Tsuru did not suspect anything unusual about Pons’s explanation.
After all, Devil Fruits did indeed grow on trees in unexpected places, and with so many varieties in existence, it was perfectly normal for him not to know exactly which one he had consumed.
Tsuru then continued, addressing Pons: “Regarding your appointment… you will be granted the rank of Marine Headquarters’ Lieutenant Commander.
I hope you will go on to achieve even greater accomplishments in the days ahead.” Though Pons’s actual strength certainly exceeded that of a typical Lieutenant Commander, as a newcomer, it was not appropriate to assign him too high a rank right away.
For a fresh recruit to enter the Marines directly as a field-grade officer was already exceptionally generous treatment.
Of course, during the later World Military Draft, Issho and Aramaki would be appointed as Admirals directly…
but that was a different matter entirely.
At this point, Pons expressed his gratitude to Tsuru: “Thank you for your trust and recommendation, Vice Admiral Tsuru.” “It is not my personal favor…
if you have the ability, it is only natural that you be valued.” Tsuru then added, “Additionally, once you officially join the Marines, we will arrange rigorous training to improve your physical condition.
After all, the seas are full of powerful fighters.
Relying solely on your Devil Fruit ability will not be enough.
You must prepare yourself mentally for hardship and exertion.” Pons acknowledged this with a simple “Yes.” After all, the very reason he had joined the Marines was to gain access to training in Haki and the Rokushiki.
Tsuru then turned to Maynard and said: “Take Pons to his quarters, and also brief him on the various protocols and procedures of serving at Marine Headquarters.” “Understood,” Maynard replied.
He then said to Pons, “Follow me.” Pons walked alongside Maynard as they left the training grounds.
As they walked, Maynard explained: “From now on, you are a Marine Lieutenant Commander.
At this rank, your annual salary is approximately ten million Berry.
However, you should be aware that once you become a Marine, you will no longer be eligible to claim bounties for defeating pirates.
Unlike bounty hunters, the Marines consider it our inherent duty to capture or eliminate pirates, so we do not receive additional rewards for doing so.
That said, defeating pirates will earn you military merit, which can lead to promotions.
Furthermore, if you should unfortunately fall in battle against pirates, your family will receive a pension.” As Maynard spoke, Pons nodded along.
An annual salary of ten million Berry was quite good by ordinary standards, but it could not compare to the earnings of a bounty hunter who collected rewards from taking down wanted pirates.
However, bounty hunting came with its own considerable risks, and it offered no clear path toward becoming stronger.
Pons considered this for a moment, then asked: “I’m an orphan with no living relatives.
If I were to die in combat, would that pension simply be void?” Maynard blinked, then chuckled: “With your abilities, Pons, even if you encounter danger in battle, I’m sure you’ll find a way to turn things around.” ‘So that was basically dodging the question, then.’ After a brief pause, Maynard continued: “The training regimen at Marine Headquarters is quite demanding.
On days when there are no pirate-hunting missions or other assignments, group drills are held every morning from eight to eleven and every afternoon from two to four, led by Vice Admirals or Rear Admirals.” “All personnel from ordinary sailors up to captains are required to participate.
Only when you are promoted to commodore are you allowed to skip group drills.
Outside of those scheduled times, anyone who wishes to continue training may do so individually at the training grounds.” “There are two training grounds here at headquarters.
The one you visited earlier is the First Training Ground.
There is also a Second Training Ground…
about half again the size of the first, but it is reserved exclusively for elite personnel selected by the higher-ups.
Training at the Second Ground is overseen by former Admiral Zephyr, and occasionally by some elite Vice Admirals.
Given your level of ability, Pons, you will most likely be assigned to the Second Training Ground.” Pons felt a surge of anticipation at this news.
Zephyr was the instructor who had trained the three Admirals as well as many current Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals.
If he could receive guidance from him, it would certainly be of immense benefit to his growth.
As they talked, Maynard led Pons to the dormitory area.
Marine Headquarters housed no fewer than ten thousand personnel, so the dormitory complex was correspondingly vast.
Ordinary sailors shared rooms six to a unit; sergeants and master sergeants shared four to a unit; warrant officers and commissioned officers shared two to a unit.
Starting from field-grade officers, each person was assigned a private room.
Maynard led Pons into one of the dormitory buildings.
The building had seven floors.
Maynard took Pons to a room on the third floor, handed him the key at the door, and said: “This is your room.
From now on, you’ll be living here.
If you’re promoted to Commodore, you’ll be given better accommodations.
At the Admiral level, you can even move into a detached villa.” Pons laughed dryly: “I’m not aiming for Admiral just yet…
I’ll focus on reaching Commodore first.” “Alright, I’ll take my leave now.
You can rest for today.” Maynard thought for a moment, then added: “The communal cafeteria and bathhouse are at the easternmost end of the dormitory area.
You can use them with your ID.
Once you reach commodore, your room will come with a private bathroom.
North of the dormitory area is the administrative office zone, where the Fleet Admiral, Admirals, and other senior officers work and discuss military affairs.” “Generally, field-grade officers and above may have various administrative duties, so you will likely be assigned an office there as well.
If an emergency meeting is called, you’ll be summoned.
However, avoid the dedicated office buildings of the Fleet Admiral and the Admirals unless you have important business there.” Pons then said: “But I haven’t received my ID yet.” “It should be delivered to you shortly, along with your lieutenant commander’s uniform.” Pons nodded and said: “Thank you for the introduction.” “We’re colleagues now…
it’s the least I could do.” With that, Maynard said farewell and departed.
Pons entered his room.
To be honest, the accommodations at Marine Headquarters were quite impressive…
at least for field-grade officers.
The room was a full thirty square meters, fully furnished with all the essentials.
The sofa and bed were both soft and comfortable.
There was also a desk with a bookshelf containing several periodicals and publications.
Pons walked over to the bookshelf and picked up a newspaper.
It appeared to be an internal Marine publication, featuring real-time intelligence on pirates, battle reports from Marine operations, and similar content.
After resting in the room for a few dozen minutes, Pons’s officer ID and uniforms were delivered.
There were three sets of uniforms for rotation, and naturally, only one ID card.
The delivery was made by a Lieutenant, who said to Pons: “Lieutenant Commander, please be sure to keep your ID safe.
Although it can be reissued if lost, the Fleet Admiral will certainly reprimand you for it.” “I understand…
thank you for the reminder,” Pons replied.
The Lieutenant then took his leave, and Pons continued to rest.
After spending some more time in his room, Pons began to feel a bit bored.
He wondered if there were any recreational facilities at Marineford, but he suspected there likely were not…
after all, this was essentially a military installation.
Back when he had stayed at the N-6 Branch, he had sometimes felt bored as well, but at least he could pass the time by chatting with other Marines.
It was now around 4:30 in the afternoon.
Dinner would be served soon, so Pons did not plan to head to the training ground for individual practice at this hour.
Moreover, formal training would begin tomorrow, and based on what Maynard had said, it would likely be exhausting.
It was best to conserve his energy today.
Nevertheless, Pons changed into his new Lieutenant Commander’s uniform and decided to take a walk outside the dormitory.
Even if he found nothing to do, at least he could get some fresh air.
As he walked along the paths between the dormitory buildings, he was surrounded by Marines coming and going…
mostly ordinary sailors, with a few officers mixed in.
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind him: “Oh, I have never seen you around before.
Are you new?” ‘The tone sounded rather lazy and drawling, and the voice seemed oddly familiar.
Could it be…?’ Pons turned around.
Sure enough, it was Admiral Borsalino…
codename Kizaru.
Kizaru stood over three meters tall.
Standing beside him, Pons’s head only reached about the level of his ribs.
Kizaru continued in that same languid, almost mocking tone: “Oh, right…
you must be the new recruit Drake recommended.
Uh… what was your name again?” “My name is Pons,” Pons replied politely.
“Mm-hmm, Pons-kun.
I heard you went back and forth with Momonga.
My, my, that’s quite impressive.
Oh, by the way, I’m Borsalino…
codename Kizaru.
You can probably tell from my uniform…
I’m one of the Marine Headquarters Admirals.” “You’re too kind, Admiral Borsalino.
Vice Admiral Momonga was holding back.
Even so, I was constantly on the defensive.
It was hardly a back-and-forth.” “Don’t be so formal…
it makes us seem like strangers.
Just call me Mr.
Kizaru.” ‘But this is our first meeting…
we are strangers.
Though I’m fairly outgoing, I can’t match your level of familiarity with someone you’ve just met.’ Though he was thinking this, Pons replied aloud: “Understood, Mr.
Kizaru… So, what brings you here?” “One of the Lieutenant Commanders was wounded in a recent mission against pirates, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku asked me to pay a visit to offer my regards.
Honestly, I’m not good at this sort of thing, yet the Fleet Admiral insisted I come.
Don’t you think he’s a bit mean-spirited?” Kizaru could freely mock or criticize Fleet Admiral Sengoku, but Pons certainly could not casually agree.
He could only offer an awkward chuckle in response.
“After I finished my visit, I was heading back when I ran into you, Pons-kun.” Kizaru looked at him.
“So, are you out for a stroll?” “Well… I’m new here, so I’m getting familiar with the area.” Kizaru smirked: “I think you were just bored in your room and came out looking for something to do, right?
But don’t worry…
once your training starts tomorrow, you’ll be so worn out that all you’ll want to do is lie in bed.
I remember when I was a rookie…
Zephyr-sensei worked us so hard that I couldn’t even eat.”