Night deepened.
Walking through the streets of Marine Headquarters, Daren smoked several cigarettes before he finally started to feel like himself again.
Along the way, small patrol squads of Marines occasionally stopped to salute him, their eyes filled with admiration. Daren responded with a listless wave.
"But seriously, how did Gion find out about Stussy?"
He puffed on his cigarette, frowning in thought. Logically, there shouldn't be many people who knew about the Pleasure District.
Could Tokikake have sold me out?
No, that didn't add up... I bribed him with a VIP card, didn't I?
Daren shook his head, unable to find a solid lead. He decided to stop thinking about it. With Gion's position, it wouldn't be surprising if she had access to some special intel within the Marines.
Before long, he arrived at the gate of his new residence.
After Shiki's invasion of Marineford, his original family quarters had been destroyed in the conflict. Thanks to his promotion to Vice Admiral and his outstanding performance in the war, headquarters had granted him a mansion of the highest rank.
Compared to his former modest courtyard, the traditional Japanese-style estate before him was more than five times the size. It came with a private hot spring and a scenic garden—elegant and imposing all at once.
Daren gave himself a quick once-over, then carefully pushed open the front door, moving quietly through the cherry blossom-filled courtyard and into the house.
The interior was quiet, lit only by a small oil lamp, casting a warm and tranquil glow.
He cautiously turned on the light.
"Husband, you're back?"
A soft voice behind him made his hand pause mid-motion.
"Uh, Toki... it's late, I thought you'd be asleep already."
Daren's eyelid twitched. Forcing a casual smile, he turned around.
Amatsuki Toki stood there in a loose pink kimono, her expression serene and calm.
Meeting her gentle gaze, Daren inexplicably grew flustered. He coughed lightly and offered an excuse.
"The meeting with the top brass ran late. Sorry about that."
Toki smiled and shook her head.
"It's fine. You've had a long day."
She stepped forward like a perfect wife, gently helping him remove his Marine cloak and hanging it on the rack.
Seeing that she didn't seem to have caught on to anything, Daren secretly exhaled in relief and chuckled.
"Couldn't help it. Sengoku kept me tied up discussing military affairs. That's why I got home so late."
Toki smiled sweetly.
"I understand."
She looked up at him, tilting her head slightly.
"So, did you smooth things over with Gion?"
Daren's smile froze instantly.
What the hell? Why are all my women so good at sniffing things out!?
Seeing the awkward look on his face, Toki chuckled behind her hand and teased him playfully.
"Whatever happened between you and the Queen of the Pleasure District… I imagine Gion must've been furious."
Daren: ...
Damn it!!
Tokikake, you bastard!!
I'm gonna kill you!!
Don't even dream of ever getting another VIP card from me again!!
Furious thoughts raced through Daren's mind as he clenched and unclenched his fists.
"Uh… Toki…"
He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He genuinely didn't know what to say.
Gion, though fiery and jealous, was surprisingly easier to appease. But Toki—gentle and soft on the outside—was firm underneath. Even when she was upset, she smiled, making it impossible to get a read on her.
Toki gave a mischievous smile.
"So, whatever treatment Gion got, I expect the same."
Daren blinked.
Before he could react, Toki reached up and pulled the sash at her waist.
Her wide kimono slipped off her smooth figure like flowing silk, pooling at her feet.
Daren's mouth twitched uncontrollably.
Wait a sec… Why does this feel so familiar!?
But at this point, like it or not, he had to go along with it!
...
Two hours later...
The tatami bed was a complete mess, clothes strewn all over the floor.
Amatsuki Toki clung to Daren like a kitten, fast asleep with a peaceful, blissful smile on her face.
Daren lay there, frozen in place, staring blankly at the ceiling.
He couldn't help but feel that even a physique rated at 90 just wasn't cutting it.
A pained expression crossed his face as he subconsciously rubbed his temples.
"So this is what Tokikake has to deal with..."
With a sigh, Daren closed his eyes and quickly drifted off to sleep.
...
A moment later, Amatsuki Toki's long eyelashes twitched slightly, and she slowly opened her spring-tinted eyes.
She gazed at Daren's profile with love, the corners of her lips curling into a sly and proud smile.
"It's fine. In the end, I still won."
Her hand gently stroked her lower abdomen.
...
The next day.
At the family quarters of a Marine Headquarters Commodore.
"AAAAAAHHH!! I didn't mean to, Daren! I was wrong!!"
"Not the face—!"
Boom!!
A massive cloud of dust shot into the sky.
With a deafening crash, the luxurious mansion collapsed entirely. The ground beneath it even gave way, sinking in!
The earth split apart, and the main structure tilted and crumbled.
The commotion was so dramatic it instantly drew the attention of nearby civilians and Marines alike.
"What happened!?"
"Wait, isn't that... Commodore Tokikake's residence!?"
"Why did it collapse!?"
"Was it a pirate attack?!"
"Prepare for combat!"
"Protect Commodore Tokikake!"
"..."
Hundreds of Marines stood at the ready, weapons in hand, eyes locked on the dust-filled ruins.
Soon, a tall figure emerged from the debris.
Everyone stared.
"That's... Vice Admiral Daren?"
"It's Vice Admiral Daren!"
"Oh—then it's fine."
"..."
One by one, the Marines turned their heads and pretended they hadn't seen a thing.
Daren dragged Tokikake out by the foot like a dead pig, dropped him on the ground with his face swollen beyond recognition, and sat down squarely on his chest.
Another round of pig-like screams erupted on the spot.
"Quit screaming. Scream again and I'll really kill you."
Daren shot him a cold glare.
Tokikake, his head covered in welts, immediately clamped both hands over his mouth in terror.
"Let Admiral Sengoku know I'll pay double for the damages."
Daren told a nearby Marine.
"Buru buru... buru buru..."
Suddenly, the urgent ring of a Den Den Mushi cut through the air.
Daren frowned, pulled out his military Den Den Mushi, and answered the call.
"This is Daren."
Sengoku's grave voice came through the receiver, bringing an instant chill to the air.
"Daren, report to the Fleet Admiral's office immediately."
"Shiki's on the move."
"He's already led his fleet out—they're about to ambush the Roger Pirates in the New World!"
Daren's eyes lit up at the words.
It's finally happening!
At the end of Sea Circle Calendar 1494—about six months earlier than in the original timeline...
The Battle of Edd War!