The next morning,

Chiga gently nudged Nerona, who was wrapped around him like an octopus, and slipped out of bed.

A crisp navy Marshal's uniform materialized on his body, fitting him flawlessly. He stood in front of a mirror, adjusting the collar slightly, then nodded in quiet approval.

Just as he turned to leave—

"Chiga, you're leaving already?"

He looked back. Nerona had already gotten out of bed, eyes wide with reluctant affection.

"Yes. It's time I meet with Kong. You should rest more, you were quite exhausted last night."

"What's there to see in an old man like that? Don't go… stay a little longer?"

He smiled faintly. "Kong isn't just some old man. He's the commander-in-chief of the Marines and Cipher Pol. It's about respect."

Nerona's face fell slightly. In this moment, she hated being apart from Chiga, even for an hour.

He watched her in silence for a few seconds. She was wearing almost nothing—only the bedsheet covering her modesty. Noticing his gaze, her cheeks flushed, and she tugged the sheet closer.

"W-Why are you staring at me like that?"

Chiga walked back over, sat on the edge of the bed, and gently patted her head.

"Want to come with me?"

Her eyes widened in disbelief. It was the last thing she expected.

She'd always assumed Chiga merely tolerated her. Besides the occasional Den Den Mushi call, she rarely initiated contact. And now, he was inviting her?

She clung tightly to his arm like a child holding onto a toy she didn't want taken away.

"Yes, yes! I'll go!"

He chuckled softly. "Then bring those two maids along. I really doubt you can manage on your own."

"Hehe, you do care about me after all."

"Get ready quickly."

Grinning ear to ear, Nerona leapt out of bed and grabbed a few clothes at random. She didn't bother to avoid Chiga's gaze and casually began changing in front of him.

When it came time to button her top, however, she struggled. Normally, her maids handled this. Now, left to her own devices, she only managed a crooked mess.

Glancing at Chiga with a flushed face, she grabbed her ridiculous "space suit" to cover it up, but he pulled her back gently.

"Hold still."

He re-buttoned her top with practiced ease, then adjusted her collar.

"There. Didn't I tell you? You're hopeless."

She stared at him, dumbfounded, as he fixed her clothes. When he finally looked up, she was still motionless.

He waved a hand in front of her face.

"Oi. Don't start daydreaming again. If you space out now, I'm leaving without you."

She blinked back into reality. Her face softened into a rare, sincere expression—one that had nothing to do with the arrogance of a Celestial Dragon.

Suddenly, she threw herself into his arms.

Startled, Chiga instinctively caught her to keep her from falling.

She propped herself against his chest, staring into his Twelve Tomoe Rinnegan.

He was about to speak—but she leaned forward and kissed him, softly and deliberately.

...

By noon, Chiga stood outside a towering palace gate, rubbing his cheek absentmindedly.

Behind him, Nerona's voice rang out from the green veil of the Door-Door Space.

"Quit rubbing it. The mark's gone!"

She grinned smugly behind the dimensional barrier. Chiga shot her a cold look, and she instantly shrank back, retreating into silence.

Two guards stationed at the gate noticed Chiga standing still. They were about to approach when he gave them a glance.

Both froze on the spot.

Only after a moment did Chiga smile lightly and say, "I'm Navy Marshal Purple Kirin. Is Fleet Admiral Kong still inside?"

Of course, the guards already knew who he was. You didn't mistake a man who could defeat the Four Emperors by himself.

One of them snapped to attention and saluted.

"Marshal Purple Kirin! Fleet Admiral Kong is inside—I'll inform him immediately!"

Just as he turned to run, Chiga stopped him with a raised hand.

"No need. I'll go in directly."

The two guards exchanged uncertain looks. But they understood—someone like Chiga didn't need permission.

He patted their shoulders amicably and stepped into the palace.

The council hall was quiet.

Fleet Admiral Kong sat alone on a couch, his powerful frame as intimidating as ever. Though his hair was graying, his muscles bulged beneath his uniform. He radiated strength and command.

As Chiga entered, Kong's stern expression eased slightly.

"You must be Uchiha Chiga," he said, voice deep. "Incredible. You're far younger than I expected."

Chiga bowed respectfully. "Apologies for the wait, Kong-san. There were... distractions."

Kong waved a hand, brushing off the excuse, and slowly stood up.

His gaze focused on Chiga's eyes—those eerie Twelve Tomoe Rinnegan—and even he, a hardened veteran, felt a chill run down his spine.

What terrifying eyes...

Suppressing the thought, Kong gestured toward a nearby table.

"Let's talk over there."

They sat across from each other. Kong pushed a document toward him.

"This is the formal approval from the World Government—recognizing your promotion to Navy Marshal. Review it."

Chiga glanced at it once, then set it aside without a second thought. His indifference was obvious.

Kong raised an eyebrow. He remembered the Five Elders' complaints not long ago. Especially the blonde one who had fumed,

"This Uchiha Chiga shows no reverence toward the World Government!"

Looking at Chiga now, Kong realized… they were absolutely right.

---

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