The new recruits lacked experience and simply could not see what was so special about it.
However, the nearby Navy officers saw through it.
A captain smiled. "Impressive. That should be some kind of leg-strength technique, right?"
Another added, "It should be! This batch has produced a fine prospect!"
Someone raised a question. "He is indeed a fine prospect, but is there any issue with his identity?"
"It has already been investigated. He is a refugee from an outer island who has now settled on the island. He is a survivor of the incident that once shook North Blue—the Slaying the Four Nations of North Blue incident."
"No wonder he joined the Navy at a time like this. Has he seen hope?"
"Then our Navy cannot let this little guy down!"
"Report this intelligence to Commander Ara. A promising recruit with a clean background needs to be properly nurtured!"
"..."
The trial continued for an entire day.
In the end, Yun Ye naturally took first place.
It was far too easy; Yun Ye did not feel even the slightest ripple in his heart.
Having taken first place, Yun Ye received an audience with the highest-ranking Navy officer on the island.
Entering the office, Yun Ye feigned nervousness and saluted Ara. "Sir, Navy recruit Yun Ye reporting for duty!"
Ara looked at Yun Ye and said directly, "Patino Yun Ye, originally named Luke Bernie, former resident of Oli Island."
Upon hearing that, Yun Ye's gaze flickered subtly. Has the original owner's identity been thoroughly investigated?
Yun Ye showed a timely look of surprise, but said nothing.
Seeing Yun Ye's expression, Ara waved his hand and smiled. "There is no need to be nervous. I do not blame you for concealing your identity. I know you are deeply grieved by what happened to your hometown. There is nothing wrong with changing your identity and starting a new life."
At that point, Ara grew solemn. "But changing to a new identity does not mean your past hatred can be forgotten! I am gratified that you joined the Navy at such a time, and your performance has been outstanding as well."
The moment Ara opened his mouth, he used the classic carrot-and-stick approach. He first revealed Yun Ye's former identity to intimidate him, then offered encouragement by saying he thought highly of Yun Ye, putting him at ease.
With that back and forth, an ordinary person would have developed an inexplicable sense of awe and goodwill toward him.
If he had truly been some green recruit, he might have already been completely rattled.
But Yun Ye naturally would not be intimidated by such a petty trick. He merely revealed a helpless smile and said, "Sir, ever since I came to this island, I have been unable to remember anything from before..."
"I see!"
Ara's expression stiffened. He nodded and awkwardly changed the subject. "In two months, a Navy trial ship will come to North Blue to recruit new soldiers. When that happens, I will recommend you for the Navy Headquarters Training Camp. Of course, it is only a slot. Whether you are selected will still depend on your performance."
Seeing Ara's expression, Yun Ye found it somewhat amusing. Trying to play tricks on me? I'll make you awkward first!
However, when he heard about the Training Camp, Yun Ye feigned confusion. "Training Camp?"
"The Training Camp is a sacred place every Navy recruit dreams of. Its instructors are extremely capable; even vice admirals serve as instructors there. Things like the Navy's Rokushiki and Two-Color Haki can all be learned there!"
Ara's expression returned to normal as he continued, "It is the cradle of Navy officers. Everyone who graduates from there becomes a pillar of the Navy!"
"The Navy's Rokushiki? Two-Color Haki? What are those?" Yun Ye showed a curious expression.
Ara gave a mysterious smile, leaving him in suspense. "You can explore that for yourself. Work hard, young man. I hope that one day, you can avenge your country!"
"Yes, sir!" Yun Ye became "full of fighting spirit." After speaking, he saluted and withdrew.
Yun Ye no longer needed to concern himself with the original owner's identity.
The fact that he could join the Navy was enough to prove that the original owner's identity was harmless.
Since it was harmless, Yun Ye had no desire to concern himself with it further.
And so, Yun Ye began two months of training!
Two months later.
Out at sea, a warship slowly approached.
Donzuke Island, at the harbor.
After several months of repairs, the harbor had been completely restored to its former state, with no trace of the previous bombardment remaining.
At that moment, Navy soldiers stood in formation at the harbor, welcoming the slowly approaching warship.
On the warship, a young man wearing a Navy coat, standing nearly two meters tall, with a resolute face and a prominent X-shaped scar on his chin, looked toward the island ahead.
A Navy soldier hurried over and respectfully said to the young man, "Lieutenant Commander Drake, we have arrived at Donzuke Island!"
"Mm, I know."
The Navy officer called Drake nodded slowly. "Begin disembarkation!"
"Yes!"
The soldier acknowledged the order and withdrew.
This man was none other than Red Flag Drake from the original story!
Soon, the warship docked.
Amid the welcoming cries of every Navy soldier on the island, Drake slowly stepped off the warship.
Among the crowd, Yun Ye saw Drake and could not help but have his gaze flicker. He felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
After thinking for a while, Yun Ye thought to himself, That face... is he Red Flag Drake from the original story?
I seem to remember that Drake was from North Blue...
Yun Ye thought about this inwardly, but his expression did not change much.
Drake came over to Ara's side, gave a brief salute, and said, "I am Lieutenant Commander Drake of Navy Headquarters. Colonel Ara, it is a pleasure to meet you!"
After the Germa incident, Ara had earned merit and been promoted to the rank of colonel.
Ara returned the salute. "Welcome, Lieutenant Commander Drake."
Drake smiled faintly. "I know about what you accomplished these past few months. As a Navy officer from North Blue, it makes me extremely proud!"
Ara was rather surprised. "Lieutenant Commander Drake, you are from North Blue?"
Ara could vaguely sense that this lieutenant commander from Headquarters possessed a terrifying power within him.
Although Ara's rank was higher, if they fought, he probably would not even be able to withstand a single move from Drake!
Drake nodded. "Yes, I am from North Blue..."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two went straight to business.
"Colonel Ara, we cannot remain here long, so let us get straight to the point."
Drake's expression became solemn.
Because he was from North Blue, the task of leading the trial ship to North Blue had been assigned to Drake, who had graduated not long ago.
Ara's expression also became solemn. "I have five recommendation slots here. They are all excellent prospects!"
Drake nodded. "Good. Then have them come out. We need to set sail again!"
Yun Ye and four others stepped forward and, under Drake's lead, headed toward the warship at the harbor.
Aside from Yun Ye, Lun Jin'er, who had fought Yun Ye before, was also present. He was so excited that his entire face had turned red.
The other three were veteran soldiers from the branch base with relatively good talent and strength, and they had also received slots this time.