Chapter 38: X Drake
Marine Warship - Deck
The sea breeze gently swept the deck as the warship sailed steadily back to Marineford. Seagulls soared freely in the blue sky.
Drake stood at the ship's railing, his hands gripping the cold metal so tightly that the veins stood out on his hands and his knuckles were white.
His eyes were full of inner conflict. He stared at the churning waves, his mind replaying the grotesque face of his father, Barrels.
His father had once been his hero, a brave Marine officer who wore the coat of Justice. Drake had been so proud to tell everyone, "My father is a great Marine!"
But years ago, the respected officer suddenly shed his uniform, transforming into a vicious, brutal pirate. Addicted to alcohol, volatile, and constantly beating and tormenting his only son, he turned Drake's early worship into fear and hatred.
At nineteen, Drake should have been a self-assured young man, but the years of terror had left him feeling small and helpless in his father's presence.
"Why... why did Father become like that?"
Drake took a deep breath, his eyes hardening with resolve. He turned and walked toward the captain's quarters.
Captain's Quarters
Roy was sitting at the large desk, calmly reviewing a stack of mission reports.
A knock came at the door.
"Come in."
Drake stood at the door, looking nervous. "Rear Admiral Roy... may I speak with you?"
Roy put down the file, looking at him with a gentle expression. "How are your injuries?"
"I'm fine, thank you for your concern." Drake hesitated, then raised his head, his voice clear but trembling slightly.
"I... I want to join the Marines!"
Roy raised an eyebrow, motioning for him to continue.
Drake clenched his fists. "My father, Barrels, was once a Marine officer... I always looked up to him as my hero. I dreamt of wearing the coat of Justice like him."
His voice dropped, flickering with pain. "But then, my father betrayed the Marines and became a pirate. He became violent, abusive, and he beat me every day..."
Drake's voice grew steady, fueled by fierce determination. "I want to join the Marines, not to follow his footsteps, but to redeem the path he abandoned. I want to become a true practitioner of Justice!"
The room was silent for a moment. A faint smile appeared on Roy's face, as if he had already known the answer.
"The future Captain X Drake... I knew it."
Roy stood up and walked over to Drake, lightly patting his shoulder.
"Welcome to the Marines."
Drake stared, surprised. "You... you don't need to ask anything else?"
Roy gave a slight laugh, his voice warm and firm. "Everyone has a past they can't change. But the Marines care more about the choices you make for your future."
He picked up a form from the desk and handed it to Drake. "This is a Marine recruit application. You're a bit older than the standard age, but I will personally recommend you to Instructor Zephyr."
Drake slowly took the form, his eyes fixed on the word "Marine." His eyes welled up with emotion. "Thank you... Rear Admiral Roy!"
Roy nodded, his eyes encouraging. "Don't disappoint me."
That evening.
Drake walked to the ship's bow and saw Roy standing there, hands behind his back, watching the sunset.
"Rear Admiral Roy... why did you agree so easily?"
Roy looked at the distant horizon. "Because I saw genuine resolve in your eyes."
He turned to Drake, his gaze gentle but sharp. "The Marines need young men like you. Those who dare to face their past and forge their future."
A wave of warmth washed over Drake. A genuine smile, replacing the shadows, appeared on his face.
"I will prove that your choice was the right one!"
Roy smiled. "I look forward to it."
Drake stood on the deck, looking out at the wide ocean. "Father, this time, I will no longer follow your shadow. This time, I will live for my own Justice."
The next day, as the warship was leaving the North Blue.
Kizaru was comfortably lounging on a deck chair, a chilled drink in his hand, humming a tune.
"Ah~ what a peaceful day~"
Roy warped in, blocking the sun.
Kizaru slowly looked up. "Ara rara~ If it isn't our busy young friend, Rear Admiral Roy~"
Roy leaned on the railing. "You look relaxed, Uncle Kizaru."
"Maa, slacking off is one of life's great pleasures~"
Roy glanced at the departing North Blue. "I have a personal errand. I'll leave the warship in your hands."
Kizaru raised an eyebrow. "Going to pick up the 'special goods,' are we? These young people are always in such a hurry~"
Roy smiled. "Some debts can't be left unpaid."
Kizaru smirked. "So troublesome~ What should I tell Fleet Admiral Sengoku if he asks?"
"Tell him I'm conducting a surprise inspection of the North Blue branch," Roy finished easily.
Kizaru laughed. "You young ones are so thoughtful. You even come up with the excuses for me. I need to learn a thing or two from you."
Roy shook his head. "No one can out-slack you, Uncle Kizaru."
Kizaru waved him off. "Go on. I'll make sure this ship gets back to Marineford safely."
Roy gave a slight nod. Just as he was about to warp, Kizaru added:
"Bring me back a North Blue souvenir, alright~"
Roy paused, smiled, and his figure dissolved in the air. "It'll be a big 'gift,' I promise."
Kizaru watched him go, then pulled out his Den Den Mushi. He hesitated, then put it away with a shrug.
"Ara rara~ Some things are easier if you just pretend not to know." He took a sip of his drink. "It won't hurt the Marines anyway. That little brat Doflamingo is in for a bad time."
North Blue - A remote island.
Roy appeared silently on the docks, the air smelling of salt and blood. A cold smile touched his lips.
"Doflamingo, the payment for your life..."
"Time to collect."
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