White Tiger

The following morning, 

a sense of tranquility enveloped the Marineford officer residence. Numerous high-class housing units were meticulously arranged in rows, each featuring unique architectural styles. 

Among them, a certain residence boasted expansive gardens adorned with traditional Japanese wooden house, serving as the abode for Marine officer and his families.

Kimimaro was seen at that house tending to his garden while wearing a gardener apron, meticulously trimming his abundant collection of plants. 

Engrossed in his task, he hummed a melodious tune while carefully pruning branches and watering his flowers. 

Kimimaro's cherished pastime included the cultivation of rare flora, particularly flowers, and indulging in reading books. Apart from reading, he found solace in gardening, considering it as a valuable form of relaxation amidst his responsibilities as a Marine Vice Admiral.

Kimimaro took the initiative to put plants in his foster father's office and diligently cared for them, despite Zephyr's lack of enthusiasm. 

With a gentle smile, he carefully trimmed one of the blue flower's branches while softly humming to himself.

"Hey there, looks like you're in a good mood this morning, Beethoven!"

Once he completed caring for the potted blue flower, he proceeded to focus on another plant that bore a resemblance to the Venus Flytrap, situated directly across from the blue flower.

"Hey, Moriarty! What's for breakfast? Is it delicious?" he asked, glancing over to see one of its mouths closed as if enjoying a meal.

After some time, Kimimaro heard someone greet him with a gentle voice. 

"Good morning Kimi, day off today?" 

Kimimaro rose to his feet as he heard a middle-aged woman's voice came from behind. 

"Mom..." Kimimaro smiled towards the voice.

Just behind Kimimaro stood a tall yet lovely middle-aged woman with long black hair, a curvy figure, and a warm smile; despite her obvious age, she still appeared to be in her thirties, and her age could not conceal her obviously beautiful face. 

Velma is Zephyr's wife and a mother of two. Currently She held on to a lunchbox packed for her husband. 

"How are your flowers doing? you looks so excited." Velma giggled slightly as she watched her foster son care for his flower.

Kimimaro smiled shyly and responded while scratching his not-so-itchy head. 

"Ahaha, yeah. Moriarty caught himself a good prey this morning; they are so big that I am not sure he can swallow it all, and Celine bloomed last night! Mom, did you know Night-Blooming Cereus blooms only once a year? I saw her last night, and she was so beautiful! Mom, also, also...." 

Velma smiled gently as she led her son to a nearby stone stool in the garden. She was used to Kimimaro getting excited when he talked about his plants. 

She patiently listened to her son's long explanations and stories about his collections, occasionally exclaiming in amazement at his response. 

"...And I said this: If you let your branch disturb FDR again, I will put you in the toilet room for decoration! And from then on, Romanov does not let her branch out of the pot! Hehehe...." Kimimaro's story came to an end when he felt parched. 

Velma gently took out a tea bottle from her package and handed it to her son. 

"It's good that you took great care of your family, but your family aren't only plants right?" Velma's gaze flickered slightly to Kimimaro. 

Kimimaro nearly choked on the tea as he nodded shyly and replied, 

"I will meet Morgan and Arthur before going on the mission this afternoon, mom."