The freshmen's vision was limited—they couldn't grasp the true meaning behind what had just happened.
But nearby, a seasoned naval officer saw through it instantly.
A captain chuckled. "Not simple! That has to be some sort of advanced leg technique."
Another officer nodded in agreement. "Of course. That kid's no ordinary recruit—he's a rare talent!"
Someone frowned slightly. "He's promising, no doubt, but what about his background? Any issues?"
"We've looked into it. He's a refugee from one of the outlying islands—a survivor of that 'Purge of the Four North Sea Nations' incident that rocked the North Sea."
"No wonder he joined the Navy. He must've seen a glimmer of hope."
"In that case, we can't afford to let a talent like him slip through the cracks!"
"Inform Commander Yara immediately. A promising recruit with a clean background—we must nurture him!"
"…"
…
The trial continued the entire day.
Naturally, Yuno took first place.
It was such a simple feat for him that it didn't even stir his heart.
Afterward, he was summoned to meet the island's highest-ranking naval officer.
Stepping into the office, Yuno feigned formality and snapped off a salute. "Sir! New Marine recruit Yuno reporting!"
Yara studied him for a moment, then spoke directly. "Patino Yuno. Real name—Luke Birney. Formerly of Donzik Island."
Yuno's eyes flickered slightly. So, they've already uncovered that much?
The surprise was clear on his face, though he remained silent.
Seeing his reaction, Yara waved a hand and smiled warmly. "Relax. I don't fault you for concealing your identity. After all, the tragedy that befell your homeland… I can't blame you for wanting a fresh start."
Then Yara's expression grew solemn. "But a new identity doesn't mean the past is erased. Your anger, your loss—they don't just disappear. That's why I'm glad to see you joining the Navy now. And your performance was exceptional."
His words struck with both weight and warmth—a calculated mix of pressure and reassurance.
This tactic would leave most recruits both awed and grateful.
But Yuno wasn't the average recruit.
He gave a helpless smile and replied, "Sir, I lost my memory when I arrived on this island…"
"…Is that so."
Yara's expression stiffened, caught off guard, before quickly shifting the subject. "In two months, a Navy trial ship will arrive in the North Sea to recruit standout candidates. I'll recommend you for the headquarters' elite recruit training camp. Only one spot. Whether you're chosen or not… that'll depend entirely on your performance."
Watching Yara's subtle expression shifts, Yuno nearly laughed aloud. Still trying to probe me? Then I'll play along.
Feigning confusion, he asked, "Boot camp?"
"It's the dream of every Navy recruit. A sacred place," Yara explained, regaining his composure. "The instructors there include even Vice Admirals. You'll learn everything—Rokushiki, the Six Marine Styles, and even both types of Haki!"
Yara's tone turned reverent. "That place forges the Navy's future elites. Every graduate becomes the backbone of Marine strength."
"Six Marine Styles? Dual-Color Haki?" Yuno tilted his head, eyes wide with feigned curiosity.
Yara smiled mysteriously and left him with an open-ended promise. "You'll understand in time. Work hard, young man. I hope you'll live long enough to avenge your homeland."
"Yes, sir!"
Yuno's morale surged. He saluted crisply before turning to leave. The matter of his identity no longer weighed on him.
Joining the Navy had already proven that his past no longer posed a threat.
Since it was harmless, he had no interest in stirring it up.
And so, Yuno began his two-month-long training…
…
Two months later.
A warship slowly approached across the sea.
At the harbor of Donzik Island.
After months of tireless reconstruction, the harbor had been fully restored. Not a single trace of the past bombardment remained.
Marines stood in orderly formation along the pier, awaiting the arrival of the ship.
Onboard the warship, a young man clad in a navy cloak stood tall, nearly two meters in height. His sharp, resolute features were accentuated by a distinctive "X"-shaped scar carved across his chin. His gaze remained fixed on the distant island that steadily grew larger on the horizon.
A marine trooper approached briskly, saluting respectfully.
"Commander Drake, we've arrived at Donzik Island!"
Drake gave a slight nod, his voice calm and firm.
"Understood. Prepare to disembark."
"Yes, sir!" the marine responded, quickly retreating to relay the order.
This man was none other than the famed "Red Flag" Drake from the original manga.
Soon, the warship docked at the island's harbor. The marines stationed on Donzik Island erupted into cheers as the ship came into view. Amid the applause, Drake stepped off the ship with composed dignity, his presence commanding.
Among the crowd, Yuno's eyes narrowed slightly as they landed on Drake. A strange feeling of familiarity crept into his chest.
That face... That scar... Could it be him?
Is this really the 'Red Flag' Drake from the original manga?
I remember—Drake was from the North Sea… right?
Suppressing the thoughts swirling in his mind, Yuno remained outwardly calm.
Drake walked up to a man waiting near the dock—Colonel Yara. He stopped, offering a crisp salute.
"Lieutenant Colonel Drake, Marine Headquarters. Colonel Yara, it's a pleasure."
Yara, who had recently earned a promotion for his role in the Germa incident, returned the salute with equal respect.
"Welcome to Donzik Island, Lieutenant Colonel."
Drake's lips curved into a faint smile.
"I've heard of your accomplishments these past few months. As a fellow sailor from the North Sea, I'm proud."
Yara blinked. "Lieutenant Colonel Drake is from the North Sea?"
Though he outranked him now, Yara could sense an overwhelming strength radiating from the younger officer—so immense that even in a one-on-one duel, he doubted he'd last a single exchange.
Drake gave a short nod. "Yes. Born and raised."
After a brief exchange of formalities, Drake's tone shifted as he cut to the heart of the matter.
"Colonel Yara, we can't stay long. Let's move on to business."
His expression turned grave. As someone deeply familiar with the North Sea, Drake had been assigned as the officer-in-charge of the new Marine Headquarters' trial ship program—focused on training elite recruits from that region.
Yara also adopted a more serious tone.
"I've got five recommendations. All of them are outstanding candidates."
"Good," Drake replied with a firm nod. "Bring them out. We'll be setting sail shortly."
Yuno and the other four chosen candidates stepped forward and followed Drake toward the docked warship.
Among them was Lafer—the giant who had previously battled Yuno. His eyes sparkled with eagerness, and a flush of excitement had overtaken his face.
The remaining three were seasoned recruits—veterans from the branch base—each selected for their exceptional talent and potential.