Division 108

Hachiman and Yukino were walking towards the central base where Fleet Commander Akainu awaited them. Despite their official roles as superior and subordinate, it seemed like the roles were reversed because the 1.82-meter-tall captain found himself on the defensive against the petite woman standing at 1.50 meters. Secretly, she was relishing the fact that her new superior was on the back foot.

To some, this situation might have seemed ridiculous, but Hachiman knew that the woman beside him was 1.50 meters of pure malevolence, and it was no coincidence that she topped his list of people he'd like to eliminate. And Hachiman had evidence, indisputable evidence that Yukino was pure evil.

The first of it all was their initial encounter with this demoness of a woman, which happened during their first week at the academy. Hachiman, with his natural bad luck, had drawn the short straw that week, assigned to clean the hallways of the academy. So, there he was, walking with a bucket of water and a mop, expecting another day of grueling work, if it weren't for a foot that tripped him up.

Hachiman never found out who caused him to stumble, but he always suspected Kazuo, even though he never had enough proof. But Kazuo was now a thing of the past, probably barely surviving in Impel Down with his bloody spikes, trying to avoid poisonous insects.

Back to the story, propelled by his lifelong nemesis called gravity, Hachiman couldn't prevent himself from falling to the ground. However, instead of an embarrassing fall onto the hard, dirty floor, he landed on something soft that was now also wet.

That soft cushion that cushioned his fall and got wet along with him happened to be none other than Yukino Yukinoshita. Hachiman tried to get up, but given his naturally weak physique, he couldn't do it at the speed he wanted, and, being somewhat clumsy, he had the misfortune of touching a part of a woman he shouldn't have: her chest, or at least that's what Yukino felt because she let out a gasp that turned everything around them crimson.

Hachiman still insisted that he didn't touch anything, as there was nothing to touch, but neither his close friends nor his little sister believed him when he recounted this incident, even his sister called him a pervert. The fact that his sister started calling him a pervert because of her added many points to his scale of hatred. However, that wasn't the only thing that happened during that fateful first encounter.

To his dismay, the apprentice uniform he was wearing that day was white and became translucent when wet. Therefore, like many others present, he became a witness to Yukino's underwear. Yukino quickly covered herself and shot Hachiman a piercing cold look before standing up. Her first action was to deliver a powerful slap to his face while uttering the nickname by which he had been known for the three years of their academy life.

As the apprentices had their names and surnames on their identification badges, Yukino knew perfectly well what his name was.

"Stay away from me, pervert, Fishigaya," her words were firm and clearly pronounced. After that, Yukino turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Hachiman standing there in shock. Within half an hour, the entire academy was calling him by that nickname, and it even made its way to Chiba, as some of Komachi's letters referred to him as "Fishigaya."

Hachiman, who had initially thought he might be expelled for the incident, was saved from expulsion when his guardian angel reported having seen someone trip him. However, to maintain the academy's moral standards, he was punished with a year-long cleaning duty, and since his fellow students were quite cunning, they intentionally made extra messes to keep him cleaning longer.

While other students were enjoying their time and making friends during their first year at the academy, Hachiman found himself cleaning, all because of something he didn't do. Hachiman might have forgiven Yukino for the incident, as he was a reasonable person, but that demon of a girl had it out for him from that day onward.

Many would think that he might have retaliated by making more messes or using his charm to have others beat her up where no one could see, but Hachiman recognized that declaring her his nemesis was much better than such spoiled queen-like behavior.

Over the course of those three years, Yukino dedicated herself to surpassing Hachiman in every aspect academically, and she succeeded. Every physical or intellectual achievement Hachiman accomplished, Yukino surpassed with ease while giving him a look of superiority.

Some students even began to keep records of their duels, where Yukino achieved an impressive 108 consecutive perfect victories against Hachiman. It didn't help Hachiman's case that instead of improving physically like the other cadets, he seemed to remain the same, as if his strength had plateaued. This soon became public knowledge, and in tests and competitions, Hachiman earned the nickname "Hikizero," as students avoided forming teams with him, considering him dead weight for team missions, and fights against him didn't earn any points for the challengers.

However, Yukino continued to challenge him, to the point where he was considered a warm-up or a human punching bag for the other cadets. As a result, many students competed for the chance to face "Hikizero."

For three consecutive years, Hachiman endured this, and if it weren't for his first angel, the nerd who was as close to being a friend as he had, the loner who shared the rooftop with him in silence, and above all, Hiratzuka sensei, the teacher whose vote prevented him from meeting the minimum requirements for expulsion, Hachiman might now be living under a bridge.

But now, Hachiman was happy to have overcome that past, having become the second in his generation to achieve the rank of captain. However, his happiness quickly waned due to the demon walking alongside him.

"You know, when I read the transfer notice, I was amazed that someone had the misfortune of having the same name as you and getting promoted to captain. So, it was a huge surprise to see that it was you who showed up in the presentation," Yukino said, bringing up the topic as they walked.

"Oh, did you say something? I can't hear you from down there..." Hachiman joked, placing his hands near his ear. "Ouch... Hey, what's your problem?" he complained, clutching his side where he had been struck with a circular staff.

"Wow, this is really made of kairoseki. I should thank Shizuka-sensei for giving it to me," Yukino remarked, ignoring her captain's pain.

"You know, if they keep doing stuff like this, they'll take the fun out of being a Logia user..." Hachiman said as he rubbed his side where he had been hit.

"If you enjoy it, then it's no longer fun, Hachiman-kun..."

"Did you eat a Devil Fruit of poison or something? Because I don't know how you manage to inject venom even when pronouncing my name," Hachiman quipped. He couldn't continue speaking because they had reached the door where the Fleet Admiral awaited them. As they stood before the door, both young adults shared a silent moment, took a deep breath, and then opened the door.

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"Captain Hachiman Hikigaya of Division 108 reporting to Fleet Admiral Akainu-sama."

"Commander Yukino Yukinoshita of Division 108 reporting to Fleet Admiral Akainu-sama."

Both young individuals spoke in unison, assuming a military posture. Akainu, who gazed at the newcomers, took a puff of his cigar, causing the scar on his face to shimmer.

"You're the last ones to arrive," Akainu stated as he exhaled the smoke.

His presence remained intimidating for both young officers, and they weren't alone in feeling this way. The other captains and their vice-commanders were in a similar position.

"{Brave Captain Koby, staying calm in the presence of the man who nearly killed him at Marineford}," Hachiman thought as he observed that the calmest among the new captains was none other than Koby. In contrast, his commander seemed completely nervous.

"{Her commander is Hibari; I heard rumors that she's Akainu-sama's daughter. It looks like they're the dream team of the Marines}," Hachiman thought before turning his attention back to Akainu.

"I will now take attendance: Captain Hayama and Commander Yumiko," Akainu announced, and a pair of blond individuals responded. Hachiman recognized the girl as the only one who could be considered Yukino's rival and the reason why Hayama didn't date anyone in the academy, as no one wanted to incur the wrath of the Fire Queen.

"{She must be happy to be reunited with her prince. I hope things go well for her}," Hachiman thought rather highly of Yumiko, as unlike Yukino, she had embraced her role as a queen and hadn't involved herself with a commoner like Hachiman. Doing nothing was enough to earn Hachiman's favor.

"Captain Fuma and Commander Musashi," Akainu continued, and a tall red-haired woman and a wild-looking man with a katana acknowledged their presence.

"Captain Mbap and Commander Laand," Akainu announced next, and a burly black man and a blond man both responded.

"Captain Fuutarou and Commander Yotsuba," Akainu continued again, and a slim man and a pink-haired woman responded. This pair gave Hachiman a sense of déjà vu because he remembered seeing the woman entering and exiting the cafeteria with an enormous amount of food before coming to Akainu's office. He wondered how she managed to eat everything so quickly.

"Captain Catherine and Commander Marie," Akainu said, and a short, red-haired woman slightly taller than Yukino and a petite, pink-haired woman responded, making her the smallest person in the room.

"Captain Koby and Commander Hibari," Akainu announced with a hint of anger in his voice. A pink-haired boy of medium height with an amiable appearance and a light brown-haired girl of average height who seemed quite nervous responded.

"Captain Shirogane and Commander Kaguya," Akainu stated as the only captain-commander pair who were holding hands responded cheerfully. One was a boy with ash-gray hair of the same height as Hachiman, and the other was a girl of the same height as Yukino with short black hair.

"{Damn, stop flaunting it, you two singles, Shirogane and Kaguya-senpai}," Hachiman thought with a hint of darkness in his heart.

"And finally, Captain Hachiman and Commander Yukino, this list is in the order you arrived," Akainu stated as he resumed smoking his cigar.

"I don't want to waste my time, and I assume you don't either, brats, so I'll get straight to the point. You are part of a new experiment the Marines are conducting to bolster our military strength," Akainu's words surprised all the captains.

"The Marine wants to create elite groups similar to the Cipher Pol, but instead of highly trained Marine agents, they are starting with new captains to test the efficiency before potentially implementing the idea with higher or more experienced ranks," Akainu continued, and then Hachiman raised his hand to request permission to speak.

"Captain Hachiman has the floor."

"So, we'll be the guinea pigs of the Marine? How many members will be in each crew?" Hachiman asked while Akainu continued to smoke his cigar.

"Exactly. I hope you're not afraid, Captain Hachiman, as it would be disastrous for a Logia user to be so cowardly. As for your next question, it is planned to have a maximum of 10 members, but you'll start with a group of 7, structured as follows," Akainu said, signaling for the eight captains to look at the wall where a giant Den Den Mushi emerged from the ceiling. Then, he pressed a button, and an image of 7 steps appeared:

Captain

Commander

Lieutenant Commander

Lieutenant

Junior Lieutenant

2 Ensigns

"These seven will be aboard the new Marine ships, which are smaller and white in color but have the advantage of being faster and equipped with enough cannons for two Ensigns to operate," Akainu explained, causing some to display disappointed expressions as they had hoped to command a warship. Meanwhile, others, like Hachiman, were content with having their own ship with fewer crew members.

"However, to motivate you to achieve your objectives, the high command has mandated that whoever among you 8 achieves the rank of Commodore first will be rewarded with three Pacifistas at their disposal," Akainu announced.

When Akainu pronounced those words, everyone in the room lit up with excitement. They all knew the immense power of a Pacifista and the authority it wielded. Some claimed that a single Pacifista could take down rookies worth 100 million berries.

"That's a great prize, sir. Mark it in my name; I'll be the first in this group to ascend," Fuma confidently declared, while her commander Musashi smiled.

"Hah, good luck trying. That Pacifista will be ours," Mbap exclaimed.

"Koby-senpai is the best; he deserves the Pacifistas," Hibari said, causing Akainu to puff on his cigar a bit more, a detail only noticed by Hachiman.

"If that were the case, the Pacifista should go to Hayama," Yumiko responded to Hibari.

"Immature brats," Catherine muttered, convinced that the Pacifistas would be hers.

But just as more captains were about to join the argument, Akainu slammed his hand on the table, and tension filled the room.

"Now that you've stopped arguing, you each have your first mission: capturing pirates, which will earn you points toward your promotion," Akainu announced as he placed wanted posters on the table.

"All the names listed here, according to the Marine's studies, are the most likely to become supernovas this year. Each of them has a bounty exceeding 30 million berries and has recently entered the Grand Line."

"They all have bounties over 30 million berries? It seems like they're serious about these missions," Fuutarou expressed his concern.

"That's right. That's what the higher-ups expect from you. And some of you seem to have defeated formidable opponents. However, going in overconfident can lead to an early death," Akainu cautioned as he glanced at Hachiman and Koby.

"Back to the point, the mission is for you to locate and capture these pirates within two months, using the information we will provide. If you fail within the time limit or are defeated, you will receive a demerit. If you accumulate three demerits, everyone in the group will be demoted."

When Akainu uttered those words, the novice captains were thoroughly frightened.

"Now, I'll distribute the names, but to be fair, I'll do this," Akainu said as he turned over all nine wanted posters.

"Nine wanted posters? But there are only eight of us," Shirogane remarked, puzzled.

"There's an explanation for this. To make it fair, it was decided that Captain Hachiman will take two of these..." Akainu announced, leaving everyone surprised.

"Wait, why is it fair for me to take two? Will I have more time?" Hachiman expressed his concern.

"No, your time limit is the same as the others. But as a Logia user, you have an advantage over most rookies. Therefore, if you fail, you'll receive double demerits, but if you succeed, you'll earn double points," Akainu clarified.

Akainu said with a smile as his cheeks heated up like an oven.

"So, let me understand this. If I fail to capture those two, I'll receive 4 demerits, and if I succeed, I'll get 4 points..." Hachiman expressed a bit worried.

"Exactly, it's all or nothing. If you don't want your team to be demoted, I suggest you aim not to fail," Akainu replied, enjoying the situation a bit.

"Now that I've answered your questions, you will each retrieve a poster in the order you arrived. First, Captain Hayama," Akainu spoke as he beckoned Hayama to be the first to pick a poster from the 9 that were face down on the table.

Hayama stood in front of the posters, and after a few seconds of contemplation, he selected one and handed it to Akainu, who turned it over to read the name of the criminal to be captured.

"Bartolomeo 'the Cannibal,' current bounty of 55 million. You can choose to withdraw or stay," Akainu read aloud.

"I choose to stay," Hayama confidently stated.

"Good, then Captain Fuma, step forward."

Captain Fuma, following the same movements as her fellow captain, chose a poster and handed it to Akainu.

"Honda, 'The Age of Bronze,' current bounty of 48 million. You can choose to withdraw or stay."

"I choose to stay," Fuma declared as Akainu moved on to the next captain.

Captain Mbap took a few more seconds to contemplate his choice and then picked a poster.

"Oh, it looks like you hit the jackpot. Caribou and Coribou, current bounties of 65 million for Caribou and 35 million for Coribou. If you capture them, you'll receive the same bonus as Hachiman, and if you fail, you won't receive a demerit," Akainu announced.

Mbap was excited by Akainu's words, but these were also the names of those who had killed Ryusei and the targets of Hikari's revenge.

"I hope they succeed so that Silver Queen doesn't continue down the path of vengeance," Hachiman thought as Fuutarou picked his poster and handed it to Akainu.

"Takeyashi, 'The Hoarder,' current bounty of 35 million."

Then, after Akainu spoke the same words he had told the others, Catherine stepped up to select her poster and handed it to Akainu.

"Joseuf, 'The Horse Devourer,' current bounty of 35 million."

Like the others, Catherine chose to stay. Koby was next in line.

"Da Nous Brothers, 'The Bloody Family.' The combined bounty for this allied pirate fleet is currently 95 million. A pirate fleet can be tough if you don't show courage," Akainu addressed Koby as he took another cigar to continue smoking, as the presence of the young man had depleted his current supply.

Then Shirogane stepped forward and selected his poster, which Akainu quickly read.

"Jun, 'The Young Kingdom Traitor,' current bounty 41 million. This is an unusual case; immediate execution was requested if he's captured, so you can go for the lethal option."

Akainu finished by revealing the last two posters and reading them for Hachiman.

"The first one is Kant 'The Corrupt Politician,' with a current bounty of 50 million. The second is Wang-Okl 'The Depraved Slave Trader,' with a current bounty of 66 million. However, be cautious with the latter because if he manages to complete the cargo we have under investigation and sells it by the end of next month, his bounty will rise to 139 million. Let's hope that doesn't happen," Akainu pronounced with a serious tone, emphasizing that this man was a priority as he could become the first supernova.

"Now that you've all received your assignments, head to the rooms numbered from 1 to 8 according to your order of arrival. There, you'll meet your assigned teams, who have already been notified and transported. So, get out of my sight, you brats, as I still have a lot of work to do..."

With his voice almost shouting, Akainu dismissed all the new captains from his office.

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"We'll have to think carefully about whom to choose first. If we fail, both of us will be demoted, and I don't want to be demoted because of your incompetence," Yukino said as she looked at the two bounties. Kant's poster showed a serious-looking man in his 50s dressed in an expensive black suit.

"He was a quite popular politician until a journalist exposed that he was selling weapons from the country's budget on the black market, and he was executed. But before everything fell apart, he escaped with his family on a ship and started a life of piracy to get rich," Yukino explained while examining Kant's bounty poster. Then she moved on to the other bounty poster, which featured Wang-Okl, a young man who would look ordinary if it weren't for the depraved expression on his wanted poster.

"He's disgusting, even more disgusting than you, Captain, which should be reason enough for his poster to simply say 'death.' I don't understand how people like him are allowed to continue living," Yukino said angrily as she looked at Wang-Okl's bounty poster.

"If I didn't agree with you about this man, I'd give you a penalty. But sometimes, I wonder how in supposedly peaceful realms like the North Blue, depraved individuals like him can emerge. However, power can sometimes bring out the worst in people," Hachiman commented, sharing Yukino's sentiment about going after this man first. But someone who commits such heinous crimes tends to be cowardly and elusive, as evidenced by his two years of criminal activity in his home country before being exposed for becoming too confident and thinking he was invincible.

"I read about his escape in the newspaper. I would have gone to capture him if I hadn't been so far away from the location and had such a tight schedule for my mission," Hachiman said, expressing regret that he wasn't closer to apprehend Wang-Okl and bring him to justice.

"There's nothing you can do when you're far away, but now we have the opportunity to put these bastards behind bars. Kant and Wang-Okl are going to face justice," Yukino said with determination.

"We have at least two Devil Fruit users in our group, so we'll have a lot of firepower. As long as we don't get overconfident, this shouldn't be too complicated," Hachiman said with a yawn, as he was quite tired from the day. Upon reaching Room 8 and opening the door, he was greeted by the sight of a girl with pink hair gathered in a loose side bun sitting on the floor, surrounded by scattered papers.

"Who are you?" Hachiman asked as he observed the mess the girl had made. Upon hearing Hachiman's voice, the girl quickly stood up and introduced herself, her face turning bright red due to her embarrassing entrance.

"I'm Lieutenant Commander Yuigahama Yui, from Division 66, newly assigned under Captain Hachiman," she stammered, feeling embarrassed about her clumsy introduction.

Hachiman looked at her as if he had seen her somewhere before, but it was Yukino's cheerful voice that surprised him.

"Yuigahama-san, is that you?" Yukino exclaimed with joy as she approached Yuigahama.

"Yukinon? It's been so long since I saw you. Congratulations on your promotion! I was really surprised when you wrote to me that you single-handedly defeated a pirate captain in the South Blue," Yuigahama said happily as they held hands and looked at each other with delight.

"It wasn't a big deal. Nowadays, just about anyone can become a pirate captain," Yukino replied, still quite happy, which surprised Hachiman.

"Oh, the monster can smile. Is this the beginning of a yuri arc?" Hachiman teased with a mocking tone, but both women gave him a judgmental look. "Okay, I'll shut up. You're no fun."

"Don't worry, Yuigahama. You have to forgive him; he's just a sea amoeba," Yukino said to Yuigahama.

"Don't worry about it. I'm also surprised that Hikki ended up as a captain. I almost thought it was another person with the same name," Yuigahama said. Hearing that nickname triggered a memory in Hachiman's mind.

"Hikki, where have I heard that nickname before?" Hachiman mused as he tried to recall.

"Did you forget, idiot? She was also in our generation and in our class," Yukino reminded him, and Hachiman's memory clicked.

"Oh, I remember now. She was part of Hayama's popular clique. I'm sorry for forgetting, but a sea amoeba only lives to bear grudges against demons," Hachiman said, a little embarrassed, as he looked at Yukino.

"Ushi Ushi Ushi, just as I expected from my destined friend, the warrior I will follow to the top of this world of injustice and pain. Your humor is still top-notch," a voice said, and Hachiman recognized the owner immediately. He was taller than Hachiman and easily twice as heavy, with gray hair.

"Yoshiteru Zaimosuka, are you here too?" Hachiman exclaimed, feeling happy to see someone he could consider a friend.

"Lieutenant Yoshiteru Zaimosuka at your service, my captain, but that's temporary because I plan to follow you to the top and become admirals to defeat the Emperors who think they own this world," Yoshiteru said as he began making hand movements.

"Oh, I almost forgot you told me that you were promoted after finding a Zoan-type Devil Fruit..." Hachiman remembered the letter he had read.

"After surviving the horror of Marineford, my former captain and his brave men, including myself, captured a pirate, and there I found the fruit of my destiny," Zaimosuka explained as he began to increase in size. He transformed into a humanoid boar-like figure twice the size and four times as heavy, with noticeable horns on the sides of his mouth.

"Ushi Ushi no Mi: Model Boar, ready to serve on your crusade, my lord," Yoshiteru said as he knelt in his humanoid boar form.

"Always so eccentric, but I can see that you've become incredibly strong," Hachiman said, a bit embarrassed by his friend's behavior.

"You're not the only one here, Hachiman," a voice spoke, one that couldn't be easily distinguished as male or female. The androgynous appearance with white hair didn't help in making the distinction, but it was enough for Hachiman to recognize.

"My first angel, damn it, if God exists... "Hachiman thought excitedly as the individual introduced themselves.

"Ensign Saika Tosuka, reporting to Captain Hachiman Hikigaya.

"Oh, did you leave your instructor position? "Hachiman asked, curious and excited to have him here.

"Yes, I wanted the opportunity to set sail, and when I communicated with the school, I ended up being transferred here.

"This is great; a swordsman of your caliber will be a valuable addition... "Hachiman responded happily.

"Hikigay... "Yukino began to say with a cold tone.

"Hey, a demon doesn't get involved in interactions with an angel..." Hachiman responded, almost shouting, and this commotion woke up another individual who was in the room.

"Oh, one can't get a little sleep, oh Hachiman, it seems it's true that you were promoted to captain. Congratulations... "a female figure in loose-fitting marine clothing said.

"Kawasato, you're here too... "Hachiman said, quite surprised.

"For the last time, it's Kawasaki. Current Ensign Saki Kawasaki... "the woman with silver-blue hair replied.

"Oh, sorry, it's just that someone who's lived as long as an amoeba forgets many things from the past... "Hachiman responded, very embarrassed.

"It seems you used up all your luck in finding a Logia; with another Devil Fruit, you'd be dead... "Yukino said, making Hachiman receive a glare.

"Jealous?

"Hah, you wish.

Then, cat ears and a tail appeared on Yukino's body.

"I'm quite satisfied with my Neko Neko no Mi: Model Black Cat Devil Fruit, to the point that I've perfected my hybrid form considerably. "Yukino said while enjoying moving her tail.

"That's amazing, Yukinon. I couldn't expect anything less from the best of our generation".

"This is nothing. Perfecting one's Devil Fruit is the first step to reaching the top... "Yukino expressed proudly, while Yui admired her achievement. Another person who admired her accomplishment was Hachiman.

"(Woah, I didn't know a Zoan could be controlled like that. How much time has she dedicated to perfecting her power? Well, I couldn't expect any less from my nemesis.) "Hachiman thought, quite satisfied with the high level of his crew.

Then, as he pondered that, the door opened, and a girl with light brown hair stepped out of it.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Ensign Iroha Ishiki, and I'm ready to serve Captain Hayama, tehee... "Iroha Ishiki cutely announced before looking around the room carefully and realizing that the blonde captain was not there.

"W-wait... you're not Captain Hayama! "the girl exclaimed, shouting, and pointing at Hachiman.

Amid the confusion of the girl's words within the group, the seven members of the Special Squad of Division 108 were complete.