Chapter 63: Chapter 63: A New Beginning
"Hello, Miss Russian. Welcome back to reality."
Wright smiled at the newly awakened Russian, who was still in a daze, as if she had just finished a fully immersive augmented reality experience.
"Who… who are you? What happened to me?" she stammered, her voice trembling.
"I feel like I've been dreaming for so long…"
Wright nodded and conjured a golden flame of Eternal Fire in his palm. As Russian's gaze was captivated by the dazzling light, Wright explained with a gentle smile,
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Wright, a Commodore of the Navy Headquarters. Miss Russian, you were struck unconscious for quite some time due to a landslide caused by a torrential downpour."
"The Navy Headquarters… Commodore… Sir?"
In this era, the Navy held a highly esteemed and positive image in the eyes of ordinary people. Most naval soldiers were recruited from civilians who held deep aspirations for justice. Thus, upon hearing Wright's title and seeing his pristine white coat of justice, Russian showed no resistance or distrust.
"Commodore, sir… I lost consciousness? But you're here because…?"
"Do you see the flame in my hand?" Wright raised his palm, allowing the golden Eternal Fire to float toward Russian.
"This… this is the light that awakened me in my dream…"
Recognizing the familiar feeling of Holy Light, Russian didn't resist. She allowed the flame to touch her, and a warmth swiftly permeated her entire being, rejuvenating her strength.
"I possess a Devil Fruit ability that lets me heal injuries and ailments," Wright explained.
"As for your misfortune, it was caused by one of my subordinates—a fool, to be precise. As his commanding officer, it's my duty to personally make amends for his mistake."
"Your subordinate…?"
"Get in here already, you idiot!" Wright raised his voice. A loud thud echoed from outside the door, accompanied by faint sobbing. Slowly, the door creaked open to reveal a kneeling figure dressed in an absurd baby costume: a pink bonnet, a blue infant's shirt, and a yellow diaper. His hardened features were distorted by tears.
"A p-pervert!"
Russian screamed in shock and instinctively hurled a teacup from the bedside table at Senor Pink. Even Wright hadn't reacted in time to stop her!
Smack!
The cup struck Senor Pink squarely in the face, sending him crashing to the floor, blood trickling down his forehead.
"Russian… seeing you so spirited… I'm glad…" he muttered weakly.
"…" Wright rubbed his temples in exasperation, turning away to avoid the absurd scene.
"A-ah!" Russian gasped, finally realizing that this man must be one of the Commodore's subordinates. Hastily, she stammered,
"I… I'm sorry, but… Pink?!"
After a flurry of commotion, the three of them—Russian, Senor Pink, and Wright—sat down. Thanks to Wright's healing, Russian's condition had completely recovered; she no longer resembled someone who had been bedridden.
"So… Commodore, you're telling me that Pink's true identity is… a Navy spy? He's not a pirate?"
Clutching her clothes tightly, Russian's emotions were conflicted.
"I deeply regret the suffering this has caused you," Wright said solemnly. "If I'd arrived sooner…"
"No, Commodore. Just knowing that Pink isn't a pirate is enough for me. After all, spies must maintain their cover at all costs, right?"
"Strictly speaking, yes," Wright replied. "But Senor Pink's greatest mistake was falling in love and starting a family during an undercover mission. That's what led to this tragedy, and it's a serious breach of Navy protocol. Disciplinary action is unavoidable."
"As his superior, it's my responsibility to mitigate the consequences of his error," Wright added.
Senor Pink sighed softly. "A Navy spy? Might as well make it official now…"
Clenching his fists, Senor Pink seemed to reach a decision.
"His feelings for you are genuine," Wright continued. "Even this ridiculous outfit was his attempt to awaken your consciousness. Without his efforts, I might not have succeeded in bringing you back."
Russian fell silent for a moment before turning to Senor Pink. "Pink, I misunderstood you…"
Senor Pink flinched. "No, Russian. As the Commodore said, everything started because of my mistake. And Gimlet… I shouldn't have deceived you…" His voice grew softer, but his gaze was resolute.
"But loving you… I've never regretted that!"
"Pink…" Tears welled up in Russian's eyes. Having lost their child, but now regaining her husband, she felt her life wasn't over just yet.
Wright, feeling suffocated by the palpable emotions in the room, clapped his hands to interrupt.
"Alright, that's enough of this for now."
Both Russian and Senor Pink turned their attention back to Wright, sitting awkwardly before their superior officer.
"While I admire your relationship," Wright said, "we need to resolve this matter. Senor Pink's identity cannot be exposed. What's your plan?"
Russian looked to Senor Pink, who, after a moment of hesitation, made up his mind. "Commodore, I'd like you to take Russian back to Navy Headquarters."
"Oh?" Wright raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You're entrusting your greatest secret to me?"
"My identity must remain hidden. I need to atone for my actions by continuing my mission and gathering more intelligence," Senor Pink explained. "Marineford is the only place that can guarantee Russian's safety. I want her to be under the Navy's protection, away from danger and fear."
Wright understood immediately. This was part of an unspoken agreement between them.
"Miss Russian, what's your opinion?"
"As long as I can leave this sorrowful place… I'll go anywhere. But what about Pink…?"
"He remains under punishment," Wright said grimly. "If he fails to redeem himself, the consequences won't be light."
Taking a deep breath, Russian glanced at Senor Pink, who nodded firmly.
"I agree," she said.
"Very well," Wright nodded. "I'll escort Russian to Vice Admiral Tsuru at Headquarters. She'll ensure Russian's safety. As for you, Senor Pink, complete your mission and return safely to Marineford. When you do, I'll permit you to resign."
"Thank you, Commodore," Senor Pink said, bowing deeply.
Leaving his Den Den Mushi contact with Senor Pink, Wright departed with Russian from Swallow Island, meeting with Vice Admiral Tsuru.
Meanwhile, Senor Pink didn't change out of his bizarre attire. For Russian, there was a spark of hope. For Gimlet, Senor Pink vowed to carry this burden in his memory.
As Wright contacted Headquarters, he spoke with a warm smile, "Vice Admiral Tsuru, this is Wright. Mission accomplished. Requesting rendezvous."
"Understood. Don't forget to write a report—and send one to Sengoku as well."
"Of course. It's quite the heartwarming story…"
"I'm looking forward to it," Tsuru replied with a rare chuckle.
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