Upon learning the relevant information, Yuno had initially entertained certain thoughts.
After all, now that he had traveled through time, wasn't it only natural to make a name for himself?
However, upon realizing that the skills on his system panel were restricted by his current physical strength, Yuno gave up the idea of immediately setting sail as a pirate. He needed to grow stronger first.
The Navy reigned supreme.
Now, Yuno felt the time was right. If he enlisted during the island's recruitment drive, no one would find it suspicious.
The Quincy had already begun to make moves — appearing on another island and, whether intentionally or not, exposing himself to the Navy's attention.
The P-3 branch base, one of the naval units that had supported Donzik Island, was likely aware of Yuno's "Quincy" identity. Given how interconnected the Navy's branches were, word would surely reach the P-5 branch soon.
Even if it felt a bit overly cautious, Yuno preferred to play it safe. He had to cover all possibilities.
One day later.
In a village within the security zone, Yuno informed the villagers of his decision to join the Navy and prepared to say goodbye.
He was very well-liked in the village — helpful, generous, often sharing the prey he'd hunted in the mountains.
So when the villagers heard that he was leaving, many were reluctant to see him go.
Xena, especially, looked at him with reddened eyes. Though she didn't object, it was clear she didn't want him to leave.
Yuno smiled gently and patted her head.
The old village chief frowned and asked, "Yun boy, are you truly set on this? Becoming a Navy soldier is dangerous!"
Some of the village's stronger youth had joined the Navy in the past… but few ever returned.
The elders didn't want to see another young one march toward such uncertain fate. Why not live safely and peacefully here in the village?
Especially since Yuno was only eighteen years old.
Yuno replied, "I've thought it through over the past few days. I took part in the battle when Germa invaded the island, but I could barely protect myself. I wasn't strong enough to make a difference. That feeling... was unbearable."
He paused for a moment, then continued: "I also saw with my own eyes how strong the Navy was during that battle. They were powerful. If I want to truly protect this village and the people I care about... I have to become stronger. That's why I've decided to join them."
The island was rife with rumors that the Navy had saved Donzik Island. Yuno used this narrative to distance himself from the actual battle, claiming he'd been watching from the sidelines — citing self-preservation as his reason.
The villagers didn't question it. Although they'd seen Yuno momentarily "fly," they had no idea what such an ability implied.
Uncle Han shook his head. "Yun boy, don't be so naïve. The Navy's here to protect the island anyway. You can live your life quietly here — you don't need to get involved."
Uncle Han had been to sea in his younger days. Though not deeply experienced, he had heard rumors of magical fruits that granted mysterious powers. He assumed Yuno had eaten one, which explained the flying, and didn't press further.
Yuno smiled and said, "Uncle Han, I've made up my mind. The world's vast — I want to see it for myself. And if I join the Navy, our village will have a stronger connection with them. That might bring more support and better lives for everyone."
The old village chief tapped his pipe, took a drag, then slowly exhaled a stream of white smoke. "Han, since Yuno's so determined, let's not stop him. He's just going to an island's branch base — even with strict Navy discipline, there's time for visits. He'll come back from time to time."
Yuno nodded and smiled. "I'll come back to see you all often."
Though reluctant, the villagers said no more.
"Brother Yuno, you must come back often!" Xena said tearfully.
"I will," Yuno promised. "I told you I'd treat your arm. I haven't forgotten."
He looked at her earnestly — but in his heart, he muttered:
"Does this count as one of those clichéd promises? Like those in movies from my past life — 'I'll marry you when I return' — and then they never come back…"
"Yes!" Xena beamed, nodding firmly.
Yuno left the village and made his way to the P-5 Naval Branch Base within the security zone.
At the time, the island was recruiting.
During the battle with Germa, the island's navy had suffered heavy losses — and they were in urgent need of reinforcements.
Due to the Navy's overwhelming victory in the previous battle, their reputation on the island had reached an all-time high. Enthusiasm surged among the people—many were eager to enlist, inspired by the image of justice and power the Navy now represented.
But joining the Navy wasn't easy.
It was a stable occupation, complete with monthly stipends and government backing. Aside from the high risk of death, it was a coveted career. Yet it was precisely this high mortality rate that often kept potential recruits at bay.
The current scene was an anomaly. Under normal circumstances, it was unthinkable that so many would show up for a recruitment drive.
Yuno melted into the crowd without drawing attention, following the flow of people toward the enlistment site.
"Hey, brother! You here for the Navy recruitment too?"
A voice called out beside him.
Yuno turned to see a young man with a broad frame, dressed simply in a black vest. His upper body was splattered with wood shavings, and his calloused hands and thick muscles spoke of years spent in labor. His sharp features and ferocious grin made him resemble more of a thug than a civilian.
Yuno glanced him over. "A carpenter, probably."
But he wasn't rattled. He nodded calmly. "Yeah. After what happened recently, what young man on this island wouldn't want to join the Navy?"
The young man grinned wider, his already fierce expression becoming borderline terrifying. "Right? I heard about their performance too. Damn heroic, if you ask me!"
He rubbed the back of his neck and added with a laugh, "But the standards are pretty strict. Not sure if I'll make it…"
As he said this, his expression twisted into another sinister grin.
The effect was immediate.
The crowd near him instinctively backed away, a wide space opening around the two of them as people recoiled in fear.
It was unclear whether the man simply lacked self-awareness or was just incredibly dense—but he seemed genuinely puzzled by the reaction.
"…Huh? Why did everyone back off?" he asked, glancing around in confusion.
"I don't know," Yuno replied nonchalantly. "Anyway, it's my turn. See you—Baibai."
Waving casually, Yuno stepped ahead and entered the recruitment grounds, leaving the man blinking in bewilderment behind him.