Chapter 153: New Recruits and a Marshal's Call
And the application was successfully implemented. Scientists like Vegapunk were truly remarkable, using their intellect to create inventions that could change the world.
"Lieutenant General Ian, what about these weapons, guns, and ammunition?"
"No, no. Give them to the Riku royal family."
"..."
"Lieutenant General Ian, what about these luxurious clothes?"
"What do I need those for? I wear a uniform every day!"
"..."
"Lieutenant General Ian, what about these unopened cigars and red wine?"
"Whoever wants them can have them! Uncle T-Bone, can you find something more practical? Focus on the actual currency!"
"Oh, right, valuables... Lieutenant General Ian, what about this box of sunglasses?"
Ian's face was covered in metaphorical black lines...
"Uncle T-Bone, you really have no taste for the finer things! We're conducting a raid, not collecting junk! Have you ever seen anyone load this kind of junk onto a dragon? Should I go find a tricycle? Nami, you're with Uncle T-Bone!"
After nearly two hours, the "house cleaning" was almost complete. A young woman in a gladiator's outfit finally found Ian and his team after searching for a long time.
"Here! I finally found you..."
It was Rebecca, granddaughter of King Riku and daughter of Kyros. After the national address, she, King Riku, and Kyros had split up to find Ian. The Riku royal family had benefited immensely and genuinely wanted to thank him in person. As the first to find Ian, Rebecca was incredibly excited.
"Lieutenant General Ian!"
Rebecca trotted over and removed her gladiator's helmet. She tucked her pink hair behind her ears, revealing a delicate, determined face. Then... she dropped to her knees with a thud!
"Thank you, Lieutenant General Ian, for your help... Thank you so much... I will never forget your kindness! On behalf of my family, I thank you and your subordinates!"
With that, Rebecca kowtowed deeply. Ian did not stop her. In his heart, he felt his actions had earned this gesture of respect.
"Princess Rebecca, please rise." Ian offered a hand. "I heard from Speed that you fought fiercely against the Donquixote family members in the streets. You were very brave. I only did what was necessary. Protecting the peace of the seas is the Navy's duty."
Ian smiled and helped Rebecca to her feet. By now, she was weeping openly. In her memory, the Marines who came to Dressrosa were nothing more than an "evil force" cooperating with Doflamingo. Ian's appearance had completely overturned her understanding of the Navy. It turned out that on the seas, there truly was an embodiment of justice in blue and white, upholding peace and righteousness...
"Lieutenant General Ian, Grandfather has prepared a banquet for all of you. Please, you must attend. Also, I have a personal matter..." Rebecca avoided Ian's direct gaze. The man before her had become a legendary idol in her mind.
"A personal matter? You're looking for me about something personal?" Ian was puzzled.
"Lieutenant General Ian, I..." Rebecca took a deep breath, her voice firm. "Can I join the Navy? I'm willing to start from the very bottom, do anything, and learn everything! As long as I can serve on Vice Admiral Ian's ship, I promise to uphold the duty of justice!"
"And I... Ian Lando! I just got the king's permission to go abroad!" A new, high-pitched voice chimed in. Rebecca and Ian looked over in surprise to see the blue-haired Tontatta scout, Wicca, running over. She stood next to Rebecca, saluting in a comically formal, yet utterly sincere manner. "Will you let me join you as a Marine too?"
Hearing that someone wanted to join the Navy, Ian's subordinates gathered around, curious to see how he would handle the situation.
Speed: "Princess Rebecca, a member of the Dressrosa royal family, becoming a Marine?"
Peacock: "I've seen her fight; she's quite capable. And she's very cute too, little Ian~ Think about it carefully~"
Skylark: "Wicca told me about her determination. She is very brave, Lieutenant General Ian."
Nami: "Ooooh? Are we getting new members?"
Doll: "It would be nice if they joined. Then I won't be the newest member anymore!"
T-Bone: "As a Lieutenant General, you have the authority to recruit new soldiers. You only need to submit their information to Headquarters for the record."
Ian: "Uncle T-Bone, I haven't agreed yet! No need for such detailed procedure explanations!"
Ian looked at the two girls, one tall and one small, standing before him. In terms of character and loyalty, there were no issues. Their families and lives had been saved by him. Since they hadn't been "assimilated" into the standard Navy system yet, it wouldn't be a problem to treat them as part of his own team. However, there was an essential difference between rigorously trained Marines and ordinary, kind-hearted civilians.
"Wicca," Ian began, addressing the dwarf first. The Tontatta tribe had innate advantages, especially in stealth, reconnaissance, and mobility. Wicca was likely superior to everyone present in those areas. He was quite impressed by her. "Do you know what it takes to become a Marine?"
"I do not know," Wicca replied honestly, scratching her head before snapping back into her cute salute. "All I know is that Marines have to follow orders. From now on, I will follow Ian Lando's orders. I will do whatever Ian Lando says. Is that quality acceptable?"
Aside from everything else, this statement made all of Ian's present subordinates chuckle. Everyone knew the little one's words had hit the mark.
"Very good. You are permitted to join the Navy." Ian declared. "Skylark, draft a profile for Wicca later. Once the Dressrosa matter is settled, submit the information to Headquarters and have her enlisted as a new recruit."
Skylark: "Yes, Lieutenant General Ian!"
Ian then turned his gaze to Rebecca. She was thrilled that Wicca had succeeded, her own hope burning brighter. When it came to loyalty and obedience, she was sure she could do even better than Wicca.
"Rebecca," Ian said, his tone becoming more serious. "Your determination is clear. But the path of a Marine is one of discipline and sacrifice. It is not a decision to be made lightly. Are you prepared to leave your home and family, to follow orders without question, and to dedicate yourself entirely to the cause of justice?"
Rebecca met his gaze, her eyes shining with unwavering resolve. "I am, Lieutenant General! This kingdom has seen enough chaos. I want to be part of the force that prevents it from happening to others. Please, allow me to join you!"
Ian then turned his gaze to Rebecca. She was thrilled that Wicca had succeeded, her own hope burning brighter. When it came to loyalty and obedience, she was sure she could do even better than Wicca. She stood ready, awaiting his verdict.
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