[V3] - Chapter 49. Five Years of Work Experience
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"Hello, gentlemen. My name is Lucci. I possess proficient shipbuilding skills and once worked at the most renowned shipyard in the first half of the Grand Line—the Galley-La Shipyard. In just one year, I rose to the position of trusted foreman. During my time there, I completed all work assignments, repaired ships for many famous pirate crews, and also have independent shipbuilding experience and extensive woodworking expertise."
"I'm humble and steady by nature. While at Galley-La, I was deeply respected by my subordinates. However, my dream is to become part of the Yuto Group and dedicate myself to contributing my skills to the Yuto Group."
After finishing his fairly standard interview speech, Lucci bowed deeply and exclaimed in a loud voice: "I hope you will give me a chance!"
Once he spoke—
The interviewers—Uchiha Yuto, Nico Robin, and Kozuki Hiyori—frowned slightly, scanning him up and down. Then they exchanged glances with each other.
About a minute later—
"We've read through your résumé. It's very impressive!" Yuto gave a small cough, then smiled as he said, "It says here that you have one year of work experience?"
"Yes! I worked at Galley-La for more than a year. Just last month, I was promoted to foreman!"
"Can I ask you one question?"
"Please go ahead!"
"I see that you're right in the middle of a rising career path, and your previous company clearly placed great trust in you. So why did you choose to resign at this time and come apply to work at our Yuto Shipyard instead?"
As soon as those words fell—
The atmosphere instantly grew tense.
Robin and Hiyori both gave surprised looks at Boss Yuto.
They hadn't expected him to ask such a tricky question!
In this kind of situation, it's risky whether you say good or bad things about your former company. If you praise your old company, then why did you leave? If you criticize it, it makes you seem disloyal or ungrateful.
After all, this wasn't the same as Robin's past… where all her bosses were out to capture her head for a bounty, giving her legitimate reasons for betrayal. Even so, Robin had ended up labeled the "Witch of Betrayal." Each time she tried to start anew somewhere, she was never truly accepted, often mocked, and people only kept her around… because she still held some value to be exploited!
Robin frowned slightly, glancing at the résumé in her hand.
Regarding this interviewee… she still thought he was quite impressive.
To have one year of work experience and already become a foreman in a shipyard spoke volumes about his capability. He was definitely a rare talent!
Why ask such a tricky question?
Time ticked by, second by second.
Roughly a minute later—
"I'm sorry, but you—"
Just as Yuto sighed, preparing to send Lucci away to wait for further news—
"It's because I want to see a wider world!" Lucci interrupted with a slight smile, as if he'd long been prepared for this question. He said, "While Galley-La Shipyard is indeed the finest shipyard in the first half of the Grand Line, it's still only the first half of the Grand Line. Yes, it's true that President Iceburg's mentor once built a ship for the Pirate King himself… but the Pirate King only had one ship. Meanwhile, the Yuto Group… is spread across the entire sea and can give me a chance to experience a far broader world!"
"…"
No wonder he was known as the most outstanding agent in CP9's history.
It was no surprise he'd managed to rise to foreman in just a year—and earn the respect of his subordinates!
He truly knew how to speak well!
Yuto's eyelid twitched ever so slightly, but he nodded in satisfaction and smiled, saying, "It's an honor to hear you say that! I see your desired position is Deputy Manager?"
"I believe I'm absolutely capable of handling the job! I hope you'll give me a chance!"
"Although you're excellent… our Yuto Group does have our own talent requirements." Yuto smiled as he spoke. "You only have one year of work experience. But for recruitment in our Yuto Group… we only accept interns who have at least five years of work experience, can handcraft warships from scratch, are highly skilled in all aspects of shipbuilding, and have completed shipbuilding projects worth over 100 million!"
"…" ×3
Damn it.
Five years of work experience!
Hand-built warships!
And mastery of all kinds of shipbuilding techniques!
Completed shipbuilding projects worth over 100 million!
How could someone that skilled possibly be applying as an intern?!
What a joke!
Has employment at the Yuto Group really become this competitive?
Lucci's mouth twitched slightly. He had a feeling this guy was just messing with him, but he still took a deep breath and said sincerely, "I'm very confident in my skills. I hope the Yuto Group will give me a chance to prove myself!"
"Skills~" Yuto flipped through the résumé again and frowned. "Speaking of skills, I noticed that all the techniques you listed are traditional wooden shipbuilding methods. To be honest… those have already been phased out by the Yuto Group."
His face turned serious. "Our Yuto Shipyard uses advanced technology and management systems. We're not like those old-fashioned shipyards. We are a modern, cutting-edge shipyard!"
"…Galley-La's techniques were passed down from the shipbuilding master of the seas—Tom. He once built the Pirate King's ship…"
"I know that," Yuto waved his hand and said with a smile, "But you're not him!"
"…"
What the hell?
Do you want Master Tom himself to come intern for you?
Lucci's eyelid twitched, but as a job applicant—especially one here with hidden motives—there was no way he could just give up.
So he bowed again and said sincerely, "Please give me a chance! I truly believe in my skills! I'm fully capable of handling a foreman's position and promise to bring value to the Yuto Shipyard!"
After he finished—
Yuto showed a troubled expression, closed the folder, and paused for a moment. "In that case… please wait for a notification."
"???"
You're not announcing the result directly?
Lucci's eyes twitched slightly, but hearing "please wait," he felt some relief and nodded, "I understand. Thank you for your time!"
Then he respectfully turned and walked out.
But as he stepped out of the room, a serious look appeared on his face, and he muttered, "No wonder the Yuto Group's salary and benefits are so good… I didn't expect the interview to be this hard!"
By now—
He had already exited the waiting hall.
The other CP9 members immediately approached him quietly. Seeing Lucci's serious expression, they lowered their voices and asked, "How did it go?"
Surely even someone as outstanding as Boss Lucci didn't get rejected, right?
"It should be no problem," Lucci nodded calmly, but after a brief pause, his tone became serious. "The Yuto Group's interview process is extremely strict. You all need to be well prepared! If you can't pass the interview, you must find a way to stay in Wano no matter what!"
As he said this—
Everyone's faces grew solemn, and they nodded, "Understood!"
Indeed—
Landing a high-paying job… isn't easy!
Just as all the agents braced themselves, ready to give it their all in the upcoming interviews—
"Next! Kaku! You have one minute to prepare! Please enter the interview room within the allotted time!"
The receptionist came out again and called the next name!
The long-nosed man named Kaku took a deep breath.
Thinking about how even their boss had such a tough time with the interview, he—who wasn't quite on Lucci's level—knew he'd have to take this very seriously. His face immediately turned focused, his eyes sharp, and he nodded, "I'm ready!"
Next up—
This interview… is going to be one hell of a battle!