Hachiman was in his hotel room, as he had an early wake-up call the next morning. The Marine had prepared three rooms: one for his parents to share, one for Komachi, and one for Hachiman himself. The day had gone by fairly uneventfully after their meeting in the room, as each of them had to prepare for the big day ahead.
Hachiman had met with his parents and shared the news with them. His father congratulated him on being chosen for such an important mission, while his mother cautioned him to be careful and not to underestimate his opponents just because he was a Logia user. Komachi, on the other hand, offered her full support and even encouraged him to give those pirates a good beating.
With that, they spent a pleasant and peaceful afternoon enjoying what the city had to offer. Even during dinner at an expensive restaurant, which Hachiman treated his family to, his father couldn't help but brag about running into former academy colleagues who had congratulated him on his son's promotion to captain.
The atmosphere was so pleasant that Hachiman didn't find it in himself to ruin it and allowed his father to revel in his achievements. It was going to be the last night in a long time that he could spend with his family together, especially now that Komachi had been transferred to Shells Town to serve as a corporal for three years. Upon hearing this news, Hachiman breathed a sigh of relief that Captain Morgan was no longer in charge of that base after the incident with the pirate hunter, Zoro.
As he found himself in the East Blue, there shouldn't be a major pirate threat that a captain couldn't handle. "[If I manage to rise through the ranks quickly, I can use the perks of my position to ensure Komachi's safety, so I can't afford to fail in capturing that damn pirate]," thought Hachiman as he lay on his bed, gazing up at the ceiling.
He had been staring at the ceiling for a long time, unable to fall asleep, and he thought that reminiscing about the day might help him drift off. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to be working. "[Hmm, maybe if I lie this way...]" thought Hachiman as he shifted onto his right side. "[No, not that way either...]"
He immediately returned to his initial position. No matter how he positioned himself in bed, he couldn't get comfortable, and the uncomfortable sheets weren't helping either. "[Okay, I have to admit it, I can't sleep...]" Hachiman muttered as he got up and walked over to the window of his room, which offered a side view of Marineford Bay.
"[One year and three months ago, I was in that bay, trembling like a puppy...]" Hachiman reflected as he opened his room's window. "[Why don't we pay a little visit?]"
With that, Hachiman began to disperse into violet-colored particles and vanished from the room.
A few meters away, if anyone had been outside or looking out of their windows, they might have seen violet-colored particles shining and disappearing in seconds at certain intervals. This effect that would have left a civilian astonished was none other than Hachiman moving through the air at great speed, appearing as a fleeting flash to any witnesses.
"Flying is the most refreshing part of being a Logia user," he remarked as he moved rapidly through the air, using a combination of Geppo and his Devil Fruit power that made it seem like he was gliding through the air with small leaps, which were the flashes that onlookers observed.
This was Hachiman's favorite way to travel through the air; it allowed him to savor the sensation of the wind, and thanks to his Devil Fruit's properties, he didn't tire. It was quite different from teleportation, which drained him significantly due to the immense amount of energy required. It was also different from users of the Pika Pika no Mi, who could teleport instantly.
That's why some said that the Pika Pika no Mi was more powerful than the Zuma Zuma no Mi, but Hachiman didn't believe that as much because the Zuma Zuma no Mi gave him greater versatility, from violet-colored beams to devastating plasma energy blasts or scorching heat from his hands.
But right now, the best thing was the feeling of the sea breeze against his body, something not even his mentor, Borsalino, could enjoy due to the incredible speed at which he moved through the sky.
It didn't take Hachiman long to reach the bay, and he descended calmly to the nearest pier by the sea. From there, he began to recall the events of the battle.
"If I remember correctly, I was here behind this pier, and the wall that separates it from the bay had already been destroyed by Oars Jr.'s body," Hachiman said as he looked back and walked toward where he vaguely remembered Oars Jr.'s body being.
"I remember I was near the cannons, firing at pirates trying to get through," Hachiman said as memories and images of the battle flooded back. "And I was stunned as that monster easily knocked down the giant Vice Admirals. I still can't believe that the Shichibukai, who were like ants to that monster, made it kneel so effortlessly."
Hachiman recalled how Shichibukai Kuma, Moria, and Doflamingo had forced the monster to kneel without much effort. "That's why I'm glad Moria died in the war," Hachiman said with a cynical smile as he disappeared into particles and reappeared atop the cannons.
"I wouldn't want to face those monsters. I feel like we're better off with them not being a looming threat..." Hachiman expressed sincerely. "But if Sakazuki-sama ever heard me say that, he'd turn me into magma," Hachiman said with a grin as he once again disappeared and floated above the sea, observing how the waves gently moved through the bay.
"But the sea, which may seem calm now, can turn stormy in seconds, and if I don't become stronger, I'll be swallowed by those waves. So for now, this peace is fine, but in the future, I must be able to face those monsters."
Hachiman disappeared again and now appeared as high as he could fly above the island.
"Shirohige could destroy an island with one attack, the former admirals Kuzan-sama and Sakazuki-sama were capable of altering the entire climate of an island. Could I, if I use all my power, destroy an island?"
Hachiman pointed his fingers toward the center of Marineford from the height and generated energy around his finger, as if prepared to unleash an attack.
"I hope I'm never forced to find out that answer..." Hachiman expressed with a sad smile as he made the energy around his finger disappear and looked around again. Then, he noticed that he could see Marineford's sister island, the island where the academy was located.
"Whoa, it looks quite far away, maybe about 300 nautical miles," Hachiman exclaimed in amazement, having to use his Haki to see a landmass in the distance.
"I always thought it was close because of the ships that transported us, but it was just the advantage of knowing how to use currents to your advantage," Hachiman said as he closed his eyes while still floating in the air. Then, an idea came to his mind.
"Perhaps I can't sleep because I'm not used to so much luxury; maybe my old bed from when I was a student is what I need," Hachiman said as he began to make his legs shine and used Geppo to start moving through the air in the direction of the island.
What could be a vast distance even for a warship, taking 1 hour and 20 minutes due to the speed of the current, Hachiman had already covered half the distance in just 10 minutes and was quite comfortable in the air, far away from the sea.
"If it weren't for storms or the cold of the winter islands, I would travel most of the seas this way," Hachiman expressed calmly, enjoying the calm wind of a peaceful and temperate sea between Marineford and the academy island.
The cold was an unexpected weakness that Hachiman discovered in the North Blue, and he looked like a snow monster due to the numerous coats he wore during that period while searching for Lumpus. He even remembered how terrible it was to walk due to the difficulty of flying in such cold climates.
Fortunately, he didn't lose his Logia invulnerability, only becoming gas in response to the low temperatures. Oh, if it weren't for that, Lumpus would have done a lot of damage to him with his Zoan attacks, and it wouldn't have been as easy to defeat him as his crew. But Hachiman also noticed during that confrontation that his plasma attacks were much weaker when he lost his coats for better mobility compared to when he wore them.
In the North Blue, Hachiman learned quite a bit about his Devil Fruit and the unexpected weaknesses he could face in the cold, Hachiman mentioned as he continued leaping through the air, nearing the island.
"That reminds me; I should pack some coats. You never know when you'll come across a winter island or a cold storm," Hachiman added.
"So, you couldn't sleep either, Captain Hachiman..." a voice exclaimed from above, interrupting him. He looked up just as the moonlight disappeared behind the figure of an enormous bird spreading its wings across the sky.
Hachiman could only make out the silhouette of a large bird, but he wasn't sure where the voice was coming from. The bird used this moment to accelerate its flight and reach the island's beach ahead of him.
Hachiman increased his speed and arrived shortly afterward, wanting to know who was riding such an enormous bird. However, he didn't sense the presence of anyone else nearby. He gazed at the bird and noticed its immense size, about 3.5 meters tall, with a wingspan probably nearly three times that.
"It should be capable of hunting an elephant with that size. Who could be its owner?" Hachiman thought as he observed the bird, noting that it was a brown eagle with a yellow head.
"Oh, it's a bald eagle... wait a moment, isn't the head of a bald eagle supposed to be white instead of yellow? Could it be..." Hachiman was astonished by the thought that crossed his mind and hesitated before speaking.
"C-Captain Hayama?"
Hachiman uttered with uncertainty as the eagle seemed to smile and then began to shrink in size until a man standing at 1.88 meters, quite handsome with blond hair, appeared.
"Quite quick, Captain Hachiman. Most of my team took their 10 minutes to realize it was me in the eagle..." Hayama expressed with a smile as he went to sit on a nearby rock.
"Many people forget that the top two of each generation receive a Devil Fruit from the government, so I don't blame them for not realizing," Hachiman said, a little nervous as he had never spoken to Hayama before. Although Hachiman privately thought of Hayama as the "pretty boy," it was something he kept well away from Hayama's ears. For someone as unpopular as Hachiman, a guy like Hayama was the worst possible combination.
"True, since we're all separated before we can gather, we never get the chance to show them our new powers," Hayama said quite calmly, in stark contrast to Hachiman's nervousness about speaking to him.
"Then you're not going to ask what my Devil Fruit is?" Hayama's voice took on a serious tone, making Hachiman nervous. But then Hayama burst into laughter. "I'm just messing with you, man. But I'll tell you anyway because we should have trust between fellow captains."
"I consumed the Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Bald Eagle. As you can see, I'm one of the few Tori users who can fly," Hayama said with evident pride in his Devil Fruit power.
"It seems you have great strength to fly all the way from Marineford to here without resting," Hachiman exclaimed in amazement, realizing why this man was already a captain at such a young age.
"I should say the same about you. I was flying around Marineford to see if I could sleep and noticed a violet glow in the distance. Out of curiosity, I followed it, and before long, I realized it was you..." Hachiman said as he transformed one of his arms into a wing to emphasize his wingspan and then made it disappear. "And here I am. What brings you to the island where most Marines begin their journey?"
"Ah, as you can see, I had trouble sleeping too, and since this island was nearby..." Hachiman said, still nervous. "So I came up with the idea that the place where I slept for three years might help me sleep."
"And you covered 300 miles. Logia users are insane..." Hayama expressed in awe.
"And you kept up with me, which is more terrifying to me," Hachiman replied, feeling a bit more confident.
Then both young men laughed, as if deep down, they needed to interact with someone else in the same situation, about to set sail on the sea. In this case, two men who not only shared the same position but also had names that began with "Ha."
"So, you couldn't sleep either, Captain Hachiman and Captain Hayama..." a masculine voice spoke, and when they turned, both captains noticed a young man with pink hair dressed appropriately in Marine captain's attire.
"Captain Koby?" both young men exclaimed, astonished to see the youngest captain arrive on the island.
"Yes, while swimming to see if I'd get sleepy, I saw a violet glow and then a large bird following that glow. Out of curiosity, I decided to follow them," Koby explained as he dried his cloak by shaking off the water on the beach.
"You swam from Marineford to here? That's 300 miles..." Hachiman exclaimed in amazement.
"Oh, why are you so surprised? Oh, right, it's because you're a Logia user now and can't swim. But don't worry; this is Garp-sensei's basic training," Koby replied calmly.
"I don't see what's basic about it. Now I understand why, at 17 years old, you're a captain. But I couldn't expect any less from the new hero..." Hayama expressed, amazed by Koby's incredible physical strength.
Koby remained somewhat confused by the looks the other captains were giving him. Perhaps he forgot to mention that it was 10 round trips per day.
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"Munch… Why did you come to the Academy Island?" Koby asked with a mouthful of fish he had caught himself.
"Munch… I only came out of curiosity to find out who that violet flash in the sky was," Hayama replied while enjoying a piece of fish he had cooked over the fire they had made using the wood he brought.
"Munch… As I mentioned earlier to Hayama, I came to see if sleeping in my old bed was what I needed," Hachiman expressed while eating fish cooked with the fire he generated using his powers.
"Munch… That sounds great, but entering the Academy's rooms can be dangerous due to the Pacifista guardians."
"Pacifista guardians?" Both captains exclaimed in response to Koby's words, pausing their fish meals.
"Oh yes, three years after you graduated, they tested the first prototypes of Pacifistas in the Academy as a way to monitor and prevent students from straying from the right path, as well as to protect them from pirate attacks," Koby explained as he finished his fish.
"Unlike the ones that became famous in Marineford, these ones are white instead of black and less powerful, but still strong enough to take down pirates worth 50 million or so Garp-sensei said."
"Wait, are they similar to Shichibukai Kuma, but in white?"
"Yes, desu. We used to affectionately call them 'shiro-chan.' But now, they're scarce since the former Admiral Zephyr left and took most of them with him. So now, only a few remain, making them quite valuable."
Koby's words reminded both captains of the events that occurred six months after Marineford, where Instructor Zephyr was attacked by the then-pirate Weevil, losing many of his disciples along with his arm. Before the year ended, the same pirate was invited to become a Shichibukai, causing the beloved instructor to resign and stage a coup, recruiting a large number of Marines from the current and previous generations, along with the one following, to form the New Marine and create chaos in the seas as a third force.
This led to the decision not to distribute Devil Fruits last year to prevent them from falling into Zephyr's hands.
"So, Zephyr-sensei took advantage of the graduation and decided to leave, taking a large number of rookies with him—a hard blow to the Marines that only Zephyr-sensei could pull off," Hayama expressed, recalling when he was notified of the events while he was a Lieutenant Commander.
"Ah, that explains why my sister was on my hometown island instead of being assigned to a different island as a new Marine. Komachi would have told me, but I understand why she didn't," Hachiman exclaimed, feeling disheartened but comprehending why he hadn't seen Instructor Zephyr for all this time.
Hachiman owed a lot to Instructor Zephyr, as alongside Shizuka-sensei and Vice Admiral Garp, they never lost faith in him, consistently voting against his expulsion.
"Is the Shichibukai protocol really necessary? I know they were allies in the war against Shirohige, but are they truly needed?" Hachiman pondered as he ignited his fist.
Before anyone could change the gloomy atmosphere due to the Instructor's situation, a massive white figure accompanied by two other white figures emerged from the forest near the Academy.
"Intruders recognized, apply elimination!" declared the figure similar to Shichibukai Kuma but in white.
"Woah, you weren't kidding when you said they were like Shichibukai Kuma, Captain Koby," Hachiman remarked, watching as the white Pacifistas began charging attacks from their mouths. "But I don't think they're as friendly to be called 'shiro-chan'."
"Guys, how do I put it, but I think I forgot to tell you that the students' faces have been wiped from these Pacifistas…" Koby nervously admitted.
"Well, you should've said that earlier…" Hayama exclaimed just as the Pacifistas' light shots were fired directly at them.
BOOM!
The explosion was tremendous, but Koby and Hayama easily dodged it. However, Hachiman didn't budge and took the explosion head-on.
"Captain Hachiman…" Koby shouted from the air before noticing a violet glow appearing in the smoke where Hachiman should have been.
"Don't worry, Captain Koby. As a plasma being, I'm also immune to heat, electric attacks, and light explosions as long as they don't have Haki…**" Hachiman's voice declared as his figure showed itself intact after the powerful attack.
"Haha, now I understand why they sent you with two capture targets. The power of a Logia is no joke," Hayama commented while maintaining his hybrid form, which he had achieved through his training. This allowed him to keep his human form while gaining two pairs of enormous wings where his arms should be, and his legs took on a claw-like form.
"I maintain that it was unfair, a single target for someone who has mastered their Zoan to this extent will be utterly terrifying when their Haki awakens..." Hachiman expressed, amazed by Hayama's control over his fruit.
"Sorry to interrupt your conversation, but the Pacifistas are planning to launch another light attack..." Koby interjected as he observed them preparing another light attack.
"Any plans? Because I could spend all day receiving attacks..." Hachiman said calmly.
"How about a contest? Whoever takes the longest to bring down the Pacifista treats everyone to dinner at the most expensive restaurant..." Hayama suggested playfully from the sky.
"Okay, we start after they launch their attack..." Koby added enthusiastically.
"I never turn down a free meal..." Hachiman confidently stated as he placed his finger in front of the Pacifista.
The Pacifistas then launched their attack, and Koby and Hayama moved at the same time, shouting:
"Soru!"
They dodged with great speed and launched themselves directly at the Pacifistas.
"Plasma Gun!"
Hachiman shouted as he fired a concentrated beam of plasma towards the Pacifista, paying no heed to the incoming attack.
As the beam of energy traveled towards the Pacifista, Koby and Hayama appeared in front of it.
"Honestly Punch/Brutal Claw!"
Both captains yelled as they struck the Pacifista with their respective attacks simultaneously, while Hachiman's energy beam passed through its body.
Boom! Boom!
The sound of the explosions from the two attacks they dodged could be heard, but the one aimed at Hachiman met a different fate.
Hachiman, who didn't want to regenerate again, placed his hand in front of the energy beam and said:
"Plasma Absorption!"
Then, the energy beam that was supposed to hit his body or the air started to be absorbed by Hachiman's hand until it dissipated into particles of light in the air.
Each Pacifista that was hit began to malfunction. Hayama's Pacifista started to malfunction in the head where it received the impact, Hachiman's Pacifista began to suffer internal damage due to the attack passing through it, and Koby's Pacifista in the center of its chest from the impact of the blow.
Tcht, tcht, tcht! Boom! Boom! Boom!
"Haha, they exploded at the same time, it seems like this is a tie..." Hayama exclaimed as he returned to his full human form.
"Darn it, I got too confident. I didn't expect them to be as fast as my Plasma Gun..." Hachiman's words showed his dissatisfaction at losing his chance for a free meal.
"Sometimes you have to give it your all or you might lose, Captain Hachiman..." Koby advised as he retracted his black fist.
Three Pacifistas, which could pose a problem for an ordinary crew with a captain worth 50 million, were easily destroyed by the strength of these rookie captains.
"Hahhh..." Hachiman yawned sleepily, his eyes watery. Due to the events of the previous night and the destruction they had caused, they had attracted the attention of the academy's security systems, which activated all the sirens. The three rookie captains were concerned about being punished, so they quickly left the island without being seen.
Unfortunately for Hachiman, he couldn't visit the place where he had slept for so long in the past. Instead, he had to get used to the discomfort of the luxury hotel. Now, he was walking towards the ports, half-asleep and not paying much attention to his surroundings. He wasn't worried about bumping into anyone, as he could become translucent if something got in his way or collided with him.
This was due to his strong compatibility with Kenbunshoku Haki, and combined with his plasma powers, he could unconsciously avoid fatal attacks by electromagnetically analyzing everything within a 108-square-meter radius. So, feeling carefree and sleepy, he made his way to the port where his team and the other captains would be waiting for him.
Soon, without encountering any issues that would reveal their activities from the previous night, Hachiman arrived at the port. He observed as he walked that there were eight ships of identical brigantine-style vessels, all in shades of blue and teal.
Unlike the normal warships commonly seen on the sea, these were much smaller and more practical for small teams like these special forces units.
"Not too shabby, are they? These are new, and each one will be assigned to a captain based on the number they were given upon arrival," Shizuka said as she leaned against one of the posts at the entrance to the port, smoking a cigarette.
"Smoking so early isn't good for your health, Shizuka-sensei," Hachiman replied.
"A brat ten years younger won't tell me what's healthy..."
"Seems like you're in a bad mood, sensei. Hangover, perhaps?"
"Always so intuitive, Hachiman..." Shizuka said, taking a puff of her cigarette. "A good smoke always wakes you up, Hachiman. You should give it a try."
"I'll pass. I'm already gassy enough..."
"Zu zu zu! Always with that humor..." Shizuka laughed, then pulled some items from her coat and tossed them to Hachiman, who caught them.
"What's this, Commodore Shizuka?"
"Always using honorifics when you're suspicious of something. It's just a pack of cigarettes and a lighter," Shizuka pointed to Hachiman's hand, winking. "One day when you're feeling lonely or defeated, smoke one. You'll remember your lovely sensei, and it'll give you strength."
"No thanks, Sensei. I'm already too gassy..." Hachiman replied curtly, causing a vein to pop on Shizuka's forehead.
"If you keep being so dense, you won't endear yourself to any girls."
"Don't worry, Sensei. A few ranks higher, and the ladies will be at my feet..." he responded with a cynical smile.
Then silence fell over the area. Shizuka smiled and raised her hand.
Pruuusssst! Plac!
"Punch love!" Shizuka shouted as she delivered a powerful punch to the side of Hachiman's head, causing the sea behind him to surge from the force of her Haki-imbued strike.
"I hope this woke you up, Hachiman-kun..." Shizuka said with a smile that left Hachiman thoroughly frightened.
"Th-this... Yes, thank you very much, Sensei..." Hachiman said, fully awake now, as he watched the residual effects of the powerful punch ripple through the calm waters.
"Hachiman, hurry up before we're late," Shizuka said, causing Hachiman's alarms to go off. He could only nod.
"Yes, my Commodore Shizuka-sama..." Hachiman replied, visibly shaken, as he followed her brisk pace.
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Hachiman, now completely awake, was gathered not only with his team but also with the other 8 captains, all lined up in single file in direct relation to their rank, with the highest-ranking captain at the front and the lowest-ranking captain at the back.
Eight rows of seven people each were gathered around the 8 identical ships. If Hachiman knew about ships, he might have considered the design and advantages of how they were constructed. Instead, he was preoccupied with the coldness of Yukino, who was in his group, and he couldn't help but think that her icy demeanor might give him hypothermia.
Fortunately for him, to distract him from Yukino's coldness, there was an otaku named Zaimokuza in his group who was excitedly talking about the details he could observe from the ship.
"Wow!" Zaimokuza exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"It's a majestic brigantine, with a total length of approximately 50 meters. Its hull is painted in a sky-blue color that seems to reflect the sky itself. The beam, or its width, must be an impressive 8 meters, which gives it an imposing presence on the water. And the draft, the depth below the surface, reaches about 3 meters, suggesting that it's a well-balanced vessel capable of sailing even in deep waters reinforced with seastone."
Zaimokuza's voice was quite loud, and it was heard by everyone in the 8 lines.
"The masts and sails are a spectacle in themselves. This ship boasts two main masts, each adorned with square sails that rise majestically into the sky like the wings of giants. Additionally, there's a third foremast at the bow, which holds a lateen sail, adding an authentic touch to its design."
Zaimokuza's words demonstrated his passion for ships, and everyone gathered at the port was listening to him.
"And I can't forget about the armament," Zaimokuza continued, his voice taking on a mysterious tone.
"On the main deck, this ship carries twelve bronze cannons, six on each side, ready to unleash their thunder and fire at any moment. Furthermore, on the aft deck, there are four more bronze cannons, prepared to defend against any threats from the rear."
Zaimokuza paused dramatically before concluding his narrative.
"And for the crew, there are muskets and blunderbusses available, suggesting that this brigantine is not just an elegant ship but also a formidable war machine in skilled hands," Zaimokuza concluded as he made dramatic hand gestures to capture everyone's attention.
Hachiman couldn't help but feel embarrassed by Zaimokuza's actions, as they reminded him of a younger version of himself he'd rather forget.
"It seems that among the rookies, we have a ship connoisseur," a figure stepped forward and addressed the group. It was an elderly man with a pointed hat and a bottle of beer in his hand. "That's good because these ships will be your great companions and your greatest support in the missions that lie ahead. Consider them one more nakama."
He introduced himself as Tazuna, a boatswain of the Marines and the builder of these ships, as well as the caretaker of the port. He spoke calmly, beer in hand.
"They are lighter and more nimble than the ships that many men navigate across the seas. So, don't seek prolonged battles because you won't win," the man continued, taking another sip of his beer.
"But if you aim to escape or travel quickly across the seas, these ships are your best allies in skilled hands. So, prove to those who have chosen you that you are worthy of your ranks, my captains."
With those words, he threw his bottle to the ground and saluted his superiors with a military gesture, which they returned.
"Powerful words, Tazuna," Shizuka commented, her hangover evident in her eyes. "Well, with that said, each team should board the ship assigned to them based on the number given by Sakazuki-sama..."
"Commodore Shizuka, why didn't the other commodores come to bid us farewell?" Captain Catherine asked.
Upon hearing the question, Shizuka smiled nervously and wearily.
"Well, the farewell was a bit troublesome due to the early hour, and, as you know, there was a big party among the higher-ups. So, since only a minimum of one commodore was needed for the farewell..." She trailed off, touching her head. "We played a game of chance, and I ended up losing. So here you have me."
As they heard their superior's explanation, the group couldn't help but give her cold looks.
"You can judge us later. For now, board your ships and set sail, as time is of the essence, and our targets are not ordinary pirates. They are low bounty monsters that need to be stopped," Shizuka commanded.
"Yes, Commodore Shizuka," each captain replied as they headed to their assigned ships. As Hachiman made his way to his own ship, he heard Shizuka shouting.
"Be the first, Hachiman, so I can face the situation with the other commodores and get my revenge for losing..."
Upon hearing her words, Hachiman smiled and made a victory sign, raising his fist high.
"You may look tired on the inside, but it seems you're going all out, kid. You haven't made that sign since you graduated from the academy..." Shizuka said nostalgically as she watched the ships set sail.
"{Zephyr-sensei, how I wish you were here to witness the new heroes of the Marines, especially Hachiman, the man in whom you never lost faith...}" Shizuka thought, looking to her side where the builder Tazuna stood, as the image of a large man with purple hair appeared next to her.
"Yes, he would be proud, just like I am of that brat..." Shizuka uttered as she waved enthusiastically to all the departing ships.
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A week after the eight-brigantine fleet had set sail into the Paradise Seas within the Grand Line, the crew of Brigantine Number 8, lovingly named Kamakura I by Hachiman in honor of his cat—a name that surprisingly received full support from Yukino—had already settled into their assigned roles and living quarters on the fifty-meter vessel that glided across the vast ocean.
The main deck had been thoughtfully divided into compartments, each designed with a specific purpose to make life on board as comfortable as possible.
The kitchen, located at the rear of the ship, served as a constant hub of activity. Saika, the passionate chef of the team, enthusiastically oversaw the preparation of exquisite meals. The air was filled with the tempting aromas of fresh ingredients as they transformed into delicious dishes that satisfied the crew's appetite. Large windows offered captivating views of the ocean, making the cooking experience even more special. To Yui's disappointment, it was forbidden for her to participate in the kitchen unless accompanied by a team member since her last culinary attempt had almost resulted in Hachiman's demise.
Speaking of Hachiman, his quarters, where he worked and rested, were located at the highest point of the ship. It was a quiet corner filled with an air of mystery. Hachiman, with his maps unfurled and a concentrated gaze, worked tirelessly on planning the next stage of their mission to capture Wang-okl and Kant. The walls were adorned with nautical charts and artifacts from his most cherished memories, including a Den Den Mushi that kept him in contact with the central command.
His bed, comfortable and spacious, occupied one corner of the room, far from the central table and close to a bookshelf filled with books, providing him with the necessary rest after long nights of vigilance. Yukino wasn't entirely comfortable with her commander's workspace being so close to a bed, but Hachiman didn't mind, as it was a luxury that allowed him to rest immediately after work.
The boys' quarters, adjacent to the girls', was a shared space where the sailors relaxed and shared stories. Bunk beds arranged in two levels provided a place to rest, while shelves filled with books and personal items added a touch of personality to the space. Zaimokusa, the self-proclaimed writer of the group, proudly displayed his Sora and Germa 66 action figures on a shelf with a panoramic view of the ocean, while Saika, the cook, lovingly tended to his plants by the other window, creating a fresh and relaxed atmosphere in the room.
The girls' quarters, even larger than the captain's room, was a female sanctuary of friendship and comfort. The beds were adorned with curtains that provided a touch of privacy, and the walls were decorated with photographs and personal touches. Yui and Iroha were as excited as if they were having a pajama party, while Saki and Yukino, more reserved, shared special moments between them, much to the delight of Yui and Iroha.
The bathroom, located for both sexes, offered essential amenities for personal hygiene. Showers, sinks, and mirrors were available to keep the crew clean and healthy. Hachiman had established a shift system: first the girls, followed by the boys, and himself as the last, to ensure efficient use and maintain a clean and tidy environment.
The ship's forge, under Zaimokuza's supervision, was on the lower deck. Here, tools and weapons necessary for the journey were forged and maintained. The constant sound of hammering created a symphony of dedicated work, and Zaimokuza worked tirelessly to ensure that the equipment was always in perfect condition.
The training area, an open space on the deck, was equipped with weights, punching bags, and exercise equipment. The crew stayed in shape and improved their physical skills, with Hachiman occasionally serving as an instructor, teaching not only combat techniques but also the use of Haki, as agreed upon on the first day on the ship.
The infirmary, strategically located near the captain's quarters, provided a place for care and recovery for injured or ill crew members. Saki, the onboard physician, managed the space with professionalism that surprised Hachiman, though her proximity to his workspace occasionally caused a slight blush on her cheeks.
The shooting range was a corner where the sailors honed their marksmanship skills, ensuring they were prepared for any danger on the high seas. Yui and Iroha often trained together, occasionally accompanied by Yukino and Saki.
And finally, near the kitchen, was the provisions room. Shelves were stocked with barrels of flour, sacks of rice, boxes of dried fruits, as well as water, liquor, and essential cooking utensils. Its proximity to the kitchen made meal preparation efficient and ensured that the crew always had plenty of food at their disposal.
In addition to the open space Hachiman had discovered, he had been considering turning it into an area filled with plants, flowers, and fields to harvest their own fruits, while adding an observatory for stargazing and a couple of trees for hammocks.
Hachiman, now resting on his bed and reading a book bathed in the natural light reflecting off the ocean, while Yukino reviewed the possible trajectory Wang-okl could have taken since entering the Grand Line. As they delved into their tasks, Hachiman's memory began to revisit the events of their first day at sea.
.
.
.
[Flashback]
Hachiman, who had called for a meeting of all the crew members on the deck, gazed out at the ocean as each member of his team made their way to where he stood.
"It looks like we're all gathered here. Please take a seat, and I apologize for calling you all immediately before you could get comfortable on the ship," Hachiman stated as he turned around to observe all the team members who had taken their seats, totaling seven in number. It was a relatively small group compared to the standard marine squads that patrolled, which typically consisted of 30 to 50 members per ship. However, this made them feel like a special squadron, one where the potential of its captains would be evaluated to see if they could become heroes for the new era. Hachiman was aware of this responsibility, which is why he looked at his team with such determination.
But there was something he didn't know, something that embarrassed him. So, summoning all his courage, he spoke up.
"I know we're all aware of each other's ranks, but I have no idea how we should distribute our roles on this ship," Hachiman confessed, a tinge of embarrassment in his voice. His words left the rest of the crew surprised. Yukino was the first to react, raising her hand.
"Is this some kind of joke? Didn't you receive a report detailing each person's position?" Yukino asked as she cast a judgmental gaze at Hachiman.
"Well, the report had a little accident..." Hachiman began before Yukino interrupted.
"What kind of accident?" Yukino inquired, still looking at Hachiman with skepticism.
"Occupational hazards, you know, a fruit-related accident," Hachiman replied, reminiscing about how he had accidentally burned the report papers while attempting to heat his coffee using his powers. However, he had no intention of revealing this, especially not to Yukino.
"It seems that Captain Hikki doesn't want to divulge the reason. How about we use this opportunity to get to know each other better than just knowing each other's ranks?" Yui chimed in, saving the atmosphere with her good humor.
Yui's words prompted everyone to exchange glances before nodding in agreement.
"Alright, now that everyone knows my name and my role on this ship, who wants to go next?" Hachiman asked.
"I do!" Yui exclaimed, raising her hand enthusiastically. She was not only in favor of the idea but also the first to volunteer.
"Let me introduce myself again. My name is Yui Yuigahama, and I hold the position of Lieutenant Commander. I'm the sniper," Yui explained, displaying her rifle to the group. "I even have these Flower GP bullets to neutralize other gunmen without needing to kill."
Yui then revealed bullets that appeared ordinary, except for the "GP" engraved on their bodies.
"These are bullets designed by Dr. Vegapunk to turn enemy gunpowder into flowers, a valuable asset you've acquired, Yui," Yukino complimented her with her calm voice, earning a smile from Yui.
"Alright, Commander Yukino, your turn. Is that okay?" Hachiman inquired, and Yukino sighed in response.
"Very well, a commander's job is to fix their captain's mistakes," Yukino said with a mocking tone that only Hachiman picked up on. "As you've heard from the captain, I'm Commander Yukino Yukinoshita, and my role is the navigator. So, I'll be working closely with the captain," Yukino stated, glancing toward Hachiman with a teasing smile. "Rest assured, under my watch, there won't be any more fruit-related accidents."
"Haha, very funny. Who else wants to go?" Hachiman responded with his usual sarcasm, interrupting Yukino.
"I do!" Zaimokuza exclaimed as he stood up. "My sworn friend and my new comrades in battle, I'm Zaimokuza Yoshiteru. I'm not just the ship's blacksmith and carpenter; I'm also the swordsman who will bring the title of the greatest swordsman to the Marines."
Zaimokuza explained while showcasing his sword. However, the sword he presented was quite unconventional. It was enormous, heavy, and appeared more like a blunt iron mace than a traditional sword.
"My Matadragones is one of the Meito, none other than an O Wazamono," Zaimokuza proudly declared, leaving everyone surprised because, to them, it looked more like an iron mace than a sword with a renowned name.
"How I obtained such a valuable sword is a long and thrilling story..." Zaimokuza began but was cut off by Hachiman.
"We'll save that story for another time. Who's next?" Hachiman asked, breaking the moment and causing Zaimokuza to slump into a corner to sit down.
"Then, Saika or Saki, would either of you like to go next?" Both individuals exchanged glances before Saki raised her hand.
"Nice to meet you all. I'm Ensign Saki Kawasaki, and I'll also be the ship's doctor. So, my job will involve taking care of your wounds more than fighting, but don't worry..." Saki said as she revealed a pistol hidden in her jacket. "I'm not defenseless."
"Oh, you actually became a doctor! Congratulations!" Hachiman exclaimed, wearing a closed-eye smile to hide the fact that he was quite moved. Saki blushed and looked surprised.
"How did you know I wanted to be a doctor?"
"When we used to hang out on the rooftop, I sometimes saw you reading medical books during those quiet times. I never said anything because we both enjoyed that sense of silence."
"Oh, well, I made it... Th-thank you, Captain," Saki nervously replied, which Hachiman chose to ignore.
"Now it's my turn. I'm Saika Totsuka, and I'll be the crew's cook, as well as the second swordsman. Although I don't have a weapon as impressive as Zaimokuza-san's, my rapier doesn't disappoint, as it's made of Kairoseki," Saika Totsuka said, showing his rapier with great enthusiasm. When Hachiman touched it, he felt considerably weakened.
"Whoa, this thing could kill me, but I trust my ensign not to betray me."
"I'd never betray a captain, let alone a friend, so you can trust your back to me, Captain Hachiman," Saika Totsuka replied, his words deeply touching Hachiman's heart and leaving him captivated.
"{An angel, he's truly an angel...}" Hachiman thought with excitement, kneeling while holding back tears of happiness, earning strange looks from Saki, Yui, and Yukino.
"Ahem, Captain-senpai, I think it's my turn," Iroha spoke up, capturing everyone's attention and prompting Hachiman to stand.
"Ahem, Junior Lieutenant Iroha Ishiki, please proceed," Hachiman replied, embarrassed, and returned to his captain pose, under the watchful eyes of Yui, Yukino, and Saki.
"Hello, everyone, it's your favorite underclassman, Iroha Ishiki, who will be taking on the role of lookout and second sharpshooter. But unlike Yui-senpai, I prefer close range, te-hee," Iroha announced while revealing two revolvers and winking at everyone.
"Well, now that we all know our roles and have gotten to know each other better, it's time to bond with this beautiful ship that I've taken the liberty of naming Kamakura I."
"That sounds stupid..." Yukino remarked immediately.
"Which is named after my cat..." Hachiman added, ignoring Yukino, who quickly went from boredom to excitement at the thought of a small cat.
"The best name ever..." Yukino exclaimed, thrilled as she imagined a little kitten.
"As I was saying, my cat has had a long life, and let's hope this baby takes on that spirit. Now, I'm not good with speeches, but I don't want to lose to the other captains," Hachiman declared as he raised his fist.
"Let's beat them and secure that damn promotion so I can retire to the East Blue..." he continued with a sincere yet cynical smile, a smile that everyone nodded at, putting their fists next to Hachiman's.
"For the promotion!" they all shouted, ready for the adventures that awaited them on the seas.
[End of Flashback]
"Yeah, this is going to be a good ship and a great journey," Hachiman said as he returned to his reading, while Yukino continued to analyze maps and Wang-okl's potential routes. Wang-okl, a despicable pirate whose name had already been inscribed in Impel Down, was a target they were determined to capture.
This is chapter 6, I apologize that I'm still introducing the characters, but don't worry now whether or not chapter 7 begins the adventure.
It took me one more chapter because it occurred to me to make Koby, Hayama and Hachiman captains who are the marine counterpart of Luffy, Kidd and Law.
There is the symbolism with the pacifists as the first adversary of the defeated fics relevant to Hachiman Capitan.
remember the name Zephyr, the character from the movie Z is going to be very important in the future of this fics.
a spoiler, of the captains 5 have devil fruits (hayama, catherine, shirogane, fuutarou and hachiman), while fuma, koby and mbap are pure brute force... you can have fun trying to guess what the fruits of the three captains are absent, clue are not logia or zoan.
now respond to comments.
realbarto
Thank you very much for commenting, yes, armor haki will be the power to master in this first part of the fic and demonstrate the advantages of observation haki.
Maou09
Hachiman has a long way to go, but the ascension will be something that will be seen in the fics and they will prepare so that Hachiman can be a rival for the future king of the pirates, monkey d luffy
MoshiMonsters
I will do that, so I trust in your support.
orewall
thanks for your support.
Yoyon586
thanks for your support.
guest
thanks for your support.
Puzahx2
Thank you for commenting, about your question until there are only three captains who master haki, there are 5 captains who have devil fruit and therefore trust in the power that they give them, so the marine hopes that they awaken the haki to strengthen themselves and if there are no sacrificial children for the sake of justice
hachimafans
Thank you for your comment and I fixed how to refer to Zaimokusa, now this will be the way to refer to him in the fics
2828mobilegamer
I like your idea of zaimokusa as a rival for the title of best swordsman, but I didn't understand the Kurama thing.
buggytheclown
Thank you very much for giving the fics a chance, the advanced observation haki will be something raised and improved when the protagonists arrive to patrol the new world.
Since it is as you say, you need strong enemies to be able to improve the haki, thanks for the correction to refer to Akainu and about the romance, One Piece gives me the freedom that it could be anyone... even Shizuka, since the difference from luffy and boa is older than hachiman and shizuka
ujay27
I like to see so many people agree that Hachiman has the observation haki as a master, and about what you ask, if I remember correctly, the buggy inmates joined him and the other dangerous ones, I think they joined teach, but there could be more level 6
Kanjut Sakura
I don't write from one point of view for two reasons.
1) I feel like it's hard for me and I should practice more to get something decent.
2) by having an omniscient narration I can explore more characters and not just focus on Hachiman
And about the names, because in One Piece it is used a lot when referring to the other by their name, some use their last name because they are more recognizable that way (ej hayama)
thanks for you reading
Guest
exact
Spartastic4
Yes, he will meet and interact with Luffy in the future.