These past few days were weird, they were both exciting and boring. All the instructors made us clean from the floors to the ceilings, and we had to make sure our uniforms were in perfect condition. Not to mention constant ceremonial drilling. There was no combat at all.

In terms of my squad, we were going to wear different uniforms at the ceremony to represent being at the top of the class. Hotaru was counting on us to make a good impression when the Vice Admiral arrived. The last day of preparation, he actually told us about who the Vice Admiral was.

“His name is Monkey D. Garp. Also known as the ‘Hero of the Marines’, I’d assume you guys have heard about him?” Hotaru was sitting in his usual comfortable position, legs kicked back on his desk and a familiar cigar in his mouth. His voice held a hint of admiration for Garp, so I’d assume he’s a pretty strong Vice Admiral.

“Sir, you can’t be serious! The same Garp that lived during Gold Roger’s era? And nearly caught him?!” Itsuki couldn’t help himself, bursting out in admiration. But his words shocked me: who could capture Gold Roger? He was the Pirate King, the one who started this Golden Age of Piracy! The unparalleled ruler of the seas, which Marine could have captured him?

“Yes, that’s him. Now do you understand why we cleaned so much? A mere 201st Marine Base in the East Blue isn’t enough to bring him here. In fact, I’m not even sure why he’s here.” Hotaru exhaled another large bout of smoke, while his eyes suddenly landed on me. It was weird, it was like Hotaru was searching for secrets hidden in my body. I didn’t like the feeling.

“And have you ever heard of Garp, Kenji?” Hotaru put his cigar down, making clear eye contact.

“No, not until today.” I was honest. Though I kind of wished I knew who this ‘Hero’ was, the whole ordeal peaked my interest.

“Huh. No matter, maybe Garp will decide to take one of you guys to Navy HQ. This is an important time for all of your futures, try if you can to make him notice you.” Hotaru returned his attention to his smoldering cigar.

“Sir, will he stay after the ceremony?” Itsuki’s eyes were nearly twinkling. He must really want to meet Vice Admiral Garp!

“I’m not sure, it’s up to him. I’ll try to arrange something for you guys. But with him, you never know. Dismissed.” He did his signature hand-motion, signaling for us to leave. And so we did.

“Guys, do you realize how important tomorrow is? Garp is literally a legend within the Marines!” Itsuki began to ramble on about what seems to be his personal hero, even above his brother. He even got me excited: I wanted to meet this Hero too!

“Yes. This will be our time to shine.” Surprisingly, even Haru spoke up! He was grinning, an odd sight to see, but he was clearly fervid with excitement. If even Haru could become excited, then this Garp guy must be a big deal.

“Yeah! Once he sees what we can do he’ll definitely take us to Navy HQ!” Akoro’s bustling voice only made us laugh, he was excited too.

We were all looking forward to the graduation ceremony.

…

The next morning we woke up early and prepared ourselves. I put on my uniform, which was a little bit more extravagant than the plain white MARINE shirt and blue trousers. Then I finished with the most important piece of the outfit, the MARINE cap which lay snugly upon my head.

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All recruits were doing this across the entire 201st Marine Base, and by 10:00 am everyone was in the Grand Auditorium in neat and orderly rows. We looked like a whole and true military, everyone standing and saluting to the stage. There were at least a thousand recruits within that huge auditorium, and probably fifty Instructors.

The ceremony was a big deal.

But the spotlight of the entire ceremony was a large seat that was in the center of the entire Auditorium, which held the famous Vice Admiral Garp. I had a pretty decent view from my position, but all I could see was a figure wearing a strange dog mask. It wasn’t exactly ceremonial, but who was gonna tell him to change?

Demolition Squad was all the way in the front, I was standing next to Akoro and Itsuki, with Haru at Itsuki’s right. We were distinguished from the other recruits and the Instructor’s, who were to the left of us. We looked spiffy and clean, and we had practiced our ceremonial walk several times.

And at precisely 11:00, the ceremony began. Every single recruit would step onto the stage, being handed their Seamen Apprentice uniform and Certified Marine Papers. It was the head of the entire base, Captain Oka, who would hand each recruit their papers. Many of the recruits would have a burning smile on their face as they stepped down the stage, proud that their eight weeks of Basic Training paid off.

At 12:30, it was Demolition Squad’s turn. Instructor Hotaru went on stage first and began to talk about us, it was heartwarming, to say the least. I’m definitely appreciative of what Hotaru has done these past eight weeks, and if he ever needs help I’ll definitely appear.

“This year’s Demolition Squad have proven themselves exceptional among this year’s recruits. After my six years of teaching, I still have to applaud myself at the way these fine Marines have turned out. They performed at the top of their class constantly and their power is definitely worth respect. Today, Captain Oka and I have decided to promote them directly to Petty Officers.”

“Haru, step forward please.” Haru’s bright green hair was combed neatly under his hat, for once. He stepped up and began to walk to the stage with an air of nobility and pride, smiling to the crowd arrogantly. But I could understand his mood, being so distinguished from a platoon of at least a thousand recruits was definitely a proud achievement.

“Haru Azelo, top-marksmen of the class, and sniper of Demolition Squad. Promoted to rank Petty Officer.” Captain Oka renounced Haru’s achievements, handing him a uniform. On the uniform was the insignia of a Petty Officer and a special sign representing “top of class”.

However, since he’s a Petty Officer he wouldn’t be required to wear the traditional uniform. He could even wear his usual clothes; along with the rest of Demolition Squad.

Captain Oka went through Itsuki and Akoro before finally reaching me.

“Akura D. Kenji, please stand up.” Instructor Hotaru looked at me, his eyes filled with dazzling expectations. I unexpectedly smiled, it didn’t feel like I was really under pressure.

Just like I was taught in the ceremony, I stood up and walked toward the stage in perfect steps. I was told, after the ceremony, that I was unlike any of my squadmates. Itsuki was tense and Akoro was a little bit nervous, while Haru was arrogant. I, apparently, was extremely carefree, unrestrained like a free soul.

I was also told that Vice Admiral Garp’s face had lifted after hearing my name. He had been unresponsive during the entire ceremony, but when my name was called it was as if his attention snapped back.

“Great job, Kenji.” Hotaru gave off a fatherly smile, and I shook his firm hand. I then turned to Captain Oka, an older man who had seen his fair share of battles - represented in various scars across his face. He did crack a smile at seeing me, however.

“Akura D. Kenji, captain of the Demolition Squad, Promoted to Chief Petty Officer. Top of his class.” After a brief run over of my achievements, he handed me a uniform with the special insignia of a Chief Petty Officer. I took it and smiled, shaking his hand firmly.

I wasn’t sure if I’d wear the uniform though. I’d most likely just keep it for special occasions and ceremonies, rather than battle.

Captain Oka finished with some ending words about the class. He then went onto to commending each one of the Instructor’s, especially Hotaru. But that was the end of the active part of the ceremony.

The next part was crucial - Monkey D. Garp’s speech!