Chapter 73

Emerging from the locker room in a fresh uniform, he saw Marron still standing there and approached her.

"Do you need something else?"

Saluting again, Marron informed Bill that she was ordered to escort him back, and therefore she would be waiting for him.

Acknowledging her, they both headed to the lower level of the base, where Vegapunk's laboratory and Sentomaru's office were located.

On the way, they chatted a little. Bill inquired why she joined the Marines and how she ended up assigned to the Marines' Scientific Division.

Her story was almost cliché: a town in the West Blue was attacked by pirates, and afterward, a little girl found a cleaver on the sand and, despite her fear, picked it up and vowed to use the weapon for protection.

Marron said: "I didn't even know about the Scientific Division, never heard of it... or thought much about technology... but after I signed the contract, the recruitment officer told me about it and how they needed good people to protect those building a better future here. I guess I just couldn't refuse."

Bill wanted to share some information about himself, but he didn't have the chance because they had already reached Sentomaru's office.

Entering the office first, Marron saluted and was immediately dismissed.

As she left, Bill nodded goodbye to her, then looked at Sentomaru and gave a relaxed salute.

"Captain!"

Seeing this, the captain rolled his eyes and said, "At ease, you're not on duty yet"

When Bill lowered his hand, Sentomaru continued calmly:

"The researchers from the biology department need a live specimen. It's not a dangerous animal, but someone needs to collect it. It's called the South Bird, have you ever heard of the South Bird?"

Shaking his head, Bill briefly replied, "No, sir, as far as I remember, I haven't. Although, Captain, I've never left the archipelago at home."

As if expecting this, Sentomaru stood up from his desk and took a few steps.

"The South Bird is not a bird from the South Blue, Lieutenant. It's a bird that nests on an island in the Grand Line called Jaya. The peculiarity of this bird is that its head always points south, which makes it interesting to biologists."

Hearing about this animal for the first time, Bill pondered why sailors don't use it instead of compasses. After all, although the Log Pose is quite reliable, it doesn't allow for direct travel.

However, after thinking for a moment, he realized that direct travel would lead into open seas and through the territories of the Sea Kings. Undoubtedly, the Log Pose was the safest way to navigate.

After considering this for a second, Bill asked, "And you want me to collect it, sir?"

Nodding in response, Sentomaru continued, "You want to become a supply officer, right? "I suggest you join the mission to collect one of these birds. It will give you some experience. You won't have formal duties, but it's best to work on the ship. Being able to swim is important."

Bill agreed, recalling his journey from the South Blue when he followed Captain Maynard and gained a lot of experience.

"That sounds interesting, but how long will it take? I don't want to miss the start of the next course."

Bill was firm on this matter—he wanted to change the world. Although he knew that seafaring was his path, studying technology here was the main priority at the moment.

"Around six months for a round trip, but don't worry about that," Sentomaru explained. "Since you'll be on official duty, you won't have to wait for the next course. They'll send you the materials via snail."

Hearing this, Bill thought it was a good opportunity. At the very least, the introductory materials on metallurgy and engineering seemed simple enough to study remotely.

Sitting down after receiving approval, Bill asked about the location of the island, and as Sentomaru sat back down, they began discussing the details.

Bill was somewhat surprised that they would be using a regular navy ship. Sentomaru explained that the Scientific Division is relatively new and unknown, so they simply don't have their own fleet of ships.

As the head of the Navy's Scientific Division, Sentomaru had to use limited resources wisely. He believed that the safety of the scientists was the most important thing.

To affirm this, he personally served as Vegapunk's bodyguard.

"Will I be the only person from the Scientific Division going?" asked Bill, though he suspected otherwise.

In response, Sentomaru shook his head and said, "No, you'll be joined by a team of researchers. From the Scientific Division, several recruits, including Marron who brought you here, will accompany you. It's a simple mission, so there's no need to bring many people. Four researchers and eight recruits from the Scientific Division, including you."

Hearing this, Bill nodded and stood up.

"Great, when do we set sail?"

Seated, Sentomaru informed him that departure would be in the morning, and that he should pack completely and meet the others in the dining hall for breakfast.

As Bill was about to leave the office, Sentomaru called out to him, "Lieutenant Ox, on missions like this, there shouldn't be any problems, but remember that as an officer of the Navy's Scientific Division, you are responsible for the protection of these people"

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