The Marines' medical system was extremely advanced.
Because of this, Diarmuid's body was healed and he was back in good health in no time.
Today was the day he was being discharged from the hospital. At the same time, he would report to Zephyr's Marine Officer Training Camp.
Although his relationship with Admirals Zephyr and Sengoku had improved, his discharge wouldn't attract much attention.
At the entrance of the infirmary, Diarmuid was wearing a standard Marine uniform with a Justice coat on his shoulders and the rank of Major.
That's right, during his time in the hospital, his identity had been officially confirmed.
He was no longer a Captain from the North Blue's 113th Marine Branch.
He was now a legitimate Major (Lieutenant Commander) at Marine Headquarters.
It seemed like a demotion, but it was actually an equal transfer.
Branch Marines were always two ranks lower than Headquarters Marines.
Just like Diarmuid, he was a Captain at a Branch but a Major at Headquarters.
Although he hadn't been promoted for his involvement in the Shiki incident, Diarmuid didn't feel bad about it.
You do what you can with the power you have. With his current strength, being a Major at Headquarters was already a good thing.
"Are you really not considering getting out of the hospital sooner?" Diarmuid asked his fellow patient, Kuzan, who had come to see him off.
Kuzan was using crutches under both of his arms. His leg was still in a cast, making him look seriously injured.
Kuzan laughed. "I finally have some time to relax. I'm going to stay until I'm completely healed."
To be honest, Kuzan's injury, despite looking serious with a broken leg, could have been healed quickly if he had actively cooperated with the treatment.
Unfortunately, Kuzan was determined to be lazy. He refused any treatment from a healing ability and insisted on waiting for it to heal naturally.
In reality, he was just being lazy.
"If you keep this up, I might catch up to you sooner rather than later," Diarmuid said with a smile.
After a short pause, he added, "Both in strength and rank."
"Oh? Is that so? I'll be looking forward to it then," Kuzan said without any sincerity.
Even though they got along well on other topics and were now good friends, they had very different views on some things.
For example, Diarmuid was focused on climbing the ranks to gain more power and status.
Kuzan, on the other hand, just wanted to be a lazy bum…
"I have one last question for you, Kuzan. Don't you want to become a Marine Admiral or Fleet Admiral?" Diarmuid asked.
Kuzan was a little surprised. He stroked his chin and tilted his head. "Garp-san might be unreliable, but I think I'm a lot like him in some ways. To be honest, I think being a Vice Admiral is good enough. As for Admiral or Fleet Admiral… my thin shoulders probably can't handle that responsibility and burden. I'll leave that to you ambitious people, hahahaha."
But in the end, you still became a Marine Admiral… Diarmuid thought to himself as he looked at Kuzan.
Perhaps Kuzan and Garp were still very different.
For example, Garp, as a veteran pain-in-the-neck Marine, could refuse the promotion to Marine Admiral multiple times.
But when it was Kuzan's turn, he probably wouldn't have the right to do what Garp did.
Also, when Sengoku became the Fleet Admiral, he wouldn't be as easy-going as Fleet Admiral Kong. With the three Admiral positions being empty for so many years, he would definitely fill them.
"Tsk, well, see you later. I have to go to the camp now. I'll buy you a drink when you get out of the hospital," Diarmuid said with a laugh.
"Oh, as your senior, I'll tell you a little something. Even though it's a training program, you'll still be going on some missions. Diarmuid, when I get out of the hospital, why don't you come work for me as my aide? I'll definitely take good care of you," Kuzan asked with a smile.
Diarmuid waved his hand without hesitation. "No, thank you. I'm afraid if I stay with you for too long, I'll lose my ambition…"
"You say the most hurtful things. Well, I wish you a promising future," Kuzan said insincerely.
After a few more words, Kuzan leaned on his crutches and limped back to the infirmary, pretending his injury was severe.
Diarmuid, led by Rosinante, walked toward the Marine Officer Training Camp.
Looking at the boy, Diarmuid asked, "Hey, Rosinante, what's your situation now? Have you joined the Marines?"
Rosinante shook his head. "I want to join the Marines just like you, Diarmuid-nii, but Sengoku-san said I'm too young and it's not a good time. So…"
A true government son, Diarmuid thought. He's not even a Marine, but he can still run around the Marineford base. Having a backer really makes a difference.
"I see," Diarmuid replied. After thinking for a moment, he couldn't help but say, "Rosinante, honestly, your personality isn't suited for the Marines. Have you ever thought about becoming a philanthropist instead?"
"Huh?" Rosinante was confused, as if he didn't understand what Diarmuid meant.
But soon, he said with determination, "I will definitely become an excellent Marine. I won't bring shame to you or Sengoku-san…"
"You don't listen, do you?" Diarmuid reached out and tapped Rosinante on the head.
But he didn't say anything else about telling him not to join the Marines.
The Marine Officer Training Camp was essentially a military academy. It was located inside Marineford and looked very ordinary, with a small three-story building and a decent-sized playground behind it. There was nothing special about it.
One would never have guessed that this inconspicuous place would produce so many talented people for the Marines in the future.
One could say that the next generation of Marine Admirals and the pillars of the Marine force all came out of this small, unremarkable building.
In his previous life, this would have been Harvard or Stanford!
As long as one worked hard, the people who came out of here would be a great asset to the country.
Even though Rosinante was a jinx at the worst times, he was a very reliable little errand boy.
During Diarmuid's time in the hospital, he seemed to have already found out all the information about the Marine Officer Training Camp.
No wonder he was able to become part of the intelligence unit in the future. He seemed to have a natural talent for this.
Led by Rosinante, Diarmuid entered the Marine Officer Training Camp building. After walking around for a bit, he ran into Zephyr in the hallway, who was holding some textbooks.
Unlike when they met in the North Blue, Zephyr wasn't wearing his Admiral uniform or his signature Justice coat.
He was simply wearing a casual, low-key light purple outfit and even had a pair of reading glasses on.
He no longer had that intimidating aura of a Marine Admiral. On the contrary, he seemed very approachable and kind.
"Oh, Diarmuid, you're here. You were getting out of the hospital today, right? You're not mad that I didn't go to see you off, are you?" Zephyr asked with a smile.
Diarmuid stood at attention and saluted. "Admiral, good morning. Rodriguez Diarmuid reporting for duty!"
After he was finished, he smiled and said, "Of course not. It wouldn't be right for an Admiral to spend his time on a small fry like me."
"No, it's important to pay attention to you young ones for the Marines to have a better future. But Sengoku and I have a special status. Our every move represents the Marines. If we were to take too much care of you, it would only be a disadvantage to you. You should understand that," Zephyr said with a smile.
Diarmuid understood. He also understood that a person of Zephyr's status didn't need to explain anything to him.
But the old man still patiently explained things to him, which showed that Diarmuid held a place in his heart.
That was enough.
"Yes, Admiral," Diarmuid replied quickly.
"Alright, since we ran into each other here, we don't need to go through the formalities in my office. I was just about to go teach a class. Come with me. You can meet your classmates from the 6th Class," Zephyr nodded.
Diarmuid agreed and then looked at Rosinante. "Kid, go do your thing. I'm going to start school today…"
Zephyr also smiled. "Rosinante, don't worry, I'll take good care of your brother Diarmuid."
Rosinante nodded reluctantly. "Diarmuid-nii, if you need anything…"
"I know, I know. I'll find you if I need something," Diarmuid quickly waved his hand.
After Rosinante left, Zephyr and Diarmuid walked toward the classroom.
On the way, Zephyr suddenly asked, "Do you dislike that kid Rosinante?"
"I don't really dislike him," Diarmuid replied. He continued, "I just think that he might not be suited to be a Marine."
"Why?" Zephyr asked.
Diarmuid was silent for a moment before answering. "He's too kind. I admit it's a good quality, but as a soldier, kindness isn't always a good thing."
Zephyr seemed to be thinking of something. A look of emotion flashed in his eyes, and he whispered, "You're right. As a soldier, sometimes you shouldn't be kind."
He had once been called the "Admiral Who Doesn't Kill."
And the result was the loss of his family.
Zephyr's experience with this was much more deep than Diarmuid's.
The two of them didn't say anything else and soon arrived at a classroom. Zephyr pushed the door open and walked in. "Everyone, we have a new person joining you today. Let's welcome him."
As he finished speaking, the classroom erupted in warm applause. Diarmuid, standing at the door, was a little uncomfortable with the enthusiasm.