“Old John’s boy turned out to be so good-looking? Those blue eyes remind me of Elizabeth.”
“His face really resembles his mother’s.”
Nearby, the surviving women of Red Leaf Village were astonished at Rosha’s appearance.
“Admiral Sakazuki!”
The Marines, still in shock, finally noticed Akainu standing behind them and instantly turned pale with fear.
Their bodies tensed as they stood at attention, like spears.
Akainu, with an impassive expression, walked through the crowd to stand in front of Rosha.
Standing over three meters tall, his imposing figure radiated an intense pressure.
His sharp, authoritative gaze made it impossible for anyone on the ship to meet his eyes—except for Rosha.
Not only did Rosha not feel intimidated, but he also instinctively stood straight, looking directly at Akainu like the other Marines.
He felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Akainu.
If Akainu hadn’t intervened with his magma to block Jericho’s escape, who knows where Jericho would be now?
The North Blue was vast, and seeking revenge for his father’s death would be an impossible task.
Moreover, Rosha was in an extremely dire physical and mental state that day.
Without the medical care from Akainu, Doss, and the others, he might have already died.
Not to mention, during his unconscious days, Akainu, a notoriously strict admiral, had docked the ship at Red Leaf Island for a full seven days!
No matter what the manga had depicted about the Marines’ image, Rosha’s recent experiences gave him a newfound respect for their sense of justice.
Of course, someone like Akainu wouldn’t have stayed in this small place out of mere pity for Red Leaf Village or Rosha. He might have seen potential in Rosha’s talents.
Regardless, Rosha couldn’t overlook these acts of kindness.
Looking at Akainu, Doss, Hibari, the survivors, and the Marines on the ship, Rosha took a deep breath and made up his mind.
To the surprise of the surrounding Marines, Rosha first turned to Doss and bowed deeply:
“Dr. Doss, thank you so much for your treatment. Without you, I might have died. Thank you!”
“Why so formal all of a sudden? Hehe, as I said, I’m a Marine. As long as the injured aren’t heinous criminals, I will treat them.”
Doss chuckled, pushing his glasses up his nose.
Rosha smiled gratefully at him, then turned to the little girl, Hibari, standing beside Doss.
“Miss Hibari, thank you for bringing me dinner.”
“Huh? I…” Hibari’s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t expected Rosha to thank her specifically. Her face turned bright red under everyone’s gaze as if it were about to burst into flames.
“Chef Denno, your cooking is the best I’ve ever had! Today was the first time I’ve ever felt full. Your supersonic cooking skills are incredible!”
The plump chef was helped to his feet, his body still trembling from exhaustion.
He was thoroughly worn out today, but hearing Rosha’s words of gratitude brought a proud and happy smile to his face.
He laughed heartily, “Your name is Rosha, right? Why not join the Marines? On my ship, no one is allowed to go hungry! That’s my life motto.”
“You have too many life mottos…” Doss couldn’t help but remark.
“Hmm? What did you say? Do you still want to eat my food?”
“I’m sorry! I was wrong!”
Rosha’s smile faded as he turned to the seventeen women nearby.
“Everyone, I know you’re all hurting. The past few days have been the worst nightmare of our lives.”
As Rosha began to speak, the women sitting by the cabin wept quietly.
“Those damn pirates took our loved ones. I lost my father, who was the most important person in my life. He was an ordinary fisherman who couldn’t even read, but he was a kind and great man.”
“Our departed loved ones are watching over us from heaven. They wouldn’t want to see us in despair. So, we must stay strong. Life will get better. Let’s live on with our loved ones’ hopes.”
When Rosha finished, the women couldn’t hold back their tears.
Some emotional Marines also had red eyes, swearing to kill all the pirates.
Little Hibari bit her lip, tears streaming down her face.
She was very empathetic.
Finally, Rosha turned solemnly to Akainu and said loudly, “Uncle Sakazuki, I will never forget your great kindness! My name is Rosha! I request to join the Marines! I want to become a soldier under your command! Please give me a chance to pursue justice!”
The ship fell silent, and everyone looked at Rosha and Akainu.
Akainu’s gaze was sharp and authoritative, no less intimidating than the world’s greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk.
After a long silence, Akainu spoke, his deep voice echoing on the deck.
“Justice is not just talk.” Akainu said. “Are you ready to stand against the world, even if it costs your life?”
“Please bear witness!”
Rosha answered loudly.
No promises, no vows, just those four words: “Please bear witness.”
Akainu snorted softly, turning to walk back to the cabin.
“Big words. I will be watching. If you ever betray justice, I will bury you myself. Fall in, Seaman Recruit Rosha.”
“Yes, sir!”
Rosha stood straight, raising his right hand in a Marine salute.
This salute, he remembered from reading manga in his past life.
The reason for saluting with the palm inward was because soldiers on warships often had dirty, blackened hands from handling ropes, cannons, and shells, so they showed the back of their hands instead.
“Whoo-hoo!!”
As Rosha’s voice fell, the deck erupted in cheers.
Marines crowded around him, lifting him high into the air.
“Hahaha, I like this kid. He’ll definitely become a strong Marine officer. It’s been a long time since I saw someone with such an appetite.”
Denno laughed heartily.
“Just because he can eat? What standards do you use to judge people?” Doss was speechless.
But Denno wasn’t wrong.
A big appetite meant strong digestion and great stamina.
Not all big eaters were strong, but all strong people were big eaters.
“Set sail! Full speed to Branch 177!”
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