A killer in the navy? I’m just trying my best to survive Chapter 036

“Then…”

Akainu said to Hawke, “Hibari will be handed over to you, Hawke.”

After speaking, he turned and walked away.

He still had military duties to attend to. If the person Hawke was receiving wasn’t Hibari, he wouldn’t have come in person.

“Uh…”

Hawke looked at Akainu’s back, feeling a bit helpless.

Introduced the person in two sentences, then turned and left…

That’s truly the style of Admiral Akainu.

He turned his gaze to Hibari beside him.

“……”

The girl was bowing her head, her fingers intertwined, her gaze fixed on her toes.

But she would occasionally secretly raise her eyelids, quickly glancing at Hawke, with curiosity in her eyes.

Is this the Commodore Hawke that her father praised so highly after returning from the East Blue?

Her father also said that Commodore Hawke was the future hope of the Marines, and that she should learn more from him in the future.

But how should she learn from Commodore Hawke?

Also, would Commodore Hawke be very fierce?

“Ah—”

Suddenly, she noticed Hawke looking at her, like a startled little rabbit, she abruptly lowered her head.

And refused to look up again.

“Uh…”

Hawke suddenly felt a dull ache in his temples.

Admiral Akainu, is it still too late for me to return her now?

Forget it, he didn’t want to have his heart pierced by a magma fist.

“Hibari.”

“Here!”

Hibari jolted as if her name had been called, suddenly looking up and straightening her back.

“Don’t be nervous…”

“Let’s chat while we walk.”

“Yes, Commodore Hawke.”

Hawke walked ahead, he could feel the cautious gaze behind him.

Sigh, it seems he still needed some female Marines under his command.

Otherwise, with just Hibari, this one cute girl, many things would be inconvenient!

“……”

Along the way, Hawke asked, and Hibari answered.

Soon, Hawke understood the basic situation.

Hibari had just graduated from the Marine Headquarters recruit training camp and was looking for a suitable unit and commander to continue her training.

Admiral Akainu had recommended him to her, saying that he was a very good teacher and superior.

Hibari agreed without a second thought.

Her current rank was Headquarters Ensign, and she was more skilled at using firearms in combat.

“Hibari, you are Admiral Akainu’s daughter.”

Hawke said, “And Admiral Akainu is my benefactor.”

Without Admiral Akainu’s strong support and recommendation back then.

He wouldn’t have been able to achieve such a huge promotion in rank in such a short time.

He had to remember this kindness.

“So, from now on, we don’t need to address each other by rank, it makes us seem distant.”

“Yes… Senior Hawke.”

“Uh, no need for ‘Senior’.”

“Okay, Mr. Hawke.”

“……”

Hawke stopped, rubbing his brow.

This address, how did it get further and further away?

“Call me Big Brother.”

“Hmm, Big Brother Hawke.”

“Haha—”

Looking at Hibari, who did whatever he said.

Hawke was amused, Admiral Akainu, with his rigid and almost fanatical personality, how could his daughter have such a soft and gentle personality?!

The contrast was too great.

“Thump—”

Suddenly, a figure slowly walked out from the corner ahead.

It was an old woman with silver hair and a slender figure.

She wore a Vice Admiral’s uniform, her face covered in wrinkles left by time, but her eyes were exceptionally clear.

Hawke’s heart tightened.

Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Tsuru!

An old strongman from the same era as Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Garp, the Marine’s strategist, a user of the Paramecia-type Wash-Wash Fruit, who believed in “Pure Justice.”

“Vice Admiral Tsuru!”

Hawke immediately composed himself and saluted Tsuru.

“Commodore Hawke.”

Tsuru also saw Hawke and Hibari, and smiled and nodded, “Are you chatting with little Hibari?”

“Yes.”

“Ah, Vice Admiral Tsuru!”

When Hibari saw Tsuru, she also nervously saluted.

Tsuru nodded kindly, her gaze returning to Hawke, her eyes, which could see through people’s hearts, held a hint of scrutinizing amusement.

“Little Hawke, Sakazuki speaks highly of your leadership skills.”

“The Admiral overpraised me, I merely did my duty.”

“No.”

Tsuru gently shook her head and slowly walked closer.

“Although Sakazuki acts a bit forcefully, as a Marine Admiral, his judgment of people won’t be wrong.”

“He not only approves of your justice but also values your ability to train subordinates.”

“Sakazuki mentioned the spirit of the soldiers in the 16th Branch repeatedly in his report.”

Tsuru changed the subject, “Speaking of which, my granddaughter—Kujaku, has just been promoted to Headquarters Lieutenant Commander.”

“She’s a talented child, but she still needs to be tempered.”

“Although the Headquarters is good, it’s ultimately too comfortable, lacking the true soil and guide for her growth.”

“So, I’d like to send her to your G- 3 Branch as well, and ask you to discipline her on my behalf.”

“Are you willing?”

“……”

Hawke’s expression instantly froze.

Huh?

Again?!

Vice Admiral Tsuru!

Admiral Akainu just sent his daughter over, and then you, old lady, want to send your granddaughter over too?

I’m going to the G- 3 Branch to be a branch commander, not to open an elite Marine second-generation daycare!

If you want to entrust someone, go find the director of Futaba Kindergarten—Admiral Kizaru!

Director of Futaba Kindergarten—Kizaru

……

East Blue, 16th Branch.

Dane, who had put away the Den Den Mushi, looked at Zoro beside him.

“Welcome to the Marines, Zoro.”

“Mm.”

“Let’s go, I’ll take you to get your things.”

Zoro followed Dane and received a brand new Marine uniform, a pair of gleaming military boots, and basic personal items.

Then, Dane gathered all the soldiers of the branch on the training ground.

“Brothers!”

Dane’s voice was loud, echoing throughout the training ground.

“Just received instructions from Commodore Hawke.”

“Before we collectively transfer to the Grand Line G- 3 Branch, everyone will take leave in batches!”

“Go home! Go back and see your families!”

The training ground was first dead silent, then erupted in thunderous cheers.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa—!”

“Long live Commodore Hawke!”

Many tough soldiers’ eyes instantly turned red.

They all understood that after this departure to the Grand Line, it wouldn’t be so easy to return to the East Blue.

Commodore Hawke still remembered this matter.

Dane waited for the sound to subside slightly before walking to Zoro’s side.

“Zoro, what about you?”

“Do you want to go back and see too?”

“……”

Zoro fell silent.

Go back and see?

In his mind, a familiar dojo appeared—Isshin Dojo.

And that always smiling, gentle master.

It was time to go back and see.

See his master, and also see the grave where his best friend and initial dream were buried.

He was about to embark on a new path, and before setting off, it was necessary to make a formal farewell to the past.

Zoro looked up, his eyes becoming incredibly firm.

He nodded heavily at Dane.

“Shimotsuki Village, right? Coincidentally, there are soldiers going that way, you can go back together.”

“Good!”