Making reasonably balanced assignments without causing disputes took skill.
Fortunately, Kyle and the others had already submitted their assignment preferences before graduation, which narrowed down the options.
Harken, for instance, wanted to return to the North Blue to protect his hometown, and Marine Headquarters would not refuse that request.
It was standard practice for these young, newly graduated Marines to spend a few years gaining experience in the less dangerous Four Seas.
Once they had earned some merit, they would be promoted to Marine Headquarters or sent to gain experience on the Grand Line.
Cyrik wanted Harken to use the Marines' power to cover the Dark Sun Church's expansion, so naturally, he would have Harken put down roots in the North Blue.
Although the Dark Sun Church was growing rapidly, building its foundations still took time.
Using the Marines' power as cover was necessary.
Cyrik himself chose to stay at Marine Headquarters, spending some time gaining experience in both the Intelligence Department and the General Staff.
With his silver tongue, he could gain a measure of influence and establish a network of informants at headquarters, giving him access to its intelligence.
Later, he would use his desire to fight on the front lines as a reason to seek a field assignment, then expand step by step with the North Blue as his base.
Cyrik had a complete plan for all of this.
There was another reason: he needed to keep an eye on Mistral.
Among the members of the Dark Sun Church, Mistral had entered Marine Headquarters alongside him and Harken.
However, Mistral had not been strong enough to enter the Elite Training Camp. She had been recruited into Staff Officer Tsuru's Women's Corps and trained there for two years before joining the Elite Training Camp in her third year.