Chapter 105: Volume 2 – Chapter 7: See You Off

Half a day later...

Crates of supplies and provisions were being loaded onto the warship under the orders of their superiors.

Marines from Marine Headquarters were all smiles as they carried the varied supplies, creating a bustling scene. The freshest fruits, marbled dried meats, canned goods, even premium cigarettes and whiskey... For soldiers from Headquarters, it was a rare sight to witness such a well-funded Marine branch. They could feel the North Blue Marines' warm hospitality firsthand.

Standing on the deck, Dragon beamed with a wide smile.

"The soldiers of the North Blue are far too generous..."

He pulled out a pack of senbei from the cargo, tore it open, and began munching noisily.

"Dragon, don't let that schemer Daren corrupt you,"

Gion said with a frown, raising an elegant brow in disapproval.

"Come on, I'm a devout Marine."

Dragon chuckled, then pulled out a box of cigars from another crate, lit one, and took a contented puff, his eyes narrowing in satisfaction.

Gion: …

She bit her lower lip.

"That bastard Daren!!"

Dragon was the brightest rising star in the Navy—a natural-born leader, blessed with charisma as the direct descendant of a hero. His calm and inherently gentle leadership style had earned him a stellar reputation within the ranks.

Marine Headquarters had already unanimously recognized him as a future Admiral.

Someone so perfect—Gion simply couldn't stand the thought of him being tainted by Daren's indulgent and corrupt lifestyle.

"Lieutenant Commander Gion, speaking ill of someone behind their back isn't a good habit."

Daren stepped steadily onto the deck, looking at her with a half-smile.

Gion snorted and turned away, saying nothing.

"What's wrong? No salute for your superior?"

Daren smiled.

Gion's expression stiffened. She turned back reluctantly and saluted.

"Commodore Daren."

Then turned and walked away without another word.

Dragon stroked the stubble on his chin, watching them both with amusement.

Something's up with these two…

"Gion's always been like that. She's just got a sharp tongue. But it's obvious she respects you."

Dragon glanced at Daren with a grin.

Daren shrugged.

"No big deal. I don't take it personally."

Dragon nodded and smiled.

"So, how do you feel? Leaving the North Blue after all these years?"

Daren lit a cigar as well, his expression calm.

"People have to keep moving forward. Besides, it's not like I'll never return."

"You're taking it pretty well." Dragon laughed and shook his head.

"Set sail!!!"

The call of the messenger echoed across sea and sky.

The rust-covered anchor rose from the water, sending up a spray as it came free.

With the massive sail unfurling, the bold black kanji for "Justice" swelled in the wind. The warship groaned as it began moving, slowly pulling away from the 321st Branch's naval port.

From the side rail, Tokikake wailed like a pig being slaughtered, tears streaming down his face as he waved frantically toward the harbor.

"Goodbye!!"

"Miss Maria, Miss Yui, Miss Natsume, Miss Ayaka… and Mrs. Rowe, Mrs. Scully, Mrs. Fix… While I'm away, please take good care of yourselves! Don't forget to write!!"

"I'll never forget you!!"

Daren: …

Dragon: …

"Uh… has Lieutenant Commander Tokikake always been this… emotionally expressive?"

Dragon twitched his lips, staring blankly.

Daren rubbed his temple in frustration and nodded with a pained expression.

Then Gion stormed over with a face like thunder, grabbed Tokikake by the scruff of the neck, and dragged the sobbing mess back onto the deck.

The warship cleared the port.

Daren stood at the bow, back to the 321st Branch, smoking quietly.

"We're leaving soon. Aren't you going to say goodbye?"

Dragon walked up beside him with a smile.

Daren shook his head.

"No need."

His life philosophy had always been the same—always forward, never back.

That's how he'd lived for the past decade, and he had no plans to change that now.

"But they don't think that way."

Dragon gave him a pat on the shoulder before turning into the cabin.

"Oh, by the way, Daren—the voyage from here on out is all yours."

Before Daren could process what he meant, a raspy roar erupted from the port behind them.

"All hands on deck!!"

"Prepare—!"

Boom! Boom! Boom!

A thunderous barrage echoed across the sky.

Daren froze.

He pressed his lips together and slowly turned around.

The port was now packed with a dense crowd of Marines. At some point, they had assembled into a grand military phalanx, a sea of blue and white stretching as far as the eye could see. Eyes reddened, faces burning with emotion.

At the front, Momonga stood tall, draped in a Captain's cloak.

He took off his cap, drew in a deep breath, and shouted with all his might:

"Salute!!"

At his command, tens of thousands of North Blue Marines raised their arms in perfect unison. The sheer force stirred the air, creating a sound like rumbling thunder.

They gazed into the distance, eyes fixed on that tall figure moving away. Some were already in tears.

The world went still.

Daren stood frozen, a faint, complex smile slowly curving on his lips.

"Really now…"

He whispered softly.

Then he straightened up, sharp as a spear.

Salute!

A smile crept onto Momonga's face. With a crisp motion, he swung his arm down.

Rumble!!

From forts, warships, and strongholds, countless cannons roared, spewing flames.

A sky full of ceremonial salutes lit up the heavens in dazzling color.

"See Admiral Daren off!!"

"See Admiral Daren off!!"

"..."

The thunderous cries echoed between sea and sky, long and unyielding.

Amid the cheers of countless North Blue Marines, the warship gradually faded into the horizon.

Daren didn't lower his arm until the silhouette of the 321st Branch was nothing but a speck on the sea.

He took a long drag on his cigar, forced down the emotions stirring within him, and walked slowly into the cabin.

"Rear Admiral Dragon, about our route—"

He stopped mid-sentence, staring blankly.

Dragon was sprawled unceremoniously on the floor, fast asleep, snoring like thunder, a bubble puffing in and out with each breath.

Daren stood silent for a moment, then let out a helpless laugh.

So that's what he meant...

Shaking his head, Daren turned toward the window, gazing out.

The warship cruised ahead, cutting through the undulating blue waves.

White seagulls soared from the mast, wings slicing the sky, flying boldly into the distance.

He clenched his fist.

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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