Returning Home in Glory

Three days drifted by, and the prison ship, tasked with carrying the captured pirates, pulled into Shells Town Port right on schedule. A stern-looking Marine Colonel, sent directly from headquarters, oversaw the entire operation.

The transfer went without a hitch. Kuro, utterly defeated, didn't even try to resist. His hands and feet were bound tight, making any trouble impossible.

As the prison ship sailed away, a huge wave of relief washed over every Marine stationed at the 153rd Branch.

The past few days had been filled with anxiety. Officers had been checking the prison cells constantly, even interrupting their bathroom breaks, all out of fear that Kuro might somehow vanish.

Now that Kuro was gone, it meant their mission - wiping out the Black Cat Pirates - was a complete success. It was time to celebrate!

Noon arrived, and the 153rd Branch threw a huge victory banquet. The tables in the restaurant groaned under the weight of delicious food, and drinks flowed freely.

Colonel Rhodes, his face beaming, raised his glass high.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!!!" the Marines roared back, lifting their own glasses in unison.

In this world, whether you were a Marine, a regular person, or even a pirate, one thing everyone loved was a good drink.

But drinking was strictly forbidden inside the Marine base, so these victory banquets were their chance to drink their fill.

In the middle of the restaurant, a group of excited Marines swarmed around Roya, their voices filled with admiration.

"Roya, I salute you!" one shouted.

"Senior Roya, you're incredible!" another exclaimed.

"Hey kid, come have a drink with us!"

Marines from all walks of life - old classmates, battle-hardened veterans, strict instructors, newly appointed Ensigns, even the wide-eyed rookies - all eagerly lined up to buy Roya a drink.

This was a hero's privilege!

Roya, caught in the center of the celebration, found himself downing one cup after another. He was soon feeling lightheaded, his head throbbing.

Damn it, I want some meat!

His stomach was still empty!

For three long hours, the Branch reveled in their victory. As the drinks continued to flow, Roya, feeling the effects of the alcohol, stumbled onto a dining table and started dancing.

Spinning ~ Jumping ~

"Roya! Roya! Roya!" the Marines chanted, their cheers echoing in his ears.

The sound made Roya even dizzier, and he lost his balance, tumbling off the table.

Burp ~ He'd definitely had too much to drink.

By three in the afternoon, the restaurant had finally quieted down. Marines were sprawled everywhere, snoring like thunder.

"Roya, wake up!"

Roya was shaken awake. He sat up groggily, clutching his aching head, and stared in confusion at Fullbody, who looked impatient.

"What's wrong?" Roya mumbled.

"Colonel Rhodes wants us to go to the conference room in the Tower!" Fullbody said, a huge smile on his face.

"It's good news!"

"Good news?"

Roya's spirits lifted. He had a good idea why the Colonel wanted to see him. He quickly got to his feet, the alcohol clearing from his head.

"Let's go!"

Soon, the two arrived at the conference room. It wasn't just them; almost all the officers who had fought in the battle against Kuro were there.

As they walked in, everyone turned to look at Roya, their eyes filled with envy.

"Roya, Fullbody, come over here," Colonel Rhodes called, standing at the far end of the room.

Behind him was a long table covered with brand-new Marine uniforms and rank insignia.

The two hurried over to the Colonel.

"Your promotion orders have arrived!" Colonel Rhodes announced, grinning.

After Kuro's handover that morning, the paperwork for the promotions had been processed quickly. Marines and Petty Officers who'd fought in the battle were being rewarded.

Colonel Rhodes turned to Fullbody.

"Fullbody!"

"Sir!" Fullbody snapped to attention, saluting.

"Mm." Colonel Rhodes nodded, handing Fullbody a stack of new Marine uniforms, with Sergeant stripes neatly placed on top.

"Keep up the good work!"

"Yes, sir!" Fullbody replied, clutching the uniform and stripes, his heart bursting with joy. Going from a simple Second Class Soldier to Sergeant was a huge jump of three ranks.

Usually, Marines had to work hard and wait a long time for a promotion. The best way to climb the ranks was to do something important, and catching pirates was the surest way to earn that kind of recognition.

High risk, high reward!

Colonel Rhodes then turned to Roya.

"Roya!"

"Sir!" Roya stood tall, saluting Colonel Rhodes, his heart pounding with anticipation.

Colonel Rhodes' smile grew even wider.

"During the fight against Kuro, headquarters was extremely impressed with your outstanding performance. After some discussion, it was decided to promote you to Ensign and award you the Medal of Valor!"

"Thank you, Colonel!" Roya said, happily accepting the uniform and Ensign insignia.

He'd jumped a staggering six ranks and was even getting the Medal of Valor, presented in a beautiful box.

He'd been hoping to become a Warrant Officer at best. After all, defeating Kuro was a team effort, not just his doing.

The success with the Tulip Pirates must have earned him some extra points.

"There's one more thing," Colonel Rhodes added, turning to pick up a cloak from the table. It had the word "Justice" emblazoned on the back.

He personally draped it over Roya's shoulders, looking pleased.

"Not bad, you look quite handsome!"

"..."

Roya touched the cloak, feeling its weight and the responsibility that came with it.

"Hoo ~" Roya took a deep breath, his eyes filled with a new determination.

At first, he hadn't really cared about the Marine's idea of justice. Joining the Marines was just the easiest way to get ahead.

He knew the Marine was part of the World Government, a tool used by the Celestial Dragons to control the world. So-called justice was just a way to maintain order.

But after half a year in the Marines, he'd started to realize that "For Justice" wasn't just empty words. It meant dedication and sacrifice.

Maybe he should find his own definition of justice.

Colonel Rhodes noticed the change in Roya.

Every Marine went through something similar, influenced by the people and events around them. It could lead them down a good path or a bad one.

He was happy that the 153rd Branch had a good overall atmosphere, hoping it would have a positive impact on this young man.

"You have a month's vacation. Go home and get some rest."

"Yes, thank you, Colonel!"

----

As evening approached, Roya, dressed in his new Ensign uniform and wearing the Justice cloak, walked out of the base gate.

He was returning home in glory!

The streets were still busy, filled with people preparing dinner.

"Hey, look!" someone called out.

Roya immediately attracted attention. The Justice cloak was hard to miss. Only a few people in the entire 153rd Branch were allowed to wear one.

To the people of Shells Town, anyone wearing the Justice cloak was a big deal!

"That's... Roya?" someone said, recognizing him.

Some regulars at the Food Tavern recognized Roya, and they stared in disbelief. Who would have thought that the young man who'd been doing odd jobs at the tavern just six months ago would become a Marine officer?

It had only been half a year!

Night fell at the Food Tavern.

After a long day, the customers started to leave. Ririka was wiping down the tables.

"Yo, Landlady, give me a cappuccino!" a familiar voice called out.

"Coming right up--" Ririka started to reply, then stopped.

What cappuccino?

"Roya?!"

Ririka turned around, her face lighting up. Sure enough, Roya was standing in the doorway. Only Roya would ask for a cappuccino.

Roya smiled brightly.

"I'm back."

"Welcome home," Ririka replied.