Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Classmates Reunited
"Jon, what are you thinking about? Is there a problem?"
Seeing Jon lost in thought, Tsuru asked in a stern voice.
"No problem."
Jon quickly responded after snapping out of it, then asked, "Vice Admiral, is this mission assigned to me alone?"
"Of course not."
Tsuru shook her head and said, "How could such an important mission be entrusted to just one ensign? The leader this time is a vice admiral. You will represent the Staff Department, follow Vice Admiral Noville, and carry out his orders."
"Vice Admiral Noville?"
Hearing this familiar name, Jon couldn't help but recall the rear admiral who had brought him to the Grand Line. Has he been promoted to vice admiral now?
Having spent so much time at Navy Headquarters, Jon clearly understood the significance of the rank of vice admiral. It represented the upper echelon of the Navy, and there weren't many vice admirals stationed at the headquarters. Those who achieved this rank were undoubtedly elite and powerful.
A year ago, Noville was just a rear admiral, and now he had already risen to vice admiral. His promotion speed was indeed impressive.
"Report to him later. Vice Admiral Noville will assign your duties," Tsuru instructed.
Jon nodded and respectfully saluted. "Thank you, Vice Admiral. I'll head back to pack now."
This mission was clearly not going to be a short-term one, so he naturally needed to prepare his belongings.
"Go ahead. Remember what I've said: speak less, observe more, and don't act rashly. You may appear humble most of the time, but deep down, you're quite rebellious. At school and here, you've been given some leeway. But in the military, no one will tolerate you. When you're out there, think carefully before you act. Understand?"
Tsuru gave him a final word of advice. Although Jon hadn't been under her command for long, he was still one of her subordinates. She had high hopes for him and naturally wanted him to grow in the right direction.
"Yes, ma'am," Jon responded loudly.
After leaving the office, Jon greeted those he passed on the way and headed straight to his quarters to pack quickly.
Following Tsuru's instructions, Jon made his way to the designated port.
"Jon!"
As soon as he arrived, Jon heard someone calling his name. Looking closely, his face lit up with joy.
"Peveton! What are you doing here?"
Peveton grinned and said, "I'm here on a mission with my superior. I didn't expect to see you here. Looks like we'll be traveling together."
Since they had both gathered here, it was clear they were on the same mission. Seeing a familiar face, Jon was naturally pleased.
"Long time no see. It looks like you've lost a lot of weight."
Jon observed Peveton, noticing he was visibly slimmer than six months ago.
Peveton immediately started complaining. "How could I not lose weight? You have no idea what I've been through these past few months. Not only has the training been twice as intense as it was at the academy, but we've also had to fight pirates regularly, leaving no time to rest. Of course I've lost weight!"
"You've had it easy, though. Do you know that you've become a bit of a celebrity? Not just among the recruits, but even some of the veteran soldiers know about you."
Jon looked puzzled and asked, "What do you mean by that?"
He had barely left the Staff Department in the past six months, let alone interacted with others. How could he have gained any fame?
Peveton smirked mischievously. "Your reputation is huge now. Do you know how many people envy you? You're the only male soldier under Vice Admiral Tsuru's command. Do you think others wouldn't be jealous? So many people wish they could take your place."
Hearing this explanation, Jon gave a bitter smile. "Do you think I'm happy about it? Envy me? I envy you guys! Do you know what kind of hell I've been through these past six months? Forget it, I won't even start."
He had initially wanted to complain, but recalling the terrifying nature of the women under Tsuru's command, he decided against it. If word got back to them, he would be the one to suffer. After all, he was still part of the Staff Department and would likely have to return after the mission.
"Yeah, right. You're just pretending to suffer while actually enjoying it."
Peveton didn't believe him. He was one of those envious of Jon. While he didn't care about most things, he was definitely interested in women. Being in his thirties without a wife, how could he not care?
"Alright, let's talk about the mission. Looks like there are quite a few people here." Jon changed the subject.
Peveton lowered his voice. "This mission comes directly from the World Government. It's being led by a vice admiral, and there are supposedly many participants."
Jon remained silent. A mission led by a vice admiral carried a different weight. While the World Government wasn't afraid of historians, they didn't want them uncovering the Void Century. Doing so could pose a significant threat to the World Government's authority.
To prevent such outcomes, they would eliminate the threat in its infancy.
With a vice admiral leading a warship and backed by CP intelligence, dealing with unarmed historians should be an easy task.
Gradually, more people gathered at the port, though Vice Admiral Noville had yet to arrive. In the meantime, everyone chatted casually in groups.
"Well, well, if it isn't Jon, the man who's buried himself in a pile of women. Look at that smug face. You must have had a great time these past months."
An annoying voice rang out. Jon frowned and turned to see Vetus approaching with a mocking expression.
"Oh, so it was a stray dog barking. What's wrong with its owner, letting it run loose?"
Jon retorted sharply. He had no patience for Vetus, who had always caused trouble for him back in school and hadn't changed a bit since graduating. Jon wasn't about to let him off easily.
"Jon, are you looking to die?"
Vetus's face darkened with fury. Having eaten the Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Wolf, he was particularly sensitive to Jon's taunt.
Jon rolled his eyes. "Did I mention you? Why do you always take things so personally? And as for killing me, do you really think you're capable?"
Vetus's expression turned vicious. "Hiding behind women like a coward—if we were anywhere else, I'd crush your bones."
Jon replied coldly, "There's no need to go elsewhere. Let's do it here. What's the point of barking if you don't have the guts to fight? Let's see who the real coward is."
Jon wasn't afraid to fight Vetus right there. After all, he was under Vice Admiral Tsuru's command, and her position as one of the Navy's top leaders ensured he wouldn't be at a disadvantage.
Vetus's expression grew darker, but while he barked loudly, he didn't dare actually fight. He understood Navy regulations too well and didn't want to get into trouble. With a final angry glare, he stormed off.
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