Marine Headquarters-
The sea breeze carried a salty tang as it swept over the ranks of soldiers standing at attention on the docks.
A sailing ship as lavish as a small palace-the Sleeping Forest-slowly drew alongside the pier.
At the bow stood Cavendish in a brand-new white formal suit trimmed with gold and elaborate lace, a scarlet velvet cloak draped over his shoulders. His meticulously groomed blond hair gleamed in the sunlight.
Beside him, his magnificent white steed, Farul, also wore a new silver saddle.
Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Momonga, who had been waiting on the dock for some time, frowned.
In theory, the Shichibukai's "investiture ceremony" did indeed require the appointee to visit Marine Headquarters in person and sign the documents in the presence of representatives from the Marines and the World Government.
But so far, not a single Shichibukai had actually been obedient enough to come to Marine Headquarters to accept the appointment.
Depending on the circumstances, the other Shichibukai had their commissions delivered by CP Agents, government officials, or Marines.
Usually, there was no ceremony at all.
This "pirate prince," however, did not seem to have come out of "obedience." He had come purely because a visit to Marine Headquarters was very "conspicuous."
"...Honestly, even..."
An officer beside him, with a round head and chin and a field officer's cape, was just about to say something.
"Captain Very Good-"
Momonga said nothing more. He merely called the captain's name, gave him a look, and gently shook his head.
"...Uh, understood, Vice Admiral Momonga."
Very Good was a headquarters captain and a Berry-Berry Fruit user. He belonged to the Marines' Hawk Faction, and he was one of its particularly hardheaded members.
How hardheaded? After the Enies Lobby incident, he had taken a group of ordinary soldiers to hunt