Chapter 102: Volume 2 – Chapter 4: Rear Admiral Dragon

Branch 321, Military Hospital.

The bespectacled doctor, a refined-looking man in his fifties, was carefully examining the wounds on Daren's body.

The crisscrossing wounds had already begun to grow new pink skin. They itched slightly, but there was no more pain.

"Well, your wounds are healing nicely. Nothing serious at all. With a body like yours, you're practically a monster."

Even after all these years of witnessing Daren's remarkable recovery ability, Dr. Wells was still astonished.

"Thanks, Dr. Wells."

Daren chuckled.

"I'm just used to getting hurt. Habit is a terrifying thing."

"I can see that," Dr. Wells said, putting away his medical tools. "Would it be foolish of me to suggest avoiding fights in the future?"

Daren shrugged.

"You might not believe it, but some things are out of my control. Trouble always seems to find me."

"Besides, as a Marine, getting injured is about as common as eating or sleeping."

"Is that so?"

Dr. Wells shook his head and didn't argue further.

"Still, I recommend avoiding intense activity for now. I mean real fights with pirates or that suicidal training you tend to do."

"I'll try my best," Daren said with a grin.

While washing his hands, Dr. Wells asked casually,

"I heard you're heading to Marineford?"

"Yeah, for training. I've been in the North Blue long enough."

Daren buttoned up his shirt, then picked up his cloak and gave the middle-aged doctor a slight bow from behind.

"Thanks for looking after me all these years."

Dr. Wells paused, the sound of running water suddenly loud in the quiet ward.

"Go, Daren."

He smiled.

"After all these years of training and countless scars—I must have patched you up over a hundred times... wasn't it all for this day?"

"Let those folks on the Grand Line see what the men of the North Blue are made of."

Daren draped the cloak over his shoulders, turned, and walked out of the room, waving back as he laughed.

"Of course!"

...

Morning after the rain.

The sun was shining bright. Wispy clouds floated across the sky, and beams of golden light pierced through the clouds, scattering into radiant shafts—a perfect Tyndall effect.

"How long until the warship from HQ arrives?"

Daren, wearing his broad justice cloak, strolled toward the military harbor of the 321st Branch, stretching lazily as the cool sea breeze blew over him.

"Should be arriving soon."

Momonga glanced at Daren and asked,

"Dr. Wells checked you out already?"

Daren grinned.

"Yeah, told me to avoid heavy activity."

"Sound advice," Momonga said with a raised brow.

Sound, sure—but hardly practical. Daren was never one to stay put.

That thought crossed Momonga's mind, but his eyes remained fixed on the distant sea.

Bathed in the morning light, the sea shimmered with brilliance, each ripple reflecting a dazzling glow.

That endless ocean seemed to hold every ambition and dream. In Momonga's eyes, a trace of longing quietly surfaced.

"Just wait a little longer. No matter what, I'll make sure you get a spot next time."

Noticing the change in him, Daren smiled and patted his shoulder.

Momonga pulled his gaze back, exhaled softly, and shook his head.

"The North Blue needs someone reliable."

Daren looked at him, his expression suddenly serious.

"Momonga... the North Blue is important, but your growth is more important."

"Power, status, fame, wealth—those things are secondary. On this sea, what matters most is strength."

"Too many people never figure that out in their whole lives. But I believe you're not one of them."

Listening to Daren's sincere words, warmth stirred in Momonga's heart.

He clenched his fists and gave a firm nod.

Daren's face relaxed again, and he smiled.

"Wonder who'll be leading the escort this time?"

Momonga chuckled.

"I know you're hoping it's Rear Admiral Sakazuki."

Daren rolled his shoulders and neck with interest.

"I could never beat him. Not back in the North Blue, and definitely not after he graduated."

"So you're stupid enough to want a beating?"

A cool voice cut in.

Gion approached quickly from a distance, followed by Tokikake, who looked half-asleep, yawning non-stop.

Daren laughed it off.

"Getting beaten up is a talent too. Anyway, I've been in the hospital for days—feels like I'm rusting."

Gion was about to say something more, but Momonga suddenly spoke up.

"They're here."

As soon as he said it, everyone looked up.

A massive warship was slowly emerging over the golden sea in the distance.

Suddenly, a fierce wind rose.

Waves crashed furiously against the port. A visible storm swept across the harbor, sending flags flapping with loud, sharp snaps.

"What's going on!?"

"Is a storm coming!?"

"Why's the weather changing so suddenly!?"

"..."

Marines patrolling the dock turned pale, barely able to stay upright as the gale ripped through the base.

Momonga and the others instinctively raised their arms to shield themselves, eyes wide with uncertainty.

Daren squinted.

A black-gloved hand suddenly shot out from the green-tinged windstorm, reaching straight for his face.

Already sensing it through his magnetic field, Daren smirked and sidestepped the incoming hand with ease.

His eyes gleamed with a savage light. With a swift lunge, he struck forward, his elbow blasting out like thunder, aimed to shatter that arm.

Whoosh!

The blow hit nothing. The arm vanished just before impact.

Behind me!

Without hesitation, Daren dropped his stance, twisted his waist, and hurled a punch backward without even turning.

Boom!!

Their fists collided mid-air with a heavy thud.

A shockwave burst outward, whipping their white cloaks into a frenzy behind them.

"I heard there's a 'monster' in the North Blue who can rival Sakazuki... and even took down the legendary Byrnndi World. Looks like the rumors were true."

A bold laugh rang out as a fierce, commanding face took shape in the storm.

Long black hair whipped around wildly. His brow was bare, his features sharp and stern.

"Nice to meet you, Commodore Daren. Sorry for the sudden welcome."

The man retracted his fist. The confidence in his smile was oddly endearing.

"Your reputation precedes you. I just couldn't resist the urge to spar."

"I'm the escort for this trip. Rear Admiral of Marine Headquarters..."

He raised his hand in a crisp salute.

"—Monkey D. Dragon."

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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