Semper Fi

by Zaru

This is the story of a man. A band of brothers and sisters. A squadron, forever faithful, and their quest to end the Grand Pirate Era. One Piece AU Story. Pairing Undecided. Co-written with Paperman. Edited by ShinigamiMaster and Paperman

3. Warriors Beginning 2

Lieutenant Ain never considered herself an arrogant person.

She was given the best training Marineford could offer. She was hand picked among many others by one of the best Admirals to ever grace Navy Headquarters with their presence, and since then she has reached ever new heights.

Granted, things went the way they went and she no longer had much to boast about, but at the time it was all very true.

When she groaned about running Dawn Base while Monkey D. Garp was gallivanting someplace different from his office, it was not because she didn't feel up to the task.

The job was just so mind-killingly tedious!

Seriously, what kind of 'Hero of the Marines' takes military personnel of Paradise level and puts them on long-term monitoring service of the territory in the East Blue of all seas?

Of course, Ain's alternatives to the overwhelming boredom ranged between a dishonorable discharge (if she was lucky), and a summary execution, so she couldn't complain too much. However, when she said, or more likely thought, about being overqualified for the job it was not her arrogance talking.

Not that she was free from the occasional flash of stupidity; such as absently walking into the infirmary after a free night to seek an aspirin just to be reminded of the foolish recruit currently laying there. The very same recruit she promised to talk with.

Not even Marineford prepared its trainees on how to talk a young recruit with more enthusiasm than common sense out of training himself to death.

Especially one that pretended to be in a painkiller-induced stupor even after the second time she caught him peeking to see whether she was gone.

"Coby," she half sighed. "Do I really have to say: 'I know you're awake'?"

"O-Oh. I'm sorry, Lieutenant." At least he had the grace to appear embarrassed as he apologized and managed a sloppy salute. "The doctor said you wished to talk with me…"

"And you thought that pretending to sleep would be a proper way to start a conversation with a superior officer?" The blue haired woman asked with a quirked eyebrow.

Coby reacted as if she slapped him. "I-I am sorry, ma'am, it's just that…" He then mumbled something she didn't hear.

"What?"

"Vice Admiral Garp once said 'If you ever, ever, see Lieutenant Ain raising her left brow, Coby, run, but not in a straight line-'"

Ain raised a hand to her face. Indeed, her left brow was raised. She let out a sigh through her nose and shook her head. But Coby wasn't finished.

"-and Corporal Coppertones said something about never showing you any weakness… or my back. H-His words!"

This time Ain's face fell. "For the love of..." At once her headache seemed to get worse and suddenly one aspirin wouldn't be enough.

"Coby," she half groaned. "I am here because I need to talk with you, and it is an important matter, but I can assure you that you are not in any trouble." Ain ordered herself to soften her features.

The boy relaxed ever so slightly and Ain forced herself to smile. 'Blues above, my head is killing me.'

"But I need something for my head. And some tea. Yes, some tea would be nice. Do you want anything for breakfast?"

At that offer, Coby appeared troubled. "Are you sure it is timely? Technically the night watch shift ends at 08:00, but the official staff are required to take up duty no later than 07:15-"

"Coby,"

"-penalties for delays may vary between-"

"Coby?"

"-in the worst case interim confinement may be taken into consideration at the discretion of the officer in charge-"

"SEAMAN RECRUIT COBY!"

"Y-Y-Y-Yes, Lieutenant?!" Coby barked in surprise, looking fearful at her raised voice, but slurred.

'He is still half drugged,' she tried to convince herself. 'You can't throw him out of the window. It doesn't matter how high and piercing his voice is when he starts mumbling.'

"I am the officer in charge of Dawn Base! And I won't confine myself to the penalty cell for being late on my free day, nor will I confine you for causing me to be late. Thus I'll ask again."

Ain immediately lowered herself to the still shaking recruits face so he could see her barely restrained frustration. "Do. You. Want. Anything?"

(X)

With a painkiller in her body and a steaming cup of tea in hand, Ain felt almost ready to face her current challenge.

For his part, Coby seemed remarkably well adjusted: if he still was clouded by drugs he didn't show it, and the tea managed to steady his nerves.

'Okay,' Ain mused. 'So far it was the easy part. Now, how can I make a teenager see reason?'

When in doubt, rely on your training. She decided to address the subject in a roundabout way. 'Let's try a flanking maneuver.'

"Why are you here, Coby?"

The boy stood rigid at once. "To become a Marine! To make Vice-Admiral Garp proud! To become an Admiral and free the world from pirates, so that nobody-"

That was nice, but also too roundabout. 'Okay, change of plans: what would Makino do?'

"What I meant is: why are you here now? What happened that got you into the infirmary?"

"Oh," he seemed embarrassed. "W-well, I was training yesterday. Vice Admiral Garp left me a list of exercises he wanted completed before he was back from his service tour in the Grand Line this month." As he spoke, Coby was keeping his eyes fixed on his cup.

That felt strangely… committed a gesture, coming from Garp. His general approach to anything could be best described as well-meaning indifference with flashes of responsibility and irresponsibility. And that was for the few moments he wasn't eating doughnuts or spontaneously falling asleep.

She briefly considered saying as much to Coby, but the worship was far too clear in the boy's eyes and Ain didn't feel like risking breaking it.

"I see," she took a sip, mainly to try and gain some time to think how to continue. "I was wondering, though: why did Garp not take you with him?" With the way he was training the boy that seemed the best course of action.

Now Coby was clearly embarrassed. He raised a hand to scratch his neck. "Well, you know the Vice-Admiral, he gets really busy and he needs to make decisions at the moment, and-"

"He left you ashore?"

Coby's head fell. "Yes. yes, he did."

'Flashes of irresponsibility, check.' This is the Garp she knew: a Sea King's worth of competence and good will combined with the attention span of a herring. Charming for some, a headache for others.

However, there was still a detail that was not yet clear to her but that seemed very important.

"You said Garp left you a list of exercises?" Coby nodded.

"He left you with a list and no supervision?"

Coby averted his gaze once more. "N-Not exactly. When he left I thought of what he made me do around the base for the last month and made the list myself. Last week the training felt a bit too light, so I upped the whole thing. Then I ended up here."

Ain sighed. Typical recruit bravado. "What is he teaching you, by the way? Around a month ago, you two were always all around the base, but now you spend most of your time in the jungle?" She raised her cup to take a sip.

"Rokushiki." She paused, opening her eyes.

'...what.'

"Are you saying… " Ain's voice raised an octave. "That Vice-Admiral Garp decided to teach you a martial art usually reserved to higher-ranked officers, and then left you without a shred of supervision and you thought you could fix it all by yourself?" She leaned forward, and Coby was sweating now. "What the hell was he thinking? What were you thinking, Coby, why didn't you come to me? To anybody?"

Ain got her answer just as she spoke her question: she could read it on the boy's face.

Shame.

Shame at being forced to admit he wasn't up to a task, and of asking for help and being forced to reveal his weakness. It was one thing to admit such to the Hero of the Marines. Doing the same with a common mortal was entirely different.

And Ain was sure he wouldn't apologize. That much was clear too. Loyalty. There was so much inside Coby's little body, along with a drive to prove himself to a figure straight out of legend.

Ain's hand rose to cover her eyes. 'May the Blues help me, he's just like me when I was younger.'

Everybody knew how well that ended.

"I…" Coby paused. "I just…"

"Coby, that's not the right way to train, and don't say Garp thinks it is!" She added when the boy tried to argue with a raised finger. "That man is a beast! You can't use him, a man with DECADES of experience fighting the most dangerous pirates and people on the planet as a term of comparison. Not when you are a pudgy recruit with just a few months of service!"

Ain regretted the last words as soon as she uttered them. Coby worked hard, harder than anybody else his age or near it in the base. And honestly, he wasn't pudgy anymore. But he was training himself to near death with any passing day. If he didn't stop soon he'd likely injure himself if not outright get killed.

Not on her watch. She gripped the fabric of her pants. "Tomorrow, six o'clock in the morning in the square of arms."

Coby didn't seem to understand.

"I'm taking over your training until Garp returns. Then he and I will talk," Not only with words, either.

"Today, you rest. You are hereby placed on temporary sick leave, and don't you dare do anything more strenuous than lifting your fork. You're of no use if you're sick or injured." Finally a sip of her tea...

"Two weeks ago a boar gored me in the thigh." Coby said, with all the nonchalance with which one speaks about the weather.

Ain nearly choked on her tea. "W-What?" She managed to gasp once she cleared her throat.

"...it was a little boar. Vice Admiral Garp disinfected the wound and stitched me up, then took me to the mineral spring, and I was back as good as new"

Several questions, considerations and insults flowed inside her mind, but one stood over the others. "Mineral spring?"

Coby nodded, again unnerved by the grim topic. "There is this amazing spring in the mountains. You take a dip and you are like new! It takes away your fatigue and fixes any bruise and injury. It's great, really! A pity I couldn't go there with the Vice-Admiral away. It's not right around the corner, and I have my duties here at the base. That and… I can get lost in those woods up around Mt. Corvo."

Ain's headache felt like it was coming back with a vengeance. Was this the reason why Coby seemed so dead set on training without considering the consequences for his health? Most likely, he was young after all. Nothing could be easier than him not understanding fully what such a spring really could and couldn't do.

Her teacher had made Ain study the most disparate subjects in the off chance that something could eventually be useful to her. Sometimes such gambits paid off.

If she wasn't wrong, Coby's spring was a very rare natural wonder. But those were not magic: they did lessen pain and fatigue but they weren't a magical wand to take those away and make things right straight off. A body still needed time to rest and complete the healing process jump-started by the water. The pain and fatigue may be gone, but not the wear and tear of the muscles. Or the wounds. Yes they lived in a fantastical world of many oddities and wonders, but even that had its limits.

Still, thinking that such a phenomenon was so close to her felt odd. Maybe she ought to rethink Garp's approach to training.

"Is that so?"

"For real! Vice-Admiral Garp said that no matter how bad the hangover, with just half an hour soaking he is good to drink again."

Or maybe she ought not to.

(X)

Becoming the Hero of the Navy is not an easy task, yet it's one that almost every Marine, both active and retired, appeared to know how to accomplish it.

Curiously, these methods seemed to become more and more far-fetched as the speaker grew further from that coveted goal.

If one asked Monkey D. Garp how to become a Hero, his answer would shock many for its simplicity: "Don't get killed!"

Indeed, Garp's finely honed instincts had been bothering him for the last few nights.

At first, when they started acting funny, he blamed alcohol. Then he spent some hours believing that Shiki the Golden Lion was about to ambush him. Then he remembered he's rotting in the deep undersea jail Impel Down, so that thought got quelled fast.

Now that he was back at Dawn Base, he realized that his forebodings were both better and worse than what he had feared.

The first omen lay a few steps away from his office door.

Somebody had attacked his suggestion box, carving a savage slit on it's cover just to fill the poor wooden doghouse to the absolute brim with suggestion notes!

Then he noticed that the door was ajar. From the inside, a soft voice hummed.

Second omen.

As he stepped inside, a pencil came flying towards his eye and stabbed itself inside the door.

Thoughts of retirement started filling his head.

He let out a yelp of surprise, arms raised.

Then came a voice sweeter than honey and more fake than a six Belli coin.

"I'm so sorry, Vice-Admiral! My hand just slipped."

Lieutenant Ain was sitting at his desk, fiddling with another pencil with her eyes fixed on him and a looming pile of papers next to her. Her smile seemed… awfully wide.

"Ummm… Good afternoon, Lieutenant…"

"How did your sudden trip go? Smoothly, I hope, I don't want you to be too tired. I have a few dozen files and reports just waiting for you to sign. Don't worry, none are longer than thirty pages."

"A-Ain…" Garp eyed the window; if he jumped now he should manage to get away. Hell with the look Ain was giving him, he was tempted to just jump through the nearest wall.

The other pencil pierced the window frame, and the window came crashing down to the sill.

"And while we're at it, I'd like to talk to you about Coby and his training."

Monkey D. Garp, the Navy Hero who once clashed with the King of the Pirates himself multiple times, gulped in fear. It was going to be a long day.

(X)

The following morning, Coby was surprised to learn that his normal day of training was canceled. Garp had told him to take an additional rest day of sorts, along with doing some simpler tasks around the base. The two of them would meet that night by the beach to resume his training proper.

Thus he checked in with the quartermaster, the Chief Corpsman, and other officials around Dawn Island Base for any assistance. Then he helped Ricco swab up some of the ship's hulls with polish: got to keep the finest pirate chasing cruisers spic and span after all!

That night found Coby and his Vice Admiral out in a simple clearing a short way from the base, which was still close enough so that its many lights gave them plenty of lumination. Beside him was the beach on one side and the beginning of the jungle on the other.

What Coby was surprised to see was that Lieutenant Ain was present as well, arms crossed over her blue blouse, black form fitting trousers and Navy Coat. Garp scratched his beard, looking off to the side.

'Is it me or does he look a little nervous and awkward?' Coby thought. "Um, Vice Admiral sir, why are we out here tonight?

"Easy, we're going to get started on Rokushiki." Garp spoke, noticeable drops of sweat on his brow. "Now, I'm going to help with the more physical aspects, but… not as much as before." Now Coby understood the reason for Ain's presence. "Lieutenant Ain has... offered... to add her own guidance to your training."

"Thank you Vice Admiral," Ain spoke professionally, though with the barest hint of pride in her voice. "Now, Vice Admiral Garp has used and mastered the Rokushiki Style in the past, that much I know. I myself know all six of the techniques as well, although not in terms of complete mastery." Coby paid attention, hearing her as she stepped forward. "What we will be going through now is the basics of each technique, and what you must do in order to learn said techniques."

"Am I going to learn all six at once?" Coby inquired.

"Obviously not. No one ever has," Ain replied. "You do not build a house instantly. You build it brick by brick. Pole by pole. And between those bricks, you put down the proper cement and binding agents to ensure that the building does not collapse." She crossed her arms over her bust. "You've grown considerably in three months. That pudgy boy that came here is long gone. But, you're a long way to go before your body can handle the strain caused from the use of martial arts exclusive to the Navy Admiralty; martial arts that give their wielder the strength of at least a hundred men."

Coby remained quiet, giving his full attention as he nodded. It made sense… far more than he could have anticipated from Garp. With the Hero of the Navy, it was more 'do this' and 'do that' and learning as he went along. For something like this… this was definitely much more satisfying an explanation.

"So what do I need to know?" Coby asked, trying to contain his excitement

"The Rokushiki consists of six techniques. I will demonstrate five, as I have not been able to master the last one. I can use it, but Garp can provide a proper demonstration." Ain turned, seeing a stone embedded in the earth a few steps away and nodding. She took off her coat, tossing it aside and onto the ground as she walked over to the stone, then turning to face Coby.

"Soru."

In a flash she was gone from her prior spot, and now she was… in front of Coby! The boy yelped in surprise, falling to the ground and seeing her looking down.

"You just… disappeared! I-"

"I moved, actually." Ain elaborated with a light smile. "I kicked off the ground ten times in the blink of an eye."

"The blink of an eye! That…" Coby looked at his fingers, counting as he did math in his head, even blinking behind his own glasses. "That's crazy!"

"Crazy? As crazy as Devil Fruits that make you sink like a block of lead in a pond?" Ain asked back. "There are many things between heaven and earth that go beyond the imagination of what humankind can do, or can witness. So many things." She put a hand on her hip. "And by the way, that is the easiest technique to master, and it's essentially the gateway into the Rokushiki."

"The easiest!?"

"Indeed boy." Garp spoke up with more of his usual bravado. "Now I ain't all that knowledgeable on things, but I do know basic anatomy, and the lower body is stronger than the upper one. So strengthening that is easy as can be." He grinned. "We just gotta pump those legs of yours like a Sea Train on Nitro!"

"That would make a Sea Train explode." Ain muttered dryly, and Garp winced a little. "Anyway, he is right. Your legs are stronger than your arms, so we will need to focus on training up your body starting from your legs and going up. If you are to master Rokushiki, you can't simply focus on one area until you have mastered at least half of the technique tree."

"So I have to learn Soru first… Understood Lieutenant ma'am. What will come next?"

"Simple, the easiest technique for the upper body to master." Ain disappeared again, reappearing by a giant couch-sized stone and thrusted her arm at it… along with her finger being extended. "Shigan."

And struck the stone, hard enough that it cracked down the middle! Coby winced, fearing for her finger until he saw the angle… Her finger was embedded in the rock itself. And she pulled it out, and shook her finger off to get rid of any debris like that was nothing, leaving behind a perfect circular hole in the rock.

"The Shigan allows you to use your finger as if it was a bullet fired from a gun. Ideal for close combat and neutralizing enemies quick and efficiently," Ain said with a little smirk. "And then, back to your legs once more." She jumped up into the air… and continued to jump! Garp let out a laugh, as Coby gawked.

"You're flying Lieutenant Ain!" Coby yelled out in shock, arms raised. Ain was in the air, her legs kicking against the air itself.

"This is Geppou, which allows you to hop on the very air itself. So, not much in flying but… more like very good jumping." Ain explained, before landing on the ground before the two. "Which leads to!" She then turned around in a pivot, Coby seeing those long strong legs flash action as she lashed out with a kick.

From her leg, an azure crescent raced out like a bullet, slashing at the same rock from earlier and cutting it in half!

"Ehhhhhh?!" Coby yelled. "No way!" Garp picked at his ear, slightly annoyed at his students' impressive lungs..

"That was Rankyaku. By swinging your leg with sufficient speed and force you turn the air itself into a powerful long range blade." Ain turned back to face them. "Those are the easiest of the Rokushiki techniques to master, with the remaining two being the most difficult, depending on your aptitude."

"My aptitude?" Coby inquired, recovering from his surprise. "I gotta say Lieutenant Ain, you're far stronger than you look! Like, wow! I'm gonna learn all of that!"

"If you put in the work, and listen to the advice of myself and the Vice Admiral here," Ain shrugged with a bashful smile. "Well, most of what Vice Admiral Garp has to say, that is, you should be able to utilize some of the techniques by year's end."

"Hey! I got decades of experience you don't have, ya cheeky brat!" Garp argued. The blue haired woman ignored him.

"But yes, you will become strong, just like me. After all" Ain looked to the ground, her smile there but… to Coby, it seemed a little sad. "I had a great teacher." Garp's indigance left as soon as it came, and the man nodded in turn, Coby looking back and forth in confusion.

"So what are the other two techniques?" He asked.

"I think it will be best if we focus on the first four for now, starting with Soru and then Shigan. But Soru is the key here. Without that lower body strength, you can't hope to master the Rokushiki at all." Ain said. "As my teacher once said about this martial art, consider your lower body as the foundation of the home that you wish to build. The walls and ceiling will be the upper body." She then pointed to her head. "What goes on in the house resides here. And, the kind of person you wish to have living in that house…" And her hand settled over her heart, a smile softening her features. "Lives here."

Coby didn't retort, blinking slowly while silence reigned among the trio, broken only by the crash of the waves and the crickets.

"Now then, I hope you can take this to heart, Coby. I will be there to give pointers and assist Vice Admiral Garp during your training here on base." She turned towards the older man. "I trust you won't be as blunt and bull headed as before?"

"Well, I had to somehow break his body in… but," Garp muttered lightly, rubbing the back of his head. "You are right. Thank you for your help Lieutenant."

"He may be your understudy, but don't be afraid to ask for help, Vice Admiral sir." Ain yawned a bit. "Now, I have to get back to my office and check off approval for renovations to the latrines and plumbing before bed. A good night's sleep helps wonders, Coby." The blue haired woman said as she bent down, collecting her coat and donning it on her shoulders as she walked back to base.

Coby saw her go, grateful for her advice and help as Garp walked alongside him. "I'd be lying if I said that this base would run as smoothly with her not being here. That woman is one smart cookie."

"She sure is," Coby agreed, before having a thought. "The Lieutenant mentioned a teacher, Vice Admiral sir," he mused, looking back up at Garp. "Do you know who taught her?"

Garp let out a sigh through his nose, looking to the side. "I do, but this is not the time nor the place to talk about him. I'll tell you about it another day. You should follow her advice. Clean up and get some shut eye. Tomorrow we begin your Rokushiki training with Soru, so I want you well rested!" He added with a cross of his broad and strong arms. "That's an order!"

"Yes sir!" Coby saluted back, and he ran back with a pep in his step.

(X)

As Garp saw him run back into base, he turned around, looking out to the night sea, seeing the stars reflected off the water, he wondered. Was his old ally looking out to the stars as he was?

And he began to ruminate to himself, remembering Ain's words.

"I got it all wrong, Coby isn't me. In many ways…" He remembered boot camp at Anapoli, remembering that young brave man who aspired to be a hero to the masses, doing whatever he could to better himself and his comrades along the way. Looking up and admiring the tales of the past great Admirals of old in Admiral Isoroku, Nimitz and Doenitz. He would be flustered at first, but would recover and learn on the dot. First one in, last one out. That mind of flypaper would allow him to become an Admiral, overtaking even Garp(for obvious reasons) and become one of the finest Instructors and Teachers Anapoli's halls and Headquarters ever had. Garp had a nostalgic smile, and he had a feeling why Ain, even in her young age, wanted to have a hand in teaching his understudy.

"He reminds me a lot of you, Zephyr."

(X)

A week later, Coby walked on into the mess hall, wincing with each step of his legs. Those leg workouts were a killer, but Garp was good enough to go through it with him. Granted, it looked super easy for the man, pushing a boulder up and down a slope with his feet. While Coby had his own heavy rock to do so for a weight.

"Just gotta keep at it…" He murmured, walking towards the line leading to the food serving area. As he stood, he noticed a head of blond hair and a strong muscular body before him as Coby craned upwards. "Rico?"

"Hmmm?" The taller young man turned around, and his bright blue eyes beamed. "Oh! Heya Coby!" He said. "Good day to ya!"

"Likewise, what are you going to eat for today?"

"Me? Well, can't go wrong with some good ole burgers!" Rico stretched his arms, revealing several sturdy muscles Coby prayed he'd have some day. "After I eat, I gotta get back to inspecting some of the girls. Need to make sure the rudders work!"

"I… bet you do…" Coby mused as they walked in line. Coby took note of the giant mess hall, with various tables with chairs attached all around with white-and-blue dressed Marines eating and chatting about their day.

"Man, what I wouldn't do for Wano food… or Alabasta cuisine." Some Marines in front of them groused as they made their way in line, until they reached the front.

"This base was made by Garp. Guess he made it so that the menu catered to him… jeez, there's little in the amount of greens outside of spinach! I want celery, damnit!"

Coby was able to keep up with Rico, and he was able to inspect the menu for the day.

Burgers. Lots of various meats and seafood. And plenty of potato based side dishes, and the only sort of green on the menu was spinach, as the Marines up front suggested.

"So, whatcha getting?" Rico asked, him looking back with a grin.

"Well…" Coby mused as they made their way in line. As they got to their spot, he spotted their servers and cooks before them. Most of them were Culinary Specialists, the official title of a chef in the Navy. With Head Culinary Specialists being their superiors, First Head CS being the Head Chef, and Vice Head CS being the Sous Chef, according to the books on Naval Ranks and occupations. "I suppose seafood can't hurt. Got to see what's their catch of the day."

"Hehe, hope it's Sea King Filet! Although the Vice Admiral usually gets to eat that all to himself." Rico said with a shrug. "But, he's also the one to kill it, so hey, finders keepers haha!"

"You're not wrong there…"

"H-Hello there." Said a voice as the two boys turned, and their server had arrived. He was dressed in a white chef's long-sleeve shirt with the blue Navy ribbon wrap around his arm, and was dressed in black slacks, typical of a Culinary Specialist. He had long dark cyan hair that covered his eyes. He looked young, just to be around their age or so too… "W-What would you like today?"

"Hello, I would-" Coby was pushed aside, Rico beaming as he leaned.

"Heya Suni ol' buddy! This where you've been hiding?" He asked loudly as Coby blinked up at his exuberant meathead of a comrade. The nervous looking Suni seemed to flinch at the smiling blond.

"Well, ummm, this is my job and all… being a cook to help feed people…" Suni replied. "And do you want the same as b-before, Rico?"

"Yep!" Rico grinned. "Gotta get my strength to tend to my ladies after all! A man cannot be kept waiting when his girls have needs!"

"He's talking about the ships." Coby spoke up, and although his hair hid his eyes, he saw Suni nod at him.

"I-I know. He talks about it a lot back at our dorm… Always something new everyday…" Suni reached into his pocket and wrote down from a small notepad Rico's order. "So four Triple Cheeseburgers with Spinach and Goat Cheese and Sweet Potato Fries added in…" He turned towards Coby. "And you? I haven't seen you around."

"Oh him?" Rico had an arm around Coby, making the pink haired boy let out a squawk. "This is Coby!"

"I can introduce myself, thank you….!" Coby let out Rico's bicep squishing against his cheek as he tried to pry himself loose. He wiggled his out. "But yeah, my name is Coby. I'm a Cadet."

"T-Then aren't you supposed to be at Anapoli?" Suni asked. "We all went there for t-training."

"He's been training hard under Vice Admiral Garp!" Rico exclaimed, looking at the cadet with pride.

"Oh!" Suni seemed to perk up. "You're an Understudy?"

"I… suppose I am." Coby said, recounting the term. An Understudy was one who a member of the Navy Admiralty can take as a protege, usually to groom them into becoming a fine officer, or to take their place. Most Understudies tend to become of the finest Marines in the history of the Navy. The current Fleet Admiral himself, Sengoku the Buddha, was such an Understudy, under the famed Fleet Admiral Isoroku!

"Wow… I've never heard of a Cadet being an Understudy." Suni said to himself. "B-But I'm getting ahead of myself and-"

"Yoohoo!" Coby was pressed against the counter, face meeting the wood with a splat as he was stunned, hands on his back.

"Ack!" Who was that!

"Heya Suni!" That was a familiar voice… was that-

"S-Seidella!" Suni's voice reached a higher octava, and as Coby felt Seidella literally be up against his body, he can see the shy cook step back in surprise, his narrow green eyes wide with shock and surprise behind his cyan hair, along with a bit of rose on his cheeks.

"Hey Seidella." Rico said casually.

"Can you please get off…?" Coby groaned out, and he felt Seidella back off as he stood up, pouting a bit at the blue haired girl.

"Hehe, sorry about that, Coby! Didn't see ya!" She chirped before turning towards the flabbergasted and blubbering Suni. "Just wanted to say hi! I'll head over to the line now. See ya soon!" She said, skipping off as Coby saw other Marines look at her.

"Hey that's Jirene Seidella ain't it?"

"You mean the base's best sniper?"

"Ain't she just a Gunnery Ensign though?"

"You should have seen her when she first got here and lit up the range. She was hitting every single target!"

"I'd like to light up her range if you know what I mean~"

Coby rubbed the back of his head, seeing the girl walk to the back of the line. That same crazy girl from before at the armory….

Then his stomach rumbled and the pink haired youth winced. "Need food…" He turned towards the counter. "Okay Suni, I was hoping I can order a lot of salmon and rice balls with-"

"Oh dear." Rico laughed in good nature, seeing Suni frozen like a statue, his head in the direction of where Seidella skipped off to. "We lost him." He clapped his hands, and it made the cyan haired youth jump. "Hey buddy, Coby here wants his order."

"O-Oh! S-Sorry…" Suni stammered, looking to the side. "S-Shouldn't lose focus like that… What would you like? Just that, Seidella is…" He let out a sigh, smiling softly. "The way she walks and carries herself…"

Coby titled his head, looking up at Rico, who couldn't help but grin and shrug. "What can I say, we all have our likes! I like my girls, and he likes Seidell-" He was shut up, a pie thrown in his face.

"Not a word!" Suni hissed, eyes wide and pie thrown from his outstretched hand. He was over the counter now, grabbing the more physically imposing Rico by the scruff of his neck as he bared his teeth "Don't. Let. Her. Know!"

Coby blinked, unfamiliar with this side of the normally often skittish cook. "I don't get what's going on...but can I have my food please?" Rico blinked, eyes lifting up the creme of the pie before he licked up his lips, the chef releasing him.

"Yummy!"

And he thought Vice Admiral Garp was the crazy one…

"Right…" Suni sighed, rubbing his forehead as he looked his way. "So, what would you like? Coby is it?"

After some introductions, he was able to get his order: a big bowl of salmon sauteed in seasonings with rice balls to munch on. Two whole plates of'em as Rico got his giant plate of Sweet Potato, spinach, cheesy and meaty burgers, his face clean of pie.

"That went well. I got dessert before dinner! Who'da thunk!" Rico exclaimed as he began to munch with joy and jubilee.

"Suni seems nice, but he seemed to act funny around Seidella." Coby mused as he ate from his onigiri.

"He's like that." Rico said with a full mouth before swallowing. "Lots of people do. Not sure why though…" Coby turned, raising an eyebrow.

'Really? With the way you talk about your ships?' He thought plainly before going back to his meal.

(X)

"A Marine must be proficient in every weapon imaginable!" Garp declared, standing arms crossed as he stood with Coby at the firing range outside the base. Coby was behind a counter, before him an array of various firearms from pistols to rifles and even to a Hand Cannon. "Even the most basic Marine knows how to work his way around a gun! Now, just aim with your gut and follow your eyesight!"

Coby looked up, seeing the targets laid out before him, all being scarecrows with tattered and torn up jolly rogers strapped along with them.

"Okay then…" Coby began to pick up a pistol, picking it up and aiming with both hands, he aimed, finding it a little shaky before he fired.

The recoil of the pistol had the spine of the gun smacking against his skull, and the boy gargled as he fell backwards.

"Get a better grip boy!" Garp barked. "Honestly! You can kill a boar just fine, but fire a gun and you stagger like a ninety year old granny on a breezy day!"

"How was I supposed to know you guys have such strong guns!" Coby whined, looking up. "And it's my first time too!"

"Oh? Your first time?" Said a familiar voice as Coby turned, as did Garp. Walking along with a rifle strapped along her shoulder was the blue haired Seidella. "Oh! It's you! And good afternoon Vice Admiral Garp!"

"Heh, Gunnery Ensign Seidella." Garp smirked, crossing his arms. "Here at the range for practice this morning?"

"Yep!"

"Well, I'm teaching my brat here on how to use a gun properly. See that big red mark on his big forehead?" Garp pointed. "He caused that. Guess I'm lucky he didn't shoot himself."

"I can hear you, you know, Vice Admiral sir!" Coby protested, pouting slightly. "I'm just new… that's all. Let me rough it out and-"

"No can do." Seidella cut in, and the pink haired boy looked up.

"Guns aren't something you just bust your way in when trying to tame, like some raging bull." The busty bluenette exclaimed as she set her rifle down on the counter as she undid her sling. "You've got to get a proper understanding of it. Get a clue on its stopping power. Its range. The components that make up the gun." She held it to her arm, and she took aim with her rifle. Coby stood up, seeing that smile on her face, but her eyes were laser focused.

She fired, not even budging as Coby winced. He turned, seeing one of the scarecrows without a head.

"That's over a hundred meters away!" Coby yelled. Seidella let out a soft hum, and she aimed again, and fired several times in quick succession. Coby looked up, seeing Garp watch on with an appraising smirk.

More scarecrows became headless before Seidella set her rifle down.

"A normal person can wave a gun around and shoot anywhere and anything. But a real marksman can master a gun." She reached over, taking Coby's pistol as she aimed, using both hands, but her left hand cupped her right as she held firm, and fired in rapid succession. Twice, thrice, and then four times.

The two nearest scarecrows were without arms as they were blasted off. "And can turn the tide of battle." She turned, smiling down at him. "Or, something like that!" She giggled alongside the literal smoking gun. "I just tend to say what I believe about these babies is all."

"Hmmm…" Garp cupped his chin. "Oi, Seidella?" The girl turned, smile still present. "How about you have a hand in helping me teach my Understudy here? You'll get an increase in pay and-"

"Oh, I get to help teach Coby on firearms?!" She chirped, beaming down at the pink haired boy as she leaned in. Coby could swear he saw them move under her shirt. "Do you wanna know? Do ya do ya do ya~?"

"Uhhh…" Coby blinked. "I mean, why not? Wouldn't hurt and-" He shook his head, coughing. "I mean, to become a Navy Admiral, I need to know my guns do I?"

"And an Admiral must know a ship too!" She giggled. "Hey, Vice Admiral sir!"

"Yeah?"

"I can teach him, and can we do it with Junior Naval Engineer Rico! He knows his ways around all sorts of ships, and someone as young as him I bet hasn't been on a ship much-"

"I have actually, well a pirate ship and-"

"So he will need to know the ins and outs!" Seidella suggested. "How about it kiddo?"

"I'm fourteen…"

"And I'm seventeen, and I say you're a kiddo! Hihi~!"

"Seriously?!" Coby sighed. "I've even grown taller too…"

"Bwahahahaha!" Garp laughed. "You know, sounds like a deal to me! I'll have a line to you and to Rico's CO to pull ya when I can. I'll be in your care, Ensign." He said with a thumb to his chest.

"Yes sir, Vice Admiral sir!" Seidella replied with a jovial salute.

"Well, keep on training Coby here. I'll give pointers if need b-'' Garp was cut off, as a gurgling sound came out from his stomach. "But first… I'm gonna get some grub."

Coby blinked, seeing the mountain of a man turn and wave. "Go wild, Ensign! I'll be back soon!"

"Alright!" Seidella went behind Coby. "First off, we gotta strengthen your core and your legs…"

"But I've been working on my legs already…" Coby paled, recalling his morning workout with Garp on how to strengthen his body to train in the Soru Technique.

"And we gotta work on them some more! You should see my legs!" She stepped back, and she bent down, and Coby felt blood rush to his face as he watched her roll up her pant leg. "Gotta have a strong core and foundation in order to hold your ground while firing a-"

Coby didn't hear her, for the sight of Seidella's well-toned calves made him dizzy. So he responded with a simple, "Okay…"

(X)

As Garp walked back to the base, he looked back, seeing Seidella pose and point as she began to hold and explain the minutiae of various firearms. He smiled lightly.

Coby was his Understudy, that is true. But his talk with Ain that night taught him something, that even he had lessons he couldn't teach to Coby. Not that he'd ever admit any of that outloud of course.

"At the very least… I can put you in the right position to learn from the right people." Garp mused, before he let out a sigh of contentment. He turned, seeing Seidella and Coby lining up for some target practice. She was very enthusiastic about that one Junior Naval Engineer too. Had Coby been with him too?

"That, and you're already on your way to making good friends."

(X)

'Another day, another bruise, another plate of soup.'

Coby sighed as he staggered, more asleep than not, in the general direction of the common mess hall. So far he had hit a wall only twice.

The boy didn't even try to mask the yawn that almost dislocated his jaw. He was tired. Terribly so. Leg days were murder ever since he started training himself to learn Soru.

So far, every day has been a leg day. For the past month. He was honestly amazed his legs hadn't fallen off by now.

Another yawn. Today was spent paired with Seidella, but any excitement about spending a whole day with a gorgeous girl in a tight uniform evaporated after the eighth crate of ammunition was transported to the far side of the base.

With the benefit of hindsight, asking Seidella to time him wasn't a good idea.

Nor was it asking her whether she thought he could handle her guns, just for a moment.

Coby had just stepped over a landmine he knew nothing about.

(X)

Why, oh why, did he say 'handle'?

What followed was one of the most surreal happenings anybody had so far witnessed in Dawn Base.

"You do not aim with your hand; he who aims with his hand has forgotten Garp's miffed face. You aim with your eye."

Seidella was fervent.

"You do not shoot with your hand; he who shoots with his hand has forgotten Garp's miffed face. You shoot with your mind."

There was something just wrong about seeing a rookie trainee with a crate of ammunition on his shoulder being chased by a broom-wielding Ensign yelling mantras about gun safety.

On the other hand, Seidella had been sure to chase him in the right direction and never leave the stopwatch.

That day Coby had broken his personal best time.

(X)

During her long, long dissertation, Seidella had stressed more than thrice the importance of observation and attention to details. Much more important skills to have than anything else. At least in her opinion, she added after a moment.

"Before I enlisted -" she started telling while Coby drank from the canteen she had brought him "- I heard of this man living on my home island; everyone there said he was simply the best with a gun." She stopped for a moment and sat on the bench next to Coby. Close enough for a few drops of water to go down the wrong pipe in his throat.

"Was -" cough "- was he good?"

She went on, once she was sure Coby wouldn't choke. "He was more than good, Coby."

"He was blind." She added as an afterthought.

"You mean as in…" Coby pointed his own eyes and then he gestured no with his fingers.

Seidella nodded. "As in he couldn't see. From birth. Yet he never missed his target. I asked him how he did it and whether or not he could teach me."

She stopped talking, lost staring through her memories.

"He said he couldn't," her voice broke just a little. Too little for Coby to notice, lost as he was in her story.

"He said nobody taught him and he didn't know how he could teach someone else. He said that all he could do was pick out the voices around him and decide which one to make disappear, BUT!" At once she turned towards Coby, staring right at his soul with her big blue eyes. He noticed they were moistening. "He said that if he could do it, then I could too! All I needed was to be observant..." she stopped talking, as if she was just struck by an idea.

Seidella jumped to her feet, ripping a little cry of surprise from the boy's mouth. "And if I can do it, then YOU can do it too!" Her somberness gone, pure jubilee in its place.

"What?" Coby was sure his friend had just skipped a piece of the conversation, but his mind stopped working when the ensign cupped his cheeks and he found her face scant centimeters from his own.

"It's decided! We'll train together, we will hear the voices together and maybe… I'll let you have my babies~!" She concluded lightly patting her hip, just over her holster, in a way that, to the physically and mentally exhausted trainee, seemed all too suggestive.

"WHAAAT!"

That marked the limit of what Coby's mental resistance was able to handle. A sweet oblivion took him. He remained conscious just enough to hear someone laughing.

He awoke in the infirmary. The doctor diagnosed a heatstroke. Coby didn't deny it.

(X)

Between one yawn and another, Coby managed to stumble to the entrance of the mess hall.

Before crossing the threshold, Coby took a moment to compose himself and check whether he was awake enough to do what was next. He wasn't, but nonetheless he went on and fished a small slip of paper from his pocket; he found it pinned to his shirt when he awoke in the infirmary, the pin was still there.

HOMEWORKS;-)

When you enter a room, take reeeally good notice of the environment and recall as many details as you can. And yes, there will be a test!

XOXOXOXO from Seidella!

Feeling a headache coming on,Coby took a breath and entered the building. He looked around for thirty seconds, then closed his eyes.

'Okay Coby, you can do it,' he mumbled while moving along with the other marines in line. 'Try to recall-

-thirty seven soldiers sitting, eight looking for a seat-

-Captain Bogard and Lieutenant Ain facepalming-

-nineteen soldiers in line to get food-

-the dish of the day is pasta with tuna steaks and roast beef. Mashed potatoes on the side-

-Vice Admiral Garp waving a pig on a spit as if it were a saber-

-on the far side of the hall, five maintenance workers eating by themselves-

- a group of Marines sitting together with Garp, Ain and Bogard, unknown faces, uniforms with HQ insignia, the highest in rank a Corporal-

One of the cooks trying to attract his attention-'

"Wait, what was that?"

"I asked: 'do you want mashed potatoes along with the meat?'"

"Huh?"

"Kid, I don't have time to chat now. Do you want potatoes or not?"

Coby had to hurry: Garp was standing already and, between a bite and a sip, he was inviting the others present to stay and enjoy their meal.

He couldn't let this occasion slip by! Marines from the Headquarter here in the East Blue! Eating with the Hero of the Navy! He wanted to join them, he needed to join them, why wasn't he joining them?

"Just give me the Bluedamn potatoes!"

"Now, kid, yours is no way to behave. If you want the food you ask for it. You say please and thank you."

"Bu-bu-but…"

"You say 'please'... " the cook said slowly, shutting him with just a glare " ...and 'thank you'."

'Bluedamn potatoes! '

(X)

It was all in vain.

Vice Admiral Garp had left the table during the mashed potatoes debate, not empty handed if the roasted pig-shaped hole in the serving dish meant anything, and not for long, if the hat Coby saw disappearing out of the door belonged to Bogard.

At least the contingent from Marineford was still there. And Lieutenant Ain was still there too. He would sit with them, he would hear their stories and nothing in the All Blue would keep him from it!

Coby was still premeditating the most nonchalant method to claim a chair, when a curious fact happened.

With a synchrony that bordered on perfection the soldiers just stood, picked their plates, and left, leaving Ain alone.

"Why would they change tables?"

Coby spoke aloud without realizing, but the soldier next to him in line felt compelled to answer. "Not the first time it happens, kid. It's always the same scene: those from Marineford play the perfect soldiers while the Vice Admiral is with them, just like a lot of well dressed statues. Then Garp leaves and most times he has the Lieutenant do the honors. As soon as Garp is out of the room, they ditch her."

Coby was not satisfied with the explanation, "But why would they… hey! Where are you going?"

The soldier stopped and turned to answer. "Dunno. Don't really care. The girl is bad luck, you better keep some distance. There were some guys who tried to connect years ago… I mean, she is hot, for sure… but she is cold. And the big guys from the Grand Line don't seem to like her."

He raised his hand to scratch his neck. Was he embarrassed? "Look, I have nothing against the Lieutenant, but I don't want to be a Seaman all my life. Let's go there." He gestured at the table claimed by the Marines from the Grand Line: many soldiers were hovering around them, drinks were already changing hands. "Those guys always have some good stories and they like bragging."

The Seaman headed there, leaving Coby standing in the center of the mess hall.

The man seemed to mean well, even from the cool marines table he was gesturing to him to come and take a seat.

He wanted to sit at that table. He wanted to be part of Marine Headquarters. Just the thought of eating and drinking and chatting with men and women from Marineford -Marineford! Can you believe it? - made him dizzy.

But Ain looked so forlorn. She hid it well behind a wall of professionalism and dossiers, but Coby had found some little tell of hers. Still not enough to beat her playing chess, though.

There was only one of him. Why was there only one of him? Where was a Devil Fruit when you needed one?

(X)

"I-is this seat free?"

The voice startled Lieutenant Ain, who raised her eyes from the dossier open on the table.

Coby stood in front of her, his face as red as the tomatoes in his plate.

Ain arched her eyebrow.

"I-I mean, may I sit here? I can't find another empty spot." His tone raised a bit on the last word, effectively turning an affirmation into a question.

Ain cast a quick look throughout the hall, and then returned her glance on the young Cadet. Rush hour had passed. Not by far, granted, but a good third of the mess hall was empty. Coby was a terrible liar. Both of them knew it.

"Weeell-" Coby tends to drag his words when he did not know how to continue a speech: he believed that it gave him more time to decide how to continue. With how much he could speak, that was one of the first tells of his that Ain picked.

Coby would never beat her playing cards.

"I-It's just that I don't wish to eat alone. I'd like some company. Maybe exchange some anecdotes. Stories. Things comrades do when they are momentarily not burdened with the weight of their duty…why are you looking at me that way, Lieutenant?"

Coby started fidgeting. He seemed to be trying to go as far away from her as he could without actually moving his feet off the floor. And… yes! It was not a light trick: he was actually redder than the tomatoes now!

Did the fact that she wanted to see how much redder he could become made her a bad person?

But they were starting to gather an audience.

"Of course, Coby," Ain kicked the chair in front of her to offer him the seat.

"Thank you, Lieutenant… Miss? Miss Lieutenant? What is the proper appellation for one's superior officer when one is off-duty?"

"When we are both off-duty, there is no need for too many formalities; you can call me Ain."

Coby fished a pen and a block-notes somewhere and started scribbling.

Ain sighed, but through smiling lips at the boy's awkward and unusual behavior.

There were politicians, then the liars that were just good, the average liars and the terrible liars. On this scale, Coby ranked more or less four levels below the terrible liars.

He was a good kid, though. Clumsy, naive, and at times overzealous, but good hearted.

It had taken her about twenty-three seconds to figure out Coby's purpose.

Ain was a big girl who didn't need anybody to fight her battles. Neither would she enjoy an awkward attempt to cheer her up. In Ain's world, gallantry was suspicious. A bit of kindness, though? Kindness was nice and comfortable and didn't come packed with judgement.

They ate in a comfortable silence with some small talks: Coby always had something to ask and any answer led to ten more questions. Ain could feel herself relax. Maybe she could start to enjoy her meal.

Had it not been for that grouse of a Corporal with the insignia of Marineford! Even now, all the way from the other side of the mess hall, she could feel her slimy eyes settle on her… and on Coby too. The boy was facing her and that bitch of a woman was burning his image in her mind.

'Would she dare pick on him?'

Bitch, please!

Of course she would dare! Everybody dared until Garp took her under his wing. And right now Coby was a little nobody who exposed himself just to offer Ain a bit of kindness. He made himself the perfect target for a spiteful Corporal to vent her self-congratulatory sense of virtue.

Coby couldn't walk around with a 'Garp's Understudy' sign on him.

That wouldn't happen. Not this time.

"-in, Lieutenant?"

Coby's voice startled her to attention. She had been lost in her thoughts long enough for the boy to take notice.

"Sorry, Coby, I was thinking about the next inventory." Usually, this was an effective subject changer: nobody liked to talk about bureaucracy. She even tried to send a wink and a smirk his way.

But for all his naivety, Coby was actually quite attentive. His eyes flickered to the table at the far end of the room, and Ain knew that, even if he still lacked the context, he didn't buy her false reassurances.

"Those people were unprofessional," he said with an uncharacteristically chilly tone. "Not to mention very rude to you. Is it because we are in the East Blue? I've heard Marines from the Grand Line can get… haughty, but this is the base of Vice Admiral Garp, the Hero! They were rude to him as well, even if he didn't see it. I know that I'm still a rookie, but maybe if I were strong enough…"

Ain interrupted him before he could gain too much momentum. "It's not a Blue problem," she said with a voice that conveyed weariness rather than anger. "It's an old story that involves just me. Sometimes it re-emerges."

"What old story?"

Ain took her time before she answered. Only now she realized she had never considered the possibility that Coby would learn that story. 'Would he feel outraged? Or would he not care?'

More importantly, Coby would eventually learn the truth. If not from herself, any random soldier would feel entitled to tell him what they thought was the truth, to protect his career and him from bad influences.

Coby expected an answer. He still had to look away from her.

Wouldn't it be better if it was Ain herself the one who told her own story?

"It's not something I'm comfortable recalling," she was a coward. Coby's face would have been so funny in any other context. He reminded her of that time when she convinced Shiv that she had slept through her birthday and would need to wait one more year to have her presents.

She didn't have a king-sized hammerhead shark-plush to soften the blow, but maybe she could tell him something more and hope for the best.

"When I was a Rookie myself, I was taken under the wing of a great Marine. He was a real legend. He still is…in a manner of speaking." Ain took a deep breath. "I made a serious mistake. Or rather, my mentor did and I failed to notice when I could have still done something about it. Sometimes I think if I acted, maybe things could have been different. Or maybe I would be dead. Garp helped me a great deal after that happened, but sadly I'm not welcome in Headquarters."

Coby remained silent, trying to assimilate what he had just heard. "Is that why they were so rude? They blame you for something done by your former mentor?"

Ain nodded.

Coby was silent a bit more. "That's stupid!" He said, loud enough for Ain to startle and half of the personnel in the room to stare.

"How can they? So according to them, I should be a pirate just because I was kidnapped by one? Forced to be her cabin boy?" He punched the table, sending his spoon and a bit of mashed potatoes flying. Why did he have so much potatoes? Regardless it did little to quell his fire.

"It's monumentally unprofessional, not to mention moronic, once I am an Admiral I-" he noticed Ain's face. The woman was half-moved by his reaction. He gulped, biting his lip and sitting down, face beat red. "I'm sorry, Lieutenant. That was rude of me. I just…"

"Please Coby, don't apologize." She smiled. "I don't know of many who would react like you did. I promise I will tell you the whole story, but I don't feel ready now."

"You don't have to tell me anything. I believe you, Lieutenant."

"I know," she answered, feeling a sense of relief. "But I want to. You deserve it. Meanwhile, I have many other stories I can tell you."

Coby smiled just like Shiv did when she saw her present. It gave the navy-haired girl… a sense of peace.

(X)

It'd been five months since Coby has come to Dawn Island, and he could feel the progress aching in his arms and legs. Yet, this felt like a good ache.

After all, he can finally lug those cannon balls up and down the ramps.

At this point he was busy placing them down the iron chute into the magazine below. He had finished up storing cannon balls along the main topside guns for faster access. He lifted them up, one at a time as he let them roll down the chute to go in a perfect row for the gunners below to reload the broadside cannons. He then trotted down the ramp, grabbing the last one as he hoisted it under his arm.

"Hey look at that, the young prodigy's doing the work for us!" Said a Marine on duty as he and his pals were busy on break playing some cards.

"Almost done there? You've been at that all morning!"

"Yep! Just about!" Coby yelled back with a grin. "This ship will be fully armed for her sortie!" He said with a pat to the chute.

"Atta boy!" They called out, waving as Coby leapt up, going overboard and onto the dock below on both feet. He looked back up with a grin, seeing the Marines walk onto the ship. "So, are you going anywhere? Maybe we can hit up Capital City for some babes?" They called out with a slight perverted grin on their faces.

"Thanks, but I got a few errands to run!" Coby called back. "Thank you for the invite though!" He began to trot back to the barracks to wash up. "That and… why would I ever wanna go to the Capital for some girls?" He mused to himself. Some people are built differently, as Ain would say.

As he returned to his nice little dorm, more or less a broom closet of sorts with a hammock for a bed, Coby began to change out of the dirty Marine attire of a white shirt and blue trousers into a clean set, on top of collecting his hunting bag. After spending some time in the shared restroom, he checked his bag for his tools one last time.

Skinning knife. Clean rags. Whetstones and scooper… And a Transponder Snail in case of emergency, along with the scraps of lettuce he brought for the critter to eat the other night.

"Alright. Time to hunt some pork for dinner." Coby closed up his sack, patting it and shouldering it as he began to trot out of the barracks, and before long that, the base, at a good pace.

Months ago, he would have been winded and lost his breath. As he ran along the creek towards Foosha Village, he saw his reflection in the water, making him pause for a moment.

His cheeks were still round, but didn't have that puffiness from five months ago. His pink hair was no longer in a bowl cut, but spiky yet well kept with his reading glasses atop of his forehead alongside a bandana. To say nothing of his height… He had to visit the base tailor many times to get different measurements for his uniform. It was getting to where he could barely raise his arms properly.

Five months of hellish training under the Hero of the Navy, with additional help from Lieutenant Ain…

"I'd just be a dreary fisherman if it weren't for them… if not that, then some cowardly chore boy on a pirate ship…" Coby mused aloud, running a hand through his hair as he took a deep breath, running along the path as he looked out, seeing Foosha Village in the distance.

"I should get some seasoning and herbs too…" He checked his pockets, withdrew his leather wallet and counted up some Beri bills inside. Enough for some rosemary and salt at the grocer there. Perfect!

He began to walk towards town, seeing people working out in the orchards and fields, tending to their crops in the shadow of their windmills. With the ocean breeze, their windmills must produce plenty of grain to get by! As he walked deeper into town, he spotted someone familiar atop one of the window sills on the windmill.

"Shiv?" He called out, seeing the green haired girl sitting on the ledge, eyeglass in hand. That looked a bit dangerous….

"Hey Coby!" She called out, waving. "How are you!" The young lass called.

"Fine! You should get down from there!" He said, walking towards her. "It's dangerous." He felt a gust of wind, and he adjusted his glasses on his forehead to keep them from blowing away. "And windy too!"

"It's fine!" She beamed, giggling as Coby saw the blades of the giant mill turn. "I'm trying to see if I can see any ships out there! Like Pirate ships! You heard how this town used to be a Pirate Den, right!" Coby looked about, noticing that this was the largest and tallest windmill in Foosha. He was still a good distance aways too!

"I'm pretty sure we Marines have got that covered, but thanks anyway! Now come on down before anyone ge-" He closed his eyes, and felt another strong ocean breeze assault him.

And he heard a yelp, and he opened his eyes.

Shiv was no longer on the ledge, but falling… and he was still meters away to be under her!

"Shiv!" Said some voice, apparently they noticed her as she fell, and Coby's heart froze.

She was falling…

And Coby shifted. His legs moved, and the world blurred for an instant.

He was right under her, arms out as he caught her. He skidded, panting as he looked down at her. Shiv looked up, eyes wide.

"Hey! Shiv!" Various people called out, as Coby took deep breaths.

"Coby you… you were like… twenty yards away just then!" Shiv said, stammering, too shocked to be embarrassed at their current position.

"Yeah!" Coby looked behind him, seeing some people approach. "You just disappeared kid! What was that?"

"I…" He felt arms embrace him in a hug.

"You saved me Mr. Coby!" Shiv said, nuzzling against his cheek as the pink haired boy was dumbfounded at what just happened. He turned around…

And saw deep divots in the ground. As if he cut the distance like that instantly…

"I… my body just moved on it's own…"

(X)

"Another day, another wreck, another roasted pig."

That's the way Vice Admiral Garp liked to summarize his reconnaissance: a fight won, one less pirate ship, and a nice roast waiting for him on his return.

Right now the boy was taking care of the meal. Boars were multiplying like crazy on the slopes of the mountain and they became bigger,fatter, and more appetizing. It took him three whole days to scout the area, follow its tracks, lurk in ambush, separate the chosen suidae from the herd, taking care not to fatten the other wild boars himself.

Likely, Lieuten… Ain would have a half stroke if she knew he went all alone hunting a beast that could, and would, eat him, but if the long days of training in the wilderness taught him anything it was that one could never pack enough toilet paper. And to never forget his knife.

Knowing that the food you caught yourself had a special flavor ranks quite high too.

Suni understood. That's why when the apprentice steward proposed a special meal to celebrate Coby's progress, the boy took off and left.

So fast that he forgot to complete some of his chores.

What was done was done, though. And hopefully the boar was tasty enough that the Vice Admiral would convince Ain to punish him with only a day of latrine duty.

Speaking of whom…

Coby's smile grew a few sizes as he watched the Hero of the Marines striding down the walkway from his ship, bold as if he had just defeated the Golden Lion instead of the misfits loaded into the prison cart.

As the boy mused and closed to the dock, Garp's attention locked on him with an almost physical weight. 'Could he have smelled the boar? ' Somehow, Coby wouldn't be too surprised if that was the case.

Another thought sneaked into his mind. 'Do I dare to take advantage of this moment to show off?'

The hindquarters of the boar thudded to the ground. 'Showing off or not showing off? That is the question.'

Garp just raised an eyebrow. Seemingly awaiting his next action.

Coby drew his knife, took careful aim, and at once he released it straight to the forehead of his hero.

Some among the people around there were watching the scene. A couple of them shouted something, most likely a curse or a warning.

Garp's eyebrow rose a bit more.

Nothing registered on Coby's mind.

Before the blade left his fingers he had started running in place, so fast that for half a second his feet were just a blur.

The knife leaves his hand, propelled by strength worthy of months of hard training. The target is barely twenty meters far; it will reach it soon.

Coby reached the critical point. The dust raised with his feets seemed to cloak him, his vision became a straight tunnel to the finish line. 'Speed and timing, ' nothing else mattered.

The onlookers blinked. When the eyes opened again, the boar was alone.

The young trainee was about twenty meters away, holding by the blade the knife he launched moments before. "Soru." His voice was a whisper but everybody heard it.

The silence lasted for only a moment then the crowd went wild, but none more than the Vice Admiral.

"YOU DID IT, LAD!" Garp's voice boomed among the docks. He scooped Coby in a huge hug and the young trainee swore he heard some of his bones crack. "You really did it! With only a few months of training! Now Sengoku owes me money bwahahaha!"

"I did it, Vice Admi-what?!"

"He said nobody could learn Rokushiki in such a short time," he put his trainee back on the ground. "He was even willing to bet that lovely set of steak knives from Dressrosa! I had been trying to nick them for years but he was so jealous of them! And now he will have to part with them, all thanks to you. Bwahaha-!"

Knowing that he might have just taken a spot among the archenemies of Fleet Admiral Sengoku the Buddha was too much for Coby's overwhelmed mind: the boy proceeded to lose the battle against hyperventilation he had been fighting since his high-speed bravado and fell to the ground.

Coby came to a not-too-unkind slapping on his face. He glanced around: he was on the ground in the shade of a warehouse at the edge of the square. His legs were raised on a box. The personnel now seemed to be satisfied with his former show and was now busy unloading and refueling the ship.

"Do you feel better now, lad?" The one slapping him had been his mentor, naturally.

"I do, sir."

"Good, good." Garp sat down next to Coby's head, thoughtful. He seemed reluctant to talk, but did it nonetheless. "You've gotten stronger, Coby. When I picked you up, I didn't expect you would progress with such a quickness. Guess I'm a better teacher than I thought."

He went on, regardless of the redness on Coby's face or the words of humbleness he was stuttering. "When Ain and I discussed your training, we decided that learning Soru would mark the beginning for the next phase."

Maybe this was meant to be a grand announcement, but Coby didn't seem to grasp it. He had managed to master the first of the Rokushiki, so it stood to reason thinking his training should now enter a new phase.

"I think I will soon leave Dawn Base again-"

Now Coby seemed to understand why his hero appeared troubled, "But you've just come back from a two week tour, aren't you needed here?"

"-and this time I'm taking you with me."

The scream brought a couple of sailors running. They found the reddest trainee ever, ramrod straight against the wall, holding his mouth closed with both hands, and a Hero of the Marines busy rubbing an abused ear. "Is everything alright, sir?"

"We thought somebody's being skinned."

Garp waved at them. "It's alright, lads. Our Coby here just had a bad dream."

The sailors didn't seem to buy it, but decided to let it go.

"Seriously, lad, we need to find a way to weaponize that voice of yours. It could be the next great battle equalizer after gunpowder and seastone. That or just need to find a Devil Fruit that does the work for us."

On his part, Coby was busy opening and closing his mouth. In silence, mercifully.

Garp anticipated the incoming onslaught of self doubts and stopped it, putting a hand on Coby's shoulder. "Coby, you're ready. You're strong and you will get better. Don't burden yourself with trifles when the importance of your training is paramount. Our Lieutenant Ain is more than able to hold down the fort for a week or three."

A week, maybe three, on a private tutoring trip by sea with Vice Admiral Garp! Coby could barely reign in his excitement-

Somewhere in the base, a dog started howling

-maybe his excitement-reigning skills could use some more refining.

But still, what would the people back home say if they could see him now? What would Alvida say?

…what would mom and dad say?

A huge hand reached down and Coby's shoulder disappeared under its mass. Looking up, Garp's smile was still there but it was less... boisterous now. Less open. The actual change was minimal; the lips just a bit less arched, the eyes just a bit more focussed. It was still enough to make the moment a private thing among them. It was intimate now.

"Coby, you deserve this. I want you on my ship." The boy's eyes looked moist, but he shook his head as he turned around, giving a salute to him.

"Thank you, sir. I will make you proud."

"I know you will, m'boy. I know you will."

(X)

"There you have it! That's your tour of the Mastiff!" Garp exclaimed, hands on his hips as he walked back out to the deck, Coby by his side. The following day as he got on board Garp's ship, he'd slept in his own cot with the other Marines down below, then after breakfast in the morning, he was given a tour of the ship from the Vice Admiral himself. He'd introduced himself to the engineers that worked in the bowels of the ship, to the Quartermaster in charge of supplies and rations, to the Janitors who help keep the ship clean (although they are usually a shuffling unit of Chore Boys and Seaman Recruits with demerits), and then the kitchen and its staff. Though with no dining room of sorts, it resembled more of a 'Take Out' service.

"How come you modeled it after that?" He had asked.

"Eating food on the go is ideal!" Garp replied on the dot without a care, as he stood… right next to his quarters. Which was situated right next to the counter.

More like easy grabbings for grub…

Then again, from what Coby has seen, there weren't any complaints. The food was good, and most of the crew were able to eat at their cotts, bunks, or at their stations. And everyone was very considerate and nice to him too.

"So, you have the location for your cott and belongings?" Garp asked, and Coby nodded.

"I do sir!" He beamed as they walked across deck, the men there standing at attention.

"And your duties as a Recruit?" The titan of a man asked, looking back with his eyes under his dog mask.

"Whatever they may be, sir!" Coby replied with a grin. And Garp returned it in kind… and in these six months, Coby recognized it instantly.

He dodged backwards immediately, skidding across the floor, to avoid a quick jab from the Vice Admiral, using Soru purely on instinct. However, Garp had already vanished from his sight.

"Too slow!" And Coby yelled as he was decked into the ground face first.

"Gnnnngh….ooooow…" He was gone in an instant! How did such a-oh of course, he is the Hero of the Marines. Even at his age he should be spry and fast enough for a weakling like him.

"Bwahaha! You need to be on the uptick! You can't just use Soru once and think that's the end of the fight boy!" Garp exclaimed, arms crossed over his broad chest as Coby pulled his face out of the deck, a sizable dent in the wooden floor as he rubbed his nose. He felt a little blood leak out from there. "You need to keep on your toes! Or have you forgotten your time with the triplets?"

"No, not at all sir!" Coby brought up his fists, understanding that the Vice Admiral wanted to spar with him, here and now on the open sea.

"H-He's going to spar with Vice Admiral Garp?!" Gawked one of the Marines.

"That's Understudies for you… thrown to the deep end of a boiling pan."

"Should we get the Corpsman up here? Someone might get killed or something!"

Coby smiled back, his eyes focused on Garp. He was caught off guard before, but now…

"Here I go!" Coby charged.

"Good! Now, time for you to get a first hand taste of the Fist of Love and what it can do!" Garp had an ear-to-ear grin, yet stood still.

"Soru!" And the world was like a blur as he sped towards Garp towards the side, and aimed with a kick… only for the man who was once standing still to leap up and avoid the kick, and Coby balked as he saw Garp grin down at him.

Coby contorted midair to avoid a wood-busting punch then fell to the ground, recuperating and running off.

He was bigger. Stronger. Probably faster and more durable and-

He's gone!

"Soru!" Coby dodged, speeding off to avoid another jab from Garp, and he rolled to the side, feeling the ache in his legs. He hasn't done Soru in this many successions before! Got to think of a weak point. His face maybe? Gotta get in close! Pull down his mask or-

"Slow!" He got a fist to the crown, and Coby yelled as he skidded across the deck and rolled to a heap. Garp was at his position, fist clenched, with a less than pleased look on his face.

"I can see it in your eyes, the gears turning like clockwork!" Garp bellowed. "But don't think too hard! In the flow of battle, you need to let your instincts take over! If you overthink, you'll miss opportunity after opportunity, boy!" He said as he approached, stretching his arm. "And surely you can dodge better than that! How can a top Marine handle even the most dangerous of pirates, when you can't even avoid one punch!" Garp jumped up, right arm hooked back.

Coby growled, and dodged to the side to avoid his punch as it crashed into another floorboard. "Who's gonna fix those?!" Coby barked.

"Gotta give my men something to do, bwahahahahaha!" Garp laughed back, swinging his arm as wood was flung his way. He was going easy on him… Well, time to see if that works!

Coby rushed at him, focusing as he tightened the muscles in his legs, and his right arm all the way down to his index finger.

"Soru!" He blurred, going to the side, thrusting his arm at the ribcage of his teacher. Six months ago, Coby would have balked at the idea of striking his teacher, let alone the Hero of the Navy.

But now? He needs to pay him back, just a little.

"Shigan!" He jabbed, his finger lashed out…

Only for it to contort, and Coby heard something creak as he stifled pain.

And got an elbow to the jaw, flying across the deck. Coby winced, cradling his finger as he looked at it. It was trying to punch a hole through steel!

"Painful isn't it." Garp said as he calmly walked towards him. "Your Shigan needs a heck of a lotta work, so better get used to that feeling. We're going to be powering up those finger muscles of yours in no time flat!" He said with a grin. Coby got back to his knees, hand cradling his finger as Garp looked at it and… something twisted in that face of his.

Garp was thinking, remembering something as his smile fell and he sighed. And gave the pink haired boy a punch upside the head.

"What was that fooooor!?" Coby yelled.

"Ya didn't dodge." Garp sighed. "That's enough for today though." Coby blinked, tilting his head. "Go get your finger checked with the Corpsman. We'll see on continuing tomorrow and-"

"Pirates!" Called out the crows nest, and Coby's head whipped up, seeing the crow's nest on the front-most mast with a Marine pointing out. "At the bow two o'clock!" Garp perked up, turning around immediately and taking a big leap up towards the bow of the ship. Coby got to his feet and began chasing after, running up the steps as Garp landed at the head of the dog-head figurehead.

Ahead in the distance were two ships, far enough away from each other to be considered in nearly leagues. Coby squinted his eyes, but couldn't get a good look…

"Hmmm…" Coby looked up, seeing Garp holding a spyglass and looking out to the horizon. "Yep. That's a ship alright, and it's gaining speed on that pleasure cruise." He let Coby have the spyglass. "See for yourself." He took it, looking through the hole.

One was almost orange looking in color, with golden trim around it's railings and had fancy looking sails. He looked over to the other ship, and no doubt about it… It was a pirate ship, with a black pirate skull-and-crossbones flag.

"We're going to engage them, correct?" Coby asked, handing the eyeglass back to him. Garp let out a barking laugh.

"Of course we are!" He said. "Helmsman! Men!" Garp said as he looked out to the men below on the deck. "Let loose all our sails! We're going to that pirate ship to bring it down! Flank speed!"

"Aye, Vice Admiral sir!" They saluted, and began to run to their positions. Coby can see several of the flags being unfurled down as he felt the ship jolt, feeling the increase in speed.

"Coby," The boy perked up. "You can carry cannonballs with your good hand, right?" He said, and Coby nodded, to which the old man grinned. "Well, up and at'em! You're going to see why my ship doesn't have those bulky cannons to slow me down, bwahahaha!"

Not wanting to argue, Coby ran down the steps and to the magazine, collecting a durable sack as he winced, shaking his right hand that had the sprained right finger. "Gonna have to get that checked on…" He muttered, going to roll some heavy cannonballs into the sack. With a heft and grunt, he hoisted it over his left shoulder, trotting up the stairs, onto the deck as men scampered about.

"Hey, Coby." Coby perked up, turning about and seeing Captain Bogard leaning against the door leading into the mess hall below deck. "Got the Vice admiral's cannonballs do you?"

"I do, sir." He replied, eying the heavy artillery, or rather lack thereof, with a perplexed glance. "I am curious, the Mastiff doesn't seem to be as big as most Navy warships tied to the Admiralty… they're usually a lot bigger, and have those steam paddles on the side too for traversing the Calm Belt! Why is that?"

"You're going to see why." Bogard gestured with this thumb upwards. "Don't let me keep you." Coby nodded, and trotted up the deck, feeling the cannonballs smacking against his backside as he let out a sigh, placing the balls at his feet as he saw Garp hadn't moved from his spot on the head of the dog figurehead.

'Or just call it a dog-head…' Coby thought to himself. Garp turned around, quirking an eyebrow.

"Ohhh, brought me a bunch didn't ya. Heh, I was going to have you run back and forth for a ball each. This'll make things much easier!" Garp said. "Now, bring me one." Coby knelt down, fishing out a ball and holding it in his left hand, using the back of his right to steady it given the status of his index finger.

"Vice Admiral, sir!"

"Hmmm?" Garp turned, and Coby shot one up to him like a shot put, which the man caught with his old paw effortlessly.

"There… how's that?" He said with a grin. "That way, you can fire them at will!" He said, and Garp looked at him plainly before he picked his ear with his free hand, frowning a little as his fingers… rolled something, then flicked it.

Right at Coby's head as he skidded on the deck and hit the wooden ledge. "What was that for?!" Coby asked. He felt like he got hit in the head with a darn tennis ball! As he felt it, Coby blanched. Ear wax! He grabbed his kerchief, rubbing at his aching forehead.

"Moron! Don't just fling a cannon ball with one good hand, especially if it's your off-hand!" Garp barked back casually juggling the ball in his hand. "One wrong move, and this can explode in anyone else's face! Just bring them to me by hand, or the whole sack next time, alright!?"

And that nervous kid blubbered as he stood at attention. "Y-Yes Vice Admiral sir! Won't happen again sir! You're just on the doghead and I don't want to slip and fall sir!"

Garp sighed, the wind rushing through his head. "Well, that blubbering does mean you're sincere. Gotten a little big for your britches lately huh. Well," He grinned. "Just bring me those balls next time by hand. Or if you ever do this, carry 'em yourself." He began to palm the cannon ball in his hand, lifting it up and down as if one would a baseball. "When you're stronger, and your aim has improved, I'll trust you to throw me these. So use that as motivation, and get healthy, understand?"

Coby felt his tone soften, still in a salute as he nodded. "Y-Yes sir."

"Gaining on the pirates! Several kilometers away!" The crows crew yelled as Coby felt the ship turn, and they were now within the mentioned distance from the pirate ship. It was even beginning to right itself, it's starboard bow facing their way!

"They're unloading their cannons!" The crows crew called out.

"Heh," Garp grinned. "They just gave me an easy target…"

"They're beginning to move away! They must have spotted the make of our ship!"

Coby leaned over the railing, and looked up, seeing Garp wind his arm back.

"Genkotsu… Meteor!" Garp roared, and threw the cannon ball, flying out at breakneck speeds. Within moments, Coby saw an explosion near the tail-end of the pirate ship.

"NO WAAAAY!" Coby balked, eyes wide and arms raised over his head.

"And now you see why we don't have cannons installed." Bogard said, walking up to him. "They would slow the ship down, and we have a cannon ourselves. Much lighter," he turned up, Garp standing tall with his cape fluttering, the Kanji for 'Justice' blazing proud. "And far more powerful."

"Alright, that must have taken out the rudder!" Garp exclaimed. "Men! Speed up to that ship's starboard bow!" He barked out. "We're going to storm it, arrest those scum, and neutralize any who resist with extreme prejudice! Understood!?"

"Yes sir!" They yelled. Garp chuckled, and leapt back to the main deck and landed beside Coby and Bogard.

"I'm surprised you went down the magazine and got a sack of them." Garp mused. "My stash is usually in the upper magazine." Coby blinked.

"Upper… magazine?" He asked, keeping his feet steady as the ship gained in speed. He walked with the Vice Admiral and Captain as many of the men on board collected boarding boards and their weapons, ready to storm the ship. They got to the main deck and Garp gestured to the main unit, right below the main mast and quarters for the Officers, Vice Admiral… and the Mess Counter. "Isn't that the way below deck?" Coby mused with him pointing at the big red door.

"No, the way is on the other side." Bogard explained as he opened both doors…

And right before Coby was over a dozen wheeled carts, rowed with cannon balls.

"Of course, we only needed just one." Garp said as he used his pinky to pick his nose. "So this may have been overkill. But, use this for reference next time."

"W-Why didn't you tell me about this?" Coby inquired, utterly floored at the sheer number of cannonballs in the room.

"It's something only installed on my ship. Will you have an upper magazine filled with carts of cannon balls to chuck at pirate ships?" Garp asked, and Coby looked to the side.

"I… hadn't thought about it…"

"Exactly. Now, go to the Corpsman below deck and get your finger taped up. And stay there too.." Garp said, seeing the squads of Marines ready to board the unmoving pirate ship as Coby can see it get closer and closer. He even heard the sound of gunfire… and the shellacking of cannon fire as he heard the Mastiff's port-side cannons below deck fire at will.

He's… not going to fight? Even after all of his training!?

"But sir, I can fight! Let me join the boarding party and-"

"That's an order!" Garp yelled, and Coby saw that intensity in his eyes. "You'll join me on a boarding party when I say you're ready! Understand!"

"Y-Yes sir!"

"Bogard, take him down. Just in case." Garp sighed, knowing how stubborn his subordinate would be.

"Sir." Bogard put a hand on Coby's shoulder. "Let's get you patched up." He winced, hearing another roar of cannons as Coby nodded as he walked to the stairs, seeing Garp walk towards the squad, fists clenched and cape flying in the wind upon his shoulders.

To not join in a real battle against pirates… On his first tour and battle. Coby had a face of curdled milk, looking down as he went to the stairs.

"Coby!" He perked up, turning and seeing Garp looking his way.

"Don't be down. One day," He nodded. "You'll be taking down entire ships faster than me. I promise you that son." He gave a goofy grin, and a thumbs up. "So heal up good! Alright men! Open fire!" Garp yelled, and he took off with a mighty leap into the air, the Marines aiming with their rifles, pistols, and hand cannons and firing at will at the pirate ship.

Coby was in awe, seeing Garp fly into the air like an eagle, and land on the opposing pirate ship with a crash.

"Come along kid," Bogard said softly, looking up, Coby can see a light smile on his visage, his eyes, while covered in shadow form his hat, looking down at him. "Vice-Admiral's orders."

"Yes sir…" Coby nodded. He will get stronger one day. Just, not now, as he can hear the roars of battle being fought. Assuredly. Decisively. And one sidedly.

(X)

"Another day, another ship, another pocket picked," the girl with orange hair murmured to herself leaning on the ship's railing.

A waiter walked near her. She snagged a flute of champagne and she angrily downed it.

"Or nearly so," she concluded, letting out a breath.

Snatching herself another drink, she glanced around and sneered. The rich slackers and socialites aboard the yacht seemed to have recovered from the hysterics of seeing an honest-to-Blue pirate ship with their own eyes… nearly a league away. While it was hammered by the Marines. By the very same Vice Admiral that built his own kennel on Dawn Island and made the East Blue so much safer.

By night, some of them will already be writing the tale of that time they survived a brutal boarding in the middle of the sea.

'Rich people: you may try respecting them, but they don't make it easy for you.' At the very least they had money. The great social equalizer.

The glass was empty now. The girl scowled at it and, as it persisted in not spontaneously filling up, she threw it into the sea.

The Debutant Cruise was one of the most exclusive social events hosted in this corner of the East Blue. It took her forever to forge a fake identity that could get her admitted. Even then, she had to arrange the sudden indisposition of a debutante thanks to a little pill slipped into her goodnight tea. And for that she had to first retrieve a maid outfit out of a tailor.

At least she learnt that when a rich girl is forced to spend a night and a day on the toilet, that is called 'having the flu'.

Posh people's power of imagination is frightly huge: if you wear a maid's garment and don't look them in the eye, then you are a maid, thus unworthy of attention.

Maybe they should mind a bit more those who handle their food. And their jewels.

They will serve her better than they ever could their rightful owner anyway.

Getting the spot onboard was only the easy part.

Even dolling herself up to appear -shiver- two years older than she was, was feasible for a just cause.

The worst was having to socialize with a flock of rich snobs three-to-four times her age eager to sit her on their laps to be called 'daddy' (or, on one occasion, 'mommy') and undress her, wealthy individuals of more appropriate age eager to undress her, rich hags eager to throw her in the water just because she was so much prettier than them.

At the same time she had to work on the nautical charts: the route had been carefully plotted to avoid all areas of medium-high pirate activity and that wouldn't do for her plans. The charts had to be altered, but little by little and in a way that wouldn't alert the residing navigator. To do that she had to slip inside the navigation room -one of the most secure areas on the ship- for nights in a row.

She only made all that look easy.

Then, when all of her hard work was almost coming to an end and she only had to wait for the pirate ship that would inevitably bite the bait she prepared, masquerade as a scrawny cabin-boy (the single thing she dreaded most of the whole plan: she was just too pretty to paint herself some stubble and wear rags. And her boobs were still in their growing phase! If the chest bindings made her flat-chested, then somebody -anybody- would bleed!) and get onto the pirate ship. She would go unnoticed for some time, wait till all the ransoms were paid, and finally she could grab the loot and flee.

Then the freaking Mastiff came and wrecked it all! With hand-thrown cannonballs!

Typical Marine: always joyriding around, busting pirates and spoiling a poor girl's source of income, but just wait until a fucking Fishman takes over your home and you really need them…

'Don't go there! Nami, just don't. Go. There.' The girl closed her brown eyes. Something must have stung her because they felt moist.

Calm. She needed to collect herself. Not thinking about the money lost. Not even about the damn Marines. 'It's not all their fault. They can't all be like Bellemere was.'

When she was in control of herself, there was nothing she couldn't do. She needed to stop thinking about the Beri lost and start thinking about the Beri yet to be earned.

Like, right now, the Beri lining the pockets of the hunk ogling her.

People skills, that was all she ever needed. That and her skills with pen and compass, of course, but right here right now people skills mattered more.

Anybody assumes someone with a gentle curtsy and a slightly embarrassed face must be an honest, naive girl from a good family. Nami could fake them both to perfection.

Nobody expected an honest, naive girl from a good family to empty your safe. And your pockets. And flee with your trousers.

It worked every time.

Nami conceded herself one last sigh, before focusing on work once more and offering a gentle curtsy to today's new mark.

(X)

How many months has it been since he's been walking down these hallowed halls last? These intricate white halls with windows gazing out to the Peaks of Virtue as Garp turned, looking out the window as he reached with his hand, munching on some chips. Plenty of Navy warships leaving in and out of the island's world famous shipyard and port, to sortie out into the Calm Belt to monitor the Blues and, most of all, the Grand Line.

Marineford, Navy HQ was such a place. Symbolism. Strength. Everything the World Government would want in one of the best protected institutions on the planet. It helped along with being so close to Enies Lobby and Impel Down, the two capital areas of the World Government's judicial and penal might, to flex before the world in the heart of the entire world: the Null Triangle.

Not like Garp didn't care. But it helped to keep such things in mind when telling it back to Coby.

He reached his destination, passing by the esteemed noble office of the Fleet Admiral of the World Government's Navy and to the conference room. He could hear voices inside, muttering and talking as Garp opened it.

"Hi everybody!" He called out boisterously, seeing a row of Marines donning white coats of high rank turn his way. "Oh, did we get some new Rear Admirals in here? Don't recognize ya." Garp mentioned dryly as he felt the glare from his old friend, and the "Baaah'' from said friend's pet goat.

"Garp!" Fleet Admiral Sengoku muttered, already sounding exhausted. "You're late." Garp quirked an eyebrow, looking at his watch.

"By two minutes."

"You need to be punctual, you idiot! What kind of standard are you setting for future Marines looking up to you?"

"Oh please," Garp snacked on a potato chip, munching loudly as he walked down the side. "I'm just fashionably late. And you need to get new vending machines. I had to bust one to get the last potato chip bag because it wouldn't drop after I paid!" He sat down on the pillow, cross legged as he looked at the black haired man glaring his way.

"Typical Garp," smiled the violet haired Rear Admiral Momonga, hand resting on the pommel of his blade.

"I think he's the only one who gets a rise out of the Fleet Admiral like that too." With a cigar present in his ever-grinning mouth, Vice Admiral Yamakaji sat without a care. "Quite the sight to see…"

"Yooo~! Welcome to the party, ole timer!" Kuzan beamed, and Garp smiled, looking across from his black haired and tall friend who sipped a saucer of sake. "I was afraid you weren't gonna show up. No offense, Fleet Admiral, but these meetings are enough to put even the dead into a deeper sleep."

"Kihihihihihihihi~" Garp sniggered, and Sengoku looked towards the tanned man's way with a scowl. Sitting beside the newly minted Admiral Aokiji, Borsalino shrugged and his face remained unchanged.

"I can do without your commentary, Admiral Aokiji. Now," He turned, the spot beside Borsalino and the ever scowling and scarred Vice Admiral Doberman, absent. "For those wondering why Admiral Akainu is absent, he has been called upon to act as a guarded escort for Saint Ferdios in the South Blue. Thus, he is excused and will be relayed by myself personally later on."

Garp scoffed. He may not like Sakazuki, at all, but even he can find room in his heart to find pity for the poor bastard forced into the very reason why he would never take up the mantle of Admiral: being the guard and attack dog for those damned Celestial Dragons.

A very small room. One that would make a broom closet feel like a baseball stadium-small.

"Now then." Sengoku coughed into his hand. "It's time we begin the meeting and conference. I am happy to see most of the Admiralty is present, as of now I have a proposition to make. Ladies," He nodded to Rear Admiral Tsuru and out the window, Garp could see some Transponder Snails looking in. The bigger kind for video transmissions; no doubt to Vice Admiral Skadi in the Giant Division. "And gentlemen. The Reverie has come and gone. One thing that managed to gain approval amongst the conference was the increase in funding to the Navy, and we managed to get it." Sengoku did not smile, but he did see the light smirks and smiles emerge amongst some of the Admiralty. "Of course, one thing of note that was brought up was their demand for better and more highly trained Marines, which is why I am hosting this meeting."

The only sound came from Garp chomping on his chips and stuffing his hand in the bag. He felt Sengoku's brown eyes bore into him, and the bearded man rolled his eyes back in return. Not like the old Buddha had the stones to actually do anything.

"Comrades, with the funding granted to us, along with the request made by the world leaders, I have seen fit that in order to meet the demands they have set forth, that I have created a special examination process."

"An exaaam~?" Borsalino drawled.

"Indeed. A Naval Officer Placement Exam." Sengoku took his seat at the head of the table as he held out a folder. Probably his notes. "The exam in question will only be held by Marines of the rank of Warrant Officer or below, and recommended by anyone of the Admiralty here." He turned towards the giant Transponder Snail. "An Examination for Giant officers will also be held as well. Rest assured, all potentials will be considered." He turned back towards the crowd. "Now then, this exam will test those recommended officers to determine their placement and promotion."

"So we can choose whoever we want, huh?" Kuzan mused. "And this is all in order to get more Marines promoted faster?"

"Tested by us, yes." Sengoku replied. "As long as they are below the indicated rank. We need more of those within Lieutenant and Captain-level strength out there on the seas. While piracy may have generally decreased with one of our own taking residence in one of the Blues…" Garp felt eyes on him and again and scoffed, his hand rummaging for more potato chips, but found nothing. He crumpled the empty bag and tossed it into the trash bin behind him. "Piracy in Paradise and the New World remain as rampant as ever. Hence the need for stronger Marines of higher rank."

"Do we make our suggestions here, then?" Kuzan asked with a raised hand. "If so, I got the right candidate I'd like to put forward. She's a new recruit under my former understudy, Smoker." He smiled lightly. "And I can trust his judgement."

"I may have one as well." Dalmatian raised his hand.

"Now now, we'll do it all in an orderly fashion." Sengoku raised his hands, crumpling the paper notes he had read off of and handing it to his pet goat. With a happy "Baaah!" it began to eat up the paper joyfully. "You'll make a report and submission of the Marine you recommend, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and we can test them accordingly."

Garp nodded, taking all of this in as he paid attention. This could be big…though Coby was still a Seaman Recruit. Would need to jump quite a few ranks to be considered….Then again…

He grinned as he stroked his beard. Yes, this is a big time opportunity… Guess coming back to stuffy Navy HQ was worth the trip after all!

"Hey now, Garp," Kuzan spoke out, earning the older man's attention. "I know that look on your face. Planning a scheme of some kind?" He asked with a smile. "Or got someone special in mind to recommend?"

"Something like that." Garp mused.

"That'll be all for now. I have made forms for you to fill out of who you will be recommending outside the conference room. Vice Admiral Skadi, Vice Admiral John Giant," Sengoku turned towards the giant Transponder Snail. "We will snail-fax the special forms your way as well."

"Understood Fleet Admiral," the gruff voice of John Giant replied as the rest of the humans in the room began to rise up, slightly conversing amongst themselves.

"Come on ole timer, gotta tell me who you're going to recommend." Kuzan said with a grin as he walked around.

"Well-"

"Garp." Sengoku cut in, the man still sitting on the cushion cross legged as he looked to his old friend. "A moment."

"Does it have to be-"

"Yes." Sengoku cut him off with narrowed eyes, and Garp rubbed the back of his head as he looked back at the taller tanned man.

"Wanna talk later?"

"Heh, sure thing." He turned towards the man who was known as 'the Buddha' and gave a light salute. "Sir." Sengoku nodded as Kuzan filed out with the rest of the Admiralty, leaving only Garp, Sengoku, and the goat.

"Baaah."

"So, what is it, Sengoku?" He asked, casually picking his nose despite the tense situation.

"Walk with me." Sengoku replied, standing up and snapping his fingers once as the billy goat got up to his legs and began to trot happily after the tall man, his white coat trailing behind him as Garp followed. They left the conference room, and began to walk down the hall towards Sengoku's office.

"What, am I in trouble or something again?" He asked, looking off as he continued to pick his nose.

"No." Sengoku said. "But I would take the time to admonish you on your choice of base placement."

"Yet piracy entering the Grand Line has gone down as a whole, you just said as much."

"From the weakest of the four Blues." Sengoku replied back on the dot, still facing forward. "It's true East Blue has become more peaceful than it has ever been… yet both Paradise and the New World are lacking a hero taking charge."

"Tch." Garp scoffed. "I can do what I want and you know it." He muttered, glaring to the side. "I'm being a hero to my home Blue. This exam placement will help promote recommended Marines into higher positions without experience, right? They can combat piracy." Garp reached into his coat pocket, grabbing another chip bag to rip open.

"Garp, it's not just piracy." Sengoku turned, eyes narrowed. "The Revolutionary Army has been on the move."

And the bag was ripped in half, some chips falling. The billy goat bleated with glee, running up to munch on the fallen chips as Garp glared at his friend.

"Any sign of him…?" He growled as the image of the man in question already formed in his head..

"Evidence of heavy storms across nations they've attacked or besieged…" Sengoku muttered. "No one's seen him in person, but the way they strike and sow discord, there's no mistaking it. Dragon is becoming more active." He faced away. "There's a rumor he has a demon under his command, ripping apart Commodores and Captains along the Grand Line as if shredded into ribbons."

"No doubt grooming someone himself." Garp muttered, completely serious despite his prior antics. "Chasing after him though… it's like chasing ghosts."

"If you were in the Grand Line you could at the very least deter him. We are spread thin enough as is."

"Fat lot of good that's done. Even when I was stationed in the Grand Line I couldn't keep that brat under heel. Then again that's been true even when he was an actual brat," Garp growled back, arms crossed as he simply let the bag fall to the floor, the goat happily digging his nose into it to lick up salt and crumbs.

Sengoku sighed through his nose. "You're not leaving East Blue, are you?"

"Not unless it's for an assignment I deem important, or if one of the Four Emperors starts acting up." Garp glowered. "I gave everything I've had to the world for over five decades. I'm tired, Sengoku. I'm allowed to be selfish for a change."

Sengoku shook his head, facing away as the two friends continued to walk in silence. The billy goat trotting up with the chip bag in it's mouth. Sengoku bent down to rip it from it's lip, crumple it and place it in a nearby trash bin. "There's another matter I've been wanting to discuss as well."

"Like what?" He asked as he noticed they'd arrived at Sengoku's office, the man holding it open for him as they entered.

"I've heard rumors going down the grapevine." Sengoku spoke as he walked towards his desk, taking a seat as the office had bookshelves, trophies, and maps galore. Beside the desk, a large pillow was present as the billy goat trotted towards it and sat down on it. "That you'vetaken an Understudy for yourself."

So that finally reached Navy HQ, huh?

"And what if I did? Anyone in the Admiralty is allowed to take one and mentor them up."

"I know you're within your rights as one." Sengoku mused, looking to the side as he reached over and plucked up a framed photograph, looking at it longingly. He looked back at Garp. "How has his training been?"

The bearded man didn't take a seat in one of Sengoku's fancy chairs in front of his desk, crossing his thick arms as he quirked an eyebrow. "What's got you curious?"

"Curiosity's sake. That, and the fact that you could be taking this understudy with you on patrols and sorties into the Grand Line. Why keep this lad in East Blue, Garp?"

"Because," Garp huffed, looking to the side. "I'll decide when he's ready for the Grand Line. He's not some lucky cannon fodder who impressed me or got in my favor. He…" He trailed off, and Sengoku leaned back in his leather chair.

"He's what?"

"He has an ideal that… I share." Garp looked back to his old friend, a faint glimmer of hope in his eyes. "And one I want to make come true. That's all."

"Sounds like you two have grown close. How is he anyway?" Sengoku inquired as he looked at some documents on his desk. He heard chirping, looking to the side to see the Transponder Fax Snail letting out chirps as more paperwork began to be faxed in.

More signings and overviews. Perfect…

"Heh, he has the memory of a fly trap. Everything sticks to him." Garp grinned. "He is one the hardest working Marine's I have the privilege of working with. With my guidance," he said with a bit of pride. "I plan to make sure he surpasses me when I'm gone."

"Don't say such things." Sengoku said as he looked over a request for more Marines in South Blue. West Blue was an utter nightmare… Got to table that and inquire about any Admiralty in that part of the world. "You're not allowed to die on my behalf."

"Heh, I don't plan on it." Garp shrugged. "But we are getting old, Sengoku." He said softly. "Only a matter of time. Is there nothing wrong with preparing for the next generation?"

"Just don't get too attached," Sengoku looked back at Garp with hardened eyes. "With the way the world is now, there may not be a 'next generation' to foster and protect." He gazed back at his documents as he saw some baseless request for ships in East Blue.

Let Garp handle that. He crumpled it up, and fed it to his goat who bleated with glee for an additional meal.

"Rare is the Marine who dies in his bed. Even rarer are the ones who live to our age." Sengoku sighed. "Us, Tsuru, and old Kong are the exceptions." He said, gazing at his photo on his desk. "Looking to the future is at a premium, when we are doing all we can to ensure the balance of power is kept in check."

"Indeed." Garp mused. "But… I've been focusing on the present for a while." He turned about, hands in pockets. "About time I start thinking of the future, in my old age."

"Heading out so soon?"

"The East Blue tends to get a little rambunctious whenever I'm gone for a bit. Pirates tend to crawl out of their holes when I'm not sniffing them out." He let out a scoffing laugh. "So I'll be sure to pummel them big time." He began to walk towards the door.

"Garp."

The man paused, looking back at his old friend as Sengoku held the framed photo in his hands.

"Don't get too attached to your understudy. That's all I ask."

Garp paused, eyes locked in on that frame before turning away.

"I understand. But I'll attach myself to whoever I like." He muttered, marching off as he closed the door. Sengoku looked down at the photo.

It was of himself, a younger Rear Admiral standing proud with a small smile. Beside him, a beaming boy with blonde hair covering his eyes as he gave a salute. Sengoku let out a deep sigh, setting the photo back down.

"Rosinante, if you can hear me… watch over and protect Garp's young apprentice for me, would you?" He asked no one in particular, leaning back in his chair as his goat rubbed his head against his hand. He smiled softly, petting the billy goat behind the horns.

"Baaah."

(X)

"He is not ready!"

Garp sighed and covered his eyes with a hand. The voyage back to Dawn Base wasn't excessively long, nor too difficult if one didn't think too much about the Sea Kings of the Calm Belt. Garp thought often about them: their meat was just that tasty.

It was, however, frighteningly boring. Once he was finally back home, he wished to spend a good time in the canteen, in the spa, and in his bed. In any order.

Of course, Ain wouldn't let him go before a report on the events that occurred during his absence. He knew it would be as sadistically accurate as it could be. If he wasn't sure it was impossible, he would almost think she did it on purpose. 'Nah, why would she? I'm the #1 BOSS!'

Garp smiled and took a sip of coffee from his #1 BOSS! cup. Coby was a very nice lad, seriously, Ain should take some notes from him. This time he even warned her before leaving. Three whole hours were enough time so as not to leave -too much- unfinished business, right?

But if the Lieutenant was still feeling a bit crossed over his leave, she seemed very cross over the perspective of the Naval Officer Placement Exam. He sipped some more coffee. He knew this wasn't going to be easy. "Ain… "

"Don't you 'Ain' me." She emphasized her words slapping the coffee table. "Coby has been your understudy for half a year at most! You can't seriously think of pitching him against other trainees who've had years of training and experience! Heck, some of them may even have Devil Fruit abilities. How can Coby possibly hope to compete with that?" She kept abusing the poor table as she talked. Eventually, a corner of it surrendered and fell down, bringing a #1 COACH! cup with it.

Ain fell silent and Garp beamed. He was so very proud of her: Ain's first time breaking a table over a discussion. How fast they grow! He would tell her, if he wasn't so busy giggling.

Luckily the cup on the floor was still whole. Good, Ain would be sad if it broke.

Meanwhile, Bogard had sipped his own coffee and watched them like nothing concerned him.

"Coby may be a fresh recruit," finally, Bogard seemed to have enjoyed himself enough to contribute to the discussion. "But I read the reports: keeping in consideration the short duration of his tuition, he is well above the minimum standard expected for Marines of his age and rank. All the trainers agree that he is a hard worker, with a sharp mind and a great drive." He ended his sentence emptying his #1 CAPT! cup.

"It's that drive of his that troubles me." Ain's words were calmer now, but she wouldn't surrender. "That blind dedication of his is going to get him killed. If you, Garp, tell him about this occasion for a promotion, he would train himself half to death hoping to be worthy of it. Then, can you imagine his face when we tell him he is in no shape to take part in it? What will be left of his drive then? He will either work himself even harder to atone for something that is not a fault, or his very drive will break. We would lose him in any case."

Garp pretended not to notice how hard she was gripping the ceramic cup. Nor the tremble in her voice. She was no longer talking about Coby. Not only about him.

"It won't come to that, Ain," he raised his hand to stop her going off again. "I'm serious now. It won't come to that. I won't give Coby more than he can handle. Furthermore," he lowered his voice to a tone more appropriate to a conspiracy. "There is a place, deep in the forest. Only I know it. A spring that quickens healing. I have brought Coby there since his first days here. It's a precious place, Ain. A secret I want to keep being a secret. Ain, I'm trusting you."

The woman's face was still dark, but she nodded after a long moment. "That mineral spring... I want to see it." A predictable request. And one easy to grant.

She went on. "And if he really has to take part in this… exam," she spat the last word. "If we really need to step up his training… then I will have a more active part in it. I won't let the boy harm himself just to impress you, Garp." Her eyes assured that 'no' as an answer wouldn't be accepted, and rank be Blue-damned.

Not that Garp had any mind to. As he said so, Ain's face relaxed. "And I want Doctor Jile to check him up first." Garp nodded again. Nothing against the good doctor on his hand.

"I will make more time for him in the library as well," Bogard added. "His take on theory and strategy is good, so we won't need too much effort on that front. No reason not to make it better, though."

"Well, now that we all agree on what to do, I think it's time to go and see what's good in the canteen, I smelled something that promises to be-"

Ain discretely coughed in her fist.

"-to still be there by dinner time, I'm back bearing important news for my understudy and he needs to know at once!"

(X)

Garp sat upon that same old stump, taking out his bag of potato chips, munching into it one at a time. He could hear the many sounds of the forest all around him.

And with it, he could hear the sounds of monkeys calling out and crying, and broken branches along the way. First came some footsteps that shook the ground as Garp felt a shadow loom. Then it plopped down beside him as he looked up, seeing an ape as big as a house.

"Morning." He said with a wave.

"Ohh oh." The giant gorilla grunted, sitting cross legged with his strong arms holding his knees as he looked out. Hearing the cries still. He made some grunts and "Ohs" and "Ahs".

"Hmm, till dawn? What for?" Garp inquired, having a feeling as to why. Well, Makino mostly filled him in when he stopped by last night for a greeting, a kegger, and the general coordinates of a certain pink-haired trainee. Those three rapscallion apes were caught stealing pies down in Foosha Village that were cooling off for a little baking contest. Coby must have caught word and-

"Ah!" One of the said apes came flying out of the bushes, rolling across the ground before recovering. He looked cross, with some bruises and welts on his head and face.

And soon after, Coby came leaping out, covered in dirt, stray sticks, and leaves on his Marine Recruit uniform as the two other apes charged out in tandem, also sporting similar marks as their brother.

Coby landed on the ground, lifting his head to show a little smirk as the ape he had previously sent flying came charging in as all three came rushing in for a three-pronged attack, fists reared back.

The young man leapt into the air at the last moment, as all three monkeys crashed into each other in surprise, all punching each other in the face as spittle came out. Garp sniggered, and judging by the deep restrained laughter, so was the triplets father sitting beside him. He turned about midair, feet aimed for the sky as he bent his legs. Garp quirked an eyebrow.

"Geppou!" And Coby came soaring down to earth as he caught two of the triplets in the head with flying elbows, and the third one with a dropping axe kick, also to the head as he came down with a crash, sending dirt and dust about. Garp ate on a chip, smirking lightly.

"Well, looks like he's gotten it…" Coby rose up, and Garp noticed his legs shaking a bit, and that good feeling of progress and accomplishment faded lightly. One Geppou shouldn't leave his legs so tired… Guess he will need more strength training there.

"Now then." Coby put on a brave face, the triplets groaning in pain as they rubbed the back of their heads. "Don't go stealing pies from the village again okay?" He said with a wag of his finger, the monkeys looking up at him. "The people there are alright sharing some food with you, but those are for a special event. You can't just take what you want without asking."

The triplets looked at each other and rolled their eyes lightly, Coby frowned. "Do you wanna go for round four, then?" And the monkeys paled, looking to each other and back to Coby before hugging each other. Coby then let out a soft smile. "Besides, all you have to do is come down to the base and look for me." He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small bag of cookies and gave it to the triplets. "Now share, ok?" He said, smiling as the monkeys looked overjoyed at the prospects of human sweets, taking it and ripping the bag open as Coby stood up and turned.

"Oh! Didn't notice you there Sir." Coby smiled as he walked over. "Just arrived?"

"Yeah. See you took it upon yourself to discipline those little troublemakers and make it training for yourself." Garp mused as Coby sat down on the ground beside him, sighing as he rubbed his knees, wincing lightly. The older man frowned lightly. "Not used to Geppou huh?"

"I'm getting there… The more I use it, my legs will get stronger, right?"

"Of course they will. Just don't overdo it, or your muscles will be damaged beyond recognition." Garp replied. "There's surpassing one's limits, and then going to the point of no return. Know the difference boy." He then turned and looked his way harshly. "Don't ever use Geppou until you're ready and your legs can take it. If you had used that in battle, you wouldn't be in any condition to fight." The boy paled lightly. 'That and Ain would kill me if she found out you were using a technique you were not versed in.' Garp then remembered… eyes looking to the side.

Yes, that technique no one should master unless they have mastery of all six.

Garp made a mental note to visit that subject with Coby for another time.

"Y-Y-Yes sir, sorry sir." Coby reached into his pocket, pulling out a chocolate bar that was lightly shattered as he began to eat it in small pieces. He saw the big ape sitting beside Garp as well. "You their father?" He inquired. The big ape nodded, grunting as he had a light smile on his frame as he saw his children enjoying the cookies. "Next time, around this time of year, try to have your kids not go down to the village, please. I wouldn't want them to cause trouble to the point they form a mob."

The ape seemed to understand, nodding intently as Garp smirked lightly. "So, you're getting used to coming here often, huh?"

"Yeah. Got to train harder, after all." Coby said as he lay down on the grass, hands behind his head as he relaxed. Letting out a sigh, he turned towards the older man. "If I'm going to accomplish my dream, I need to aim higher. Both in strength, and eventually my rank." He then perked up. "Hey, speaking of, even though it's been nine months, how come I'm still at a Seaman Recruit? I've seen some new recruits at Dawn Island get promoted faster."

"Not enough time at sea or on my ship, really, along with not enough fighting pirates or other criminals." Garp shrugged before smiling as he finished his chips and put the bag in his pocket. "Perfect segway though." He turned, seeing Coby look up at him quizzically. "Now, in three months time there's going to be a special exam in Navy HQ."

That got the boy's attention as he sat right up. "An exam at HQ?"

"Yes. I'm going to recommend you for it." Garp smirked as Coby blinked. "And if you do well, you'll get a fast track promotion!"

"I will? That's amazing!" Coby exclaimed, eyes alight with excitement as he turned to face the older man. "What do I need to do?"

"For now, let's focus on getting you stronger. And," Garp stood up and grinned. "For us to get some dinner! Bring in some meat and I'll meet you down at Makino's! They'll cook it up for us real good!" Coby smiled, standing up and nodding.

"I can do that after I rest a little. Hey, Mr. Ape." Coby looked up, as the massive father ape turned. "Know any place where I can hunt some boars? Still trying to get the lay of the mountain somewhat." The giant sitting ape nodded, the smaller triplets climbing atop of him now as the more darker fured simian didn't seem to mind. He pointed in a specific direction and Coby beamed.

"Thank you, Mr. Ape!" He turned towards Garp. "I'll meet you at the bar, sir." Coby rose back up. "After I visit the spring for a soak. Little dirty and all… and I could use it for a little rest of the legs… so I'll probably be back by sundown."

"Well, don't take too long!" Garp waved as he shrugged, pocketing his hands in his pockets as he walked on off, smiling lightly as he saw Coby wave goodbye towards the triplets and Papa Ape.

'He was just being gangrushed by them months ago, now they're the ones having a hard time keeping up,' Garp smiled as he made his way down the mountain. 'If he keeps this up… he will be a force before long, that's for sure. Perhaps even a monster.'

The thought caused Garp to positively beam with pride. 'And Ain thought I was a bad teacher.'

(X)

"Again!"

"Soru!"

"Again!"

"Soru!"

"Again!"

"Soru!"

Coby had been whizzing up and down the parade ground all morning now and the rumble of their respective voices served as a lure for Ain, who was desperate to flee from a cargo manifest of supplies for the Mastiff (thirty-one crates of artillery warheads, eleven of which reserved for Garp's exclusive use, all different in caliber and potential). Joining in the training of a promising young man was an excellent alternative for her.

Garp was stretched out on a beach chair. He appeared to be sleeping, but his thumb never missed a stop or a go. Spying over his shoulder, Ain noticed that Coby's times were good. Consistently good. He rarely oscillated more than three seconds around his best time.

'Good, but not optimal.' Ain looked up to glance at Coby. When she returned her eyes on the stopwatch, she found Garp's eyes open, sharp, and fixated on herself.

The yelp of surprise didn't come from her. It came from the seagull Coby ran over. This is what happened, and if anyone ever suggested Lieutenant Ain yelped, or that she could yelp at all, there would be no end to that bastard's latrine duty.

"Lieutenant Ain, seeing you is always such a pleasant surprise," that bloody bastard of a Vice Admiral started. "What are your thoughts on our Coby's progress?"

The Lieutenant took a moment to organize her thoughts. "He is plateauing. He has made great strides so far, but just running around won't help him anymore. Not if he only has months of training left for that exam to which you have enrolled him."

Garp nodded. "My thoughts exactly. Time for the next step. HEY LAD!" He bellowed the last words so hard that Coby tripped himself. "COME HERE!"

Coby got up off the ground mastering all the dignity he felt he needed, took a brief moment to dust off the uniform, then Soru'd to them, stopping with such a textbook-perfect salute that made Garp snicker.

"At ease, boy." Coby eased but not that much. Ain had long decided that Coby was physically unable to be completely at ease when Garp was within his eye-range. Not that anyone could really blame him.

"M'lass Ain" – said lass grimaced – "and I were talking about you, m'lad. We decided it's time to make things a bit more interesting-" he probably had more to add, but a high-pitched sound cut him off.

"Then will we start practicing some other technique then? Perhaps Shigan, or something cool like that?"

The sharpening of Ain's eyes suggested to Coby he made a mistake.

(X)

Ten exhausting minutes later, Coby was panting on the ground, his previous times pulverized and forgotten. The boy could remember that he had many reasons to keep on living, but right now he would really enjoy a restful death.

Ain gently poked him with her foot. "Are you still with us, Coby?"

Nobody could mistake for words the mangled sounds he managed to produce, but to Ain those were proof enough that the trainee was still not dead.

"Good, good. You would not just die off on me, would you? You wouldn't like me if you did." She squatted down near Coby's head and continued. "Now, Coby, let's talk about some unique moves."

A mild croak from the still downed Marine was her sign of confirmation.

"As you should know, you have a very important exam closing in. An exam that will heavily affect your immediate future in the Navy. Do you follow me?" Coby nodded, opened an eye, and went red in the face at Ain's closeness. Her squatting, her hands on her knees, her chest… so close to his face. Thank god she was wearing pants instead of a skirt, his heart wouldn't be able to take that.

The lieutenant didn't show to have noticed. "If you followed me so far, then you should have also realized that time is not your friend. You are good at working hard, but hard work alone won't help you now. You need to work smart." She changed her position, coming to sit cross-legged on the ground. "Working smart means working to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. You are decent at Soru; that means that you have good legs. There are two more Rokushiki techniques centered on your legs. You need some good offensive power, so you will start working on Rankyaku. Then Geppou."

Ain offered him her hand to stand, but she more or less had to haul him up herself.

"Meet me at the beach tomorrow at dawn, bring a swimming suit." Coby made to stagger off to his room, but Ain didn't let him go, pulling him close instead. "And Coby…" she started whispering in his ear. "If I ever hear you wishing to learn a move just because it's cool..." she didn't finish the sentence. If Coby's sudden pallor suggested anything, it was that she didn't need to. 'Just like I like it.'

(X)

Next dawn, Coby was shivering in the cool sea breeze. He had come wearing a swimsuit, but maybe he should have come with a coat too.

He stopped walking when he noticed a pole planted in the sand. Next to it sat Lieutenant Ain, who was wearing a coat and sandals.

'Dang it!'

"Good morning, Lieutenant Ain!"

Ain giggled. "I told you, you can call me Ain when we are alone." Coby reddened but nodded.

"Sorry Lieu-I mean, Miss Ain…"

The lieutenant nodded herself. "You will start learning your first offensive move today. Rankyaku." Coby nodded his understanding.

Ain gestured to the pole, Coby noticed it was bundled up with blankets. "Go in front of it and kick it as fast and as strong as you can."

Coby complied. Went in front of the pole, kicked it as fast and hard as possible, and promptly fell on the sand cradling his bruised shin. "Gnnnnngh….!" He gritted out through clenched teeth.

Ain shook her head. "Coby, Rankyaku is a ranged move, I should have repeated myself." She bent down to examine the target. "It's not too bad, though, look here."

Coby glanced where Ain was pointing: there was a small tear on the fabric. "Did I do that?"

"You did, Coby," Ain smiled while Coby beamed. "You are on the right path; you only need more power in your legs. Now keep an eye on my legs," Coby didn't need many incentives to do that. Ain's leg flashed up so fast Coby could barely see it. He felt the air displacement, though.

And saw a bright blue crescent fire out from her leg as it struck a boulder. Then the top half of a boulder some twenty feet away slid off, hitting the sand. "What do you think?" the Lieutenant asked, hand on her hip.

It wasn't the first time Coby saw Rankyaku in action, but it stunned him every time. "So amazing..." Ain's amused expression broke him out of his reverie. "I-I-I mean… It's such an amazing move! Your leg was up so fast I couldn't see it."

Ain nodded. "Indeed, Coby. Speed is everything for this move just as it was for Soru. Can you tell me which is the most important difference?"

Coby closed his eyes. Typical Lieutenant Ain, she never gave you a straight answer but forced you to come up with your own. And you didn't want to keep your silence or ask for a clue. If she asked, she felt she gave you what you needed to reach the right conclusion, and even a wrong answer showed you were trying. "Explosive speed! Soru requires reaching a high speed and maintaining it for the duration of the movement. Rankyaku requires a sudden burst of speed."

Ain smiled. "Good answer."

"You're right, Coby. You need to go beyond what you achieved learning Soru. It won't be easy." She walked up to Coby and put her hands on his shoulders. Locking their gazes, she continued. "And time is not your friend. You will spend much time every day kicking that post, but you also need to build even more leg power. Follow me." The boy nodded, and followed her close as he saw her… unbutton her coat after kicking off her sandals.

She let the coat rustle on the ground and walked in the sea, under it she was wearing a blue Marines-logo'd bikini.

And nothing else.

'Goodness gracious…'

Ain stopped when the water reached her waist. "Pay attention now," she said. Coby wouldn't pay attention to anything else, even if he could avert his eyes.

With a whispered "Soru," Ain vanished from sight, twin walls of seawater she raised being the only clues to her direction. Coby blathered as some washed over him, but he was used to the chill of seawater as he shook his head, blinking as he looked at the shore.

She appeared moments later some fifty meters away. "Now you do it!" She yelled out.

Reluctant as he was to avert his eyes, Coby tried to comply. His legs seemed to be averse to the idea of moving. "Soru."

It wasn't like on the ground. Not even like on the sand. He managed to make a bit of a start, gain a little speed, not enough to gain proper hold on the water; what he was doing was not the run he hoped to do and more like a jump that sent him face first into the sea.

"Damn it," he spluttered, trying not to drown. A pair of hands grabbed him under his arms and raised him to his feet.

The sight so close to him of a bikini-clad Ain, wet and dripping, was enough to dry him off with how red and hot his face was.

Once more, Ain appeared not having noticed Coby's flustered state. Or not caring about it. Professionalism at work…that or the fact there was a decent age gap between the two probably helped.

"Coby, you can do it in two ways," she started, hands on her hips. "You can take it easy, build your strength the slow and steady way. You will be ready, eventually. You won't be ready for this exam, but there will be others and you will be ready for them." Coby listened, heedful. He got what Ain was saying, yet he scowled.

"Otherwise, you can do it the hard way. That means cramming in a few weeks what should be done in many months of training. You will suffer, you will bleed, you will feel tired as never before, but, and this I assure you; you will be in the right shape to succeed in Marineford."

That ought to be a heavy decision that would require careful considerations over their own capabilities and opportunities.

Coby had no doubts. No need to ponder.

Ain saw the decision in his eyes and smiled. Oh, how much had he grown.

Her grip on him tightened and her face neared. Coby could see himself reflected in those reddish eyes of hers. They were so big…

"I will have the Corpsman look after you though, and if at any time either he or I feel that you're not fit to go on training, you won't go on training. You are swimming in treacherous waters, you must find the right balance between going hard and being easy on yourself." She looked back and nodded.

"Well then Coby: we'll keep running laps. Come follow me. Soru."

"Soru."

-SPLASH!-

"grrrrrglg!"

"Again!"

(X)

"How long will you be gone?" Shiv asked, looking up at Coby as the boy smiled down. He has gotten a smidge taller than before, thanks to the diet he was on and the constant training. His Navy white jumper was undone, revealing a dark blue tank-top underneath showing some muscle. His bandana remained on his brow, his glasses resting atop of pink hair that hung down past his ears as the boy of fifteen knelt down, placing a hand atop of her green hair. Beside her, Makino smiled warmly.

"I won't be long. Don't worry." Coby reassured. "Just going to take a test is all. You do the same at your school, okay?"

Shiv pouted. "But I wanna be a Marine like you and Papa Garpy and Auntie Ain!" She whined as Makino sighed wistfully, shaking her head. Garp, standing behind, walked forward with a laugh.

"Young lady, I bet you'll be a fine Marine some day!" He could see Makino's eyes on him, her crossing her arms. "But, you'll have to get smart first! Once you're ready, you can get in some nice training. But listen to your mom." He pointed his big gnarly finger at her chest. "And hit those books hard, then one day I'll be there to train you too, like with Coby here."

"You promise?" She asked, holding on to his hand. Her hand couldn't even enclose two of his fingers; Garp was just so much larger. The bearded titan nodded.

"I promise. Now then," He ruffled her hair and stood up. "Do as your mom says, and I'm sure you'll be a fine Marine, or an Inn host someday!"

"She looks up to you two immensely." Makino said as she looked at Coby. "And I cannot thank you enough for saving my daughter that day six months ago…"

"My body moved on it's own, Miss Makino." Coby replied, bowing lightly. "And besides, you've thanked me enough already." He smiled bashfully.

"I mean it. I had to ban my daughter from ever going near those windmills." Coby heard a huff from Shiv, seeing her pout and look to the side. "She needs proper guidance in her life, and I can only provide so much. Thank you for being such great role models…"

"No problem at all Makino." Garp nodded. "Now, you go back to that inn of yours. I'm sure the cooks are running about helplessly without your guidance."

"Too true…" Makino chuckled, lifting up her daughter and carrying her in her arms. "Lets head back, Shiv." She said as she turned around, and the younger girl waved from her mother's embrace.

"She likes ya." Garp mused aloud as the pair left the base as they walked through the gates. "That Shiv girl."

"I did save her sir, much like how you saved me that day nearly eleven months ago."

"Damn, it's really been almost a year huh…" Garp sighed, hands on his hips as he looked to the side, Coby following his gaze. The Mastiff was finishing its preparations for the long trip out of East Blue, through the Calm Belt, and into the Navy waters at the Null Triangle, and in there, Navy HQ: Marineford.

Coby beamed. To think, he was going to Navy HQ! The boy picked up his satchel, throwing it over his shoulder as he was about to rush towards the ramp until he saw someone approach.

"Heading out?" Ain said, wearing her coat as she smiled at the boy. Coby paused, standing at attention and saluting.

"Yes we are, ma'am!" Coby almost yelled, as Ain chuckled.

"You don't have to yell." She said with a pat on his shoulder. "You've grown up a lot during your time here, Coby. Just do your best down there at HQ."

"I will!" Coby declared, hands down to his sides. "It is the next step to accomplishing my dream, after all!"

"I'll leave Dawn Island Base in your hands, Lieutenant." Garp said. "You know the drill?"

"Of course. Same old same old, sir," Ain replied with a light salute. The older man closed his eyes and nodded, walking towards the ramp.

"Let's go boy." Garp commended, Coby nodding as he looked to the side, seeing some familiar faces near one of the barracks.

He noticed Rico waving, the taller muscular blonde smiling ear to ear. The blue haired Seidella was dragging someone from behind, and it was… Suni? Had to be, with how much it looked like cyan seaweed covering his eyes.

"Looks like your pal brought some of your friends." Garp mused.

"Well, we do eat together when we can. And Ensign Seidella still tutors me a lot on firearms too. And Suni knows what to cook for me after I've visited a few times and-"

"We get it, don't have to tell me your life story with them. Come on, that exam isn't going to wait on us." Garp cut him off as they got to the ramp, him looking back and waving. Coby did so as well.

"Good luck on your patrol!" Rico yelled.

"Shoot up some pirates for me!" Seidella added as the girl seemed to be almost bouncing on her feet. Suni said nothing, but continued to wave nevertheless.

Friends…

He never had time for friends back on his home island. Just had to survive day to day.

Coby smiled, looking back. "Friends… Vice Admiral, sir?" He asked as he stepped aboard the ship, the other Seaman Recruits going about and stowing away the ramp. He can hear Captain Bogard barking orders to set sail, taking note of phrases being spoken. "Would Miss Makino and Lieutenant Ain be considered friends?"

"Sure they are." Garp patted him on the back. "After all, you are affable. One day," He looked out to the great blue sea as Coby followed his gaze. The sun was still high in the sky too. Plenty of daytime to kill. "You'll meet some true comrades, brothers and sisters in arms that'll be like family to you." He smiled softly. "I've found'em on my journeys across the world and in the throws of battle. I'm sure you will too."

"Yeah… I have my dream and all but…" Coby took a deep breath, remembering all the times he ate and talked with the loud and boisterous shipwright, or cleaned out the barrel of a gun with Seidella, or made small talk with the shy and meek(at times) Suni. Or the times he stood by and trained with Lieutenant Ain. Or the times he watched over Shiv for Makino on an errand while he trained. Or even those three monkeys he spars with on a weekly basis and-

"Think fast!" And Coby was sent sprawling across the deck in a heap, yelping all the while as he skipped like a stone and came to a stop.

"Gnnngh, we're training now?!" Coby yelled in surprise. "Give me some warning!"

"He's talking back to the Vice Admiral?!" Some Marines began to comment, stunned at the idea.

"Have you seen him? He's been by his side for ages. He's his Understudy!"

"I'd be on toilet duty for weeks if I ever did that!"

"Will pirates ever give ya warning?!" Garp declared. "What did I tell ya of a loud and proud pirate and what they usually are?"

Coby rose to his feet, shaking his head. "They're usually incredibly stupid or incredibly strong, sir."

"Precisely! Now, during our trip we're gonna get some light extra training in! This exam is going to be no joke for ya!" Garp declared, arms crossed as he grinned at Coby. "It's been nearly a year since you've donned the white and blue of the Navy! Now, let's see how far you've come, my boy!" He brought up a hand, gesturing to Coby to come at him.

Bogard brought out a chair, sitting down with a book as he nudged a surprised and standing Marine. "Get a Corpsman on standby." he said flatly.

"Yes sir!" He ran off below deck, and Coby brought his fists up, gazing intently at his teacher.

Almost a year…

He's not that weak chubby kid anymore! Coby tensed his legs, and charged.

"Soru!" He vanished, the world fading in a blur as he blitzed towards Vice Admiral Garp. Yet the man seemed ready, jabbing where Coby was a moment prior as the boy sidestepped his blow. The boy reared his hand back, index finger straightened out as he tensed his arm and fingers.

"Shigan!" He thrusted out, the older man avoiding the strike as Coby kept on the attack, jabbing with his right and left hand as Garp sidestepped and hopped on his feet, avoiding or brushing aside each jab. Frustration building within, Coby yelled as he lashed out, Garp jumping into the air as Coby struck the mast, his finger going right in.

And he felt no pain in his muscles, aside from the splinters from the wood. All those months training his fingers, strengthening them. Paying off.

"How about this!" Garp had leapt high, reaching towards one of the sail booms as he backflipped, feet landing upon them, and kicked off, soaring right towards the floor, fast!

Coby was ready, vanishing as the world became a blur again, speeding away and appearing twenty meters from the older man. He stopped, and began to twirl, leg raised as he remembered all those kicking lessons with Ain, especially in the shallows of the harbor and the beach.

Ain in her swimsuit all those times…

What a motivator!

"Rankyaku!" Coby yelled, and from his lashing leg, a blue air blade sped forth towards the older man. He heard a cough of surprise from Bogard's direction, alongside many cries of surprise from many of the Marines present as Garp recovered from his missed landing, stood up and back handed the air blade into nothingness. Coby flinched in surprise. That was able to cut through trees! Even leave gashes on stone!

And Garp and his suit was none-the-worse for wear as he smiled, in his hand crumpled up wood. "You're gonna have to do better than that, boy!" He moved, grabbing some wood from the mast, his motions became akin to a baseball pitcher and Coby realized as he saw the wood being crushed in his hands, he was going to send a shower of wooden fragments his way! Many of the Marines got out of the way, heading towards the upper deck to watch the spar save for Bogard, who was watching more intently.

Soru? No, that'll still catch him. Rankyaku to intercept the wood? No, his air blade isn't wide enough. Not enough power in his kicks yet? And even then his legs were feeling a little tender…

Eleven months and he can use Soru continuously for minutes, but one Rankyaku and he's a quarter of the way to cramping up?!

"Genkotsu…" Garp muttered, and threw! "Wood Shower!" As Coby predicated, wooden fragments fired from his baseball pitch, the spread firing like buckshot from a shotgun.

"Geppou!" Coby yelled, leaping into the air, avoiding the wooden projectiles as they clashed against the iron hull of the second magazine shed. Coby stood in the air, looking down at him, and reared his aching leg back. "Rankyaku!" He kicked, a downward air blade soaring towards the older man.

Garp simply backhanded it again, dispersing the blade as he gazed up, looking perplexed. "What, boy? No Tekkai?"

Coby landed on the ground, standing as he felt his legs ache more and more. "I haven't used it much, sir."

"Oh? Why not?"

Coby winced, seeing him with his arms crossed over his light grey suit, their spar at a pause. "I… don't feel like it is all." He replied, frowning.

"Really now? I can understand not mastering Kami-e, that's the hardest of the Rokushiki to use, let alone master." Garp surmised. "But Tekkai is just tightening all the muscles in your body and making it as hard as iron!" He pointed at him. "Let's see what you can do! Hey Bogard, get ready, okay?"

"You're gonna send him overboard, then." Coby balked at Bogard's monotone remark as the elder man sighed. "Ain would throttle you if she were here."

"Well she's not here!" Garp reached his fist back. "Coby!" He called out. "Show me your Tekkai! I will show you a customized version of a Rokushiki technique as well!" He grinned. "One I intend to teach ya well! After all, the Shigan is good as a scalpel, but there will always be situations where you'll need to bring a hammer to strike down some pesky pirates!"

Coby gulped, fists clenched as he brought his arms in closer, taking a deep breath.

He… just didn't feel comfortable with Tekkai. He never did. Why stand alone and take unnecessary damage! It doesn't make sense! Kami-e, at least from what Garp told him here and there, enabled him to dodge any enemy attack. But he hasn't begun to learn the move yet, as he was more focused on the four easiest techniques of the Rokushiki to learn.

"Here I go!" Garp charged, jumping towards Coby with his fist reared back. "Jugon!"

"Tekkai!" Coby cried out, his muscles tightening as best as he could…

But he got a punch to the gut, all the air leaving Coby's body as he was sent flying over the railing and out to the water. His world was hazy, and he heard 'Man overboard!' as he seemed to cartwheel in the air.

He was plucked up in the air by some strong hands, as if he crashed into someone before he heard pops of air and felt himself jumping. Coby coughed, tasting bile as he looked up, his vision returning to him, thankful that at least he could tell his ribs weren't broken.

Garp was carrying him, and was hopping… on the very air towards the deck as he landed. "Hmmm, strange." He set Coby down, and the boy staggered before falling to his knees.

"That punch… was harder than anything you've thrown at-" Coby coughed, wincing as he favored his muscular abs. "Me…"

"Well of course, I used the customized Shigan technique, Jugon." Garp explained as he saw a corpsman rush to Coby's side. "Arm movement as fast as a Shigan, but with the power and tenseness needed in your entire fist, rather than just your finger. Plus, I thought you were gonna use Tekkai and become as hard as iron! Not almost lose consciousness." Garp put his hands on his hips. "Guess Ain was only ever helping you hammer down the leg related Rokushiki techniques?"

"In a way…" Coby replied, looking to the side. "We practiced Tekkai a few times but… I never seemed to get that down. I did… improve on my Shigan in my spare time... " He looked back towards the older man. "Why is it even a technique if you're going to wind up getting hit?"

"Because it's the third easiest technique to master behind Soru and Shigan, fool!" Garp explained. "For some, the easiest! All you gotta do is clench your buttcheeks and your body becomes as tough as iron!" He patted Coby's shoulder. "We'll get there in time. I am proud to see your progress on Rankyaku and Geppou have improved though. But you have a long ways to go before you'll be able to use Geppou around the entire coast of Goa, or fire one thousand Rankyakus to a cliff face."

Coby paled. Future training to look forward to… great.

"But…" Garp put his big hand on the kneeling boy's shoulder as he looked up, and the older man was smiling. "We'll get there. At least now I know what you're capable of, Coby. Plus… I think I have a clue on your aptitude in Rokushiki… your explanation gave it away as well."

"Sir?"

"When we get to Marineford, we'll go into it more in depth. We should arrive before the exam starts. But your inability to use Tekkai at this early stage is a tell… but I will help you conquer that hurdle one day Coby. I promise." Garp patted his shoulder and smiled.

And Coby couldn't help but return it. "Thank you sir, I won't let you down sir."

"Hn," Garp brushed off his jacket and adjusted his tie in his suit. "Enough of that, though. For now let's get you situated for your duties on the ship! You have your quarters, about time I teach ya responsibility on how to run a ship more in depth than before! How to master the sails and the mast and to keep inventory on the firearms and ammunition in our magazines and armory! How to-"

He was cut off by a rumbling sound. A stray Marine pulled out his pistol and aimed it at the water.

"I-Is that a Sea King?! I thought we got rid of the Lord of the Coast!" He yelled, frightened.

"Huh? Sea King? Where?" Garp perked up, looking around. Coby stood there with a blank look on his visage, as did Bogard.

"Sir, that's your stomach." Bogard dryly commented. Coby nodded.

"Didn't you eat an entire squid this morning? And an entire six gallon pan of scrambled eggs?" Coby inquired rhetorically.

"Oh…" Garp blinked, before rubbing the back of his head. "I am hungry, aren't I…"

"FOR REAL?!" The Marines around yelled, flailing about in shock.

Coby chuckled a bit, looking out to Dawn Island as he took a deep breath. In the distance, he can see Foosha Village, and past it, the hill leading to a high cliff, where Luffy's memorial lies.

He has his motivation to pass this exam, to ascend the ranks of the Navy and become stronger. He turned around, looking out to sea.

One day soon, he'll be out there, hunting pirates as a Marine Officer.

"I will pass this…" Coby looked down at his hands, calloused and scarred from all the training as he gripped them. "I will!"

---

Technique Translation(due to google Translate/One Piece Wiki)

Jugon - Beast Stern/Solid

This took forever, but 64 pages can do that. Plus covering as much as possible.

Big thanks to Paperman and ShinigamiMaster of course. I do hope you all enjoyed this.

And a big thank you to WildJoker000 as my beta as well. Needed those grammar fix ups.

I may go ahead and make some Informational posts on various Marine ships too. Mainly on the different types.

I will ask that if anyone has seafaring experience, experience in the Navy/armed forces, or knowledge of Japanese I would love to inquire with you. As you've noticed, I'm using 'Rokushiki' over Six Powers due to how easier it is to type out, how much cooler it is, and the English variants are a little odd. But I won't be using Japanese suffixes or naming conventions alas. I hope you can rock with it. Because I sure as hell am not using 'Nakama' like some weeb when I can just use 'friends' or 'comrades' to get the point across.

But yeah, Part 2 of the Warriors Beginning Saga is at a close. Next time, the exam, the end of the arc and onward to East Blue finally. When Part 3 will be complete? Probably next year. Will I need a Part 4? We'll have to see.

I do hope I am able to capture power levels as well. Considering Coby is having a year under Garp… wonder how strong he will be when he heads out to East Blue. But, he wasn't training since childhood like Luffy, so do take that into consideration. Nor does he have a body of rubber to absorb punishment.

I'll see you all next time, and if you liked this, feel free to check out my other works too! See in my signature/profile.