That figure grew ever clearer in Lorne's mind, and he unconsciously clenched his fists.
"Lorne, what are you spacing out for?"
Garp's booming voice suddenly blasted beside his ear, and a large, callused hand slapped heavily onto Lorne's shoulder.
Lorne pulled himself out of his thoughts. Looking at Garp grinning broadly before him, he shook his head and said, "Nothing. I was just thinking about my mom."
Garp's expression softened a little, but he soon burst into another carefree laugh. "Haha, Masha! If that girl knew you'd become a rear admiral, she'd be so shocked she'd drop her teacup! Well? Want me to write her a letter and have a good laugh at her expense?"
Zephyr stepped forward, slapped Garp's hand away, and snorted. "Garp, stop making a fool of yourself. Lorne, your position is different now. Your rank as rear admiral, along with the authority to form an independent punitive force, means you've truly become one of the Marines' pillars."
"From now on, you need to make sure every step you take is steady."
Lorne looked at the rear admiral's epaulets on his shoulders and answered earnestly, "Instructor Zephyr, I understand. I won't grow complacent over a momentary victory. Doflamingo was just the beginning. There's plenty more trash out at sea that needs cleaning up."
Sengoku walked over as well.
He looked at Lorne and sighed. "Lorne, although I withstood the World Government's pressure and secured this privilege for you, you need to understand that the Five Elders will never let this go. They're watching your every move now. Make even the slightest mistake, and they'll pounce like ravenous wolves."
Lorne smiled faintly, his expression confident. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, let them come. My fists have never feared any challenge. But before I form my independent punitive force, there's something