Chapter Two: I Want a Female Subordinate

Qingji lit a cigarette, resting both hands on the ship’s rail as he gazed out over the boundless sea, exhaling a long, twisting trail of smoke.

Finishing a cigarette after a job well done felt almost divine.

In truth, he didn’t belong to this world; he was a traveler from Earth. Two years ago, he had arrived in the world of One Piece.

Here was a place where the darkness of human nature had developed to its extreme. Even the navy harbored selfish, lazy individuals, not to mention pirates born with evil in their bones.

At first, he found it unbearable—how had he ended up in such a twisted, chaotic world? But after some inner work, he soon let it go.

Qingji had a saving grace: he always tried to see the bright side. For instance, the beauties of this pirate world were truly delightful—lively, beautiful, free, open...

Later, he enlisted in the navy. During a raid, by chance, he consumed a Devil Fruit.

The Mirror-Mirror Fruit, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit; as the name implied, eating it made him a Mirror Human, able to copy any Devil Fruit ability within his line of sight.

Relying on this fruit and his tireless efforts, Qingji survived one brutal battle after another, climbing the ranks step by step until he reached the Grand Line.

Along the way, he witnessed countless atrocities committed by pirates, their cruelty staggering. They justified their actions as products of the era, blaming the times, waving the banner of freedom while committing every conceivable crime—pillaging, burning, murdering—plunging countless civilians into misery.

And the root of it all was the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. That one sentence before his death—how laughable...

Qingji let out a slow breath of smoke.

Tianye came to stand beside him, leaning on the rail as well. “Lieutenant Qingji, now that you’ve captured Wild Boar Peppo, you should be up for a promotion, right?”

Qingji replied in a languid tone, “Everyone contributed. Let’s split the credit. Stick with me, do your best, and today’s performance was solid. When we get back to Flower Scent Island, dinner’s on me at Aili’s place.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant Qingji! Hey, everyone! Lieutenant Qingji says we’re splitting the credit and he’s buying us dinner when we get back!”

“Lieutenant Qingji, you’re my hero!”

“Lieutenant Qingji, we’ll never let you down!”

“Lieutenant Qingji, when will you give me back my clothes?”

Qingji froze for a moment.

He’d only been trying to be polite, but that blockhead Tianye took him seriously... My credit... My Berries... Damn...

People in the pirate world really were straightforward. He couldn’t bring himself to go back on his word.

Never mind. These were his subordinates from now on—consider it building rapport.

Qingji took off his borrowed coat and tossed it to the navy man, standing bare-chested on the deck to continue smoking. Only as they neared the shore did he return to his quarters to change into his navy uniform, draping over his shoulders the cloak of justice reserved for officers and above.

His presence grew even more commanding.

The navy base was situated on Flower Scent Island, named for the nearly two hundred varieties of flowers growing there, perfuming the air year-round.

From a distance, the G-6 Navy Base could be seen.

After docking, Qingji led the way, Tianye dragging along the revived Peppo.

If Peppo acted up, a flying kick set him straight. Without the power of his Devil Fruit, he quickly fell in line.

Under the gaze of the townsfolk, Qingji returned to the navy base.

He instructed Tianye to handle the follow-up, then headed to Vice Admiral Mars’s office.

Vice Admiral Mars was a kindly middle-aged man, his face always adorned with a gentle smile. Friendly and modest, he was a rare example of a good superior.

Hearing the commotion, he was standing by the window, looking down at Peppo in the courtyard. When he heard footsteps, he called, “Come in.”

“You’ve done well—captured another pirate with a hundred-million bounty. I’ll submit your promotion request tomorrow.”

“Is there any other reward you’d like? I can apply for it on your behalf. Maybe we can grant it.”

Qingji replied with a straight face, “Vice Admiral Mars, you know I’ve always wanted a female subordinate.”

Mars was silent for a moment before he continued, “Anything else? Money, perhaps, or some time off?”

“No, I just want a female subordinate, please.” Qingji bowed deeply, his tone earnest.

Mars smiled. “Very well. Izuna, from now on you’ll work with Lieutenant Qingji.”

Qingji was momentarily taken aback and turned to look.

Standing primly at the door was a girl in a navy uniform, a hefty stack of documents clasped to her ample chest.

Her long pink hair curled slightly at the ends, and her large, watery eyes blinked in confusion. Surprise colored her delicate features.

“Oh, dear…” Qingji’s face flushed instantly. He checked his attire—proper and neat—nothing out of place.

A bit bewildered, Izuna Mizuno replied, “Alright…”

Mars beamed. “Let me introduce you. This is Izuna Mizuno, a new recruit from the North Blue, skilled in navigation and swordsmanship.”

“And this is Seiji Shimura. He’s been with G-6 for six months, his performance exceptional and his record distinguished; he’ll soon be promoted to lieutenant. He’s a combat specialist.”

Izuna Mizuno bowed slightly to Qingji. “Senpai, I look forward to learning from you.”

“Miss Izuna, there’s no need to be so formal. We’ll be counting on you for every voyage from now on.” Qingji quickly returned the gesture. He was always polite to young, pretty women, his chivalry reminiscent of Sanji’s.

Mars said, “By the way, I have news for you both—just received from headquarters.”

“The son of the former Pirate King, Fire Fist Ace, has been delivered to Impel Down. In a week, the organization will execute him publicly. I’ll be heading to Marineford, and you two will come with me.”

“What? Fire Fist Ace of the Whitebeard Pirates is actually Roger’s son?!”

Izuna Mizuno gasped, covering her mouth in shock.

Qingji’s reaction was much subtler. He was only mildly surprised—so the War of the Best was coming so soon.

He had no intention of wading into that mess. During the war, only Akainu gave it his all; the other high-ranking marines just went through the motions. There wasn’t much point in being there.

Still, since Vice Admiral Mars had spoken, he would go, albeit reluctantly.

After all, Mars had just assigned him a stunning new subordinate. To refuse now would be ungrateful.

Mars sighed deeply. “That’s right. I just learned of this myself.”

He frowned, gazing out the window. “But you needn’t worry. Dealing with the Whitebeard Pirates alone is well within the navy’s power.”

“Whitebeard may be strong, but he’s aging and plagued by illness—he’s nothing to fear.”