The Stella gently swayed on the waves of the New World, the air still carrying the lingering heat of the exchange between Gojo and Yuki. At the bow, Yuki adjusted her jacket, a satisfied smile on her lips as she leaned against the railing. Gojo, his shirt still slightly undone, stood nearby, his blindfolded eyes scanning the horizon with a casual smile. The tension between them had dissipated, replaced by a camaraderie, although Yuki's teasing look suggested that the fire was not completely extinguished.
"Captain, a Marine ship in sight!" Chozo warned from the crow's nest, his casual voice contrasting with the seriousness of the situation.
"Oh? Action on the horizon?" Gojo exclaimed, bounding up, his blindfolded eyes sweeping the horizon where the silhouette of the ship was taking shape. His smile widened.
"The Marines, huh? I hope they're ready for you," she said, cracking her knuckles.
On the Marine ship, the tension was palpable. The black flag adorned with a skull seen through the spyglass boded ill.
"Vice-Admiral Tsuru! It's Emperor Gojo Eternal Eyes!" exclaimed one of the subordinates, his voice trembling at the thought of facing such a monster.
"Damn," Tsuru muttered through her teeth, aware of her tactical disadvantage. "I didn't expect to encounter him in these waters."
"This is our chance, Vice-Admiral!" exclaimed fervently a young woman with pink hair. "If we manage to stop him, the Marines..."
"It's your first expedition in the New World, Hina," Tsuru cut her off with a grave voice. "Do not underestimate these seas, nor the five emperors. Their power surpasses understanding."
The air suddenly froze. In a flash, Gojo materialized in the center of the deck, causing cries of astonishment. A wave of Conqueror's Haki swept over the ship, devastating. The Marines collapsed one after the other, overwhelmed by this overwhelming force. Even the ship's wood groaned under the pressure. Only Tsuru remained standing, impassive despite the sweat beading on her forehead.
"What brings us this displeasure, Gojo?" she taunted with icy sarcasm. "There were admirers here, it's cruel to crush them like this."
"Hehehe, you know me, Tsuru!" he replied, spreading his arms. "I just came to greet an old friend!"
"I would have preferred our reunion behind Impel Down's bars," she retorted with a smirk. "The sixth circle would suit you perfectly."
"Always so sharp, Tsuru. And to think it's been qua..."
A massive arm suddenly shot out, wrapping around his chest. Hina, panting and trembling, stood before him. She had never felt such pressure, such visceral fear. Yet she didn't back down.
"I... I got you..." she whispered, raising determined eyes to the 3.50-meter giant. "Your Devil Fruit... it's a Logia, isn't it?"
"Oh? And who is this courageous young woman?" Gojo asked, amused. His tone was light, but a hint of curiosity shone in his posture, as if he was assessing her. The memory of Yuki's defiance earlier crossed his mind—Hina's audacity was of a different nature, but equally intriguing.
"A captain freshly arrived in the New World," Tsuru replied, her calm masking her concern.
"I see," he murmured, leaning towards Hina. "A novice in these tumultuous seas."
"Don't underestimate me!" she roared. "I am Hina the Black Cage! Awase Baori!"
Her powers activated, forming a cage around the emperor. But Gojo passed through it as if it were an illusion.
"Tss... If only it were so easy to capture an emperor..." she murmured with a forced smile.
"Why do you speak of yourself in the third person?" Gojo asked, casting an intrigued glance at Tsuru.
"An eccentricity that is hers alone," sighed the vice-admiral. "Just give her a lesson she won't forget."
In the blink of an eye, Gojo seized Hina in his powerful hands, lifting her effortlessly.
"Hina commands you to let go!" she yelled, struggling furiously.
"You have courage, little one," he declared, his blindfolded gaze locked on hers. "But this sea is still too vast for you."
Gojo tilted his head slightly, a mischievous smile stretching his lips as he still held Hina in his hands, suspended like prey, but with a playful lightness. His fingers slightly loosened their grip, just enough for her to feel the warmth of his imposing presence. His voice, deep and teasing, slid like a caress through the salty air.
"Say, Hina the Black Cage," he murmured, leaning closer, his breath brushing her face. "You have fire in your eyes... I like it. You know, a woman as daring as you could almost unsettle an emperor like me."
Hina, despite the fear and anger boiling within her, felt her cheeks flush under the intensity of his tone. She struggled, furious, but her heart raced despite herself. "Let go of me, pirate! Hina doesn't fall for smooth talkers!" she spat, her tone oscillating between defiance and embarrassment.
Gojo burst into a soft, almost melodious laughter, contrasting with the tension of the moment. "Oh, but I don't speak for nothing, my dear." In one swift movement, he pulled her closer, his face inches from hers. "Let me give you a little souvenir... so you remember me, even in your dreams."
Before she could protest, he tilted his head and pressed his lips to hers, a bold kiss, both tender and provocative, leaving her frozen, her eyes wide with astonishment. Time seemed to stand still, the warmth of this unexpected contact completely disarming her. The remaining Marines, still conscious, held their breath, and even Tsuru raised an eyebrow, exasperated.
Gojo pulled back slowly, his smile brighter than ever. "Not bad, for a novice," he murmured. "But it's time to sleep, little cage."
Before Hina could scream her rage or regain her composure, he gently struck her neck with a precise gesture, plunging her into unconsciousness. She collapsed softly in his arms, and he carefully laid her on the deck, a satisfied smile on his lips.
"Mission accomplished? Then disappear," growled Tsuru, arms crossed. "You know we can't touch you here. Even that fool Garp would think twice about it."
"Until next time!" he exclaimed before second-guessing himself. "Oh, I almost forgot! I saw this wanted poster..." He handed Tsuru a bounty poster.
"Garp's grandson, yes," she smiled. "He was furious, but his son is worse. Now, get lost!"
"We will meet again," he promised before vanishing as he had come, leaving a "gift" for the pink-haired Marine.
"The next time I see you, it will be in a cell, kid," grumbled Tsuru.
Once the tension had subsided, she finally allowed her tense muscles to relax. Two humiliations... First, one of her soldiers falling in love with him, and now this...
An hour later, Hina regained consciousness, massaging her sore neck.
"Finally awake," Tsuru remarked calmly.
"Where is that damn pirate?!" Hina exploded.
"Gone a long time. I hope you've learned your lesson. The New World is not a playground, and you've only seen a glimpse of it."
"Hina acknowledges her mistake," she declared with renewed determination. "I will return to training on the Grand Line."
"By the way, he left you a souvenir. Look at your face," Tsuru said before walking away.
Rushing to a mirror, Hina discovered with rage the word "Weak" inscribed on her forehead. Her face flushed with anger.
"From today on, you are officially the pirate that Hina hates the most, Gojo of the Eternal Eyes!" she swore, a new rivalry born in the waters of the New World.