MARINES - A ONE PIECE story (ENGLISH) - Part I

CHAPTER XCIII - Return of the mentor

Jun was watching Lola carefully. Despite her youth, the girl was extremely skilled and precise. With speed, she was slicing the onions into thin, delicate strips, without cutting herself. "Real surgeon's hands !" thought the young cook. In the kitchen, a restful calm had settled, punctuated by the sound of the blade on the cutting board.

- You're doing very well, bravo !

- Thank you, miss Jun !

The young woman suppressed a giggle.

- I told you not to call me like that, kid ! We hardly know each other yet, we haven't fought together in these catacombs... But my captain has already made his decision. We are now part of the same crew.

Lola nodded and wiped a small drop of sweat from her forehead. She had been working very hard in the kitchen and preparing the meal for the whole crew for several hours already. Jun was still too weak to work and was just staying in the corner of her kitchen, but she was very admirative to see her new comrade at work. Already, delicious smells were filling the room.

- You wouldn't want to be a cook's apprentice, would you ?

- Sorry, but considering the daredevils' crew we have, I might already have a lot of work as a doctor !

- I see you're a quick-learner, Jun said with a smile. Too bad, you would have made a great cook, believe me !

Jun's eye caught a movement outside, and immediately she approached the window. As Lola raised her head, the cook invited her to follow her as she went out.

- What are you doing ? We haven't finished cooking yet and...

- Don't worry, it can wait. You only get to see this once in your life !

Once on the deck, Lola turned around to see what Jun was pointing at, something hidden by the sails but whose shadow was already completely overwhelming the Seagull. As she let out a small cry of astonishment, Jun put her hand on the child's shoulder.

- Welcome to Marineford, Marine Headquarters. Your new home.

- Incredible ! Lola stammered. I've never seen anything so big, so many men, so many stones, so many cannons... I feel like a tiny ant facing a giant.

- You'll get used to it, you'll see ! replied Jun, smiling at the memory of her first visit.

Behind them, Arthur, Haru and Zell had gathered, ready to disembark. Jorge was still at the helm, but all he could see was Marineford. They were home. Now, they were looking forward to being reunited with their master.

...

Myr's convalescence was coming to an end, but he almost collapsed when Arthur introduced him to Lola.

- A... A new recruit ?! What a... This is madness, Arthur ! You can't recruit civilians as you please, there is a whole battery of tests, interviews, trials !

Arthur did not expect such a reaction and tensed up when he heard his mentor's cries, which made his eardrums hurt.

- How old is this girl ?

- I'm twelve, sir. I'm not a kid anymore...

- Twelve ?! For God's sake...

As Arthur was about to retort, Haru stepped forward with a serene look.

- If I may say, vice-admiral, you don't know Lola yet. Give her a chance to prove you she is worthy to be engaged, give her the opportunity to introduce herself to you. I'm sure you'll understand our decision after listening to her.