Became a Drag

Marineford, the port.

Battleships, like colossal beasts of steel, were neatly arrayed on the sea's surface. Even from a distance, they inspired awe and a sense of solemn respect.

Solemn, reverent.

Morito was just one among fifty thousand elite Marines, a single grain of rice lost in a vast granary.

Standing at the bow of a warship was a short man with a well-proportioned build and slightly tanned skin.

Vice Admiral Akita was the highest commander and strongest fighter on this warship. He wore a saber at his waist, his muscles well-developed, his stance firm and steady. The man exuded a sharp swordsman's aura.

He was likely a swordsman.

Morito and Kazan, clad in Reserve Navy uniforms, were the only ones whose true identities were known to Vice Admiral Akita and his adjutant.

On this warship, they were considered mere grunts, even below third-class soldiers.

However, Akita had not assigned them grunt duties. Instead, he treated them as combatants, even as personal guards.

The Marines on the warship exchanged surprised glances. Many secretly speculated if the two had some connection to Vice Admiral Akita.

Morito was an old hand; he was used to being the center of attention wherever he went.

But Kazan was still too thin-skinned, appearing somewhat uneasy.

Although he had been one of the top three strongest in the Training Camp, after leaving it and entering the Elite Class of the Reserve Camp, Kazan had become the weakest student.

Kazan had good talent; what he lacked was time and experience.

"Reserve Navy Morito (Kazan) reporting for duty."

The two arrived before Vice Admiral Akita and saluted.

Vice Admiral Akita nodded. As a Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters, unlike the common Marines, he had some understanding of the Naval Academy's affairs.

From a warrior's intuition alone, he could sense the combat power hidden within Morito and Kazan's bodies; it was definitely no weaker than that of the elite Marines under his command.

Moreover, as a Vice Admiral of Headquarters, Akita was aware of the reason behind the upcoming major battle between the Marines and the Flying Pirates.

Wasn't it because Kuzan had eliminated a formidable subordinate of the Golden Lion, Vulture?

These two had been on that same warship at the time.

Being able to survive the battle against the Vulture Pirates was enough to prove Morito and Kazan's strength.

"You two should rest well for now. The battlefield is ever-changing, and I can only guarantee that Marshal Zephyr's mission will be completed to the best of my ability."

Akita's implication was clear.

Since it was a battlefield, there was the risk of life and death. Even he couldn't completely guarantee Morito and Kazan's safety.

"To the best of my ability" did not mean "certainly."

"Yes!"

Morito and Kazan responded in unison.

Once on the battlefield, one had to be prepared to kill and be killed. Otherwise, why be a Marine? Wouldn't it be more comfortable to go home, farm, and raise children?

Why choose to live on the edge of a blade?

Akita nodded and said no more.

He immediately summoned a Marine soldier and instructed him to escort Morito and Kazan to their room to rest.

There was still some distance for the warship to travel from Marine Headquarters to the mission destination. Not everyone needed to stand guard on the deck.

Morito and Kazan followed the Marine soldier.

The surrounding Marines cast glances at the two. Although no one spoke, their eyes clearly conveyed their strong dissatisfaction.

Grunts not doing grunt work, yet enjoying the treatment of personal guards.

How could anyone be comfortable with that?

"Why do I feel like they're unhappy with us?" Kazan wasn't stupid; anyone could sense such obvious hostility.

"Don't ask, just be confident. They are unhappy with us."

Morito paused and added, "Yeah, they're probably more unhappy with me. It doesn't matter; I'm used to it."

Let them look. What difference does it make?

Kazan: "..."

Could you be any more shameless?

At the port of Marineford, over twenty warships successively departed.

Their objective was to swiftly and decisively eradicate the Flying Pirates' influence in the Paradise.

The more than twenty warships dispersed in all directions as soon as they left the port.

Morito and Kazan arrived at a double room. Once the door closed, the hushed discussions on the deck gradually began.

"Hey, hey, hey, what's going on? Why did the higher-ups assign two Reserve Marines to our warship?"

"This time, the most elite troops of Marine Headquarters have been assembled to face the Golden Lion!"

"Those two brats don't even look twenty yet!"

They haven't even grown all their hair, and they want to fight the Golden Lion's Flying Pirates?

The lowest-ranked soldier participating in this operation is a Private First Class, and above them are Officers, Captains, Colonels, and Generals.

Fighting a great pirate like the Golden Lion isn't even something a Private Second Class is qualified to participate in, let alone Reserve Navy soldiers who are worse than Privates Third Class.

Reserve Navy soldiers are commonly referred to as grunts.

These two grunts, dressed in Reserve Navy uniforms, not only have their own private room but don't even need to stand guard and are directly arranged to rest!

"Vice Admiral Akita, just who are those two..."

A Major frowned, unable to hold back his questions, and asked.

Even if they wanted to pull strings to gain military merits, shouldn't they pick their timing?

This is a battle against the Golden Lion; one wrong move and everyone on this ship could perish at sea.

And they're bringing two burdens into such a dangerous situation!

Isn't that going too far?

The Major's question echoed the thoughts of most people. Everyone stopped their discussions and turned to look at Akita, hoping he would provide a convincing answer.

However, Akita couldn't possibly reveal the identities of Morito and Kazan.

The reason for not revealing Morito and Kazan's identities was to prevent the Elite Class students from receiving special treatment, allowing the two to participate in the battle as ordinary Marine soldiers.

As for informing each Vice Admiral and their adjutant on every warship individually, it was to minimize unexpected incidents.

After all, every student in the Elite Class is a genius with the potential to become a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral; they are the future of the Navy.

They need the baptism of blood, but they cannot be easily lost.

Akita gazed intently and said ambiguously, "I know what you're thinking, but the reality isn't what you imagine."

The Major was unwilling and wanted to press further, but he was stopped by the adjutant beside him.

The adjutant sternly reprimanded, "We'll talk about everything after the battle is over. For now, stand at your post and do your job properly!"

Upon hearing this, everyone withdrew their gazes.

They had already adjusted their mindset and prepared to head to the battlefield to fight pirates. The sudden appearance of two burdens would understandably shatter anyone's composure.

One burden wasn't enough.

Now there were two!

It's really...

There's no choice. With two extra grunt burdens, they could only brace themselves with twelve-point spirit and treat the situation with even greater seriousness and vigilance.

This scene wasn't happening on all the warships.

Because Morito and Kazan were newcomers.

On the warships carrying Sakazuki, Borsalino, Dragon, and others, the situation was the complete opposite. The Marine soldiers not only had no complaints but instead showed looks of respect.

The strong are respected wherever they go!