Jin An walked on the streets of the Marine Headquarters, the soldiers' clamor and various street noises filling his ears.
The world remained as it always was. Even when major events occurred, most people treated them as mere entertainment, even if the event involved the disappearance of an entire island.
People are like that; they remain indifferent as long as danger doesn't befall them personally.
Jin An sighed inwardly and shook his head helplessly.
"Jin An!!"
A cheerful laugh came from behind. Before Jin An could turn around, he felt a tremendous force slam into his waist, knocking him to the ground.
Jin An slid three meters across the ground before finally stopping.
He looked up in surprise to see Yamato towering over him, her smile as bright as a flower.
"Hahahaha, it's been so long! I missed you so much."
Two soft arms wrapped around Jin An's neck, holding him tightly in an embrace. Yamato was incredibly excited.
Jin An felt his breathing become difficult and quickly struggled out of Yamato's embrace, saying with a wry smile, "Yamato, you're a bit too enthusiastic."
Yamato sat down beside Jin An in a duck-like position, shaking her head back and forth, "It's because it's been so long since we've seen each other! I only get this excited around you."
She had been studying in the Marines for so long, and although she remained as hearty as ever, there were some things she could only let loose around Jin An.
Jin An dusted himself off, stood up, and looked at Yamato with a smile, "I know you see me as a brother, but you always make my old face blush a little."
Yamato laughed heartily, saying with an indifferent expression, "That's because you're my best friend!"
Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"The things happening in the Marines are so interesting! Recently, I even went out with Instructor Zephyr to hunt pirates. It was so cool!"
Seeing Yamato so happy, Jin An felt a warmth in his heart.
He knew that Yamato was developing well in the Marines and was happy for her.
"Instructor Zephyr took you to hunt pirates? That must have been exciting!"
Yamato nodded, her eyes shining brightly.
"Yeah, Instructor Zephyr is really amazing. He taught me a lot of combat techniques, and I feel like I'm getting stronger and stronger!"
Her tone was full of pride and excitement.
Jin An smiled as he looked at Yamato, a wave of warmth washing over him.
He knew that Yamato was an innocent yet strong girl, and she always brought him endless energy and joy.
He gently patted Yamato's shoulder and said with a smile, "You're so amazing; you'll definitely become an outstanding Marine warrior in the future."
Hearing this, the smile on Yamato's face became even brighter.
"Of course! I will become the strongest Marine warrior and protect everyone!"
Jin An looked at Yamato's smiling face and felt a surge of relief in his heart.
"I'm graduating soon. After graduation, I'm going to apply to the G5 Branch. You, as the base commander, have to look after me."
Yamato's eyes were full of excitement. She was full of anticipation for the future, her eyes shining with endless longing.
"G5?"
Jin An was somewhat surprised that Yamato would choose that base, and his brow furrowed slightly.
Although he was the base commander there, he really didn't think it was a good place.
The environment there was harsh, the missions were dangerous, and they often had to face the fiercest pirates.
"Yes, I want to go there and wreak havoc, defending world peace."
Yamato waved her fist, her eyes full of determination and fighting spirit.
The corner of Jin An's mouth twitched. He didn't expect Yamato to have such an ideal.
Looking at her hopeful eyes, he knew her decision wouldn't be easily changed.
Although he was a little worried, he wouldn't interfere with other people's choices.
"Okay,"
Jin An sighed, a helpless smile appearing on his face.
"Since you've decided, of course, I'll look after you."
"However, you need to know that G5 is not an easy place. You need to be mentally prepared."
Yamato nodded, her gaze firm.
"I'm already prepared. I believe I can handle any difficulties."
Jin An gently patted Yamato's shoulder and smiled, "Alright, when you come, I will definitely 'take care' of you."
In that place, Yamato needed stricter requirements. This was also for her safety.
Hearing Jin An's promise, the smile on Yamato's face became even brighter.
"Thank you, Jin An."
"I know you're the best person in the world. With you around, I'm not afraid of anything!"
"Kill pirates, kill pirates!!!"
Yamato's face turned red with excitement as she imagined the scene of wreaking havoc in the future.
......
Walking along the street, Jin An now had a little follower by his side—Yamato.
Both of them were familiar faces to the residents of Marineford: one was the well-known Vice Admiral Jin An, and the other was the rising star of the recent Marine training camp.
That's right, Yamato was the top student of this year's class, and she was very popular among the trainees.
The Marines on the street cast their gazes.
Some had envy in their eyes, some had jealousy, and some had awe.
Jin An and Yamato walked side by side, which aroused many emotions in their hearts. After all, Jin An was an idol they looked up to, and Yamato was a star among them.
"You're quite popular. I'm getting some of the spotlight too," Jin An teased, his tone playful.
Yamato put her arm around Jin An's shoulder and laughed heartily, "I conquered them with my fists. No one can take two punches from me."
She was beaming with pride, completely oblivious to the complex expressions of those around her.
Hearing Yamato's words, some of the Marines quickly covered their faces and hurried away, as if they didn't want to recall the days when they were knocked down by Yamato.
Jin An couldn't help but laugh at these reactions.
He knew Yamato's strength and understood her personality.
Although she seemed a little rough, she was kind-hearted and sincere to her friends, which was why she was able to win the respect and love of so many people in such a short period of time.
"I'm going to become the woman who will be the Navy King!"
Yamato proudly raised her little nose, as proud as she could be.
Jin An laughed heartily, looking at the charming Yamato.
"There's no Navy King position in the Navy. If Instructor Zephyr hears you say that,"
"Your cultural studies will need to be retaken."
Yamato shook her head.
"Of course, I know there's no such position in the Navy."
"But what I want to be is a Marine who is not bossed around by those Celestial Dragons."
Jin An gave her a thumbs up.
"That's a dream worth affirming, but I see Instructor Zephyr."
Yamato was like a frightened little rabbit. After seeing Zephyr's figure, she ran away in a puff of smoke.
Regardless of whether they had made a mistake or how high their strength and achievements were, the teacher's suppression of the students remained the same.
Zephyr approached and saw Yamato running away in a panic, and asked in confusion, "Jin An, why is that girl Yamato running so fast?"
"Hahaha, I don't know."
...
