Chapter 32: The Summons of Fleet Admiral Sengoku

As for the minor detail that it was actually Strawberry who completed the conscription mission, there was no need to bring it up specifically. Besides, in a strict sense, Strawberry had already accepted his orders and was now effectively his temporary subordinate; attributing the work done by a subordinate to their superior—well, there was absolutely nothing wrong with that.

"…You did well, but there’s no need to go after Gecko Moria anymore. That guy has just been defeated by Straw Hat Luffy. You should head directly back to Headquarters."

Fleet Admiral Sengoku was Borsalino’s old superior and had long since grown accustomed to the lazy, slack-off style of this high-ranking Admiral. Knowing full well that Borsalino was spinning a tall tale, he couldn't be bothered to call him out, simply ordering him to return to Marineford.

"Eh? So soon? I haven’t even finished playi—cough—I haven’t finished the mission yet!"

Borsalino gave a dry cough. According to the unspoken agreement between him and the Fleet Admiral, he was entitled to a "slacker phase" after every job he finished. During this period, he had the right to work only in the gaps between his slacking; in other words, slacking off was currently his primary activity, and he would only start working once he had his fill of it. By their previous understanding, the Fleet Admiral was breaking the rules, and Borsalino had the right to invoke the principle that "a general in the field is not bound by the orders of his sovereign."

"Kuzan and Sakazuki are both out on missions. Headquarters must have an Admiral stationed there. This time, there’s no room for negotiation!"

The Fleet Admiral’s mouth twitched as he spoke in a stern, authoritative voice. The naval staff officers currently in the office instinctively straightened their backs; truly, Fleet Admiral Sengoku was impressive, showing such severity even toward Admiral Kizaru.

"Fine, fine. I’ll return to Headquarters as soon as possible, Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"

Borsalino rubbed his ear, signaling that he understood the subtext. "No room for negotiation" this time meant that it could be negotiated next time. Considering that Strawberry had done most of the dirty work, Borsalino didn't feel like being too pedantic.

After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Borsalino continued lying on his lounge chair, soaking up the sun. He had only said "as soon as possible," after all. Anything could happen on the high seas; wouldn't it be perfectly normal to be delayed for two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine days?

Before long, Hancock, having received the news, came running back in a rush.

"My dear, are you leaving already?"

Seeing Borsalino, Hancock threw herself onto him, asking with a look of profound grievance. They had only been together for a few days, and she felt life was truly difficult. Before she knew it, a certain "little thief cat" had appeared by Borsalino’s side. If things continued this way, who knew how many more little temptresses would show up in a few years? Would there even be a place left for her by his side?

"Well, it is for the sake of justice, after all!"

Borsalino let out a long sigh. Who else was he to be, if not the Marine Admiral burdened with the name of justice? He couldn't just lounge in Hancock’s embrace forever.

"Then I shall accompany my dear! As it happens, I am planning to head to Marine Headquarters soon as well!"

Hancock hugged his arm tightly, her beautiful eyes shimmering as she gazed at him.

"Don't be silly. I’m returning to Headquarters to carry out a mission. There’s nothing for you to do if you go so early, and Marineford won’t let you wander around as you please. There’s no need to put yourself through the trouble."

Borsalino stroked Hancock’s hair, enjoying the feel of her smooth, supple tresses. Moreover, Hancock, with her body looking so "petite" compared to his, curled up on his chest like a docile, giant pet cat—simply adorable.

"Very well, but I will join my dear as soon as possible!"

Hancock didn't persist after being refused. On one hand, she was accustomed to following Borsalino’s instructions; on the other, Borsalino’s hard work over these past few days hadn't been in vain. Having just been satiated, her dependence on him had decreased just a tiny bit, though based on his understanding of her, this state clearly wouldn't last long.

The original plan to delay for two to nine days was forced to be canceled. It seemed he would have to concede to the Fleet Admiral’s wishes and head back to Marineford as quickly as possible.

Well, as quickly as possible...

On the ninth day of Borsalino’s stay on Amazon Lily, after the Fleet Admiral—having reached the end of his patience—made his sixth call urging him to return, Borsalino finally boarded a ship and departed.

"My dear, I will come to find you very soon!"

Hancock watched him leave her palace, filled with reluctance. A Marine warship was anchored at the port of Amazon Lily waiting for him. It had to be said that the Fleet Admiral understood him well; when he made the second call, he had simply dispatched a warship capable of traversing the Calm Belt to fetch him. Sure enough, by the time the ship crossed the Calm Belt and arrived at the island, Borsalino was still lingering on the island, having not yet departed.

Borsalino walked out of the palace with a dazed expression, reached the port, and boarded the ship with the same blank look, his silhouette resembling a walking corpse. Hancock had not come to see him off; the "combat" before the parting had been too intense, and even a powerhouse like a Warlord of the Sea had paid a heavy price for her stubbornness.

"Sister, Admiral Borsalino has boarded the ship... he looks a bit wretched. I reckon he’ll need to recover for a few months... was it really necessary to go that far?"

Watching Borsalino stagger into the cabin with the support of some Marines, Marigold, who was responsible for escorting him, dialed Hancock’s Den Den Mushi to report the situation exactly as she saw it. Recalling his pale lips and haggard face, she couldn't help but ask out of pity.

"Hiss... at least with him going back, it’s only the little thief cat who stands to gain!"

Hancock, equally exhausted and suffering, gritted her teeth. If the Marine ship hadn't arrived so soon, she would have ensured that even if she couldn't get out of bed for a week, that little thief cat wouldn't have gotten a single drop!

Meanwhile, inside the cabin, Borsalino—who had been supported by the shocked Marines—suddenly straightened his back as if nothing had happened, a look of disdainful triumph on his face. Hancock was still too young; she thought she could drain him dry, but she had vastly underestimated the physique of a top-tier powerhouse. Furthermore, he grew stronger simply by soaking up the sun, and the energy he had absorbed over these past few days had all gone into strengthening his physique, which was his greatest weakness. As for "formidable enemies" like Hancock, fighting ten at once was still a dream, but he wouldn't be bowing his head just because of another two.

"Hey, you there. Bring me the Den Den Mushi. I have urgent business to discuss with Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"

Borsalino sat down on the sofa and ordered the Marine who had helped him inside to fetch the device. There was no need to keep up the act anymore.