"This is fantastic."
"I've been sick of being stuck with that old man for ages."
"Mr. Sakazuki is so damn cool."
Aramaki spoke cheerfully, a smile on his face.
Clearly, he had had enough of being teamed up with Garp. After all, those in the Navy who admired Sakazuki had their grievances with the softhearted old guard.
They all had their complaints, but they were fellow Marines, so they kept them to themselves.
Aramaki, however, was different...
He was already an admirer of Sakazuki and had joined the Navy later in life. Unlike the other Marines, he had no intention of keeping his opinions to himself.
Aramaki never held back, and the two men frequently traded barbs whenever they met.
In the end, they simply decided that out of sight was out of mind and stationed themselves on separate islands. Only then did things quiet down for a while.
Aramaki rose from his deck chair and stretched.
"Any specific mission requirements?"
The messenger checked the orders and said:
"No specific requirements. You're free to act."
"You just need to cut into the Steam Sea Pirates' territory and split it down the middle."
Aramaki nodded.
"Got it."
He activated his ability, growing a flying flower from his back that extended over his head.
He slowly rose into the air and drifted toward the warship.
The messenger stared blankly for a moment. Only when Aramaki took flight did he react, chasing after him and shouting:
"Admiral Aramaki!"
"Wait, there's still..."
Floating in midair, Aramaki sank into his own thoughts and failed to notice the messenger chasing him.
"Free to act? That must mean they want me to wipe them all out."
"That's exactly my kind of job."
"Too bad there aren't any reporters."
*"Otherwise, it'd be even more perfect-just like when Mr.