."

Dawn set down his wineglass, rose, and walked to the bedside. He reached out and gently caressed Gion's cheek. His touch was so tender that she nearly gave up the thought of leaving.

Gion closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his palm.

"I won't stop you. But remember, be careful in everything you do."

The next morning, on a secluded coast somewhere in the East Blue.

Gion boarded a ship bound for Marineford alone. She did not look back. The sea breeze lifted her long hair, and her justice coat snapped behind her.

Dawn stood on the shore and watched the ship vanish beyond the horizon. There was no expression on his face, only a flicker