Chapter 10 Miscellaneous Talk
Following Bruch's exit, the bustling registration office regained its prior vibrancy.
"Bruch, you are incredibly impressive; I have decided that you will be my role model moving forward. "
In the dormitory, one of the three sailors from the East blue Sea was fortunate enough to be assigned to a room with Bruch. Even more fortunate was the fact that they had bunk beds!
This brought him immense joy!
"Haha! Salo, you are also quite remarkable. Now that we have just arrived at the headquarters, let us strive to excel together! " Bruch organized his clothing, smiled softly, and spoke.
Salo, who was frolicking on the upper bunk, became noticeably more exhilarated upon hearing Bruch's remarks.
"Will we work together? Have I gained the recognition of my idol? "
Upon hearing Salo's comment, Bruch paused in his task of shaking out his clothes.
What is wrong with this guy?
What acknowledgment have I given?
Or is this typical behavior in the One Piece universe?
Bruch shook his head, ceased pondering, and focused on arranging his garments.
Shortly after, a whistle was heard.
"Recruits, gather! "
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When Bruch, Kiora, Salo, and others emerged, they observed seven or eight individuals lined up, which included two additional marines from the East blue Sea.
Upon standing at attention, they noticed that the leader of the group was, in fact, a captain!
"Are you the new marines from various branches? Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hobison, and I will oversee your training. Should you have any inquiries, feel free to approach me directly. "
As he spoke, Hobison gestured toward his rear.
A lieutenant commander dashed over, halted, and saluted.
Hobison continued:
"This is your assistant coach. If all goes according to plan, he will accompany you for the next three months! "
"You should feel privileged. As a naval officer from your branch, it is an esteemed honor to be at the headquarters! I expect you to value this opportunity, as I hope none of the ten of you will be discharged! "
"Such an event would be a blemish on your military career and reflect poorly on your branch. Now, assistant, take them to the cafeteria! After the meal, inform them of the regulations they must adhere to while at headquarters! "
Hobison wetted his dry lips and addressed the ensign.
"Yes, sir! "
The ensign replied.
After Hobison scanned the individuals present, he turned and proceeded in the direction from which he had come.
"Follow me! From this point forward, feel free to ask me any questions. Once we reach the cafeteria, conversation is prohibited! "
The ensign instructed as he moved ahead.
The ten individuals in line followed him, and one of them asked, "Sir, what is your name? "
"You may refer to me as assistant coach. My name is Kukas! " the lieutenant commander responded calmly.
The sailor who posed the question replied, "Understood, assistant coach. "
Throughout the journey, multiple individuals posed various questions.
Soon after, they reached the entrance of the cafeteria.
It retains the majestic ambiance that has always characterized the Navy Headquarters.
This is equally true for the cafeteria's design, which spans almost 2,000 square meters.
Upon witnessing the scene before him, Bruch could only internally repeat the term "heroic. "
The cafeteria's offerings are extensive, particularly for the naval personnel who visit the headquarters for advanced training.
This is due in part to the presence of numerous esteemed Vice Admirals, alongside some renowned naval figures such as Admiral Zephyr and Admiral Kuzan.
Most of these individuals originated from the Navy branches.
Thus, those within the headquarters are naturally afforded preferential consideration, especially considering the possibility of future admirals emerging from this group.
Following a substantial meal, Kukas escorted them to the Navy's briefing room.
There, he instructed Bruch and the others on the protocols of the headquarters for nearly two hours.
For instance, usage of the restroom on the eastern side of the headquarters is prohibited, along with picking flowers from the central flower bed and expectoration, among other regulations.
After outlining the rules, he proceeded to introduce the major generals, lieutenant generals, and generals stationed at the headquarters.
This experience truly made the lively Bruch feel reminiscent of his elementary school days.
He began to feel drowsy.
Suddenly, a gentle tap resonated!
Kiora beside him gave him a nudge.
"Wake up! "
Kiora's voice reached his ears.
He sluggishly opened his eyes and surveyed the room, noticing Kiora and Salo standing and preparing to leave.
Bruch wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth and realized that no one was focused on him.
Thus, he stood up.
"It's getting late! Let's return and rest early. When the wake-up whistle blows tomorrow morning, be sure to rise promptly. Tomorrow marks the official commencement of the three-month training period! "
Kukas addressed the group with a calm demeanor.
For him, the arrival and departure of new recruits may have desensitized him.
In his current role, there appears to be no progression, as he can only observe recruits traveling back and forth from the branches to the headquarters, year after year.
Nevertheless, what hampers his combat abilities? He is not like his superior, Black Bear Hobison, a prodigious talent at the headquarters who is on the verge of being promoted to Commodore.
A Zoan-type Devil Fruit user, specifically the Bear Fruit, in the form of a black bear.
His immense physical strength, extraordinary fruit powers, determined nature, and his past as a disciple of General Zephyr all contribute to his impressive credentials.
Interestingly, it appears that one of the new recruits possesses a Zoan-type fruit ability as well!
Kukas contemplated this and glanced up at Bruch.
Bruch, contemplating which training to undertake the following day, perceived Kukas's gaze and looked up.
"Assistant teacher, how may I assist you? " Bruch inquired, somewhat puzzled.
"Oh! Nothing in particular! Please retire early," Kukas responded.
Bruch, scratching his hair, returned to the dormitory, feeling a sense of confusion.
As he observed Bruch's retreating figure, Kukas sank into deep reflection.
If I aspire to progress and move beyond this stage, I can only depend on the legendary devil fruit from the sea.
Such monstrous power is essential to enhance my physical abilities.
However, acquiring such an item is unattainable.
Its cost exceeds hundreds of millions, yet it cannot even be purchased!
Kukas tugged at his hair in frustration.
After all, he was still only around thirty years old.
Yet he has occupied this position for a decade, once brimming with enthusiasm upon his arrival.
Now, he feels increasingly desensitized.
Upon receiving a new group of branch naval officers reporting to our headquarters for further development today,
he realized that many of them were of similar age to his own.
Nevertheless, despite belonging to the main branch, his combat effectiveness might not surpass even the weakest individual in these branches.
Talent plays a crucial role, and there seems to be no alternative, yet he refuses to resign himself to this fate!
He aspires to achieve the rank of admiral-level officer.
After all, a soldier who doesn't aspire to be a Admiral is not a commendable soldier!
Yet, how can he strive harder?
With this troubling thought swirling in his mind, Kukas trudged back to his dormitory with a heavy heart.
The night was surprisingly tranquil.
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