Nami nodded and said with suppressed laughter, "Yes, yes, yes, Captain. We didn't see you acting like a drunkard at all, and we certainly didn't see you acting spoiled in Kuina's arms."
Ain and Perona finally couldn't hold back their laughter and burst out laughing.
Kuina curled her lip, feeling that the Captain in her arms was just so cute. However, she still let go of Hera. Following three loud thuds, the bumps that should have been on Hera's head were distributed among the other three.
Shirahoshi, who had been unable to wait any longer, reached out for Hera, placed her on her head, and said excitedly, "Let's go, let's go! We're going to play all over Fish-Man Island."
Hera nodded, looking like a Captain standing on a ship, and pointed forward: "Let's set off!"
She left this place where her prestige had been swept away.
Over the next few days, Hera accompanied Princess Shirahoshi to various places on Fish-Man Island. They drank coffee together at the Mermaid Cafe and went to try Hatchan's takoyaki. Princess Shirahoshi's appetite, brought on by her massive size, nearly caused Hatchan to run out of tentacles.
They took in the Mermaid Cove, which looked like something out of a fairy tale world, visited Pappag the Starfish's designer clothing store, toured the ancient giant ship Noah, and finally went to the Sea Forest where the poneglyph was stored. Hera recorded it all using an image dial.
Along the way, their happy voices were left at places like the Fishman Culture Hall and the Marine Shopping Mall. In this way, Princess Shirahoshi took Hera and the others to play around Fish-Man Island during the day, and at night, Hera told Princess Shirahoshi about their adventures. While time flew by, the day of Hera's departure also approached.
Hera, who was fast asleep, was woken up by the sound of a transponder snail. Seeing that it was from Grandma Tsuru, Hera immediately woke up and answered the call.
"It's me, Grandma Tsuru. I heard you went to Fish-Man Island. How are things over there?"
Hera quickly replied, "Everything here has been handled. A few days ago, a group of pirates tried to assassinate Queen Otohime, and I've already taken care of it."
Grandma Tsuru was somewhat speechless on the other end. It seemed like trouble followed Hera wherever she went. However, she still asked, "Since it's handled, come back to Marine Headquarters. Another year is about to pass. Come back and see Garp. I'm still waiting for the gold you mentioned."
Hera nodded quickly: "Alright, I'll head back once I've finished up here."
Hanging up the phone, Hera called her partners and bid farewell to Princess Shirahoshi.
Princess Shirahoshi and King Neptune escorted Hera and the others all the way to the port. Hera took the argo out of the City of Devouring Time and prepared to leave after boarding the ship.
The more emotional Princess Shirahoshi bit her lip to keep herself from crying. Seeing Hera waving to her, she shouted, "Next time we meet, I will be strong enough to help you!"
Hera nodded and left Fish-Man Island, and the argo sailed towards Marineford.
Having been away for nearly a year, returning to the place where she started made Hera's heart full of emotion. Time spent sailing at sea really flies, though of course, the time spent staying at each location was also quite long.
Especially on the Sabaody Archipelago, she stayed for a long time to assassinate Celestial Dragons. But for Hera, who was only 15 years old, there was still plenty of time. Luffy wouldn't go to sea for another two years, which was enough time for Hera to prepare many things in advance.
Thanks to Nami's efforts, the group soon arrived at Marineford. Having received the news in advance, Garp was already waiting at the port.
As soon as Hera got off the ship, she habitually wanted to put the argo away, but then she suddenly remembered she was home and stopped her movements.
Garp's loud laughter came over. He walked over holding a package of rice crackers in one hand and stuffing rice crackers into his mouth with the other: "Isn't this Hera? Are you used to being at sea?"
After looking at Hera for a moment, he continued, "You've gotten a bit thin. Perfect, Vice Admiral Tsuru is looking for you. Take your partners to see her first. I'll go catch a Sea King for you, and we'll roast it tonight."
The concern from her family filled Hera's heart with warmth. She nodded and left with her partners.
Arriving at Vice Admiral Tsuru's office door, Hera knocked: "Grandma Tsuru, it's Hera. I've brought my partners."
Grandma Tsuru's voice came from inside the office: "Come in." The group walked in one by one.
Grandma Tsuru first had Hera and her group sit down, and then began to talk about the reason for having them return.
"It's good that you're back. There are a few things I need to tell you about this time."
Hera nodded, and Grandma Tsuru continued, "The Marine received news that you defeated Moriah. He left Thriller Bark after being defeated, but strangely, the World Government didn't hold you accountable."
Grandma Tsuru paused and then said, "Since you can already defeat a pirate with a bounty of 300 million, your rank should be moved up. Any other pirates you've killed, you can bring their heads. While you exchange them for bounties, they can also be counted as military merit."
"Additionally, the partners you brought back, Nami and Perona, have already been entered into the Marine system. They will be commissioned together this time. Smoker has also been making quite a stir over in the East Blue."
Speaking of this, even Grandma Tsuru had a bit of a headache: "I didn't expect the corruption in the local Marine branches to be so severe. The Marine's reputation has been ruined by them. In some places, the people avoid the Marine as if they were avoiding pirates."
Hearing this, Hera also understood the reason she was called back and said, "Don't worry, once I've exchanged the pirates' heads, I'll go to the East Blue and see if I can solve it."
Hearing Hera's words, Grandma Tsuru said, "No rush. It's almost the New Year. You should stay here at the headquarters until the New Year is over before we talk about it."
Hera felt a bit restless hearing this. She only wanted to set off immediately and resolve those issues.
Grandma Tsuru continued, "Don't be impatient. Another reason for calling you back this time is to let you be more active here at Marine Headquarters. You are still young; such things cannot be rushed."
"The situation in the Four Seas is still within our control. After Smoker cleared out those vermin, the security environment has actually improved quite a bit. Moreover, with Garp heading out from time to time, those pirates have settled down."
"Showing your face more at Marineford during the New Year period will be a great help to your reputation. No matter what you want to do, seniority in the Marine is very important," Grandma Tsuru reminded Hera, as if she knew something.
While massaging Grandma Tsuru's shoulders, Hera said, "I knew I couldn't hide it from you. Actually, it's nothing. I just want to become the Fleet Admiral when I grow up."
Grandma Tsuru shook her head: "You, oh you. I'm afraid what you're thinking isn't that simple. But it has nothing to do with this Vice Admiral anymore. An old woman like me can't control the affairs of you young people."
Though she said that, the smile at the corner of her mouth couldn't be hidden. Grandma Tsuru continued to remind Hera, "It's fine if you want to be the Fleet Admiral, just don't waste your talent."
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