Awake from the Dream, or Still Not?

The first half of the Grand Line, G2 Branch.

Outside an unremarkable-looking dormitory, a line of recruits stood in orderly formation at the entrance. Every one of them wore a solemn expression, and only after the person ahead came out did they enter with the reverence of pilgrims.

Throughout the process, not a single person made a sound. More precisely, no one dared to make a sound. Under such a solemn and dignified atmosphere, they instinctively straightened their attitudes.

Only after walking a long distance away did the recruits flush and begin discussing it in hushed voices.

"So this is where Fleet Admiral Shirozou used to live! This is amazing! I can't believe I get to train in the very place where Fleet Admiral Shirozou once trained!"

"I joined the G2 Branch Marines precisely because of this!"

"Me too, me too! If not for this, I probably would have joined the G8 Branch, which is a little closer to home!"

"This is a benefit only our G2 Branch has!"

Watching this scene, a rear admiral on the nearby training field nodded slightly. "It seems they've undergone a wonderful spiritual baptism!"

Standing beside him was a certain CP0 member in a white robe, though without a mask on his face. He curled his lips and said, "Rear Admiral Gregory, I think you're heading down a very wrong path. The military shouldn't be a place for personality worship!"

Gregory narrowed his eyes but didn't lose his temper. Instead, he smiled at the person who had spoken. "Captain Dagg... Oh no, you're Observer Dagg now. Allow me to explain."

"First, past experience has already proven that the path your CP0 has taken is wrong. So sometimes, perhaps you should learn to look at your own opinions from the opposite perspective."

"Second, this isn't