The last rays of sunset fell across the Marine family quarters in Marineford, and warmth filled the courtyard of Zephyr's home.
Laughter drifted from inside, where Lipo was having a wonderful time playing with Zephyr's wife, Lina, and their four-year-old son.
"Lipo, do it again!" The little boy, whose purple hair matched Zephyr's, bounced excitedly, tugging at Lipo with his little hands, his eyes full of admiration.
"You got it!" Grinning, Lipo bent down, planted both hands on the floor, and landed a backflip cleanly. Her floppy ears swayed gently with the movement. "Well? Pretty impressive, right?"
"Wow! That was amazing!" The boy clapped and cheered, then turned to his mother. "Mom, I want to learn that too!"
Lina gently ruffled her son's hair and smiled. "When you're a little older, your dad can teach you."
"Dad's always busy..." The boy pouted, but soon brightened again. "But now I've got Lipo to play with me!"
Lipo crouched down and pinched his little cheek. "Don't worry. I'll come play with you lots from now on!"
In stark contrast to the laughter inside, out in the courtyard,
Zephyr and Gern sat across from each other at a stone table, the transfer orders lying between them. The mood was rather tense.
Zephyr's brows were tightly knitted, his fingers tapping the tabletop incessantly. Clearly, he found the arrangement unbelievable.
"What is Fleet Admiral Kong thinking?" Zephyr finally couldn't hold back any longer, his voice filled with unmistakable bewilderment.
"Transferring you to serve under Sakazuki? Having the two of you deal with the Golden Lion's Flying Pirates together?"
Seeing Zephyr's expression, Gern shrugged and took a sip of tea, his tone calm. "Master Zephyr, are you doubting my abilities?"
"It's not about your abilities." Zephyr sprang to his feet and paced back and forth. "It's