The morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, shining on Taro's Face. Taro furrowed his brows and rolled over, planning to sleep a bit longer.
A "thump, thump, thump" of knocking sounded. Taro, who wanted to go back to sleep, helplessly climbed out of bed.
Outside the door was a Marine Soldier. Just as he was about to continue knocking, the door opened, revealing Taro's somewhat gloomy Face. "What is it?"
The Marine Soldier shivered, startled by Taro's gloomy expression and raspy voice. "L-Lieutenant Taro, I have been ordered to take you to the Training Camp to report."
Taro rubbed his Face with both hands, waking up a bit. "Mm, wait a moment, I'll wash up."
"By the way, where is Vice Admiral Garp?"
Taro asked casually.
"Vice Admiral Garp has a mission today and will be setting sail shortly," the Marine Soldier replied.
"Oh? Then I'll go see him off. It should be fine if I head to the Training Camp a little later, right?"
"If it's you, of course, it's no problem."
...Marineford Pier.
The warship was making final preparations before setting sail, with soldiers busily transporting various supplies onto the ship.
Vice Admiral Garp was standing in front of the ship, waiting.
"Vice Admiral Garp, I've come to see you off," Taro said as he walked up to Garp.
Garp had no reaction.
Something's wrong! Taro was startled and quickly circled around to the front of Garp.
He saw Garp wearing his Dog-head hat, head bowed low, with a Doughnut still hanging from his mouth. Slight snoring sounds reached Taro's ears.
"..."
Taro's cheeks twitched violently several times. This old man had actually fallen asleep while standing.
"Vice Admiral Garp!"
Taro raised his voice, and this time he finally managed to wake Garp up.
"What's all the noise?" Garp's voice still sounded loud and resonant.
"If the mission is truly too busy, you can delegate it to others. There's no need to work so hard."
Taro offered a word of concern.
"No, I'm trying to break the record for eating Doughnuts. After eating for a whole night without rest, I'm feeling a bit sleepy now."
Garp said solemnly.
Hearing his words, Taro stumbled and almost fell. After stabilizing himself, he took a deep breath. "I heard you're setting sail today, so I came to see you off. Now that I've seen you, I'll head to the Training Camp to report."
Garp's slightly dazed eyes cleared up a bit, and he nodded. "Go then."
After Taro left, Garp grinned widely, laughed silently for a while, stuffed a Doughnut into his mouth, and strode onto the warship... "Cowards can quit right now!"
"This is a fortress of peace in the Great Pirate Era; no cowards are allowed here!"
"The weakness of civilians is not a sin! Justice is here!"
"As long as stubborn evil forces exist on the sea, we Marines must do our utmost to drive them out!"
"In the name of 'Absolute Justice'!"
On the rostrum of the Training Camp, a Marine Vice Admiral was giving a speech.
The training ground was filled with hundreds of Marines standing in neat rows. They were elites handpicked from Marineford, various branches, and fortress units to participate in this Training Camp.
Their ranks were varied as well, ranging from high-ranking officers like Majors to the backbone of the Marines, Lieutenants. Taro even spotted a few recruits.
After scanning the surroundings, Taro found a spot in the furthest corner to stand and then looked up at the Vice Admiral on the rostrum.
He was a man with a Face so thin and withered he looked like a mummy. His physique was surprisingly large. He wore a Vice Admiral's uniform, and his left chest was covered with various medals; he appeared to be a highly decorated Marine Vice Admiral.
Vice Admiral John Jaennd stood high on the rostrum, looking down at the neatly lined-up recruits of this Training Camp session. He nodded inwardly; the overall quality of this batch of recruits seemed quite good, with disciplined appearances and high spirits.
Just as he was feeling pleased with himself, he saw a sneaky figure slip in. The figure first looked around and then crept toward a corner, attempting to blend into the formation.
This figure's movements were particularly conspicuous in the orderly formation. Vice Admiral John felt as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a fly, feeling thoroughly annoyed.
"You there, the one in the corner," Vice Admiral John waved his large hand, pointing toward the very back of the formation and shouting angrily, "Yes, you! Step out of the line!"
Taro had just settled in the corner when he heard a roar from the rostrum. Looking up, he saw the Vice Admiral on stage pointing in his direction. He blanked for a moment.
Wait, why does this scene feel a bit familiar?
Taro thought to himself.
With a "swish," the hundreds of Marines on the field all turned their heads to look at Taro.
Taro felt his scalp tingle. Why was it happening again!
He scratched his hair and walked out. The Marines along the way instinctively moved aside, leaving an open space in the middle of the training ground.
"Uh, Mr. Vice Admiral, did you call me for something?"
Seeing Taro walk into the field unhurriedly and speak in such a casual tone, John's anger flared even more. "You are expelled from the Training Camp!"
"Leave your name and unit; I will notify your superiors."
Taro looked up in astonishment. What did you just say?
"Mr. Vice Admiral, I'm sorry. I was delayed by some matters. Please calm down; I wish to continue training in the Training Camp."
Taro knew he was the one who arrived late, so his tone was very sincere.
"State your name!"
Vice Admiral John slammed his fist onto the railing in front of him and roared at Taro.
Seeing the other party's firm attitude, Taro could only sigh helplessly. "Fine. My name is Taro, a Lieutenant from Marineford. My unit... I should be considered a subordinate of Vice Admiral Garp, right?"
Hiss
The surrounding Training Camp recruits all gasped at the same time.
"So he's the one, Taro."
"Who is Taro?"
"That's the one known as the light of the marines!"
"The one with the strength of an Admiral!"
"Ah? It's actually him!"
The Marine Soldiers whispered in surprise again.
On the stage, Vice Admiral John's angry expression froze when he heard Taro's name, his look shifting uncertainly.
The scene became somewhat awkward for a moment, the air seemingly freezing.
After speaking, Taro turned to leave. A couple of low "ka-ka" sounds came from Vice Admiral John's throat before he spoke.
"Wait a moment. Since you've apologized so sincerely, I shall graciously forgive you."
"However..."
Taro turned around, wondering why this Vice Admiral's attitude had suddenly changed so much. Was he giving Garp Face?
As expected, it's good to have friends in high places! It's the same everywhere!
"However, you must have a match with me. Just one move. If you can earn my recognition, I will allow you to rejoin this training session."
Taro thought about it. He had come for the Six Powers. If there was still a chance to achieve his goal, that would be for the best. Besides, it was just one move. This Vice Admiral's strength was definitely not as great as Akainu's. Even Akainu could be blocked for one move, so this should be no problem.
Thinking this, Taro nodded.
"Fine!"
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