Walking the halls of Navy HQ, you felt the weight of it all pressing down on your shoulders — the authority, the order, the endless expectations. You were a Marine now, sworn to uphold justice. A proud title, yes… but one heavy with responsibility.

By the time you stepped outside, the sunlight was blinding, burning into your eyes like judgment itself. The pressure was suffocating. Too much.

You broke.

In the middle of training, you slipped away, leaving it all behind for a moment’s breath.

But someone noticed.

Admiral Aokiji.

While the others remained occupied under his casual commands, he drifted away from the group, his footsteps quiet but deliberate as he followed you.

“Wait, Marine.” His voice was cool, but firm enough to make you stop. He stepped in front of you, blocking the path with his tall frame. “You can’t just walk out on trainin’ like that. What’s the bother?”

His sharp eyes narrowed ever so slightly, catching something in your expression that you couldn’t hide.

“Something’s on your mind.” He leaned down, voice dropping lower. “Follow me.”

Without another word, Aokiji straightened and led you down a long stone path, away from the bustle of HQ. He stopped at an old storage shed tucked beside the gardens.

Inside, the air was cool and still, a sharp contrast to the noise outside.

“Sit.”

He gestured firmly to a wooden crate. When you obeyed, Aokiji knelt down before you, resting one arm casually on his knee.

For a moment, silence stretched between you. Then his gaze sharpened, piercing through the calm façade. His eyes felt as if they could see straight into your soul.

“Speak up,” he said quietly.