In the days that followed, a strange storm swept through Marine Headquarters at Marineford.
Gion began visiting Gern's home frequently, each time with an impeccably respectable excuse.
It was either "checking the newly appointed adjutant's training progress" or "delivering documents from Vice Admiral Tsuru."
Once, she even arrived carrying a stack of books and solemnly declared, "Members of the Mink Tribe need supplementary cultural lessons."
In short, whenever Gern opened his door, he would find her standing there with a cold expression, while Lipo would joyfully leap toward her, shouting, "Big sis!"
Then she would drag Gion inside to eat freshly baked carrot cookies.
Over the course of these visits, the tight line of Gion's lips gradually relaxed.
One day, she even couldn't resist stroking Lipo's floppy ears, only to immediately school her face when she realized what she had done.
But Lipo had already snuggled up to her with a grin. "Your hands are so warm, big sis!"
Meanwhile, gossip ran rampant through Marine Headquarters.
"Did you hear? Momousagi's been going to Commodore Gern's house every day lately!"
"Apparently, she's keeping an eye on that Mink Tribe rabbit, worried she'll 'steal her man'!"
"Then why did I see Gion carrying Lipo around while shopping yesterday? That rabbit even picked out a Carrot Hairpin for her!"
"That's nothing! I saw her grooming that rabbit with my own eyes!"
"Impossible! It must be part of Second Lieutenant Gion's plan!"
The rumors grew increasingly outrageous, eventually becoming the drama of the year: "Momousagi and the Furry Adjutant's romantic rivalry."
In a tavern, Tokikake hugged a liquor bottle, tears streaming down his face. "Why... why would Gion rather accept a rabbit than even look at me...?"
The Marines around him discreetly moved farther away, and someone secretly took out a Visual Den Den