(T/N: Please consider reviewing this Fanfic, Thanks and appreciate all who support me)
(T/N: Enjoy!!)
<><><><><><>
Kong seemed reluctant to disclose too much about the details of this mission and its background.
He repeatedly emphasized the mission's importance and insisted that it must be completed flawlessly without errors.
This left Arashi with several speculations and increased his curiosity after hanging up the Den Den Mushi.
"Additionally, remember this: nothing within Egghead is to be leaked or disclosed in any way,"
Kong sternly warned, concluding with a strong command. This made it clear how seriously Marine Headquarters was taking this mission.
The fact that they had dispatched a powerful and young Marine could be an attempt to avoid drawing public attention.
Moreover, the strict confidentiality surrounding the island's details suggested everything was critical to the Marines.
Shortly after receiving the mission, Arashi's deputy, T. Bone, received an update from headquarters.
"Rear Admiral Sakazuki is on his way to our location," T. Bone reported. "We're instructed to wait here."
Arashi nodded slightly and then looked at the group of trainee Marines on the ship, a smile forming.
He had, of course, overheard their conversation the day before.
"Ivans," Arashi called out casually, glancing at the seven epaulettes in his hand.
"Here, sir!" Ivans quickly responded.
"Assemble everyone on the ship," Arashi ordered.
"Yes, sir!" Ivans saluted and swiftly notified the crew.
In just a few moments, Ivans, Rosinante, Yagyū, Slo, Mina, Kira, and Crocodile stood in front of him, lined up straight and tall.
Each looked curious, unsure of the reason for this sudden gathering.
Arashi scanned the group, then smiled. "I overheard your conversation yesterday," he began.
Seeing the excitement and anticipation in their eyes, he continued with a smile.
"Considering your recent outstanding performance in battle as Marines, I submitted a report to headquarters and shared my thoughts."
"In the end, headquarters sought my opinion and evaluated each of you," Arashi said. "And they agreed to proceed with this promotion."
Since he wasn't yet a Vice Admiral and had a different level of autonomy than veterans like Garp, Arashi had to report and request approval to promote his subordinates.
"From today onwards, you will all be recognized as fully-fledged and official Marine officers!" Arashi announced, his smile fading as he spoke in a serious tone.
"Officers? Not just soldiers?" Rosinante asked, puzzled.
Arashi didn't explain but instead shouted, "Ivans!"
Ivans immediately straightened up and responded loudly, "Here!"
"Today, I will grant you the rank of Lieutenant. From this moment on, you are a Marine officer!" Arashi declared.
"I hope that in your future, you will adhere strictly to the justice in your heart and fulfil your ideals."
Ivans' entire body stiffened with the moment's weight, and he nodded solemnly. "Yes, sir!"
Arashi stepped forward, pinning the rank insignia onto Ivans' uniform and straightening the creases.
"Never lose sight of the target your gun should be aimed at. Always be clear where it should point in your heart," Arashi advised.
Ivans was visibly moved and then saluted.
"Rosinante!" Arashi called out as he moved to the side.
"Here!" Rosinante responded excitedly.
"You are being promoted to the rank of Ensign," Arashi announced. "As your superior, I must warn you seriously."
"The dreams and principles you hold dear must be supported by strong power. Therefore, you should understand one thing very clearly."
"Your fists will determine your destiny! So make sure to strive to become stronger, kid!"
Arashi gazed at the tall yet innocent face before him, recalling Rosinante's future fate.
His voice turned serious, filled with a mixture of concern and encouragement.
Rosinante blinked a few times, then shouted, "Yes, sir! I will work hard and even harder to become strong!"
"I will aim to have fists as powerful as yours!"
Arashi smiled, clenched his fist, and playfully punched Rosinante in the chest.
Though Rosinante winced in pain, he couldn't suppress the joy in his heart and burst into laughter.
After Rosinante, Yagyū, Mina, Kira, and Slo were each promoted to Lieutenant.
Arashi personally bestowed their new ranks, offering words of wisdom, reminding them of the path they must follow and what they must protect in the future.
The last one in line was Crocodile, who stood straight and tall.
The young "Desert King" was tense and serious, but his restrained excitement was evident in his eyes.
Unlike the Crocodile of the future, his left hand was still intact and not yet replaced by a golden hook.
"Crocodile!" Arashi called out softly.
"Present!" Crocodile responded loudly.
"On behalf of Marine Headquarters, I, at this moment, bestow upon you the rank of Lieutenant," Arashi said with a smile.
He then carefully and slowly pinned the epaulettes onto Crocodile's shoulders.
"Everyone has a past filled with memories—some may be beautiful, others cruel, and some might be sorrowful."
"But we must always live in the present and strive for a brighter future," Arashi said as he adjusted Crocodile's uniform.
Looking into the eyes of the man who was now completely different from the infamous "Sand Crocodile," Arashi spoke softly.
"You can pursue your past, but remember, it's just that—the past."
"Your own hands will write your today and tomorrow. The choice of who you want to be is yours to make."
Crocodile froze, fragments of his memories flashing rapidly through his mind before settling on a clear image of a young face smiling at him.
The promotion ceremony was brief and simple but marked a significant change.
The ship now had seven fewer trainee Marines and seven new officers.
Although the rank of Lieutenant is the lowest officer rank in the Marine hierarchy, it signifies the beginning of an official career as a Marine officer recognized by headquarters.
That day, everyone on the ship shared their excitement and looked forward to a bright future.
The night passed quickly, and by the next day, Sakazuki's warship arrived at noon.
Arashi stood at the front, arms crossed, with T. Bone, Crocodile, and the others lined up behind him.
Each stood tall, their gazes fixed ahead. Not long ago, they had been pirates, but their demeanour had already transformed since they had become Marines.
Ahead of them, a warship slowly approached. Standing at the bow was a burly man wearing a white shirt, a sword strapped to his back, and a Marine cap on his head.
His expression was stern, his eyes cold, and he exuded an invisible aura of ironclad authority. It was none other than Sakazuki.
"Arashi!" Sakazuki's cold voice called out as the warship stopped about ten meters away. His sharp gaze locked onto Arashi.
"Sakazuki!" Arashi replied calmly.
There was no camaraderie between the two; when they first met two years ago, Arashi had knocked Sakazuki out cold with a single burst of Conqueror's Haki.
Their relationship was far from friendly.
"In over two years, it seems you haven't changed much," Sakazuki remarked coldly.
"Oh no, there are some changes," he added, his gaze sharp as a knife as it swept past Arashi and onto Ivans and the others, a sneer of disdain crossing his face.
If you want to support me, join my patr**on. Have ten advanced Chapters for you guys.
patr**n.com/saitamablast > OP:COI NOVEL TIER