Chapter 27 - One Year

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27 - One Year

North Blue, 177th Branch, Chiyan Island, Port.

An officer-class warship slowly approached the port, drawing the attention of many recruits in the base training grounds.

Ensign Richard, overseeing the recruit training, raised an eyebrow and muttered with a teasing tone:

"This is unusual. His warship is actually returning intact this time. Usually, he either swims back with his men or calls a larger warship for rescue and towing."

Before the warship even docked, everyone in the base heard Hammel's booming voice.

"Quartermaster! Quartermaster! Come and inventory the supplies!"

"On my way!"

As Hammel's loud voice faded, a group of people hurried out from the base, carrying paper and pens, as if they had been prepared in advance.

"What? Rosha has another haul? Is he really that lucky?" An officer peeked toward the port, exclaiming.

"If encountering vicious pirates every time counts as lucky, then I hope my luck is a bit worse," another officer shrugged, not envious of Rosha's rapidly accumulating military merits.

"True, not everyone is like that kid, growing to a level we can't even dream of in just a year. Lieutenant Commander Jennifer doesn't even require him to attend officer training anymore, saying those hellish drills are useless for him now."

"Don't say that; it just makes my heart ache more," an ensign clutched his chest, looking dejected. "Graduating from hellish training is one thing, but mastering several forms of the Six Powers on top of that? It's infuriating."

On the warship.

Lieutenant Bill, the quartermaster, looked at the tall silver-haired boy with a mix of respect and awe, meticulously recording Rosha's haul.

"Patrol mission completed, Steel Blade Pirates eliminated, including Captain Steel Blade Ralph and sixteen other pirates."

"Confiscated items include: 1.24 million Beli in stolen money, various gold and jewelry, several cannons, ammunition, food, and a logbook."

"Additionally, there's a treasure map from Steel Blade Ralph that needs verification."

"Lastly, three-tenths of Ralph's bounty will be awarded as bonuses, distributed accordingly. Congratulations."

"Thanks. Bill, care to grab a drink at the town tavern after work?" Rosha extended his hand, patting Bill's shoulder, showing no sign of unease despite Bill's higher rank.

Bill, used to this by now, even smiled.

"Not today, I'm afraid. The supplies you brought back need to be cataloged and stored, so our logistics team will be working late."

"That's too bad. Maybe next time then."

Rosha jumped off the warship, heading towards the officer's quarters under the respectful gazes of soldiers and officers.

"He's so cool, when can I be like Ensign Rosha?" Hammel watched Rosha with admiration.

Bill glanced at him and said dryly, "Simple, just catch a pirate like Steel Blade Ralph and you'll earn everyone's respect, no matter how dirty your methods."

"Heh, I'll pass. I know my limits. How can a human compete with a monster, right, Lieutenant Bill?"

Behind the officer's quarters was a sparse grove.

Rosha, bare-chested and muscular, sat on a bent tree trunk, sipping a bottle of fruit wine.

This fruit wine, imported by local merchants, costs only 500 Beli per 500 ml bottle. Rosha had developed a liking for it after Richard treated him once.

Interestingly, the wine was called Sally, a name reminiscent of the Sherry that Zephyr liked in the manga.

Unconsciously, Rosha realized he had been on Chiyan Island for a year.

"Time flies. Every day immersed in intense training, losing track of time, yet gradually mastering my powers. It's tough, but not bad."

Reflecting on the past year, Rosha felt a mix of emotions.

Firstly, his strength had skyrocketed. What once seemed like hellish training had become a warm-up exercise that barely made him sweat.

While other officers struggled with 500-pound runs around the island, Rosha was at the point of towing a small warship, running circles around them.

His physique had grown immensely, his strength reaching an unmeasurable level.

Apart from Admiral Adira, who had returned to Marineford for debriefing, no one at the 177th Branch could match his raw power, not even Lieutenant Commander Jennifer.

He had grown to 2.5 meters tall, gaining 20 centimeters in a year. His physique had become lean and powerful, like a predator.

For the first six months, Rosha focused on officer training. For the next six months, he delved into Akainu's Six Powers training notes.

Rosha still vividly remembered his surprise upon opening the red-covered notebook. Despite Akainu's gruff exterior, the notes were detailed and insightful, recording his thoughts and breakthroughs in mastering the Six Powers.

Following Akainu's path, Rosha systematically grasped the basics of the Six Powers, confident that mastering this powerful martial art was only a matter of time.

Besides growing stronger, Rosha had also gained a deep understanding of the Marine's internal operations.

Every pirate group defeated had their loot cataloged, with items stored for base operations and refugee relief. Bounties were collected at Marineford, with a portion awarded to the capturing officers and soldiers.

Some might think the bounty distribution unfair, but considering the resources spent training officers, it made sense.

Rosha didn't care much about money, but others did. Some felt undervalued and defected to become pirates or bounty hunters, a common occurrence.

Shaking off these thoughts, Rosha couldn't help but miss the familiar faces he hadn't seen in a year. They had given him hope and light during his darkest times.

"Uncle Akainu, Uncle Denno, Dauss, Hibari, we'll meet again soon."

Rosha smiled, then noticed a Marine soldier rushing towards him.

The soldier saluted, panting.

"Ensign! Lieutenant Commander Jennifer requests your presence."

Rosha stood up, feeling a new chapter about to begin

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