He was unaware of it, but apparently, instructions had been given to the commander because when the pier came into clear view, four familiar faces stood there along with two small children in tow.
When the ship docked and the gangway was raised to it, Bill thanked the commander, took his suitcase, and made his way to the group waiting for him.
Miss Angie and Captain Trapano waved at him while his mother and father each held a child in their arms.
As Bill got close enough to hear them, the young captain shouted loudly, "Hey!" and quickened his pace.
By this time, Bill had already grown to about nine feet tall, but it didn't seem odd when he first set his suitcase down and hugged his nanny, who was under six feet tall.
After this, he patted Trapano on the shoulder and went toward his parents.
"Mom!" he said with a smile, and she returned his smile, set the little girl she was holding down on the ground, and hugged him tightly.
After a few seconds, she released him, and as Bill was about to approach his father, she pulled him back to her again.
Picking up the girl, since the pier was too dangerous to let children run around, she put her hand on his shoulder and gently said, "Good job, William. We're proud of you."
His mother had always been caring, yet initially due to her injury and then due to her nature, she was never inclined to give praise. Bill had never thought of her as a bad parent, but she certainly spoke sparingly.
Thinking she was pleased, he turned again to his father, but she spoke once more, this time not as gently: "But why didn't you write to us all these years? Were we so unimportant to you that it didn't even cross your mind that we, your mother and father, would want to hear from our son?"
Over the last two and a half years, Bill often thought about his family, but the days spent with Vegapunk in the lab were such that he couldn't think about anything other than the SATELLITE program.
After deciding to try and make this world a place where Devil Fruits wouldn't be so crucial, he spent his free time researching the Scientific Division's records on technologically advanced islands and developing his own plans.
Seeing her face, Bill knew that, regardless of his reasons, he had hurt his parents.
He might never have had biological children of his own, but he had raised three children and understood what it meant to be a parent.
So, looking at his mother, he lowered his head slightly and sincerely said, "You're right, I'm sorry, Mom. It's no excuse, but... just know that I wasn't wasting time... I..."
He was about to explain his reasons, but before he could, Aramaki spoke: "It's all right, Dina!" After that, the huge man approached his son and suddenly didn't seem so huge.
He was holding another little girl, but instead of setting her down and hugging Bill, he simply gave him a strong pat on the shoulder and said, "Our son earned two degrees in just two years! I know for sure that Punk didn't make things easy for him.
Bill, meet your two sisters."
Saying this, he pointed to one girl and then the other, both had fire-red hair like their mother's: "This is Diana, and this is Mala.
Girls, say hello to your big brother!"
After that, the girls looked at Bill curiously but then continued to look around.
It was normal for small children, and Bill smiled warmly and introduced himself.
After that, the group began to move toward the fortress. Bill took a place next to Trapano, and after the stout Captain congratulated him, they began discussing Bill's duties.
"So, you've been given the opportunity to choose your base? Well, choose wisely, remember, the best place is between two good places."
Of course, Bill was familiar with this concept, but he nodded nonetheless.
He knew that Captain Trapano had a wealth of knowledge he would need, so he asked him questions about training and similar matters.
"Ah, well," said Trapano.
"As soon as you find someone you trust and who is competent enough, involve them immediately. Offer them to study one of the Six Powers so they remain in service longer. Never be stingy with promotions, but never give too much praise."
Upon saying this, Miss Angie added, "I know you know this, William, but remember, you are a leader, not a friend. Have a close circle of friends and choose carefully who else to let in."
Bill agreed with this principle and thanked his nanny for the reminder.
By this time, the group had reached the first service elevator, and addressing Aramaki, Bill asked, "Dad, where are we going?"
He wasn't given a direct answer, only told, "You'll see for yourself," but the answer became clear when Trapano pressed the button for the very top floor in the elevator.
The ride up was quick and accompanied by the noise of conversations. Miss Angie held Mala in her arms, standing next to his mother, while the three men stood together, talking.
Upon reaching the palace at the top of the fortress, Bill saw several tables set up in the central hall, where Sasha, Ricky, Rance, and Fia were seated with their families.
Rance was the first to notice the group, just a second ahead of the others, and with a laugh, he jumped over the table to head toward Bill, followed by the rest.