Chapter 23: Logistics Department

"Colonel Buck, is it time for the selection to begin?" a candidate asked curiously.

Buck glanced at the person and explained, "The selection process will start once all the candidates from different regions, including the other three seas and the Grand Line, have arrived. According to the schedule, it will still take about half a month before we can begin."

Upon hearing this, the candidates from the West Sea understood the situation and some even showed determination, preparing to strengthen themselves during the remaining half month to face the selection in a stronger state.

Marineford was not only the headquarters of the Navy but also a town on an island. It attracted many people, including families of the Navy personnel, who settled there.

The Navy high command placed great importance on the future potential of these candidates and designated a specific area within the town for their residence, ensuring a suitable environment.After some arrangements were made, Qin Ge and Robin moved into the same building as the other West Sea candidates. Each person had a dedicated room, guaranteeing privacy and freedom.

Although there was still half a month until the selection, the Navy high command did not impose many restrictions. As long as the candidates reported back to the building on time, they were free to move around before the selection began.

After getting familiar with the new environment, to everyone's surprise, Qin Ge didn't immediately start training. After greeting Robin, he ventured alone into the town.

As the headquarters of the Navy, Marineford was a prosperous town with a constant flow of people. Being a military port, there were no reported criminal incidents in the town.

Qin Ge's purpose in entering the town was not for leisure but to obtain soul energy.

After asking a few passersby, Qin Ge arrived at a port in Marineford, which was a commercial harbor bustling with activity.He quickly found the place he was looking for—a building with the seagull symbol representing the Navy painted on its exterior. Loud beast roars could be heard coming from inside the building.

Although the roars were loud, the pedestrians seemed accustomed to them and paid no attention.

"Hello, is this the Navy's logistical department responsible for food transportation?" Qin Ge confirmed his target and walked straight toward the building, smiling and greeting the sentry standing at the entrance.

"Yes, this is the food transportation department. What can I do for you, young one?" the sentry looked at Qin Ge in surprise but still responded politely.

Although Qin Ge was young, the sentry did not show any negligence and maintained politeness.

This was not surprising since this was Marineford, similar to Kyoto in Qin Ge's previous life. You never knew who might have what background here. In case you offended someone you shouldn't, that would be troublesome.

"I am a candidate participating in the Naval Academy selection, and I have something I need help with here. Could I see the person in charge?" Qin Ge directly stated his purpose.

"A candidate for the selection?!" The sentry looked at Qin Ge in astonishment and quickly realized he couldn't afford to be negligent. He asked Qin Ge to wait for a moment and hurriedly went to report.

The sentry stationed in Marineford knew very well what it meant to be a candidate for the Naval Academy selection. These candidates received high-level attention, as they could potentially become future high-ranking officers. Even if Qin Ge didn't have any background, the sentry didn't dare offend him.

Qin Ge had anticipated some trouble when he came here, but he underestimated the Navy's internal regard and attitude toward the candidates participating in the Naval Academy selection.

After a short while, the sentry returned and informed Qin Ge that he could meet with the person in charge.

A slightly overweight naval lieutenant in his forties appeared with the sentry.

"Hey, young man, I'm the person in charge here. You can call me Captain Saito. May I ask what brings you here to see me?" The naval lieutenant introduced himself, speaking politely while curiously examining Qin Ge.

Although both were officers within the organization, the lieutenant in the logistics department undoubtedly had less authority compared to officers in frontline combat units.

When the sentry reported that a candidate participating in this year's military academy selection had come to visit, Saito was naturally surprised but decided to meet with Qin Ge without much consideration.

Candidates who could participate in the military academy selection naturally represented exceptional talents. Once they passed the selection process, they would at least have the opportunity to receive training at branch military schools, making it relatively easier for them to be promoted compared to ordinary naval officers.

Although Saito was a Captain, he was merely an officer in the logistics department. Despite the perks that came with the position, his age of over forty indicated that further promotion would be challenging for him.

Not being satisfied with his current situation and desiring promotion, Saito naturally developed various thoughts upon encountering Qin Ge. He considered that if Qin Ge truly passed the selection and even stayed at the headquarters' military academy, it was highly likely that Qin Ge would become his superior in the future. If he could establish a good relationship in advance, it would undoubtedly greatly assist his future promotion.

Of course, despite having such thoughts, Saito was an experienced individual and wouldn't reveal his intentions. While remaining courteous, he maintained the demeanor of a lieutenant.

"Captain Saito, I'm Qin Ge Allen. I am a candidate participating in the military academy selection this time. You can verify that if you'd like. As for the reason for my visit, I actually want to work here for a period of time, specifically handling the butchering of the transported ferocious beasts or sea creatures!" Qin Ge organized his words and then looked at Saito, explaining his purpose.

Saito was somewhat astonished, clearly not expecting Qin Ge to say something like that. He couldn't help but ask, "Why is that? Can you tell me the reason?"

Qin Ge casually replied, "It's nothing much; mainly, I want to use these transported ferocious beasts and sea creatures to hone my own strength. Captain Saito, I believe you must understand that combat is the easiest way for a person to become stronger, don't you agree?"

Saito's gaze sharpened, once again carefully scrutinizing Qin Ge. His eyes displayed a hint of seriousness and respect that was absent before.

His tone grew more intense, and after deeply looking at Qin Ge, he said, "Allen, right? Although it's our first meeting, I have to say that your words just now did surprise me."

"However, even though our logistics department isn't as strict as the frontline units in terms of military regulations, we still have our own rules and regulations. Under normal circumstances, the butchering work must be handled by personnel from our logistics department and cannot be assigned to others at will!"