4 Volume 1 Chapter 4

It was now time to leave, the pit had been filled. He now had a shaft in his hands as he made his way down the mountain.

"Master!, Master!, I am back!. You wouldn't believe what I experienced".

"Master..."

But there was no response, opening the hut, there was only a note left behind.

***

Ezra,

I have watched you grow over the past two years and you have shown me determination and perseverance. Unfortunately, I am too old to continue the next part of the journey with you.

By the time you see this note, I would have informed the nearest marine outpost of a young boy stranded on a deserted island.

It will not be easy for someone without a clear background to join the marines, especially after this new age of pirates began 3 years ago. Your best option is to rely on the rescue ship.

Do not come looking for me! Continue to chase your dreams. I look forward to the day Rose D. Ezra is a renowned marine hero across the world.

Oldman Hooks

***

Ezra who was initially filled with joy from what he experienced in the temple was now staring at the note in his hand in disbelief. it must have been difficult for his master to get the attention of the marines.

"Thank you master for investing in me. I know it was pity that made you take me in but because of you, I can push forward. No matter where you go you will always be my master." Ezra voiced out still in a daze.

It would take some time for the marines to get there, He would have to practice using a pole until they arrive.

2 weeks later, Ezra noticed a marine ship approaching the island. It had 3 masts and the regular blue marine symbol on a white background, he quickly grabbed all his belongings and made his way to the beach.

After the ship docked a rowboat was sent to the island, in it were soldiers dressed in uniform, navy blue trousers, a white top and a blue scarf around their necks.

One of the marines approached Ezra asking who he was and how he got stranded.

Ezra wittily replied he was on his way to apply to the marines but was left on this island by his grandfather.

He was quickly brought on board the ship.

The life of a chore boy was not fun, even though he was considered a passenger he still had to complete various tasks on deck. But Ezra never gave up on his physical training, swooshes of a pole were always heard on deck every night.

2 months later...

"Captain, we are arriving at West Blue Marine Division," a seaman apprentice saluted.

"Very well, radio in! Crew! prepare to dock," the captain said whilst making his way to the bow of the ship.

"Yes Captain!" the crew replied.

Everyone got busy moving, pulling, and folding things. Ezra had no idea what he was to be doing so, he stood in a corner to not get in anyone's way.

"Get into marching formation", yelled the lieutenant. "Chore boy you come with us".

"Forward March"

There was already a gathering outside the recruitment centre.

A captain carrying a large, modified marine issued rifle was making his way through all the salutes to our marching group.

"Halt!" announced the lieutenant.

Captain Bloodshot...

Captain Arms...

After a short greeting, both captains made their way to join the others at the recruitment panel.

A seaman recruit who has taken a liking to Ezra over the two weeks came over and whispered some information into his ears. "Captain Bloodshot is a sniper, hence the large rifle and our Captain Arms has a massive arm strength paired with his iron gauntlet. They are both part of the strongest marine captains in West Blue."

The only thought going through Ezra's mind was 'How strong are they against Devil Fruit Powers'

In the past two weeks without any prior knowledge of devil fruits, Ezra had come to understand some key points to the power he gained.

Being near the sea, his physique was strengthened so did his control of the seawater. This was a chance discovery he had one night during his regular pole training. He noticed he could move the seawater that splashed into the ship. Since then, he had been using seawater when cleaning the deck to improve his control.

He thought to himself, ' How useful will his power be on land where there is no seawater?'

"Quiet!"

"I must say, there has never been a gathering of this sort ever in marine history. Today in all Four Blues, Marines are gathered to recruit new members. So, you all can be considered a history-making bunch.

Orders from HQ, there will be a restructuring in the marines to combat the growing pirate menace.

All recruits already assigned to a captain will withdraw and apply to the West Blue Academy as second-year Seaman Apprentice.

HQ trained Seamen apprentice will be allocated to each Captain.

New intakes will be sent directly to the West Blue Academy as first-year Seamen Recruits."