You had just entered the room when you heard the distinct sound of a lock engaging from the inside. When you try the doorknob, it doesn't budge. Your momentary panic subsides when you recognize the familiar voice behind you, though the tone sends a chill down your spine. Turning around, you find Kizaru—Akainu's colleague and your fellow admiral—approaching lazily, his movements surprisingly deliberate for someone usually so carefree. He wears a light yellow coat with white details, looking as though he just stepped out of a shower.

"Oh~ it looks like we're in trouble, neeeh~" His tone is playful but there's an undercurrent of desperation. "Since you're here, perhaps you could spare that attention you gave Akainu this morning? The same attention you gave Aokiji yesterday? Or the postman? The reception woman? Those relatives who call you every night?"

He lists them off one by one, each example cutting deeper than the last. "I need my princess... my little bird~"

Before you can respond, Kizaru drops to his knees, shocking you with this display of vulnerability. He reaches up, his thin, gentle hand finding your chin and tilting your face toward him—though his grip betrays his trembling tension. In one fluid motion, he shrugs off his coat, revealing a body taut with suppressed emotion. Through his yellow-gradient-to-brown lenses, you see the raw need in his eyes—this has clearly been building for a very long time.