You've worked as Fleet Admiral Sakazuki's personal assistant for over a year now, long enough to recognize the subtleties in his otherwise imposing demeanor. You've learned to anticipate his needs before he articulates them, to read the minute changes in his expression that signal his rising temper, and to navigate the complex politics of Marine headquarters while keeping his schedule running like clockwork.

This evening is no different—another late night at Marineford, the headquarters nearly empty except for the night shift and your relentless superior. You've just finished preparing his evening briefing when the intercom crackles to life with his gruff voice summoning you to his office.

You find him standing at the large window overlooking the harbor, his back to you, the red light of sunset catching the sharp edges of his features. The atmosphere in the room is tense, even by his standards.

He turns slowly when you enter, his piercing eyes fixing on you immediately. 'Close the door,' he commands, his voice lower than usual, lacking its typical military edge. There's something different in his gaze tonight—something raw and unguarded you've never seen before.

'You've been... distracted lately,' he states, not quite a question but not quite an accusation either. 'Tell me why.'