Although talking to a soothsayer can be a headache, Basil Hawkins’s meaning and actions indicate one thing.
The path of The Fool—Justice likely represented a straightforward Marine’s life of fighting pirates and adhering to the Marines’ principles. However, Basil Hawkins had no such plans.
The path of The Fool — The Magician represented Hawkins joining Michion, and the concept of creation symbolized by The Magician was more appealing than straightforward Marine justice.
Looking at Basil Hawkins, Michion couldn’t believe this moment of “sworn allegiance” was happening to him.
Regardless, Michion’s objective was achieved. Basil Hawkins had successfully been recruited into the Marines under Michion’s command.
Unlike the others, Basil Hawkins chose to follow Michion rather than the Marines.
If there ever came a day when Michion clashed with the Marines and left, Basil Hawkins would undoubtedly go with him, becoming a crew member on Michion’s ship.
Whether Hawkins would become Michion’s trusted confidant remained to be seen.
Nonetheless, gaining Basil Hawkins’ loyalty was an unexpected boon. Apart from Tina and the others, who were part of Michion’s crew within the Marines, Hawkins now represented a personal ally.
In simple terms, Hawkins’ loyalty was to Prince Aburahamu Michion of the Ishstar Kingdom.
Because Michion joined the Marines, Hawkins joined as well.
Michion aimed to expand his influence within the Marines and never concealed his strength. Having more powerful allies was one way to increase that influence.
But these considerations were secondary; strength was the most important thing in this world, a truth Michion had long understood.
Consider two representative figures: Zephyr, who dedicated his life to the Marines and trained countless Marines, including the three future admirals. Yet, in the end, he was discarded by the World Government.
Contrast that with Red-Haired Shanks, a Yonko whose strength allowed him to stop the Marineford War and even converse with the Five Elders. Despite their harsh words, they still had to engage with him.
Comparing an aging Zephyr to a young Shanks might seem unfair, but if Zephyr had retained his strength, he wouldn’t have ended up as he did.
Ultimately, this world still revered strength above all else. Influence, allies, resources, and money all required strength to support them.
Basil Hawkins’ loyalty was a pleasant surprise for Michion, who had initially intended only to bring him into their small group within the Marines.
Once Michion and his group grew, they would become the backbone of Michion’s faction. But now, Hawkins’ loyalty meant Michion had gained a personal ally.
On the sea, the importance of allies couldn’t be overstated. Even a lone powerhouse like Red-Haired Shanks eventually ended up in Impel Down.
Michion felt great after unexpectedly gaining Hawkins’ loyalty. Hawkins’ future strength was on par with other “Supernovas,” not to mention his Devil Fruit’s supportive capabilities.
This divination ability had repeatedly exceeded Michion’s expectations, proving extremely useful.
Moreover, Michion believed Hawkins’ potential in the Marines, with access to Marine resources, far surpassed his potential as a pirate.
Now that Hawkins had joined the Marines, Michion was confident that Hawkins would grow beyond the level depicted in the anime.
While waiting for Sora to exchange insights on yoga with the dojo, Michion shared the news of Hawkins joining the Marines with the group.
Everyone welcomed Hawkins warmly, understanding the immense utility of his ability. No one objected.
In the vast sea, Hawkins’ divination could always point them in the right direction, ensuring a higher survival rate.
“From now on, we’re comrades. We’ll call you Hawkins,” Michion said with a smile.
Hawkins nodded, understanding this was a way to integrate into the group quickly.
“Great! Hawkins, you can handle my fortune-telling from now on!” Tina exclaimed happily. Girls, after all, were always intrigued by divination.
“Hey, Hawkins’ ability isn’t for fun,” Michion lightly chided Tina, tapping her head with a hand chop.
Amid their playful banter, Sora returned with a bored expression, indicating her visit to the dojo hadn’t yielded much. No one was too concerned, though. The resources within the Marines provided ample techniques and skills.
This was the depth of the Marines’ foundation—a vast pool of resources to train various talents. They even documented methods for developing Devil Fruit abilities.
Michion led Hawkins to report to Admiral Ark at the Marine base on the island.
Ark naturally didn’t object to welcoming a capable recruit and immediately approved Hawkins’ enlistment.
However, to officially enter the training camp and become a Marine, they’d have to wait until they returned to Marine Headquarters.
Michion didn’t mind. With Ark’s approval, Hawkins could start learning the Marine’s Six Styles basics. Though he couldn’t use them, the preliminary training methods were beneficial.
Michion and his group could begin teaching him. Due to Michion’s influence, this training camp was dubbed the “Jade Generation.”
It felt like the chefs from a certain famous culinary manga.
Comparing their cohort to past ones, this group generally surpassed previous years’ strengths.
Stimulated by Michion, many trainees had already mastered one or two of the Marine’s Six Styles. Michion’s group, in particular, excelled.
Michion had shown far greater strength than his peers, earning recognition from the Marine higher-ups.
With time to spare, Michion and his group discussed fishing by the beach. Admiral Ark, however, mentioned an interesting topic that caught their attention.
Ark and his old friend Chel, who was stationed at the Marine base, shared some news.
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