The sky was a cloudless, sapphire blue. Sunlight spilled down, making the sea shimmer as though countless diamonds had been set into its surface.
A gentle sea breeze carried the scent of the ocean and a taste of salt, fresh and soothing.
In the distance, a few seagulls flew over the horizon, their snow-white wings a striking contrast against the blue sky.
At Port, Navy officers in formal uniforms stood in neat, solemn ranks on either side of the road.
Chief of Staff Tsuru, Borsalino, and several members of the Navy High Command waited on the shore.
They could already see the Thousand-Hand Bodhi drawing closer.
As it approached, they could all feel its powerful presence.
Though luxurious, the Thousand-Hand Bodhi bore visible traces of wear across its hull, marks of countless battles.
"You've met him before, haven't you, Tokikake?"
Borsalino looked at the colleague beside him, someone he got along with well in the Navy.
For Mobius's visit, Borsalino had personally traveled all the way back from the G-6 Branch to Marine Headquarters.
He had come specifically to see "Nether Serpent" Mobius and the organization he had founded, the Ten Thousand Serpents.
"I've met him twice. He saved me once, and I saw him again at the Sabaody Archipelago during Roger's Execution."
"But I doubt he remembers me."
"I wonder what he's here for. I asked Kyle about him. His older brother is a pretty arrogant man, and he isn't easy to get along with if he doesn't know you well."
Borsalino spoke. Mobius and Kyle were the same age, but in terms of strength, Mobius far surpassed Kyle.
Kyle had not come this time. He had business with the World Government, and he had also stayed out of the reception to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
Sakazuki was