Recruitment and News [Please Follow!]

Over the next few days.

The 15th Branch base was filled with discussions about "Xia Luo had eaten the Rumble-Rumble Fruit and become a lightning man."

At the same time, the news spread at an astonishing speed to Marine branch bases in the surrounding seas.

The news soon reached the ears of Vice Admiral Kaxiu Beru, commander of the West Blue's 1st Marine Branch. His first reaction was shock, and his second was to snatch him away!

How could such an outstanding Marine be buried in some tiny place like the 15th Branch? That would be an utter waste of talent!

He absolutely would not allow it!

A Marine as gifted as Xia Luo should be displaying his talents on a bigger stage!

And throughout the entire West Blue, only their 1st Branch could offer such conditions!

With that thought,

Vice Admiral Kaxiu Beru immediately picked up a Den Den Mushi and called Whiteman.

The call was quickly connected.

Vice Admiral Beru immediately told Whiteman that he wanted to meet the legendary Rumble-Rumble Fruit user and hoped Xia Luo could visit the 1st Branch.

He then beat around the bush, saying that the 15th Branch was too small and unsuitable for Xia Luo's development.

Well, he really had some nerve!

Whiteman was furious when he heard that and treated it as nothing but nonsense.

He said he would ask Xia Luo for his opinion and that he would definitely try to persuade him, but inwardly, he was already warmly greeting the other man's entire family.

Once the call ended, Whiteman slammed the table and cursed, "You old bastard! You actually want to steal my man? Keep dreaming!"

"Not a chance! Xia Luo is my man. Why the hell should I hand him over to you?!"

"So what if it's the 1st Branch? Is it better than Marine Headquarters? Does he think I'll obediently let him go just because he made one call? Heh."

Even so, Whiteman still sent someone to summon Xia Luo and asked for his opinion on the spot.

If Xia Luo said he wanted to go, then Whiteman could only respect his decision.

Fortunately, Xia Luo did not disappoint him. Before Whiteman could even finish speaking, Xia Luo flatly refused without the slightest hesitation.

"Colonel, there's no need to say any more. I'm not going."

"Good! Good! Good!" Whiteman beamed at once.

Over the following days, Whiteman received several calls from Kaxiu Beru every day. The other man kept urging him and relentlessly pressuring him, leaving him under tremendous strain.

"What a damn nuisance!"

Whiteman hung up once again.

On the fourth day.

15th Branch base.

Base commander's office.

"Damn it, why hasn't the news from Headquarters arrived yet? At this rate, that old bastard Beru will come charging over himself!"

"If he's standing right in front of me, it won't be easy to brush him off. I need to think of something."

As Whiteman grumbled and cursed, the Den Den Mushi suddenly rang, startling him. He thought it was Vice Admiral Beru calling again, but upon looking closer, it was not.

He picked up the Den Den Mushi. "Hello, this is the West Blue 15th Marine Branch. I am Colonel Whiteman."

"Hello, Colonel Whiteman. This is Marineford. I am a communications officer from Marine Headquarters. Under orders, I am notifying you in advance that the Marine Elite Training Camp will officially be established one month from now!"

"By Admiral Zephyr's instruction, Marine Xia Luo has been successfully admitted as one of the first students of the Marine Elite Training Camp. Please inform Captain Xia Luo and have him depart immediately. He must arrive at Marine Headquarters and report to the Elite Training Camp within one month."

"Hahaha, the news finally came! The Marine Elite Training Camp—Zephyr actually did something worthwhile for once!"

Hearing this, Whiteman was beside himself with excitement. He hurriedly asked, "How many students will this class of the Marine Elite Training Camp recruit? And who will be the chief instructor? Will it be Zephyr?"

"The number of recruits has not been determined. The first chief instructor of the Marine Elite Training Camp is provisionally set to be Fleet Admiral Kong. Admiral Zephyr will not be responsible for camp affairs."

Whiteman's first reaction upon hearing this was shock. "What? Fleet Admiral Kong is actually the chief instructor?!"

Good heavens, was this Elite Training Camp really such a big deal? Even Fleet Admiral Kong was personally stepping in. What an incredible lineup.

"Yes, barring any unforeseen circumstances. In a few days, Headquarters will issue an official document regarding the Marine Elite Training Camp."

"At that time, young Marines under the age of twenty-five from all over the world may submit applications."

"Of course, if someone possesses exceptional talent, the age limit may be relaxed accordingly, but they must not be older than thirty. Anyone who passes the assessment may enter the Elite Training Camp."

With that, the communications officer hung up.

Inside the office,

Whiteman put down the Den Den Mushi in his hand and clicked his tongue in amazement.

"Tsk, tsk, what a grand move. It looks like Headquarters is planning something major again. It's a pity I don't meet the age requirement, or I'd definitely secure myself a spot!"

"Forget it. I should tell Xia Luo this good news first. A month isn't exactly rushed, but it isn't particularly generous either. He should leave early."

Not long afterward.

Xia Luo hurried over after receiving the news. When he pushed open the door, the first thing he saw was Whiteman's familiar smiling face.

"Colonel, what's got you so happy? Is my teacher's wife pregnant?" Xia Luo teased.

Whiteman laughed and cursed, "Get lost! What nonsense are you talking about? Although I'm still vigorous for my age, your teacher's wife's health..."

"Damn it, why am I even telling you this? I've noticed that every time I talk to you, you lead me off track. Are you cursed or something?!"

Whiteman could not help complaining.

Xia Luo looked embarrassed.

"I called you here to tell you some good news. We just received word from Headquarters that the Marine Elite Training Camp is about to be established, and Fleet Admiral Kong will serve as its first chief instructor."

"Of course, more importantly, I secured you a spot. Go back and pack your things. I'll immediately arrange for a warship to take you to Marine Headquarters!"

"So? Aren't you excited? Happy?" Whiteman winked at Xia Luo, lifting his chin slightly with a proud expression.

"I'm incredibly excited, incredibly happy. Colonel, you're practically my idol. You're amazing—getting such a precious spot. You're my god!" Xia Luo said with a faint smile.

"Hahaha, it's nothing, nothing." Whiteman laughed heartily like an old child.

As he laughed, his laughter suddenly stopped. He looked at Xia Luo, and the smile on his face gradually faded. Finally, he spoke to Xia Luo solemnly and earnestly.

"Xia Luo, after you arrive at Headquarters, you must train hard. Never become arrogant or complacent. I admit that you have remarkable talent, but compared to those monsters out at sea, you are still far too lacking!"

"And another thing: Logias are not invincible. Don't think you're unbeatable just because you can transform into elements. I don't want to suddenly hear news of your death someday!!"

Seeing Colonel Whiteman's sincere emotions, Xia Luo nodded gravely. "Yes. I'll remember your words."

Whiteman nodded in satisfaction. It was clear that he was extremely pleased with Xia Luo, not merely because of the talent Xia Luo had displayed. Talent was only one aspect; the other was his character.

After several years together, Xia Luo had neither relied on his talent to run wild and throw his weight around in the base, nor had he held himself above others or become arrogant. Instead, he had always treated others humbly and approached them with kindness.

While carrying out missions, he often took the lead, protected his subordinates, and faced danger alone.

Moreover, he could endure loneliness, trained with exceptional diligence, remained unyielding, and possessed an intense desire to grow stronger!

"Xia Luo, I await the day you don the cloak of justice and become a Marine Admiral. I look forward to it, and I believe that the lightning in your hands will become a blade hanging over pirates' heads—dispersing darkness, intimidating villains, making pirates tremble at the mere mention of it, and restoring the seas to clarity!"

"Justice will prevail!!"

Whiteman's deep and resolute voice echoed through the office, his eyes brimming with anticipation and sincerity.

Xia Luo avoided his gaze, lowered his head slightly, and remained silent for a long time.