Chapter 20 - Rocky Town

Chapter 20 - Rocky Town

"Brother Rosha, are you still not up? Let's go explore the town!"

Early in the morning, before the sky had even brightened, Rosha, still half-asleep, heard a clear female voice calling from outside the door.

"Wait a moment…"

Rosha struggled to get up from his hard bed.

Looking down at the white bandages wrapped around his body, Rosha couldn't help but smile wryly.

It had only been a few days, and his old wounds had not yet healed when he had already gained new ones.

In his past life, he would probably have been blacklisted by the hospital by now.

Getting out of bed, the first thing Rosha saw was a neatly folded set of military uniforms placed on the bedside table.

Due to his injuries, he had received special permission from Rear Admiral Adilla for a three-day leave.

After three days, he would officially begin the branch's officer training program.

In this era, the navy emphasized the strength of its soldiers, and daily training was essential.

From Rear Admiral Adilla himself to the newly enlisted third-class recruits, every soldier in the 177th branch underwent daily training according to their rank.

Although Rosha had jumped six ranks, he was still a new recruit and should have received training according to new recruit standards.

But his impressive performance in the training ground yesterday had led Adilla to place him in the branch's officer training level decisively.

The room he stayed in last night was an officer's apartment in the branch's residential area.

It was a spacious single suite with a private bathroom, kitchen, and living room.

The furniture was all new and complete, indicating that no one had lived there before.

If nothing unexpected happened, this would be his home for a long time.

"It all feels a bit unreal. I can't believe that in just a few days since leaving Maple Leaf Island, I've become a navy lieutenant."

Rosha sighed as he touched the white military uniform before him.

The officer's uniform resembled a suit and was very different from the sailor uniform of new recruits, giving it a very formal appearance.

The uniform was made of a soft and elastic fabric, providing comfort and flexibility beyond Rosha's expectations.

Wearing such formal-looking clothes, he guessed it would be just as convenient for fighting.

Without a mirror in the room and not wanting to keep Hibari waiting, Rosha quickly dressed and placed the white military cap on his head before opening the door.

Outside in the hallway, Hibari was already getting impatient.

"Aren't you ready yet, Brother Rosha? You're so slow, like a girl."

She muttered under her breath, just as the door opened, and a tall, handsome young officer stepped out with a smile.

The youth had a slender and well-proportioned build, broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and a handsome face with a pair of clear blue eyes.

With his silver hair, normally about a meter long, spilling from under his cap onto his shoulders, and dressed in a pristine white uniform, he looked exceptionally gallant and dashing.

"Wow, you look amazing."

Hibari was momentarily stunned.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's go check out the town. I'm also curious about this place. By the way, where are Daws and Uncle Denno… Hibari, are you okay?"

"Oh, I'm fine. Let's go. Daws and the others are busy and don't have time, so let's not worry about them. We'll bring back some local specialties for them."

Hibari shook her head, put her hands behind her back, and followed Rosha out of the residential area.

Along the way, the officers and soldiers of the 177th branch they encountered all smiled and nodded at Rosha, making him feel a bit overwhelmed.

Hibari laughed, "Brother Rosha, you're already a celebrity in the 177th branch. See, everyone knows you."

Rosha touched his nose and smiled wryly, "But I'm still a newbie."

"A newbie?" Hibari pouted. "How many newbies can defeat 500 recruits and get promoted directly to branch lieutenant?"

"Hibari, if you keep praising me, my head will swell up," Rosha quickly interrupted her, worried that passersby might overhear.

"Hehe, but it's true," Hibari said, hopping ahead with her hands behind her back. "Come on, let's go before my dad sees us. Otherwise, he'll make me stay in the base again!"

"Coming."

From the top floor of the 177th branch office building, Akainu watched the two figures fade into the distance with a dark expression.

Rear Admiral Adilla, pretending not to notice, approached Akainu with a serious look.

"Brother Sakazuki, the warship is ready. Let's depart."

"Hmm."

"Wow, this place is so lively."

Hibari exclaimed as she walked a little ahead of Rosha.

"It really is like a marketplace."

The streets of Rocky Town were wide, over ten meters across.

On either side of the road were rows of three—to four-story buildings, with shops on the ground floors.

Looking around, Rosha saw taverns, fruit stands, clothing stores, and weapon shops.

The streets were bustling with people, vendors shouting their wares, and customers haggling.

The pedestrians had various outfits and body types.

There were fishermen in sailor uniforms, bounty hunters with swords and guns, and navy soldiers in uniform.

Here, Rosha saw a completely different lifestyle compared to Maple Leaf Village.

The people on the streets were smiling, speaking with confidence.

Shopkeepers boldly haggled with navy soldiers and even told off bounty hunters who didn't buy anything.

Passersby weren't in a hurry, often stopping to chat and laugh with acquaintances.

"It's no wonder this place is so lively with a navy base here. The people living here don't have to worry about pirate attacks, so they can enjoy life more. Unlike Maple Leaf Island, where people lived the same monotonous life every day, burdened by high taxes and tributes, working like zombies."

Though both places were in the North Blue and only a few hundred miles apart, their living conditions were worlds apart.

Thinking of the people in Maple Leaf Village who never had a day of leisure and were ultimately slaughtered by pirates, Rosha suddenly lost interest.

"Brother Rosha! This roasted meat is delicious. Come and try some!"

Hibari's clear voice broke through his thoughts.

The young man looked up to see the girl standing by a barbecue stand, holding a bunch of meat skewers, eating with her cheeks puffed and mouth greasy.

"I remember you didn't bring any money," Rosha said awkwardly, walking over with a stiff face.

"It's free," Hibari said, her face full of satisfaction.

"Why is it free? Did Rear Admiral Adilla tell the vendors in town in advance?" Rosha was puzzled.

"No, no."

Hibari shook her head like a rattle and pointed at the stall owner behind the barbecue stand.

"Look who it is."

"Huh?"

Rosha was taken aback and turned to look.

"Young Master John, today's barbecue is free. Eat as much as you want."

A familiar voice reached his ears, leaving Rosha stunned.

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