Chapter 181: Training For Recruitment

Finally, after internal screening within the Marines, a group of women were selected and called to Marine Headquarters. Akainu entrusted the matter to Tsuru, as she had requested.

The selection process yielded ten volunteers. Despite the recent tarnishing of the Marines' reputation, some strong-willed individuals remained unshaken.

"The ten of you remaining will be deployed to Impel Down later," Tsuru informed them. "Your mission objective is clear: find a way to get close to Luo Ning. However, to be honest, I sincerely hope none of you have to carry this mission out."

She admitted her initial hope was to have no volunteers, but a surprising number had stepped forward. After careful screening, ten remained.

"Tsuru Vice Admiral, we all volunteered!" they declared.

These women held an unwavering belief in the Marines. Even when the Marines' reputation had been damaged, their faith hadn't been completely shaken. Taking on this mission wasn't a major concern for them. In their minds, fighting evil justified any action. While they didn't consider Luo Ning a criminal, they had their own perspective. As soldiers, their primary duty was to obey orders.

"Truly, each of you is a source of both pride and concern," Tsuru sighed, rubbing her temple in exasperation. Just then, Gion approached.

Upon seeing her, the Marines couldn't help but express their admiration. Compared to Tsuru, the esteemed staff officer, Momousagi Gion, being an Admiral candidate, garnered the most respect. She was an idol and a goal for many of them.

"Seriously, so many volunteered, and I don't even get a chance!"

Momousagi, a formidable Admiral candidate herself, was thoroughly defeated by Luo Ning's clone. The incident gnawed at her. She had wanted to take on the mission but was immediately rejected.

"After all, you're too well-known throughout the Grand Line. This mission requires Marines who are either obscure or relatively new recruits with a low profile," Tsuru explained, gesturing towards the assembled women.

Most of them were indeed unknown figures, with Hina being the only one with some minor recognition. Hina's fame was beginning to rise. Tsuru contemplated future adjustments for Hina, such as a hair color change and potentially quitting smoking.

Momousagi wasn't even considered. While beautiful, her reputation preceded her. Having encountered and fought Luo Ning already, she was a non-starter.

"Alright, go about your duties. I have a few details to iron out with these young women. Soon, Impel Down will be recruiting new soldiers. Training is essential, otherwise, they won't be able to secure Impel Down. The gates might as well remain open!"

Impel Down's expansion necessitated additional manpower, prompting a recruitment period. Everyone was aware of the current situation at the prison.

A significant influx of personnel was expected, and the number of powerful individuals remained unknown. Regardless, it wouldn't be an easy feat to gain entry.

"But what about Violet's control over Impel Down's levels? It seems difficult to get in with her approval required," Momousagi inquired with a frown. Violet's sanction was necessary for prisoners to enter Impel Down, and the same applied to everyone else. Escape, therefore, would be impossible.

"There's no need to worry about that. We have someone in the World Government's Cipher Pol – a master of disguise who can not only alter their appearance but also manipulate the thoughts they project to others. This ability has been instrumental in past undercover operations. How else would we have infiltrated enemy ranks?"

Tsuru shook her head. Devil Fruit powers are incredibly diverse. Some grant telepathy, while others offer camouflage and illusion. In short, this plan has been meticulously thought out.

"I understand," Momousagi nodded. "Then I'll leave this in your capable hands, Sister Tsuru."

Despite being stronger than Tsuru, Momousagi acknowledged her sister's superior teaching skills. After all, physical strength doesn't always translate to effective instruction.

Tsuru then began training the volunteers, focusing on both combat prowess and behavioral modification.

Hina, in particular, was proving to be a bit of a challenge for Tsuru. There was no helping it; the woman smoked. Now, smoking wasn't uncommon in the Pirate World – many women indulged in the habit. Typically within the Marines, smoking wasn't an issue outside of formal settings.

However, Hina's destination was Impel Down, and Tsuru didn't want her getting kicked out for something as trivial as smoking. This posed a problem for Hina, as kicking the nicotine addiction wasn't exactly a walk in the park.

For this reason, Tsuru resorted to her own ability. She essentially turned Hina into a flat piece of paper, suspending it on a pole. This unorthodox method surprisingly curbed Hina's smoking urges.

Given the imminent conscription, significantly enhancing their strength wouldn't be feasible. However, Tsuru pushed them to improve as much as possible, aiming for a level that would at least qualify them as mid-level jailers.

"Alright, remember," Tsuru instructed, dispersing the women into groups of two or three across different islands. "From now on, you're not Marines. You're civilians – self-organized individuals interested in joining the military, understand?"

One such group comprised Hina and Tashigi. Yes, besides Hina, there was also Tashigi. Originally stationed with Smoker, Tashigi volunteered without hesitation when needed.

"Get yourselves prepared. We begin tomorrow. I'll head out first," Tsuru said with a nod. She handed a Den Den Mushi to the pair before leaving.

The Marines had altered their inner thoughts – a disguise that could last for a month. Violet's ability could only pierce through a portion of this cloaking technique. Additionally, Hina's hair was now dyed black, providing an extra layer of anonymity.

With Tsuru gone, Hina and Tashigi made swift preparations. The next day, they set off for Impel Down. The prison only provided food, not accommodation. They would need to bring their own ship for housing. After the conscription period, those who weren't selected could return to the starting point.