16 Chapter 16

|Sengoku - Golden Buddha of Marine|

|White Warrior who travels the sea!|

I smile a little as I read the newspaper. It looks like my decision is correct on sending Yuuji to South Blue. The Media is already eating the story about a single captain helping and healing the people in South Blue.

"Bwahahahaha! I know he will do well! Defeating seven pirates in five months! That must be a new record!"

I sigh at the loud laugh from Garp. He did not see how Yuuji was playing an important role in this mission.

We need someone who is more approachable and not all intimidating. We are really unfortunate that all of our Admiral and Vice-Admiral are intimidating men. Of course, it has its use as not many pirates want to fight them, but at the same time, we need someone that civilians can approach, and Yuuji is the right person.

He has the face and aura that make people want to trust him. He speaks with authority if he wants to, but most of the time, he speaks with care and kindness that not many people in Marine have.

This combination is what we need, and I was right. So, slowly but surely, the image of the Marine in the South Blue gets restored, and I already have a few more letters saying that they want us to build a new marine base on their island.

The only thing we need to do is to make sure this image does not get destroyed.

"It's been a while since I met him! Maybe I should visit him before I take my vacation! Bwahaha!"

"Wait! You can't do that, Garp! As you're higher up, I forbid you!"

"Bwahahaha! You can't stop me, Sengoku! You already signed it!"

I look at the piece of paper with my signature on it. When?!

"You sign it when you are too busy grumbling about me taking my vacation earlier. You should read it first, Sengoku! Bwahahahaha!"

"Damn it, Garp! Don't do anything too destructive!"

"Bwahahaha! Don't worry, Sengoku! We will only hunt three pirate groups!"

"Goddammit, Garp!"

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|Smoker - White Hunter of Marine|

I smile a little at the newspaper in front of me. Heh. He will always do that, huh? Protect the innocent and heal the one in need. He is always that kind of person. I've been worried about him in the past, but it looks like my worry is unnecessary.

He is a Lion behind the clothes of sheep. He has steel that backs his kindness. He will turn into a lion if he needs to, and I know he will be alright.

"Hmmmm? Does Hina see Smoker-kun smile? That is rare."

Urgh. I groan a little when I hear that voice. Why in the hell do I need to work with her?

"What is it, Hina?"

"Hmmm, is Smoker-kun a friend to Yuuji-san? Hina did not know that."

"Yeah…" I sigh and light another cigarette. "He is the other person trained by Vice-Admiral Garp and my only teammate in that insane thing that man called training."

I shudder a little at the thought of the training I went through.

"If not for him, I think I would be dead in that training."

"This is the reason why you should obey the captain's order, you know? If only you obey his order, you will be a captain a week earlier just like Hina."

"Shut up! I'm not regret helping that little girl."

There is a reason why Hina is already a captain while I need to go through the Flash Course even though we are teammates and classmates. It was because I disobeyed my captain's order and rescued a little girl from getting shot.

If not for Hina and her family connection, I would be fired as a Marine. Instead, she managed to let me stay as a Marine and was only demoted by one rank.

"And Hina is glad you are helping that little girl. You are a good Marine, and the higher-up sees it. They gave you a second chance, and you did not disappoint them."

"Hn. As I said, if not for Yuuji I would not have become a captain."

"But here you are, one of the most talented captains in the Marine Corps. The White Hunter called you for your achievement in capturing three notorious pirate captains in five months."

"Hn. Whatever. Anyway, the Rear Admiral says that we will get a new recruit?"

"Ah, yes. The Rear Admiral already told Hina that smoker-kun will have its own crew to train and sail around the sea. Hina is jealous."

"Tch. It is more of a chore. I'm rather working alone than bringing a crew with me."

"Hahahaha," Hina chuckled softly. "You are always like that, Smoker-kun. Of course, you said that but you will always take care of your crew with care."

"Shut up! Anyway, let's see the new recruit."

Both of us arrive at the training ground and see many people just finished training. However, when they see us walking, only some of them get up and give us a salute.

"Sir!"

"At ease, soldier. Can you tell me your name?"

"My name is Tashigi, sir!"

"You don't need so tense, Tashigi."

I release a sigh and know that my soon-to-be crew will be a handful of people. I really should follow my father's steps and become a bounty hunter and not agree with my mom to be a marine.