The Aggrieved Duo

"Hypnotist" Jango and "Iron Fist" Fullbody stood nearby watching the other recruits undergo their enlistment assessments. Though they appeared to be watching, their minds were not on the fights taking place in the arena.

"Ah, these guys are really lucky this time. They happened to catch such a huge opportunity and can obtain corresponding positions just by passing the assessment. Unlike us, who have to undergo a period of training." Fullbody watched the ongoing battle and sighed.

"Hypnotist" Jango adjusted his hat and said somewhat enviously, "Especially someone. Everyone else had to go through selection before they could take the assessment, but he skipped that process entirely and came straight here through a recommended slot."

The two of them both glanced toward Wuli, who had just finished his battle.

"I didn't expect him to really be that strong. Even Garp's two rising stars, Koby and Helmeppo, couldn't beat him when they joined forces." Fullbody said in surprise.

"Although this guy only joined the World Military Draft midway through, and only got a slot from Vice Admiral Smoker through our Rear Admiral Hina's favor, allowing him to take the assessment," Jango said, pushing up his glasses and withdrawing his gaze. In a tone of envy he was unwilling to admit, he continued, "he really does have that kind of strength. It's no surprise Rear Admiral Hina thinks so highly of him."

"The first time we saw him, his battle with Kidd truly was surprising. But we all know Kidd had fought a hundred consecutive battles and destroyed dozens of pirate crews. He was obviously too exhausted, which gave Wuli an opening to force a draw with him."

Fullbody suddenly straightened and looked at Wuli. Jango found it strange and looked over again, only to see Wuli walking toward Hina, who was smoking. The two chatted and laughed, though it was unclear what they were saying.

Seeing this, both Jango and Fullbody grew jealous. They had even willingly demoted themselves to Seaman Recruits for the chance to follow Hina because they admired her. How could they not be jealous when they saw someone she had only known for such a short time getting along with her so well?

Fullbody said unwillingly, "Too bad we're only Seaman Recruits now. We can raise our ranks too."

Jango patted Fullbody on the shoulder and consoled him, "We demoted ourselves back then to follow Rear Admiral Hina. That guy may have been favored by the goddess of luck, but once he is assigned a fixed position and receives missions, he won't be able to stay with Rear Admiral Hina. On the other hand, we can remain by her side the whole time."

After saying that, both fell silent. That reasoning was correct, but what shattered their composure again was seeing Hina leave together with Wuli. Who knew where they were going?

Bang!

"Iron Fist" Fullbody angrily slammed his fist into the railing in front of him, and the sound made the other Marines turn to look at them.

"Have you forgotten our vow?" Jango suddenly asked.

"Of course not. We vowed to follow Rear Admiral Hina for life. No matter what happens, we cannot break that vow. For it, we must endure any hardship or exhaustion." Strange star-shaped lights gleamed in Fullbody's eyes.

That finally calmed Fullbody down. Yet not long afterward, he wanted to punch the railing again. He was still deeply upset, but remembering that it would draw everyone's attention, he merely placed his hand lightly on it instead.

He growled in a low voice, "I still can't accept this. I can't even bear to watch anymore. It hurts just thinking about it. Are we really just going to watch Rear Admiral Hina run off with someone else? I can't accept that. I'm going to challenge him to a duel. Even if I can't beat him, I'll still fight."

"Although this isn't a wise decision, and it's rather reckless, it could affect our image in Rear Admiral Hina's eyes. But I can't stand it anymore either. Let's go!" Jango said, preparing to leave. Fullbody was somewhat surprised, but when his gaze fell upon the railing Jango had squeezed out of shape, he suddenly understood.

So his friend was just as upset and needed an outlet. If the two of them attacked together, no matter what, they could not let Wuli have an easy time.

As Jango and Fullbody left the railing, intending to stop Wuli, a voice suddenly called from behind them, "Hey, hey, you two!"

The pair turned around and looked left and right, only to find a Marine in a chef's uniform standing there. They turned back and prepared to leave. Apparently he was not calling them; they did not know any Marine chefs.

"Hey, hey, you two Seaman Recruits." The chef pointed at them. When the two turned around again in confusion, the chef continued, "Because of the draft, Marine Headquarters suddenly has a lot more people. The amount of food that needs to be prepared has increased as well, and the kitchen is short-staffed. You two Seaman Recruits, go help out in the kitchen as general labor."

"Seaman Recruits, Seaman Recruits..." Black lines appeared across their foreheads. And they were even being sent to do kitchen chores. Jango and Fullbody had just opened their mouths to refuse when the head chef walked away first, his voice drifting back to them.

"Hurry up. Stop dawdling."

The two looked at each other and saw the helplessness in each other's eyes. There was no helping it; that was the miserable part of being a Seaman Recruit. When they looked again, Wuli and Hina had already disappeared, and no one knew where they had gone.

Jango and Fullbody could only lower their heads in frustration and follow the chef to the kitchen to do odd jobs.