The next day, under the scorching sun, Marineford stood as a massive fortress exuding undeniable authority. Here, one could constantly feel the righteousness, grandeur, and majesty.
The streets, sprawling like continents, crisscrossed and brought prosperity to this town.
In the inner district, primarily families of Marines resided, while deeper within were the quarters of high-ranking officers, such as Commodores, Rear Admirals, Vice Admirals, and even Admirals.
The outer district housed civilians related to Marines and also served as a marketplace. This colossal fortress housed at least three to four hundred thousand people, including the Marines.
Walking through the bustling streets, Nokiyoru’s expression fluctuated. “Fortunately, this is Marine Headquarters. Learning the Six Powers (Rokushiki) and other techniques should be easier here. It would be much more troublesome if I were in a branch, and I don’t have much time.”
“I need to find Tsuru. I don’t know if she’ll help, but I have to try. I can’t miss any opportunity.” Clenching his teeth slightly, Nokiyoru made his decision. Despite the discomfort of asking for help, he had no other choice.
Asking others like Garp or other high-ranking, easygoing figures was out of the question. Nokiyoru understood that reality often differed from imagination. Why would they help him?
Moreover, Tsuru, whom he had only met once, might not assist him, let alone others.
Nokiyoru could enlist directly without seeking anyone’s help, but that would waste too much time. His goal was the Marine Academy, where he could learn the Six Powers or Haki. Once there, his efforts would improve his training.
More importantly, with background, hard work is needed to stand out. He needed to draw attention from the higher-ups. If they saw his potential, his situation could change drastically.
In the inner district, the area for Marine officers, Nokiyoru waited quietly at the gate, waiting for the guard’s notice.
“You can go in now. Vice Admiral Tsuru is in Building A, Center.”
“Thank you.” Nokiyoru nodded politely and walked straight ahead.
Crossing small bridges over flowing water, through lush greenery, stone paths spread out in all directions, and buildings stood tall on either side.
“Knock… knock…” Standing at the door, Nokiyoru knocked, indicating his arrival.
“The door’s not locked. Come in.” The moderate voice carried a sense of wisdom.
Hearing the voice, Nokiyoru slowly pushed the door open, knowing that Tsuru had been observing his every move from the moment he entered. He had felt several distinct presences, likely Haki.
The reason Nokiyoru sensed these presences was due to his Devil Fruit, which not only enhanced his physique but also his senses and spirit.
Devil Fruits are categorized into Paramecia, Zoan, and Logia. Zoan types, especially, greatly enhance physical abilities, recovery, endurance, and vitality, more so than Paramecia and Logia types, except for some special cases.
In other words, Nokiyoru was now ordinary, lacking only experience and training.
“Sit down. What brings you here?” Sitting on the sofa, Tsuru looked at this somewhat unique boy with interest.
“I want to join the Marines.” Nokiyoru stated his purpose directly, understanding that lies were too easily seen through by someone as wise as Tsuru.
“Oh? It seems you’re quite smart.” From Nokiyoru’s single statement, Tsuru guessed his intentions. There were many ways to join the Marines, but only shortcuts and detours differed. Nokiyoru wisely chose the shortcut.
“But you’re just an ordinary person, and you’re a bit old to start. Your foundation is too weak.” Tsuru didn’t refuse nor agree but watched Nokiyoru intently.
“There are many ways to enhance one’s foundation in this world, such as… Devil Fruits.” Nokiyoru’s entire body ignited in golden-red flames, sending a heatwave towards Tsuru.
The sound of burning filled the room, and within moments, everything except the area around Tsuru turned to ashes.
“Put it away.” Tsuru’s calm voice showed her growing interest in Nokiyoru.
“Sorry, I can’t control these flames yet.” With a thought, the scorching flames retracted back into Nokiyoru’s body.
“Flames? A Logia?” Tsuru was excited, ignoring the acrid smoke filling the room. Finding a potential Logia user was a significant event.
Currently, the Marine Academy housed two monstrous Logia users: Sakazuki, the Magma-Magma Fruit user, and Borsalino, the Glint-Glint Fruit user. Both were future Admirals with immense power.
“I apologize, I’m not a Logia. I’m an Ancient Zoan type, a Flame Bird.” Nokiyoru concealed part of the truth, preferring to remain low-key without sufficient strength to protect himself.
As for standing out, there would be opportunities in the future to gain the attention of higher-ups. For now, getting into the Marine Academy was the priority.
“I see.” Tsuru felt a bit disappointed but quickly regained her excitement. “An Ancient Zoan type is still a rare Devil Fruit. With the recovery abilities of a Zoan, you can outlast ordinary people and heal faster from injuries.”
“But why should I help you? If I’m not mistaken, you want to become stronger to find that girl, meaning you have an ulterior motive for joining the Marines.” Tsuru’s eyes narrowed, her gaze sharp and pressing on Nokiyoru.
“If you didn’t have a motive, you wouldn’t have talked to a stranger like me for this long.” Nokiyoru’s face remained calm and frank.
“Good, good…” Tsuru watched Nokiyoru, impressed. “I can help you, but you must agree to one condition.”
“One condition.” Nokiyoru, resolute, frowned but stood firm.
“Alright, just one.” Tsuru’s eyes lit up, nodding in agreement.
“Aren’t you curious why I agreed so quickly and didn’t negotiate? After all, you’re the one asking for my help.”
“I’m not curious. I’m not interested in those details. I just know that as long as the promise is within my capability, I’ll fulfill it even if it costs my life.”
“You continue to surprise me, not only with your potential but also your resolve. Well then, we’ll see. I hope you achieve your goal.” Tsuru’s eyes gleamed with wisdom. “Tomorrow morning, come with me to the academy. That will be your first step.”
“Thank you.” Nokiyoru bowed slightly before leaving with a calm expression.
Watching Nokiyoru’s departing figure, Tsuru murmured to herself, “Such a terrifying boy. I wonder if my decision is right or wrong.”
Taking a deep breath, Nokiyoru stepped out of the inner district, glancing back at the buildings with a sharp gaze. “As expected of the Marine strategist, that pressure was immense.”
It was clear that Nokiyoru’s back was drenched in sweat.
“But the first step is finally taken. Nokishio, wait for me.”
With determined strides, Nokiyoru walked away, ready to give everything for his goal.
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