Snatching People and News

Over the next few days,

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

At the same time, the news spread at an incredibly rapid pace to Marine Branch bases in the nearby seas.

The news soon reached Vice Admiral Kaxiu Beru, commander of the West Blue 1st Marine Branch base. His first reaction was shock, followed immediately by his second reaction—poaching talent!

How could such an outstanding Marine be buried in a small place like the 15th Branch? Wouldn't that be a terrible waste?!

He would never allow it!

A Marine with talent like Xia Luo's should display his abilities on a greater stage!

And throughout West Blue, only their 1st Branch could provide such conditions!

With that thought,

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

The call connected quickly.

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

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

Well, damn! He really dared to dream!

Whiteman was furious after hearing that and treated it like utter nonsense.

Then, Whiteman said he would ask for Xia Luo's opinion and that he would certainly do his best to persuade him. In reality, he was already warmly greeting the other man's entire family in his heart.

After hanging up, Whiteman slammed the table and cursed loudly. "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 give him to you?!"

"So what if you're the 1st Branch? Are you better than Marine Headquarters? You think I'll obediently let him go just because you made one phone call? Heh heh."

Despite saying that, Whiteman still sent someone to call Xia Luo over and asked for his opinion on the spot.

If Xia Luo said he wanted to go, then he could only respect Xia Luo's choice.

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

"Colonel, there's no need to say any more. I won't go."

"Good! Good! Good!" Whiteman immediately beamed with delight.

Over the next few days, Whiteman received several calls from Kaxiu Beru every day. The other party kept urging him on and applying relentless pressure, leaving him under immense stress.

"What a pain in the ass!"

Whiteman hung up the call 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 is going to come here himself!"

"It'll be hard to play dumb in front of him. I need to think of something."

As Whiteman muttered curses, the Den Den Mushi suddenly rang, startling him. He thought it was Vice Admiral Beru again, but upon checking, it was not.

He picked up the Den Den Mushi. "Hello, this is the West Blue 15th Marine Branch. I'm 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!"

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

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

Upon hearing this, Whiteman was ecstatic. He hurriedly asked, "How many trainees will this Marine Elite Training Camp recruit? And who will be the chief instructor? Will it be Zephyr?"

"The number of recruits has not yet been decided. 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 Training Camp affairs."

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

Good lord, was the Elite Training Camp really that impressive? Even Fleet Admiral Kong was personally stepping in. Its prestige was absolutely through the roof.

"Yes, barring any surprises. In addition, Marine Headquarters will issue an official document concerning the Marine Elite Training Camp in a few days."

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

"Of course, if one possesses exceptional talent, the age requirement may be relaxed appropriately. However, no one may exceed thirty years old. Anyone who passes the assessment may enter the Elite Training Camp."

After saying that, the communications officer hung up.

Inside the office,

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

"Tsk tsk, what a huge undertaking. It seems Headquarters is planning another major move. It's just 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. One month isn't exactly rushed, but it isn't especially generous either. He should leave early."

A short while later.

Xia Luo arrived after receiving the news. He pushed open the door, and 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 in my old 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 topic. Are you cursed or something?!"

Whiteman could not help but complain.

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 will soon be established, and Fleet Admiral Kong will serve as the first chief instructor."

"Of course, the most important part is that I secured you a spot. Go back and pack your things, kid. I'll immediately arrange for a warship to take you to Marine Headquarters!"

"How is it? Excited? Happy?" Whiteman winked at Xia Luo, lifting his chin slightly with a proud expression on his face.

"I'm so excited, so happy. Colonel, you're practically my idol. You've got so much influence. You managed to get such a precious spot—you're my god!" Xia Luo smiled faintly.

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

As he laughed, his laughter abruptly stopped. He looked at Xia Luo, and the smile on his face gradually faded. Finally, he became serious and spoke to Xia Luo with earnest sincerity.

"Xia Luo, after you reach Headquarters, you must train hard. Never become arrogant or complacent. I admit your talent is good, but compared to the monsters out at sea, you are still far too lacking!"

"There's something else I need to tell you. Logia powers are not invincible. Never think you're invincible just because you can become an element. I don't want to suddenly hear news of your death one day!!"

Seeing Colonel Whiteman's heartfelt concern, Xia Luo solemnly nodded. "Yes, I'll remember your words."

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

Over the years they had spent together, Xia Luo had neither relied on his talent to wreak havoc and throw his weight around in the base, nor held himself above others with arrogance and complacency. Instead, he had always treated people with humility and approachability.

During missions, he often took the lead, protected his subordinates, and faced danger alone.

Moreover, he could endure solitude, trained exceptionally hard, possessed unwavering perseverance, and had an intense desire to grow stronger!

"Xia Luo, I'm waiting for the day you don the cloak of justice and become a Marine Admiral. I look forward to it, and I firmly believe that the lightning in your hands will become a blade hanging over pirates' heads, driving away darkness, intimidating the wicked, making pirates tremble at the mere mention of your name, and restoring clarity to the seas!"

"Justice will prevail!!"

Whiteman's low yet resolute voice echoed through the office, his eyes filled with anticipation and heartfelt sincerity.

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