Bandit Encounter

"Ha! I see that fire in your eyes, boys," Garp addressed them directly, his voice echoing down the corridor. "Becoming a great marine isn't just about following orders and cleaning decks. It's about spirit, strength, and justice! Keep that fire burning, and you'll go far."

Koby and Helmeppo nodded vigorously, their earlier fatigue forgotten in the wake of Garp's words.

Turning back to Adrian, Garp's expression became more serious. "I've decided you'll be taking over their training, Adrian. You've got a patience I can't match, and I've seen you in action teaching our men on the way here."

Adrian blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in responsibility. "Me, sir? But I thought—"

Garp cut him off with a dismissive wave. "No buts. I've seen how you handle yourself and others. It's clear you have a knack for leadership and instruction. Besides, I'll be overseeing their progress as we head to the Grand Line."

This news visibly shocked Koby and Helmeppo, their eyes wide as they processed the change in their fate. Adrian, realizing the trust Garp was placing in him, nodded slowly. "Understood, sir. I won't let you down."

Garp clapped Adrian on the shoulder, his look one of approval. "I know you won't. Train them well, and when they're ready, they can join the tougher drills."

Turning back to Koby and Helmeppo, Garp's voice boomed again. "Listen up! You're in good hands. Adrian here is one of the best we've got. Impress him, and maybe you'll get a chance to train directly with me."

As Garp strode away, his laughter echoing along the hallway, Adrian faced his new protégés. Koby and Helmeppo stood up, wiping their hands on their uniforms, their postures stiff but eager.

"Alright, let's get started," Adrian said, a sense of new beginnings permeating the air. "First lesson—always be ready. Now, follow me; we've got a lot to cover before we reach the Grand Line."

The marine ship set its course toward the notorious and unpredictable waters of the Grand Line, Adrian stood at the helm, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Beside him, Koby and Helmeppo listened intently as he outlined the basics of naval navigation—a critical skill for any Marine.

"Remember, the sea is more than just water and waves; it's a living, breathing entity with moods and secrets," Adrian explained, pointing to the swirling currents visible from the deck.

Koby nodded earnestly, absorbing every word. "It's like the sea is its own creature," he mused aloud, trying to wrap his mind around the concept.

Helmeppo, though less poetic, was no less interested. "So, knowing the currents could mean the difference between getting lost or making it to our destination, right?" he asked, trying to look as serious as possible, which only made Koby stifle a laugh.

"Exactly," Adrian affirmed, pleased with their engagement. "And on our way, we'll face challenges that will test your skills, resolve, and courage. We're not just on a journey to the Grand Line; we're on a journey to become better Marines."

They delved deeper into training, Adrian made sure to incorporate real-life scenarios, teaching them not only about navigation but also about leadership and decision-making under pressure. Garp occasionally observed from a distance, a proud grin on his face, pleased with Adrian's natural aptitude for mentorship.

One day, as they neared the edge of the Grand Line, Garp called Adrian and his trainees to the main deck. The air was charged with excitement and a hint of nervous anticipation.

"I have a mission for you three," Garp announced, his voice booming over the sounds of the sea. "There's an island up ahead known as Mystoria Island. It's rumored to hold valuable information about ancient weapons. I want you to lead the investigation, Adrian. Koby, Helmeppo, you're his support."

Adrian felt a surge of responsibility. "Understood, sir. We won't let you down."

Koby and Helmeppo exchanged excited glances. This was their chance to prove themselves.

Prepared to disembark, Adrian pulled them aside. "This is more than a mission; it's a test of everything we've learned so far. Stay sharp, follow orders, and keep an eye on each other."

The trio set out on a small boat towards Mystoria Island, the dense fog slowly enveloping them as they approached. The island was shrouded in mystery, with dense jungles and steep cliffs that seemed to whisper secrets.

Upon landing, the team immediately sensed that the island was not as deserted as they had hoped. Shadows moved in the periphery, and strange noises echoed through the trees.

"Stay close," Adrian instructed, leading the way with a calmness that belied his alertness.

As they ventured deeper into the jungle, they stumbled upon ancient ruins, overgrown and forgotten by time. Adrian signaled for a halt, examining the strange glyphs carved into the stone.

"This could be what we're looking for," he murmured, tracing the lines with his fingers.

Suddenly, the ground shook, and out of the foliage emerged a group of bandits, likely treasure hunters drawn by the same legends. Koby and Helmeppo tensed, readying themselves for confrontation.

Adrian stepped forward, his demeanor authoritative. "We're Marines, and this island is under our jurisdiction. Stand down, or we'll be forced to take action."

Bandits encircled Adrian, Koby, and Helmeppo in the dense foliage of Mystoria Island, the tension was palpable. Adrian, however, appeared unusually relaxed, a smirk playing across his lips as he eyed their ragtag appearances.

"Nice outfit, did you guys get dressed in the dark?" Adrian quipped, his tone light but laced with mockery. The bandits, scruffy and mismatched in their attire, scowled back at him, their anger rising with each word.

The leader, a burly man with a scar across his face, stepped forward, his voice rough with irritation. "You think you're funny, Marine? We'll see how much you laugh when we're done with you!"

Adrian chuckled, undeterred. "Oh, I've had tougher training sessions than this. Ever been thrown off a ship to swim with sea kings for hours? Garp's idea of a fun Thursday afternoon."

Koby and Helmeppo exchanged horrified glances. "He's joking, right?" Helmeppo whispered, not sure whether to be more scared of the bandits or their own superior officer.

"Knowing Garp, he's probably not," Koby replied, his eyes wide as he watched Adrian prepare to engage the bandits.

Adrian decided it was time to demonstrate a lesson. "Watch and learn, boys. This is how you handle real trouble," he said, his voice calm but firm.