Upon returning to G-2 Branch, only nine days remained of the probationary period.
Nine days flew by in a flash.
Thanks to the Bounty Order Sensor, Nao blazed through four combat missions at top efficiency, taking out multiple pirates with bounties in the 50 million Berry range.
He once again added a considerable amount of battle merit to his record.
With his previous glorious achievements, both Instructor Brandon and the staff in the General Staff Office were already accustomed to it, even somewhat numb to it…
Unless they suddenly heard news of Nao defeating another Warlord of the Sea, they might perhaps politely express their shock.
In addition.
During this time, he also took the opportunity to have an in-depth conversation with Shia, finally understanding what was going on with the two New World kingdoms that had stood up for him.
The Lotte Kingdom's involvement was easy to understand.
Because that country was Shia's homeland, and King Clongarde VI was her father. The old man, over sixty, seemed deeply remorseful and guilty about the rash engagement he'd arranged, which had forced Shia to secretly leave.
As soon as he received Shia's request, he immediately stepped forward without a word, confronting the Alabasta Kingdom.
As for the other, the Paja Kingdom, things were a bit stranger…
Because the current king of that country, who had only recently ascended the throne, was precisely the prince Shia had broken off her engagement with.
Having admired Shia since childhood, he immediately joined in the rallying cry after hearing about the situation from old Clongarde. He didn't seem to mind at all that his goddess was actually seeking justice for his love rival…
Nao was stunned for a long time, taking quite a while to process this information.
He found it both hilarious and baffling, speechless. He could only quietly ponder that if he ever had the chance to go to the New World, he absolutely had to invite this young King to dinner and thank him in person…
Such devoted people are truly admirable.
...
The Evening of the Tenth Day
At last, the long-awaited warship from Marine Headquarters appeared on the horizon. Under the watchful eyes of the probationary Marines, it steadily made its way into G-2 Branch's harbor.
In fact, the warship had already departed from Headquarters over half a month ago, but it had taken a considerable amount of time to pick up new recruits from other branches along the way.
It was only today that it was G-2 Branch's turn.
Nao stood on the dock, his gaze sweeping across the warship's deck. When he saw those familiar figures, a smile naturally appeared on his face.
It's been a long time, everyone.
"Zephyr-sensei!"
Once the warship was firmly docked, Instructor Brandon was the first to approach, saluting Zephyr and saying gravely: "G-2 Branch has a total of twelve probationary recruits. All have reported, with no casualties!"
"Very good."
Zephyr nodded in satisfaction. Most of the other branches had one or two casualties, which caused him to sigh with heartache.
But here at G-2, which had the most recruits, everyone was perfectly fine. This was undoubtedly good news.
"Why do you look so haggard?"
He noticed Brandon's dark eye circles and couldn't help but ask.
"What do you think…" Brandon said with a bitter face. "Can the instructors from other branches compare to half my workload?"
Zephyr chuckled, immediately understanding.
The combat records for each mission required the accompanying instructor to confirm and compile data. Constant running between the warship and the General Staff Office was indeed hard work.
Other branches were fine, but Brandon's branch had an exceptionally prolific monster who gained battle merits like dozens of people combined. His workload was truly extraordinary…
At this point, the new recruits also began boarding the ship one after another. Each one, upon reaching the deck, would pause and salute him. Zephyr smiled and nodded in encouragement at each one. When it was Nao's turn, however, he put on a stern face and punched Nao in the chest.
"Long time no see, you brat."
He snorted coldly. "Just a few months away from me, and you quietly stirred up such huge trouble. Do you know how much effort we old geezers spent cleaning up your mess?"
"Ouch!"
Nao exaggeratedly clutched his chest, retreating a few steps, and said with a pained expression, "I know I was wrong, Teacher. Once we get back to Headquarters, I'll visit you and Mr. Garp one by one to apologize."
"Apologize? Apologize for what?" Zephyr glared at him. "Just remember to give me some warning next time. If you run into something like this again, you still need to do what you have to do, understand?!"
Ads by Pubfuture "Understood, Teacher." Nao suddenly became serious, nodding intently. "I'll definitely redouble my efforts and live up to your expectations."
The two exchanged glances, then both grinned and burst into laughter.
After parting ways with Zephyr, Nao followed the others, rejoining the formation.
Shiryu and Rosinante were already waiting there. Seeing him approach, both had displeased expressions. One grabbed each of his shoulders, sandwiching him in the middle.
"Speak up! You, what exactly have you been up to these past few months? How did even a Warlord of the Sea fall to you?"
"That's right! First place in the assessment is probably yours again,Nao! Confess honestly! Besides that William, how many more battle merits did you earn?"
"Ow, ow, ow, you two bastards, let me go!"
One was over three meters tall, the other over four meters. Nao was caught between them, his body literally suspended in the air. "Seriously, not that many. That William alone held me up for almost half a month. Where would I get so many battle merits to earn? It's really not certain who'll be first in the assessment this time…"
"Really?"
Shiliew looked at him suspiciously, his grip suddenly tightening. "Why do I feel like you're messing with us?"
"Really, I swear I'll never find a wife in the future if I'm lying." Nao grimaced in pain. "Once we get back to Headquarters, and the detailed rankings are posted, won't you know then? Anyway… just let me down first!"
Damn it!
Don't look now, I'm only 2.35 meters tall, a lot shorter than you two, but when it comes to height for men, who can say what the future holds?
One day, I, the invincible Lord Natsuya Nao, will make these two bastards look up at me on their tiptoes!
On the other side.
Zephyr finished counting heads and was about to order the warship to set sail. But at that moment, a sudden commotion from the shore drew everyone's attention.
On the dock, a dense crowd had gathered, at least two to three thousand Marines by rough count.
It seemed that almost every Marine from the entire G-2 Branch who wasn't out on a mission or on unavoidable duty was there.
"Mr. Nao, goodbye!"
"After you graduate, be sure to come to our G-2 Branch!"
"Have a safe journey, Nao!"
The Marines vigorously waved their arms towards the warship. Even hundreds of meters away, their attachment and reluctance to part could be felt. At the front of the crowd were high-ranking branch officers like Rear Admiral Buma and Rear Admiral Gumiiru.
Everyone on deck exchanged bewildered glances, even Zephyr was stunned, his eyes wide with surprise.
"Zephyr-sensei, look over there." Brandon suddenly leaned over, pointing in a certain direction with a smile. "Mr. Borsalino even left his office to specifically see you off."
He had heard rumors before that the Commander of G-2 Branch and Zephyr, his former teacher, often had conflicts and weren't on good terms.
But now, it seemed the bond between teacher and student was indeed unbreakable. Those words were clearly nothing but fabricated rumors.
Zephyr looked in the direction Brandon pointed, and indeed, in a corner of the dock, he saw Kizaru's figure.
As if sensing their gaze, Kizaru's eyes turned. He met Zephyr's gaze from afar, gave him a slight smile, and silently extended his right arm, bowing his head in a salute at his chest.
"That guy isn't here to see me off…"
Zephyr pouted, casually waved a greeting, then turned his head, looking towards Nao, who was currently playfully grappling with Shiryu and Rosinante in the crowd behind him.
He watched quietly for a moment, then suddenly spoke:
"Brandon, do you believe there's a type of person in this world who possesses an innate leadership quality, capable of quickly gathering a group of supporters and followers wherever they go?"
"Eh?" Brandon was startled, confused, not understanding why Zephyr suddenly brought this up.
Seeing his confusion, Zephyr didn't bother to explain.
He stood at the bow of the ship with his hands behind his back, his gaze distant, looking at the setting sun on the horizon. He suddenly chuckled softly.
He truly hadn't misjudged that kid back then. Compared to his infinite potential, what was even more valuable about that kid was his character and personal charisma.
The Great Pirate Era had arrived. Where the world order would head, even he didn't know.
But Zephyr was certain that one day in the future, this kid would grow into a towering tree, dispelling all the shadows and darkness beneath it, becoming the new generation's guide for Headquarters, and perhaps even… shouldering the entire Marine's future!