"No need, Jack."
Kaido waved a hand. The brutality in his eyes did not diminish but grew even stronger. "A brat who's only just awakened Conqueror's Haki isn't worth a special trip from you. Besides, he's right under Marine Headquarters' nose now. Going there would only be asking for trouble."
He walked to the edge of the hall and looked out at the churning black sea, laughing wildly. "I hope that brat has the guts to come to the New World. If he dares set foot on this battlefield, I'll give him a proper welcome with this Hassaikai! Wororororo!"
His savage laughter echoed over Onigashima, shattering the thick clouds overhead and revealing a streak of crimson moonlight.
Back at Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
The commendation ceremony had ended, but the Marines' enthusiasm had yet to fade.
All of Marineford was talking about Lorne.
Inside Lorne's temporary office, however, things were rather quiet.
"Knock, knock, knock."
A crisp knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and his adjutant, Lieutenant Commander Ethan, stepped inside with the Scarred Veteran.
The moment they entered, both men snapped off a perfectly synchronized salute to Lorne.
"Rear Admiral Lorne!"
Ethan called out loudly, his face brimming with excitement and admiration.
Looking at Lorne now was practically like looking at a living battle flag.
Just over a month ago, Lorne had been only an ensign.
Now, he was a rear admiral renowned across the seas, with the authority to establish the Independent Suppression Force.
This was nothing short of a miracle in the entire history of the Marines.
Lorne looked at them with a gentle smile. "All right, there's no one else here. No need to be so stiff. Sit down."
Ethan and the Scarred Veteran exchanged a glance, then sat in the chairs across