Meeting Mihawk unexpectedly, Foxy had no mood to wander around anymore. He returned to his cabin to continue training.
Witnessing Mihawk casually unleash a sword strike that could split the sea made Foxy long for such power. If possible, Foxy would like to become a swordsman too.
However, he had no time to learn swordsmanship now. Too many goals would hinder progress, and Foxy dismissed the idea almost immediately.
Besides, he didn’t know if he had a talent for swordsmanship. Just mastering the basics of Observation Haki, Shave, Moonwalk, Finger Pistol, and developing his Devil Fruit abilities already left him overwhelmed.
Time was already scarce, and learning swordsmanship would only be a distraction. Not to mention the other six techniques and the elusive Armament Haki.
Foxy believed that once he mastered the Six Styles, awakened Life Return, and fully developed his Devil Fruit abilities, he would be able to stand proudly among the strongest.
For now, focusing on training was the right path.
Foxy’s goals were clear, and he knew what he needed to do.
With Mihawk on the ship, the journey’s dangers would be significantly reduced.
Just as Foxy predicted, the presence of Mihawk on the merchant ship meant that any danger they encountered was swiftly dealt with.
As the ship traversed the Grand Line, ascended the Reverse Mountain, and entered the East Blue, it faced numerous pirate attacks and skirmishes. The journey was anything but peaceful.
Foxy never had to intervene. Initially, Mihawk didn’t either, but when they encountered a pirate with an 80-million bounty, whom the ship’s crew struggled to handle, Mihawk grew bored and effortlessly dispatched the pirates with a few sword strikes, sinking their ship.
Though young, Mihawk’s strength was undeniable.
After three days of sailing, the merchant ship finally reached Loguetown.
Standing at the harbor, Foxy observed the myriad of ships, including naval vessels, pirate ships, merchant ships, and those from various kingdoms.
It was bustling with diverse characters.
As soon as the ship docked, Mihawk disappeared, and Foxy headed to the Marine base in Loguetown. As expected, the town was under heavy Marine surveillance.
Perhaps to send a clear message to pirates through Roger’s execution, there was an unspoken agreement between Marines and pirates in Loguetown—an understanding not to cross each other.
Only the smartest pirates dared come to Loguetown, aware that World Government agents were likely lurking. The seeming calm was due to the impending arrival of the government’s main forces.
Walking through the streets and asking around, Foxy eventually reached the Marine base.
The base was heavily guarded, with three Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals, numerous lesser officers, and other personnel.
Secretly, the World Government’s intelligence agency, CP0, was also present. With ten days left until the execution, more prominent figures from both the Marines and the pirate world were expected to arrive.
The Marine base was located in the eastern part of Loguetown, built near the port and filled with numerous warships. The area was mostly controlled by the Marines, with unauthorized personnel prohibited from entering.
When Foxy and Donald Duck arrived, they saw Marines everywhere. The lowest-ranked officer was an ensign, two ranks higher than Foxy.
“This is a Marine base, no entry allowed,” an ensign guarding the gate said, looking curiously at the unusual pair—a boy and a duck.
“Marine Headquarters Academy Cadet Sergeant Foxy reporting,” Foxy saluted and identified himself.
“Quack,” Donald Duck also saluted, with a snot bubble hanging from his nose that he quickly sucked back in, only for it to reappear shortly after.
The ensign was momentarily stunned. Seeing Foxy’s serious expression, he instinctively returned the salute. “Wait here, I’ll go check.”
If Foxy were an ordinary sergeant, the ensign wouldn’t have bothered. But Foxy was from the Marine Headquarters Academy, enough to make the ensign take him seriously.
After confirming Foxy’s identity, the ensign allowed him into the base, personally showing him to his room with a touch of flattery.
When he checked Foxy’s records, he found that Foxy had been presumed dead. But after careful comparison, he confirmed Foxy’s identity and noted that he had been recommended by Vice Admiral Tsuru, a respected figure in the Marines.
This connection explained the ensign’s sudden change in attitude, which Foxy easily understood. He remained polite and cooperative.
At Foxy’s request, his room was located near the training ground for convenience.
“Thank you, Ensign,” Foxy said politely, satisfied with his accommodations.
“It’s my pleasure. If you need anything, feel free to ask,” the ensign replied tactfully before leaving.
Watching the ensign’s retreating figure, Foxy entered the room and tidied up.
The room was not large, obviously, a cadet dormitory originally meant for six. Now it was just Foxy and a duck.
Having connections made a difference. Without Tsuru’s backing, Foxy’s status as a cadet would have granted some privileges, but not as much attention and respect as he was receiving now.
“Quack,” Donald Duck looked around the new place, exploring curiously.
“Yes, this will be our home for a while,” Foxy nodded.
“Let’s find the dining hall for a good meal and then start training. We’ll explore Loguetown tomorrow.”
“Quack,” Donald Duck’s eyes sparkled at the mention of food, his little tuft of feathers perking up. However, at the mention of training, his enthusiasm waned, only to brighten again at the prospect of exploring the town the next day.
Donald Duck’s expressive reactions were almost human, his moods shifting like an actor’s.
“Let’s go,” Foxy said, patting Donald Duck as they left the room.
On their way, they encountered many Marines, most of whom looked curiously at Donald Duck. After asking around, Foxy found the dining hall.
It seemed the ensign had given orders, as the cooks treated Foxy with respect, offering what food they had, even though lunch service was over. Despite the limited options, Foxy and Donald Duck ate heartily, with Donald Duck particularly enjoying the food.
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