New Shining Star |『 Male Reader 』• One Piece

Cover Story 2: The Future of the Marines - Part 2

The marine ship sailed steadily through the rough waters of the New World. The waves rose and fell dramatically, but the crew aboard the vessel moved with practised ease, adjusting the sails and maintaining balance as though it were second nature.

Amid the flurry of activity, Usagi stood near the bow, her hands gripping the railing as she stared out at the horizon. Her eyes caught sight of an island slowly emerging in the distance.

Its silhouette was framed by the hazy, golden light of the setting sun. As the ship drew closer, the full view of Mystoria Island came into focus, and Usagi's breath hitched. 'This is it,' thought Usagi, taking the sight.

The island was unlike anything she had ever seen. Towering cliffs of crystalline rock sparkled in the sunlight, their surfaces glinting like diamonds. Beneath them lay lush, sprawling forests with vibrant, multi-coloured foliage that swayed gently in the island's perpetual breeze.

Streams of glowing water cut through the greenery, their iridescent hues casting a faint shimmer into the air. At the center of the island rose a colossal mountain with jagged peaks that seemed to scrape the sky. Atop it was a fortress-like structure, surrounded by smaller bases and outposts.

"It's beautiful," Usagi murmured, unable to tear her gaze away. The officer beside her, an older man with salt-and-pepper hair and a steady posture, chuckled softly as he followed her line of sight. "That, Lieutenant Commander Hono, is Mystoria Island," he said, his voice carrying a sense of pride.

"One of the unique islands in the New World and home to G-88, one of the most important marine outposts in this region," he said. Usagi blinked, her brows furrowing slightly as the name rang a bell. "Wait... G-88? Isn't that where-" she began, but before she could finish, the officer chuckled again, cutting her off.

"Yes," he said, nodding knowingly. "This is where your father is stationed. You'll be placed under his care for your assignment here," he revealed. Hearing this, Usagi's face lit up, a wide grin spreading across her lips.

"Seriously?! That's amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. She gripped the railing tighter, her gaze shifting back toward the island as they approached. Soon, the ship docked at a small, bustling port at the cliffs' base.

Marines moved with precision and purpose, unloading supplies, inspecting incoming vessels, and directing new arrivals toward the main pathways that wound up toward the fortress. The air was filled with the sounds of coordinated activity: the clinking of tools, the shouting of orders, and the rhythmic stomping of boots on stone.

Usagi followed the officer as they disembarked, her eyes darting in every direction as she tried to take in the sights. The officer led her along a winding path that cut through the vibrant forest, the glowing streams casting soft, colourful reflections onto the ground.

After a brief but awe-inspiring walk, they emerged into a large clearing where the main base of G-88 stood tall and imposing. The structure was a marvel of engineering, blending modern Marine architecture with the island's natural features.

The walls of the base were reinforced with steel but adorned with carvings of the island's crystalline rock, giving it a unique, almost regal appearance. The central tower stretched high into the sky, surrounded by training grounds, barracks, and various smaller buildings.

Marines of all ranks bustled about the grounds, their uniforms crisp and their movements purposeful. Groups of young recruits sparred in the training fields, their shouts and grunts filling the air. Others practised drills under the watchful eyes of their commanding officers, while some gathered in small groups, discussing strategy and tactics.

Usagi paused, her gaze sweeping across the bustling base. Her eyes widened with awe as she took in its sheer scale and intensity. "This... this is nothing like Sundale Town," she muttered to herself. Her hand unconsciously drifted to her side, her fingers brushing against the rough bandages that still covered her knuckles.

She clenched her fists tightly, her expression hardening with determination. "I'll do everything I can," Usagi murmured, her voice low but firm. Then, Y/n's face appeared in her mind. "Admiral, huh? That's a big dream. I will be rooting for you," Usagi recalled his words, making her smile.

'I'll reach my dream... no matter what...and I will become an Admiral,' she added before looking outside the window. 'And maybe I will one day be able to be at the same level as Shachi,' hoped Usagi. Her resolve burned bright, but she was so deep in thought that she didn't notice the figure walking directly toward her.

*Thud*

She collided with the person, nearly losing her balance. "Ah! Sorry about that!" she said quickly, stepping back and rubbing the back of her head. "No, no, it's my fault. I wasn't looking where I was going," the young man said. He laughed softly and raised a hand in apology.

Usagi blinked as she took in his appearance. The pink-haired man wore a marine uniform, his badge gleaming in the sunlight. His expression was kind, and his demeanour was calm and approachable. Something about him seemed familiar.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" the young man asked, with a light chuckle as he adjusted the glasses on his forehead. "No, it's just that you look familiar," mused Usagi before humming and tilting her head. Then, after a few moments, recognition dawned on her.

"Wait... aren't you Koby?" she asked, furrowing her brows slightly. "As in Koby the Hero I heard about?" she asked. The young man smiled warmly, nodding in confirmation. "Yeah, that's me," he said, his tone light but sincere. "But I'm just doing my duty," added Koby.

Usagi's expression shifted from confusion to amazement as she realised who she had just bumped into. "No way!" she said with a grin spreading across her face. Her mind raced with thoughts about all she had heard of the young marine.

To be continued