The day began with a soft breeze and a sun so bright it made you squint.
The warship from the 153rd Branch moved slowly, cutting through the sparkling water.
"Isn't the weather just perfect, Fullbody?"
"Absolutely! The temperature is spot-on, and there's just enough moisture in the air. It's so lovely, it makes you want to dance, doesn't it, Jango?"
On the ship's deck, Jango and Fullbody breathed in the salty air, their faces lit up with happiness. As they chatted, they couldn't help but start dancing.
Twirling and jumping for joy!
Wham! Wham!
Heavy fists landed on their heads.
"Get back to work, you two!"
Ensign Roya barked, already feeling a headache coming on.
All the other lieutenants have people working for them who are incredibly strong, stunningly beautiful, or so serious they're scary, or at least pretend to be.
But my two main guys are just happy-go-lucky goofballs who can't resist dancing at the drop of a hat.
The ship's going to turn into a circus at this rate.
Maybe I should just find a singer and start a Marine band!
"Hmm... What about Uta?" Roya wondered. He'd noticed Fullbody and Jango listening to Uta's songs constantly, saying she was the best singer in the world.
Could she be that red-haired girl I remember? If she is, maybe I'll try to get her to join us if I get the chance.
Lost in his thoughts, Linus rushed over to Ensign Roya. "Ensign Roya, reporting! We'll be arriving at Syrup Village soon."
"Understood."
Roya felt a thrill of excitement.
What a great surprise!
---
About half an hour later, they reached Syrup Village's shipyard, tucked away in the bay on the south side of the island.
Roya stared at the warship in front of him, hardly believing his eyes.
A brand-new, medium-sized warship!
Even better, it had twenty-four cannons on each side and two powerful cannons at the front, making it even stronger than their current warship.
Finally, I can stand at the front and look super cool!
This is a seriously awesome surprise!
Roya pulled out his Den Den Mushi and spoke to Colonel Rhodes. "Colonel, is this new warship really for me?"
"That's right. Surprised?"
"I'm beyond surprised!"
"Hahaha, good to hear."
Colonel Rhodes chuckled, pleased with Roya's reaction.
The Branch is always short on cash, and we've been stuck with that old warship forever. It's been a real pain.
I've wanted to get another warship for ages. My last trip to see Mr. Syrup in Syrup Village was all about getting this warship.
But buying warships costs a fortune.
The Branch hasn't had much luck lately, so our requests for money kept getting turned down. It was only after we caught Kuro that the higher-ups finally agreed to buy a warship.
We finally have some money!
And since the 153rd Branch is leading this mission with the 32nd Branch, naturally, our warship will be used. Using the new warship will bring glory to the 153rd.
"Do a good job. This warship is yours from now on."
"Yes, thank you, Colonel!"
"Click ~ ~"
The Den Den Mushi went silent.
Roya was still buzzing with excitement.
A brand-new warship, just for me. In my past life, this would be like getting a top-of-the-line police car.
It's like going from zero to hero.
After a night of rest on the island, Roya prepared to leave early the next morning. The lieutenants from the 32nd Branch had already arrived back at the Branch.
The Syrup couple, along with Kaya, came to see him off, bringing a surprisingly impressive gift.
Kaya, holding a long gift box, handed it to Roya with a smile. "I haven't properly thanked you for what happened last time. This is a special sword my parents had made for you. It was made by a really skilled swordsmith."
"Thank you."
Roya accepted the gift.
We're practically family, so there's no need to be formal.
"A sword?"
Opening the box, he found a brand-new long sword inside. It was about 1.2 meters long, with a black sheath, and a pattern of comma-shaped symbols on the surface.
"Oh."
Roya was surprised.
In this world, those comma symbols aren't a common design. This is the first time I've seen a swordsmith use them.
"Was it made by a swordsmith from Shimotsuki Village?"
"Ah, how did you know?"
Kaya's eyes widened. She hadn't expected Roya to guess the sword's origin. "That's right! He lives in Shimotsuki Village. He's a friend of my father's and supposedly my father helped him out in the past."
"I'll visit him if I get the chance."
Roya smiled and closed the gift box, feeling a sense of wonder.
Whether it's personal strength, status, or money, as long as one of them keeps improving, the people and places you come into contact with will also improve.
When I was just a regular Marine, I wouldn't have received this kind of attention.
"I have a mission, so I need to head back. I'll come visit when I have time."
Patting Kaya on the head, Roya jumped onto the new warship.
"Return to base!"
The two warships sailed into the sea, one following the other.
---
Meanwhile, back at the 153rd Branch.
In the Colonel's office.
A girl with short, reddish-orange hair, wearing a Justice cloak, saluted smartly. "32nd Branch Ensign Isca, reporting for duty!"
"Hello, Ensign Isca."
Colonel Rhodes nodded with a smile, carefully studying the girl.
She looks about the same age as Roya, with sharp eyes and a determined look. She doesn't seem like someone who got here because of who she knows.
"Nail Handed."
Colonel Rhodes reviewed the information about the girl provided by the 32nd Branch. Her nickname was "Nail Handed," and she was known for her incredible swordsmanship.
Impressive!
"Colonel Rhodes."
Isca skipped the small talk and asked directly, "Where is my partner?"
"Ensign Roya is currently on a mission. He should be back around noon."
Colonel Rhodes estimated the time. "Leaving from Syrup Village and taking it easy, he should be back before noon."
"Understood."
Isca nodded. "It's normal to have missions, so I'm not in a rush. Besides, there are some things I want to do."
"May I tour the Branch?"
"Of course."
Colonel Rhodes narrowed his eyes.
She's up to something.
Branches are always competing with each other. The 153rd Branch has been getting a lot of attention lately, so it's natural for other Branches to be curious.
"Follow me."
Colonel Rhodes gave Isca a quick tour of the Branch. At her request, they ended up at the Branch training field.
The Branch Marines were doing their physical training.
"Is this all?"
Isca watched silently, a hint of dislike in her eyes.
It's not that I look down on the 153rd Branch, but the overall feeling here and the Marines' enthusiasm are nowhere near as good as the 32nd Branch.
The difference in strength is obvious.
To be honest, I'm not happy about helping Roya with this mission. The stronger person deserves to be in charge.
A fighting spirit flared in Isca's eyes.
"Colonel Rhodes, I would like to challenge the warriors of the 153rd Branch!"
"..."
Rhodes frowned.
Branches often compete, so there's no reason to refuse. Besides, she probably wants to prove herself, to show she should be in charge of the operation.
I can't refuse, especially since she's just an Ensign and we're on our home turf. It's a matter of the 153rd Branch's reputation.
But the problem is, I'm not confident.
Unless I step in myself, the other Marines in the Branch probably won't be able to beat her. But I'm the base commander; it wouldn't be right to pick on someone younger.
Rhodes called Monka over.
"Ensign Monka, have a friendly spar with Ensign Isca!"
Time to bring out the big guns!