New Shining Star |『 Male Reader 』• One Piece

Cover Story 2: Marines of Tomorrow - Part 1

In Sundale Town, the day unfolded like any other. The bustling streets were filled with lively chatter as merchants displayed their wares and children ran laughing through the cobbled paths.

Near the edge of town stood the imposing Marine base, its pristine white walls gleaming under the midday sun. What used to be a place of terror and tension now became a cornerstone of peace for the locals under the steady leadership of Riki.

Yudai trudged along the road with her trusty axe slung over one shoulder. Behind her, a line of freshly cut logs bounced along a makeshift sledge she dragged behind her. She hummed a tune, her sharp eyes scanning the familiar streets as she made her way toward the lumber mill.

As she passed the gates of the base, her steps slowed. She glanced toward the towering entrance and tilted her head, a slight frown forming. "...it's calmer than usual," Yudai murmured, her tone tinged with suspicion.

*BAM*

A sudden loud crash resonated from within the base, making Yudai jump. She froze in place, gripping the handle of her axe tightly. "What the hell was that?" she muttered, her curiosity piqued.

Her gaze flicked to the logs trailing behind her. She hesitated for a moment before huffing in resignation. "Guess these can wait," she said under her breath. Quietly, she crept around the base's perimeter, searching for a spot to peek over the wall.

Eventually, she found a small stack of barrels propped up against the outer fence. With a quick glance to make sure no one was watching, Yudai climbed up and perched herself on the edge of the wall. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene below.

Several marines stood before large sections of a dismantled warship, their fists and feet striking the sturdy metal with resounding thuds. Yudai blinked in disbelief. "Are they insane?" she muttered.

Her attention was drawn to one marine who groaned loudly, shaking his hand in pain as he stepped back. "That's crazy," the marine complained, wincing as he inspected his reddened knuckles. "How does Rear Admiral Riki expect us to punch through those things?" he asked.

Another marine, rubbing his sore foot, chuckled dryly. "Yeah, well, hitting a warship isn't exactly standard training," he said, nodding toward another soldier massaging his ankle. "Especially not bare-handed or bare-footed," he added with a shake of his head.

*BAM*

*BAM*

The sharp, rhythmic sound of repeated blows drew their attention to the side, and their eyes widened. "Well," one of the marines muttered, his tone filled with awe. "Looks like some of us are more freaks of nature than others," he said.

They watched as Usagi stood before a massive chunk of the warship, her fists and feet relentlessly slamming into the reinforced steel. Blood trickled from her knuckles, and her breathing was laboured, but she didn't falter.

"Damn, Usagi's going strong. Look at those dents," one marine said, gesturing toward the numerous marks and craters marring the metal surface. Yudai's jaw dropped as she followed their gaze. "Holy shit..." she whispered to herself, unable to tear her eyes away from the spectacle.

Usagi gritted her teeth, her mind a whirlwind of determination. 'I don't feel pain. Push past it. I have to reach Shachi and Y/n's strength,' she repeated to herself like a mantra.

*BAM*

Her punches came harder, her kicks faster, and each strike was a testament to her iron will. Finally, with a powerful punch, she stumbled to her knees, her body trembling from exhaustion. She clenched her fists, willing herself to stand again.

*Clap*

But before she could, the sound of slow clapping echoed behind her. Startled, Usagi turned her head to see Riki approaching. The tall man's usual confident grin adorned his face as his hands clapped rhythmically. His long coat swayed with each step, the insignia of his rank catching the sunlight.

"Not easy to get through that, huh?" Riki said, his tone light but carrying a hint of nostalgia. He gestured toward the battered warship piece. "That old man made us go through this too, but only as punishment for not listening to him," he added with a chuckle.

Despite her fatigue, Usagi couldn't help but smile at his words. She pushed herself upright, her body swaying slightly. "I can keep going," she said, her voice steady despite the exhaustion evident in her movements.

Riki placed a firm hand on her shoulder, his grip stopping her. "You've done enough for today," he said, his voice carrying a rare note of encouragement. He turned his gaze to the ship's damaged section, his eyes scanning the dents and marks left behind.

"For nearly a year, I've trained you," Riki began, his tone thoughtful. He turned back to Usagi, his expression serious yet proud. "And now, I'm sure you're ready," said Riki. Hearing this, Usagi's eyes widened, her breath hitching. "You mean-" she began, her voice trembling with anticipation.

Riki nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're being sent to the New World," he declared before smiling. "Congratulations, Lieutenant Commander Usagi Hono," added Riki. A stunned silence filled the air before Usagi's face broke into a wide, joyful smile.

She snapped to attention, her posture straight and proud as she raised her hand in a crisp salute. "Thank you, Rear Admiral Riki!" she said, her voice brimming with determination. "I won't disappoint you!" she said as Riki's grin widened, his sharp eyes glinting with approval. "I know you won't," he replied.

From her perch, Yudai watched the exchange, her mind racing as she tried to process what she had just witnessed. "Lieutenant Commander...?" she muttered, her gaze fixed on Usagi's radiant expression.

Then, a small smile crept on her face. "Looks like Usagi is going to leave too, huh?" she muttered. "I promise marines can follow honest justice," Yudai recalled Usagi's words. "Looks like you were right," she said before pulling something from her pocket.

Unfolding the paper, she looked at Rindo's bounty poster, making her smile. "If this is how strong Usagi is...I hope you have toughened up too," said Yudai, remembering her friend before shaking her head and jumping down toward the logs she had left earlier.

To be continued