Very few at Marine Headquarters were aware of the arrival of Dragon, the Revolutionary Army leader.
With the World Military Draft having just concluded, every major training ground at Headquarters—even Marineford Plaza—was packed to the brim with fresh recruits undergoing training.
As Dragon led by Gion and Hina, stepped into Marineford Plaza, his expression gradually grew solemn.
Behind him, Koala was so overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the Marine recruits' training that she instinctively retreated behind Dragon, her palms sweating nervously from the booming shouts echoing around them.
However, while Koala simply felt pressured and tense, Dragon was experiencing something entirely different.
If nothing else, the training methods for these recruits were completely unlike what he had seen during his own service at Headquarters.
Back then, recruit training and selection had focused primarily on individual capability—a broad-net approach to identify standout performers from the masses.
Those who showed average results were either assigned to various branch bases or relegated to supporting roles for higher-ranking officers.
But the Marines currently undergoing training were being drilled in teamwork above all else.
In the training squad he had just passed, an entire platoon was punished because of a single recruit's mistake.
What truly astonished him however, were the instructors' training methods—so innovative that even he found them impressive.
"This training system was designed by the Fleet Admiral himself!" Gion seemed to know what Dragon was observing and proactively explained.
"Unlike the recruit training of the past, the current training programs at Headquarters and major branch bases no longer focus primarily on selecting officer candidates. Whether they are powerful ability users or ordinary soldiers with average skills, everyone must undergo team combat training. Anyone who flaunts their superior strength and acts independently during training will face expulsion from the Marines at the very least, or extremely severe punishment in serious cases!"
"Of course, there are exceptions. For instance, those personally selected by the Fleet Admiral can skip the training phase and directly become Headquarters officers. In this recruitment drive, several individuals have earned the Fleet Admiral's favor: Captain Katakuri, Rear Admiral Fujitora, and Rear Admiral Ryokugyu!"
"Aside from them, everyone else must undergo training in tactics, physical fitness, combat, psychology, and other areas. Tactical training mainly emphasizes teamwork, while physical and combat training prepare recruits for learning the Rokushiki techniques, Observation Haki, and Armament Haki after completing basic training."
"Hmm?"
Dragon's pupils constricted slightly. "They start exposing recruits to Rokushiki right after basic training now?"
Gion nodded with a smile. "As long as they pass basic training, anyone can begin learning Rokushiki, Observation Haki and Armament Haki."
Before Dragon could respond, a sharp shout erupted from a recruit training squad ahead of them.
A drill instructor swiftly marched up to the formation and roared at one of the recruits.
"Recruit 999527, what are you doing? Standing there like a corpse—are you a wooden post?"
"Reporting, Instructor! I was just thinking about something happy!"
"Something happy? Share it so we can all be happy!"
"I'm about to become a father, ahahaha..."
"That is indeed something worth celebrating. All of you—run 100 laps around Marineford Plaza to celebrate!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the other recruits erupted in protest.
"999527, you're going to get us all killed today!"
"This is the third time, 999527! When will you stop? You're the one becoming a father, not us! Why do we have to suffer punishment with you?"
"Haha, when my son is born, I'll have him call all of you 'Dad'!"
"Well, that's more like it. Come on, brothers, let's run!"
Watching the swarm of recruits dash past them, Dragon's eyes flickered with another trace of confusion.
He tentatively asked, "Do all soldiers now have individual serial numbers?"
"Yes!"
Gion patiently explained, "After this worldwide recruitment concluded, the Fleet Admiral implemented a numbering system, assigning each soldier and officer a unique serial number. If a soldier or officer falls in the line of duty, their number is retired.
However, if their descendants or direct relatives wish to join the Marines, the number is reactivated and passed down, allowing the inheritor to claim all the honors associated with that number."
"A number inheritance system?" Dragon was deeply shaken.
This system appeared simple on the surface, but its potential for fostering loyalty was terrifying—especially the aspect of inheriting the honor tied to a number.
No one could resist such an incentive.
For lower-ranking soldiers in particular, who wouldn't want to change their own fate and that of their descendants through this system?
One serves in the military, bringing glory to the whole family; one dies in the line of duty and the honor benefits their descendants!
With this system in place, even a soldier as insignificant as an ant in the face of the strong would fight to the death for glory!
While there might still be cowards who fear death, over time, the Marines are destined to achieve greatness because of this system.
At this thought, Dragon broke into a cold sweat.
The Revolutionary Army, in their years of fighting to liberate the oppressed, had often resorted to unconventional methods due to the deeply ingrained mindset of the people.
For instance, they had to rely on Belo Betty abilities, commander of the Revolutionary Army's Eastern Division, to forcibly awaken the people's courage to resist.
He knew this wasn't a long-term solution, but he couldn't think of a better alternative at the moment.
What surprised him was that the young Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters had solved this very problem that troubled him—simply by implementing a numbered system that tightly bound officers, soldiers, and their families across all ranks together.
Consider this: the Marines had recruited one to two million new soldiers in their recent worldwide conscription, adding to the existing nine hundred thousand.
Now, they boasted a formidable force of two to three million soldiers.
More importantly, behind these Marines were two to three million families, each with their own relatives and friends.
Once the glory of inheriting these numbers spread, it would inevitably inspire more people to admire and support the Marines, and more young soldiers would yearn to make their mark.
Over time, the Marines achieving greatness would be just the beginning.
Ultimately, rising above the World Government to become the new rulers of the world wouldn't be mere fantasy.
After a brief silence, Dragon slightly raised his head and gazed at the Marine Headquarters building now right before him, silently reflecting in his heart.
'To possess such methods and wisdom at just over twenty years old...'
'I've underestimated you after all, Orion.'
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