Brigadier General Otland laughed heartily.
"This just shows how much the Navy high command values you. You're already quite famous! It's rare for someone stationed at a branch to receive this level of attention and praise from headquarters. When you head to the Navy Headquarters recruit training camp, don't let them down. Show those arrogant fellows from other branches and even Headquarters itself what kind of future star the G2 Branch has produced!"
"The Navy Headquarters recruit training camp…" Leon Fang asked softly.
"Has the approval already come through?"
"That's right," Otland nodded.
"Although you're already a major, this opportunity is something you absolutely shouldn't miss. Only those who come out of that cradle of officers can truly be called the Navy's elite."
A trace of longing appeared in Otland's eyes as he continued,
"Moreover, in that recruit camp, Admiral Zephyr will personally oversee the training. From time to time, monsters like Vice Admiral Garp and Vice Admiral Sakazuki will also give guidance. More importantly, the future pillars of this era will all gather there. It will broaden your vision, sharpen your mindset, and expand your network in ways the G2 Branch never could."
"I understand," Leon Fang nodded seriously.
"I will definitely go."
"Hahaha! Good!" Otland laughed with satisfaction.
"With your talent and work ethic, even among a group of monsters, you'll stand out sooner or later."
"There are nine people in your batch who have been recommended," Otland continued.
"Besides you, there are Ryan, Gregory, Abel, Abraham, Algernon, Austin, Alva, and Andrei. You know them better than I do, so I won't waste words."
Leon Fang nodded. Of course he knew them well.
These were the core members of the G2 faction, people who had willingly gathered under his banner over the past two years.
"The schedule is set," Otland said.
"One month from now, the nine of you will board a warship and head to Marineford. I'm not that heartless, though. I'll give you half a month to finish your duties and hand things over. The remaining half month is yours—travel, rest, do whatever you need. Once you're stationed at Headquarters, it won't be easy to come back."
"Half a month…" Leon Fang repeated quietly, his eyes narrowing slightly.
That would be enough time to settle a few remaining matters.
"Oh, and there's something else," Otland added.
"In the next two weeks, I'll need you to accompany me again. A large-scale war has broken out on Saint Ting Island. The kings involved have reached some political consensus and want the fighting to stop, but for safety reasons, they've requested the Navy to act as a mediator."
Otland sighed helplessly.
"In short, it's another one of those alliance meetings—talks, compromises, and negotiations. You know I'm terrible at that sort of thing, so I'll have to trouble you to take charge, just like before."
Leon Fang frowned slightly.
"Is that really appropriate? I'm only a major."
"Haha! Relax," Otland waved his hand.
"Those kings are all foxes. No one will think you're unqualified. Besides, I'll be there backing you up. You'll handle everything—I'll just stand there and look important."
Otland had clearly become very practiced at this routine over the past two years.
"…Alright," Leon Fang said helplessly.
"Since you've already decided, I'll do my best."
"Hahaha! The capable should do more!"
Otland patted Leon Fang on the shoulder energetically. As he was about to leave, he suddenly paused and turned back with a grin.
"By the way, isn't there a little girl you're close to in the Kingdom of Hiska? The alliance meeting will be held there this time. You can take the chance to visit her. No need to thank me."
"Please," Leon Fang said exasperatedly.
"Tina is only twelve."
Otland's laughter grew increasingly improper as he walked away.
Leon Fang could only shake his head. This felt oddly familiar—just like school back in his previous life, where even the slightest interaction between boys and girls could turn into wild rumors overnight.
It seemed gossip had a thriving market in every world.
Leon Fang stepped out of the office area when a sharp gust of wind suddenly struck from behind.
He leaned forward at an extreme angle, bending his body more than ninety degrees as if gravity didn't apply to him. The attack brushed past his back. In the next instant, he rebounded like a spring and slammed his shoulder backward.
Bang!
The attacker was sent flying dozens of meters away.
"To me, the direction of the attack has never mattered," Leon Fang said calmly, not even turning around.
"Abraham, haven't you learned your lesson yet?"
"Heh!"
Abraham's voice rang out as he climbed back up, clutching his chest.
"I thought you'd let your guard down since you looked distracted. Didn't expect you to hit that hard—my chest is still aching!"
"You're really persistent," Austin said with a snort.
"Even Andrei's sniper rifle couldn't do anything to the boss. Sneak attacks like yours never stood a chance."
Andrei shrugged helplessly.
"Even if I could hit him, it wouldn't matter. Beyond thirty meters, the power of a sniper round isn't enough to break through the boss's defenses."
Gregory lowered his voice and said seriously,
"Boss… tell us the truth. You're actually an ancient Sea King who ate a Devil Fruit and turned human, right?"
Leon Fang glanced at them.
"You're all here together. Looks like you've already received the news."
"Yes!" Ryan said excitedly.
"Brother Leon Fang, everyone's thrilled about going to Navy Headquarters next month!"
"More like half thrilled, half terrified," Algernon muttered.
Gregory nodded in agreement.
"Even if we're considered talented, we're only average when you look at the entire Navy. Headquarters is full of monsters—maybe not on your level, boss, but still far above us."
Abel spoke next, his expression firm.
"We don't have your lofty ideals, but we don't want to fade into obscurity either. We want to walk further on this path… and keep following behind you."
Leon Fang's lips curved into a faint smile.
"So, what you're saying is…"
The eight exchanged glances, then bowed deeply.
"We want to follow you through another round of hellish training, Boss!"
Leon Fang's smile grew slightly dangerous.
"Are you really sure? Don't forget—half a year ago, most of you ran away crying before you even finished halfway. If I remember correctly, only Ryan managed to endure it to the end."
The memory clearly struck home.
"Gulp."
Cold sweat instantly broke out on their foreheads.
Yet, with trembling voices and clenched teeth, they still replied in unison:
"Please!"
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T/N:
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