The 201st Marine Base. A crucial Marine Base within the expansive East Blue, it served as a “basic training” for prospective new Marines. The main reason why was because of its location in the middle of Arko Archipelago; a collection of islands which housed many small cities and pirate crews. The base allowed for proper Navy training and practical experience before its graduates either went to Navy HQ or were deployed elsewhere.

This was Kenji’s new home.

“Recruits! Welcome to the 201st Marine Base. This will be your beloved home from now on, so make sure to get comfortable.” The Drill Instructor paced back and forth, observing the group of misfits in front of him. His eyes were piercing, as if he was searching deep into each and every one of the recruit’s souls.

He was Instructor Hotaru, a highly respected Marine educator within the 201st Marine Base. He was a strict but fair man who had served eight years as a Lieutenant in the Grand Line. He was tall with neatly combed brown hair and a face that was both serious and fatherly. He was a qualified teacher.

“All of you are now under my command. You will address me as Instructor Hotaru from now on, and will come to me for any qualms or situations you need assistance with.”

“It will be MY job to turn you group of misfits into fine Marines. It’ll be a tough job, but the pay is nice and I happen to be an expert. From now on, speak only if spoken to, and answer questions with either a ‘Yes, sir!’ or a ‘No, sir!’. Understood?” Hotaru paused mid-step, looking at the line of Marines expectantly.

“YES SIR!” Everyone shouted in unison.

“Good. Now actual training starts tomorrow, today I’ll lead you guys to your bunkers. Inside will be your equipment.” Hotaru then turned and began walking toward the bunkers of the Marine Base, a huge building with several different floors and rooms.

“YES SIR!” The entire squad of newly formed recruits followed him in a hurry. The diversity was evident, each recruit coming from a different background and history. They were an interesting group to look at.

Instructor Hotaru began to split the line into two’s, as each bunker was meant for two people. Kenji, who was within the line, was paired with a thin youth with messy light-brown hair and tan skin. He was quite relaxed in his manner as if the whole ordeal of joining the Marines wasn’t much to him.

“This is our new home, huh.” The thin youth broke out into the smile, opening the door to a tiny and uncomfortable bedroom. Space was extremely tight, only being barely enough for the two youths. In the center of the room was a bunk-bed which’s covers were thrown all over the room.

“Yeah. It’ll be fun, I’m sure.” Kenji helplessly sighed at the sight of the state of the room.

“I’ll take top bunk. Names Itsuki, by the way.” Itsuki grabbed his own covers and climbed the ladder to the top bed. With his head nearly touching the ceiling, he saw his newly minted Marine uniform lying on the top bed.

Kenji also devoted his attention to the bottom bunk, spotting the Marine uniform in the center. Uniform was a little extravagant, as it was only a white shirt with “MARINE” on the back and some blue trousers. However, the most interesting attire was the famous “MARINE” hat that lay gently atop of the shirt.

“This hat..” Kenji felt a strange attraction to the bolded MARINE words on the hat. It had a strange charm, it even inspired him a bit. Once he put on that hat, he took on a mantle larger than his life.

It should be noted that the famous MARINE hat was worn by Marines of all ranks. Some Fleet Admirals have been seen wearing the same hat they were issued as recruits; it held a significant place in most Marine’s heart. Even Marines that would defect would keep that hat as a remembrance of their time in the Navy.

So, after setting the hat to the side and organizing his bed and clothes, Kenji decided to talk with his new roommate. After all, it was best if they were buddies for the remainder of this basic training.

“So where are you from?” Surprisingly, it was Itsuki that spoke up.

“I come from a village called Uxopia. It wasn’t very large at all.”

“Huh. I come from Hanoro City. It was pretty big, we even had our own Marine Base. They just sent me here for training.”

“Did you have any family there?”

“Of course. I have an older brother who’s already in the Marines. He’s somewhere in South Blue though.” Respect found its way into Itsuki’s voice, showing off his admiration for his brother.

“So you joined because of your brother?” Kenji found this interesting, and reminded himself of his own two brothers. Where was Leon now? What could Hatsume and Anari be doing right now?

“Yeah, he encouraged me to. He said the pays nice if you rank up far enough. Why’d you join?”

“I joined because I wanna capture pirates.” Kenji clenched his fist together, thinking about the Viking Pirates. Criminals who only thought of raiding good people deserved to be thrown in prison, he thought.

“Eh, I think capturing a pirate would be fun. But I don’t know, I think I’d rather stay at HQ and give orders or somethin’.” The two continued talking over the next hour or so, then deciding to go walk around and locate the most important places of the Base.

Dinner was good, they ended up sitting by a short boy named Coby, who was an interesting little fella. Claimed he had met a certain pirate a year ago who encouraged him to be a Marine, after saving him from a crew of dangerous pirates.

It was a story that many found funny, many couldn’t even believe that Coby was seventeen. He looked like a twelve-year-old, small and chubby with light pink hair and a babyface. His round-frame glasses only added to his immature look.

However, Kenji did admire his determination to be a Marine. And the two got on pretty well, though they were in separate squads so they only interacted at dinner.

Night quickly arrived, and Kenji found himself lying in bed, looking out into the distance space. He was filled with a proud and adventurous spirit, looking forward to the bright future.

This was the start of his journey as a Marine.