Lieutenant Colonel Drake

The new recruits didn't have a high enough level of perception to see what was really going on.

The Navy officers beside them, however, could see it clearly.

One captain chuckled, "Not bad. This must be some kind of leg-strengthening technique, right?"

Another chimed in, "It must be! This year, we've got a promising talent!"

Someone raised a question, "He's definitely a promising talent, but are there any issues with his background?"

"It's been thoroughly investigated. He's a refugee from an outer island who has since settled here. He's a survivor of the 'Slaying the Four Nations of North Blue' incident that caused a stir throughout the North Blue."

"No wonder he'd join the Navy at this time. Did he see hope?"

"Then we, the Navy, can't let this young fellow down!"

"Pass this information to Officer Yara. Promising talents with clean backgrounds need to be nurtured well!"

"..."

The trials lasted for a whole day.

Naturally, it concluded with Yun Ye taking first place.

It was too easy; Yun Ye's heart didn't stir even a ripple.

Having secured first place, Yun Ye was granted an audience with the highest-ranking Navy officer on the island.

As he walked into the office, Yun Ye feigned nervousness and bowed to Yara, "Sir, Navy recruit Yun Ye reporting for duty!"

Yara looked at Yun Ye and stated directly, "Patino Yun Ye, real name Luke Bernie, a former resident of Oli Island."

Hearing this, Yun Ye's eyes flickered subtly. 'Has my original body's identity been thoroughly investigated?'

Yun Ye appropriately displayed a look of surprise but remained silent.

Seeing Yun Ye's expression, Yara waved his hand and chuckled, "No need to be nervous. I don't blame you for hiding your identity. I know you were deeply saddened by what happened to your hometown, and it's not wrong to want to live on with a new identity."

He continued with a more serious tone, "However, this doesn't mean that with a new identity, your past hatred can be forgotten! I am pleased that you've joined the Navy at this time, and your performance has been outstanding."

Yara's approach was a classic "carrot and stick" tactic. First, he revealed Yun Ye's former identity to put him on edge, then he offered words of encouragement, saying he thought highly of Yun Ye, to put him at ease.

This back-and-forth would typically instill a sense of inexplicable awe and goodwill in an ordinary person.

A raw recruit might have been completely stunned by such a tactic.

However, Yun Ye was not about to be intimidated by such a simple ploy. He offered a helpless smile and said, "Sir, ever since I arrived on this island, I can't recall my past memories..."

"Is that so!"

Yara's face stiffened for a moment, then he nodded, stiffly changing the subject, "In two months, a Navy trial ship will come to the North Blue to recruit new soldiers. I will recommend you for the Navy Headquarters' recruit training camp. Of course, it's only one spot. Whether you get selected will depend on your performance."

Observing Yara's expression, Yun Ye found it a bit amusing. 'Still trying to play mind games with me? I'll make you feel awkward first!'

However, upon hearing about the recruit training camp, Yun Ye feigned confusion, "Recruit training camp?"

"The recruit training camp is a sacred place that all Navy recruits dream of. The teaching staff there is incredibly powerful; even Vice Admirals serve as instructors. Things like Rokushiki and Two-Color Haki can be learned there!"

Yara's expression returned to normal as he spoke, "It is the cradle of Navy officers, and all who graduate from there become the backbone of the Navy!"

"Rokushiki? Two-Color Haki? What are those?" Yun Ye asked with feigned curiosity.

Yara smiled mysteriously, leaving him in suspense, "You'll have to explore that yourself. Work hard, young man. I hope you can avenge your country in the future!"

"Yes, sir!" Yun Ye became "spirited" and, after bowing, retreated.

As for the identity of his original body, Yun Ye no longer needed to concern himself with it.

Being able to join the Navy was enough proof that the original body's identity was harmless.

Since it was harmless, Yun Ye had no desire to dwell on it.

And so, Yun Ye began his two months of training!

Two months later.

A warship sailed slowly across the sea.

On Donzuke Island, at the port.

After several months of repairs, the port had completely returned to its original state, with no traces of the previous cannon fire.

At the port, Navy personnel were lined up, awaiting the slowly approaching warship.

On the warship, a young man wearing a Navy cloak, standing two meters tall with a resolute face and a prominent "X" scar on his chin, looked out at the island ahead.

A Navy soldier hurried over and said respectfully to the young man, "Lieutenant Colonel Drake, we have arrived at Donzuke Island!"

"Mm, I know!"

The Navy officer, addressed as Drake, nodded slowly. "Let's disembark!"

"Yes!"

The soldier acknowledged and stepped back.

This person was none other than "Red Flag" Drake from the original story!

Soon, the warship docked.

Amidst the welcoming cheers of all the Navy personnel on the island, Drake slowly disembarked from the warship.

Seeing Drake in the crowd, Yun Ye couldn't help but his eyes flashed, feeling a sense of inexplicable familiarity.

After thinking for a moment, Yun Ye thought to himself, 'This face, is it "Red Flag" Drake from the original story?'

'I seem to recall Drake being from North Blue...'

Yun Ye kept these thoughts to himself, his expression not changing much.

Drake then approached Yara, gave a simple salute, and said, "I am Navy Headquarters Lieutenant Commander Drake. Colonel Yara, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

After the Germa incident, Yara had earned merits and was promoted to the rank of Colonel.

Yara returned the salute, "Welcome, Lieutenant Commander Drake."

Drake smiled slightly, "I know about your deeds over the past few months. It truly makes me, a Navy officer from North Blue, feel very proud!"

Yara was quite surprised, "Lieutenant Commander Drake is from North Blue?"

Yara could vaguely sense that this Lieutenant Commander from Headquarters contained a terrifying power within him.

Although his rank was higher than Drake's, if they were to fight, Yara estimated he wouldn't even last one move!

Drake nodded, "Yes, I am from North Blue..."

After a brief exchange, the two got straight to the point.

"Colonel Yara, we can't stay here for too long, so let's get straight to business."

Drake's expression turned serious.

Because he hailed from North Blue, the trial ship mission to North Blue was assigned to Drake, who had recently graduated.

Yara also became serious, "I have five recommended spots here, all promising talents!"

Drake nodded, "Good, then have them come out. We need to set sail again!"

Yun Ye and the other four stepped forward and, under Drake's lead, proceeded towards the warship at the port.

Besides Yun Ye, Lun Jin'er, who had fought with Yun Ye, was also present and currently looked flushed with excitement.

The other three were veteran soldiers from the branch base with good talent and strength, and they were also among the selected candidates this time.