A killer in the navy? I’m just trying my best to survive Chapter 033

Naval Headquarters.

The moonlight spilled on the outer wall of the huge fortress, reflecting a silvery white.

The neat footsteps of patrolling soldiers in the distance and the night cries of seagulls formed the unique night of Marineford.

“Thud—”

Hawk walked out of Aokiji’s office and lit a cigar.

The words he had just said would be meaningless if Fleet Admiral Akainu or Admiral Kizaru were to hear them.

“I hope I can help Admiral Aokiji clear his confusion…”

After all, he didn’t want the original plot to repeat itself…

In the original work, two weeks after the Summit War.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku submitted his resignation, stepping down as Fleet Admiral of the Marines, and he recommended Aokiji to succeed him.

But the World Government’s high-ranking officials preferred the more aggressive Akainu.

The two Admirals, due to ideological differences and the dispute over the Fleet Admiral position, engaged in a ten-day duel in Punk Hazard.

The great battle of Punk Hazard.

Ultimately, Akainu won and became the new Fleet Admiral.

Aokiji, after his defeat, chose to leave the Marines and eventually joined the Blackbeard Pirates, becoming the captain of their 10th ship.

Aokiji’s departure was a huge loss of combat power for the Marines.

The strength of the old Three Admirals was beyond doubt.

The later newly promoted “Fujitora” Issho and the “Green Bull,” who was a disgrace to the Admirals, were much weaker.

Since he chose to stay in the Marines, of course, he hoped that the overall strength of the Marines would be as strong as possible!

“Whoosh—”

Hawk tossed the burnt-out cigar into the trash can and strolled back to the mansion he had been assigned earlier.

After being promoted to Commodore, he was assigned a mansion in the Headquarters.

The Commodore-level mansion was a bit small in area.

But…

It was a free house, so why complain?!

After a simple wash-up, Hawk prepared to sleep.

Just then, “Buruburu~”

The Den Den Mushi rang, its unique beard and seagull hat design making Hawk’s eyes narrow.

It was Fleet Admiral Sengoku’s call.

The call connected, “Hawk.”

Sengoku’s voice sounded a bit tired but full of vigor.

“I have good news for you.”

“A batch of giant battleships customized by the Marines from the Galley-La Company in Water 7 has just been completed and launched.”

“After high-level discussions, we’ve reserved one for you.”

“The sails will be embroidered with your ‘Hawk’ character.”

“However, you’ll need to wait a few more days, as the handover of the ship still requires some necessary procedures.”

“Additionally, the promotions of all your former 16th Branch soldiers are without any problems.”

“The promotion documents for the entire branch will be approved soon.”

“Thank you, Fleet Admiral.”

Hawk responded in a deep voice, “I will not let you down.”

“Hmm.”

The Den Den Mushi closed its eyes, hanging up the call.

“……”

Hawk slightly concentrated.

This was blatant favoritism.

According to regulations, with his rank of Commodore, he could at most be equipped with one large warship.

But… he received a brand new giant battleship.

This was a privilege that even some Headquarters Vice Admirals couldn’t obtain…

Fleet Admiral Sengoku’s action was meant to send a clear signal to the entire Marine Headquarters.

He was someone valued by the Marine high command.

Although this would make him stay in the Headquarters for a few more days, for a brand new giant battleship, it was worth it!

“Yawn—”

Hawk lay on the soft bed, resting his arm on the pillow, and began to think about what to do in the Headquarters in the coming days.

First, he needed to go to the logistics department to collect his Commodore’s cape and epaulets.

Then, wait for the promotion documents of his branch brothers.

As for the remaining time, although Admiral Akainu had said before that he didn’t need to bother with those formalities.

But… the waters of the Headquarters were much deeper than the East Blue.

Visiting people and building connections was still necessary.

Although he was recognized by the higher-ups, it was always good to know more Marine Vice Admirals, Rear Admirals, and Commodores, and have more exchanges.

Slowly pondering, Hawk soon fell into a deep sleep.

……

East Blue, 16th Branch.

Dain, who had finished his shift, walked out of the office building and immediately saw Zoro leaning against the wall.

“Hmm? You haven’t left yet?”

“Uh…”

Zoro rubbed his stomach, a rumbling sound particularly clear in the quiet night.

“Let’s grab a late-night snack together, and I have some questions I want to ask.”

“Heh—”

Dain sneered, “You again, trying to freeload food and drinks?”

“Don’t say that, it’s fine, I’ll just duel you a few more times.”

“…”

Dain shook his head.

Forget it…

His swordsmanship was meticulously taught by Marine instructors; though solid, it lacked a bit of variation.

Zoro’s swordsmanship was wild, sharp, and full of beast-like intuition, making him an excellent reference.

Letting him eat a few meals wouldn’t cost much.

“Let’s go, late-night snack, my treat!”

“Hey—!”

The two, one after another, arrived at the mess hall again.

To accommodate soldiers on night duty and those doing extra training, the 16th Branch mess hall’s late-night snacks were equally hearty.

Large basins of minced meat fried rice, freshly baked grilled sea beast skewers, and milky white fish soup.

There were even a few barrels of specially provided low-alcohol ale.

“Woah~”

Zoro ate ravenously, devouring his food.

Feeling his stomach slowly fill up, he scratched his head somewhat sheepishly.

“Dain, uh… is there anything I can help with?”

“No.”

Dain calmly drank his fish soup, “This sea area won’t have pirates for a short while.”

“They’ve been scared off by Big Brother!”

“However, Zoro, before I’m transferred to a Grand Line branch.”

“As long as you spar with me often, I’ll cover your food expenses.”

“Ha, good!”

“But Dain, don’t you have any swordsmen within the Marines?”

“Many, most of them are concentrated at Headquarters.”

“Dain, is your goal to become the strongest swordsman in the Marines? Or to become a Marine Admiral?”

“Neither…”

Dain shook his head, “My goal is to follow in Hawk Big Brother’s footsteps and eliminate all pirates on this sea.”

“Ah—!”

Zoro suddenly slapped his head; he had been so focused on eating and drinking that he almost forgot what he wanted to ask.

“Dain, your Big Brother said that swords are the least influential factor in a swordsman’s strength.”

“What about the other factors then?”

“What are they?”

“……”

Dain looked at Zoro’s eyes, burning with the flame of curiosity, and was silent for a moment.

He slowly began, “A swordsman…”

“What’s more important is Haki, spirit, and will!”

“……”

Zoro was silent for a moment, then continued to ask, “Haki, is that the black power you used before?”

“Yes, that’s a type of Haki, Armament Haki.”

“This type of Haki is very common in the Grand Line.”

“Marine Headquarters generals, the Four Emperors, and the Seven Warlords are all strong individuals who have skillfully mastered Armament Haki.”

“Seven Warlords…!!!”

A figure involuntarily appeared in Zoro’s mind.

The World’s Strongest Swordsman, “Hawkeye” Dracule Mihawk!

The target he absolutely had to defeat!

However, Mihawk, as one of the Seven Warlords, must also have skillfully mastered Armament Haki…

And he himself hadn’t even touched the surface.

“Dain, Armament Haki…”

Zoro’s voice was a bit dry, “How can I master it?”

“Talent, sweat, correct training methods, and… countless battles on the brink of life and death.”

“With your strength.”

“It’s hard to find such opportunities in the East Blue.”

“……”

Zoro fell silent.

Dain was telling the truth.

That man named Rayne Hawk had cleaned up the entire East Blue too thoroughly.

Forget battles on the brink of life and death, he couldn’t even find a pirate to exchange for a bounty now.

If he continued to stay in the East Blue, he would only slowly rust and then starve to death.

Starve to death?

No, he never wanted to be hungry again!

“Dain, how can I join the Marines?”