One Piece: Starting from Awakening the Cosmo at Marineford

The new recruits did not immediately disperse.

The 40 men surrounded Aaron: "Instructor! From now on, should we call you 'Commander' or 'Boss'?"

"I think calling him 'Instructor' is more affectionate!"

Aaron nodded and said, "You can continue to call him instructor from now on."

Those marines who didn't end up under Aaron's command said dejectedly, "Sigh, going to other branches certainly won't be as exciting as working with our instructors."

"Yes, I don't know how many opportunities to experience major events we'll miss."

"What I resent most is that following the instructors meant there was a chance to be recorded in history! If only my name could appear in history, even if it was just one line..."

One of the female soldiers said smugly, "You can only be envious! By following the instructor, besides the chance to make a name for myself in history, I might even gain his favor!"

The other female soldiers immediately retorted, "Dream on!"

Aaron coughed. "Alright, dismissed. It's almost lunchtime."

At that moment, Bogart waved to Aaron from the side.

Aaron withdrew, and the recruits slowly dispersed.

Bogart said, "Aaron, your swordsmanship is already worthy of being called a great swordsman, and you even have a chance to compete for the title of the world's best. It's a pity that you don't have a suitable sword right now. You are my only formal disciple, and I think it's time to pass on my sword to you."

Aaron said, "Thank you, Master. This knife has been with you for decades, so you should keep it for yourself. I'll find a way to get a good knife myself."

Bogart asked, "Where are you going to get it?"

"Of course, we'll steal one from pirates. Many good swords end up in the hands of pirates; it's like casting pearls before swine."

Bogart said, "You're right. I'll be waiting for the day you become the world's greatest swordsman. That way, I can finally relax and enjoy my old age."

Two days later, Lark and Finbuddy returned in their warship. This time, they had been away from headquarters for a full three months.

To Aaron's surprise, Bernard was dressed in a navy uniform.

Aaron asked, "What happened?"

Bernard scratched his head: "Boss, it was Lieutenant General Karp who did it for me."

Finbdy patted Bernard on the shoulder and laughed, "Vice Admiral Cap felt his position on the ship was rather awkward, so it was better to recruit him. Three months ago, he officially joined the Navy as a private. After this mission, he was commended and promoted to ensign."

It's not uncommon for pirates to become Marines; wasn't that Django an example?

Aaron nodded: "Alright. It is indeed a bit inappropriate to have someone who is nobody on a naval ship and able to come and go from headquarters."

Yun Que said, "Senior Aaron, on this mission, 10 marines on the ship died."

Aaron sighed, "Fighting pirates inevitably results in injuries."

"Boss, I'm sorry, it's my fault. If you were here, they wouldn't even be hurt," Fombard said guiltily.

Aaron said, "You don't need to blame yourself. Once you become a marine, you'll expect this day to come. Tonight, I'll treat everyone to drinks."

Finbdi then laughed and said, "Great! Boss, I heard you got promoted to Major General! We should celebrate for you!"

Aaron asked, "And you?"

"I'm a lieutenant colonel now!" Finbdi declared proudly.

Hibari said, "I'm also a lieutenant colonel from headquarters!"

Aaron nodded: "Good. Bernard, you need to work harder."

Bernard gave a military salute: "Don't worry, boss, I won't let you down!"

Aaron said, "You've all worked hard. Go back and get some rest. See you at the bar tonight, and I'll introduce you to the new guy."

Fombidi's eyes lit up: "New recruits? Are there female soldiers?"

"There are several."

Fempedi nodded in satisfaction: "That's great!"

Yun Que also said, "Yes, at least someone can accompany me when I'm on a mission."

That evening, Aaron's old and new subordinates gathered at a bar in town.

Finbdi put on an air of superiority in front of the 10 female marines, talking at length about his experiences during missions.

The female soldiers were also drawn to him and listened with great interest.

Lark sat next to Aaron, quietly listening to the others' lively discussions.

Dozens of new and old soldiers sat together, drinking and chatting happily.

When the day came to set sail again, Aaron stood at the bow of the warship and exclaimed, "This past year has really driven me crazy!"

"Boss," said Finbdi, "I can finally follow behind you and fight alongside you again!"

Lark, her golden hair fluttering in the wind, asked, "Senior Aaron, where are we going?"

Aaron asked, "Has there been any big news from the high seas these past few days?"

Hibari said, "There's no major news. There's only one thing: Straw Hat Luffy has returned to action and is recruiting people in the Sabaody Archipelago."

"Oh? Then let's go take a look."

Aaron gave the order: "Proceed to Sabaody Archipelago!"

The warships sailed out of the port and headed west.

Hibari asked in a low voice, "Senior Aaron, you're not planning to capture Luffy, are you? He's Vice Admiral Garp's grandson."

Aaron said, "Master Garp is a Marine, so even if I really capture Luffy, he won't say anything. However, I have to give the old man some face and can't go and mess with his grandson as soon as I set sail."

Hibari nodded repeatedly: "Yes, even if it's perfectly justifiable from a political standpoint, it will still hurt Grandpa Garp's feelings."

Aaron said, "Let's go. We'll find out what's going on soon enough."

The next day at noon, Aaron's warship arrived at GR 66 in the Sabaody Archipelago.

As usual, Kadakongbo was unhappy: "Major General Aaron, headquarters sent a science unit to provide support, what are you doing here?"

Aaron asked, "Do you think the Science Unit can handle Luffy's crew?"

Kadakongbo said irritably, "Major General Aaron, I know you're very capable. But you don't need to belittle the Science Unit, do you? The Pacifista robots shone brightly in the Marineford War; you were there, you should have seen it."

Aaron smiled and said, "Admiral Kadakorn, you don't think that the Straw Hat Luffy crew's strength has stagnated at the level it was two years ago, do you?"

"This..." Kadakongbo was speechless, but he couldn't refute it.

Aaron shrugged: "You deserve the credit this time."

Kadakornbo felt humiliated: "Do you think I care about such a small amount of credit?"

Aaron said, "It doesn't matter. May I ask, what are the specific plans for Luffy and his crew?"

Kadakobo said irritably, "The Straw Hat crew will gather at GR46 tomorrow at noon."

Aaron said, "Luckily I made it in time. Thanks."

Kadakongbo said, "Major General Aaron, let me remind you, there's a very important person on this island!"

Aaron grinned. "Hmph, Rayleigh, the King of the Underworld. I'm here to meet him!"