Bab 2: The loser fights very well
A country at war can forge strong men, while a country at peace can breed weak men. That statement could define the first part of Hachiman's childhood, a period he himself described as solitary yet tranquil. Hachiman's island was named Chiba, a beautiful and serene isle boasting a decent economy and technology that could rival many others. Sustained by agriculture and its bountiful crops, the place bore no overt military ambiance. However, the marine base held the utmost respect across the island.
Being an intermediary hub for gathering resources and facilitating repairs for the grand navy vessels that made their stopovers in the ports, it wasn't unusual to witness illustrious figures of the era disembarking from their ships, welcomed as heroes. Hachiman knew this all too well, as he had always accompanied his father to witness these heroes' arrivals. He remembered the admiration gleaming in his father's eyes whenever he beheld these men.
His father, Hiroyoshi Hikigaya, was a man of easily discernible predilections. When something pleased him, he pursued it with unbridled passion; when something disappointed him, he made his discontent evident. Hachiman was well aware of this facet of his father's personality. He recalled the time when his father had lost all faith in him and sidelined him in favor of his more attractive sister. He couldn't blame his father, as he would have likely done the same.
And before Komachi's birth, the navy was the paramount presence in his life – the entity that claimed his best years and garnered all his efforts. Efforts that led him to Chiba, after he was newly promoted to the rank of sergeant. Chiba, a stationary base, was under the command of Lieutenant Tadao.
Hachiman believes that his father's passion for the navy stemmed from being a war orphan, hailing from a village ravaged by pirates. Many had managed to survive due to the timely arrival of the navy, fusing his hatred for pirates with his fervor for his saviors.
And shortly after arriving on the island, he encountered the love of his life, Chizuru Wataru (maiden name). She was an office worker whom he met at the same bar they frequented, and they quickly fell in love. This love ultimately led to the birth of Hachiman Hikigaya, their firstborn, not long thereafter.
Regrettably, Hachiman was born as a frail child, causing his father's faith in his firstborn to wane from the very beginning. That's why he would always take his eldest son to witness the arrival of the grand navy ships, hoping that it might instill the courage that seemed to be lacking from Hachiman's birth.
Two years later, Komachi Hikigaya was born, in stark contrast to Hachiman, she arrived healthy and was deemed one of the most beautiful babies ever seen. As such, Komachi became the household favorite, receiving all the affection, even from Hachiman himself, who willingly ceded his place in the family to the apple of his eye.
Komachi reciprocated the love, never discriminating in her affection and distributing it evenly among all family members. Until one day, Hachiman proudly asserts that he's become his sister's favorite.
Life for Hachiman remained peaceful until the events of fifteen years ago, when the tranquil land of Chiba fell victim to the largest pirate attack in its history. The Bloody Fists, led by their fearsome leader, Bloody Fist Gauss, laid siege to Chiba. The motive behind the attack was never fully understood, though it was suspected to be a swift bid for fame before venturing into the Grand Line. Their captain, Benedict Gauss, emerged from the onslaught with a bounty of 35 million, cementing his notoriety.
A bounty quite substantial for the calm waters of the East Blue, and the devastation wreaked bore testament to their strength. Lieutenant Tadao, who was in charge of the island, witnessed his demise at the hands of the pirate captain – a destruction that would have caused immeasurable losses if not for the hero of Chiba.
Hiroyoshi Hikigaya, who had recently attained the rank of Ensign, acted swiftly. He managed to evacuate the civilian population and confronted the pirate captain head-on. In that harrowing encounter, he survived but not without losing his right eye and left arm. How he managed to survive remains a mystery, but it mattered not to anyone, for his swift action and valor not only earned him a promotion to lieutenant but also garnered the people's respect.
The destruction he averted and the courage he displayed during the attack solidified his reputation as a hero, becoming a beacon of hope for Chiba and a living legend.
However, the consequences of the attack pulled him away from the battlefield, instilling a deep-seated fear of the seas in his soul, a terror that also seeped into his firstborn. That was the turning point when Hachiman's childhood came to an end and his training as a soldier began. After school, his father awaited him for training sessions that stretched until bedtime.
Combined with Hachiman's initial physical frailty and his limited social capacity, he grew into a solitary lad who struggled to integrate with other children. While his peers reveled in parties or frolicked at parks, Hachiman remained engaged in training. Even during family outings, he abstained to continue his regimen.
His father rationalized all of this, emphasizing that Hachiman needed to be prepared should the pirates ever strike again. It was his duty to protect everyone, a responsibility he owed to his lost arm and eye.
And so the years flowed on until the day arrived when Hachiman departed for the naval academy. The rigorous training he underwent enabled him to overcome his fragile constitution at birth, equipping him with enough physical prowess to pass the navy's stringent medical evaluations.
And so, three years passed. Hachiman's consistently low grades and dismal performance only further chilled his relationship with his father, to the extent that they barely communicated. It wasn't until Hachiman was dispatched to Marineford three years later that his father sent him a letter, wishing him luck and urging him not to die, as it would sadden his sister.
But Hachiman was aware of his father's circumstances, for during the three years of silence, he learned about his father's life through letters sent by Komachi. In them, he discovered that he had been replaced by a young man displaying far greater talent than himself – a lad two years his junior named Ryusei.
Ryusei was a different breed from Hachiman – handsome, athletic, and popular. He was considered the mini-hero of Chiba, the youngest son of the deceased Lieutenant Tadao. Hachiman got to see Ryusei firsthand at the academy a year after he had enrolled. The descriptions in Komachi's letters matched perfectly.
However, Hachiman harbored ill feelings towards Ryusei for two reasons. The minor one was that his elder sister, Hikari, had been one of the "queen bees" from his childhood – someone he had once wished to see perish. Now, that title was held by another queen, and it bothered him deeply.
And the second reason was that through his father's letters, he realized that his dear sister was being set up to be in a relationship with this young man. Attempting to court his cherished sister before the age of 20 was strictly prohibited by Hachiman's code of conduct. In his eyes, his father was committing the gravest transgression.
Luckily for Hachiman, his sister had requested to join the navy a year prior to the events at Marineford, around the same time as Ryusei. They both returned to Chiba, with Ryusei becoming an Ensign again and his sister receiving a promotion to Sublieutenant.
The last Hachiman heard of them was that they had chosen to forgo Marineford and stayed behind to protect Chiba. While Hachiman fulfilled his assignments entrusted by Fleet Admiral Akainu, he learned that Ryusei, along with a significant number of reinforcement marines aiding a base in repair, had lost their lives at the hands of a novice pirate and his brother.
The news was so tragic that while Hachiman was stationed in the West Blue, he received a letter from Komachi. In it, she described the heart-wrenching funeral and spoke of their father's melancholy state for the entire week. Hikari, his sister, had requested time to grieve.
Upon learning of this heartbreaking news, all of Hachiman's lingering resentment dissipated. In his heart, he comprehended the pain they were experiencing and decided to expedite his missions to return home quickly and see his sister's face again.
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"The leader of the bandits from Tupilan Island's mountain, Andre 'The Headhunter,' with a bounty of ten million berries – which is quite high considering the East Blue's average of three million," spoke a beautiful woman with long hair and a slender waist, a cigarette hanging from her lips as she read the wanted posters.
"Then there's a pirate who fancies herself as the cat burglar akin to the Mugiwara crew – Nara 'The Fake Cat Burglar' – with a bounty of 14 million, surpassing the South Blue's average of eight million."
"A pirate and his entire crew, Lumpus 'The Great Moose,' boasting a bounty of 20 million – significantly above the North Blue's average of 15 million. You know you'll be getting extra points for taking down an entire crew and defeating a Zoan fruit user."
"And lastly, a novice pirate with potential to become a Supernova due to her formidable Devil Fruit powers – Nuruko 'The Time Manipulator,' with a bounty of 35 million, a striking contrast to the West Blue's average of 20 million. It seems you also noted she had some control over Haki and that her crew was rather troublesome."
"It was an unbearable bunch of simps; I was tempted to leave them adrift in a Calm Belt…" Hachiman spoke to the woman standing before him, as he reviewed the report on each captured individual.
"The identities of all have been verified. I'm surprised you've managed to accomplish this so swiftly, especially considering two of them were Devil Fruit users. Well, for a Logia user like you, Hachiman, only Nuruko posed a real challenge."
"Only a month remains until the unveiling of the new high-ranking officers of the Marine, following the World Government's decision. I took advantage of this time to enjoy my captain's salary for the month without working," Hachiman stated with a smile that prompted a grin from the woman, who removed the cigarette from her mouth.
"It seems strength hasn't changed you; you're still the same as you were in the academy…"
"You told me back in the academy that a person's worth isn't defined by power. Now I'm just putting into practice what Hiratsuka-sensei taught me."
"Commodore Shizuka, remember that we're no longer student and teacher, but colleagues in the same organization. You should observe the proper decorum," spoke the woman known as Shizuka Hiratsuka, once Hachiman's instructor at the academy and now the commodore of Division 153.
A kind and considerate woman who serves as an instructor to nurture new prospects in the academy, much like her own teacher did for her – the Marine hero, Monkey D. Garp. She possesses a more cheerful disposition compared to her senpai, the former admiral Kuzan.
"Admiral Kizaru doesn't mind if you call him 'Borsalino-senpai'…" Hachiman defended himself.
"Because your superior requested it, and also because Admiral Kizaru is a remarkably laid-back man for his age. His paperwork turnaround is so slow that working under his command is nearly hell," Shizuka spoke, her mind returning to the memories of dealing with Kizaru's paperwork. Hachiman began to understand the sentiment, having been a direct student of Kizaru.
"Time spares no one, so it's always good to stay young…" Hachiman said before trailing off, realizing what he had said.
"Did you say something, Hachiman-kun?" Shizuka asked in a soft voice, but with an unsettling smile.
"I didn't say anything, Commodore Shizuka... ugh!" Hachiman groaned as Shizuka's fist struck his stomach, forcing him to kneel.
"You addressing me as 'Commodore' so quickly is because you know you made a mistake," Shizuka spoke as she deactivated her armament Haki-covered fist.
"Activating Haki wasn't necessary…"
"It wasn't Haki, it was love because I care about you a lot, and that's why I'm correcting you," Shizuka said with a sweet smile, as if she had been waiting the entire meeting to land that punch.
"With that attitude, I'm going to regre—," Hachiman couldn't finish his sentence as he felt Shizuka staring at him sternly while her fist began to darken.
"Oh, how late it's getting. I must go; my ship is about to set sail," Hachiman expressed in a panic as he glanced at his watch.
"Not so fast, take this…" Shizuka said as she pulled a gift box from the table. "This is for you."
Hachiman took the box and opened it, finding a new uniform inside complete with a cape and a cap.
"This is…" Hachiman said, his eyes filled with excitement, even causing his "dead fish" eyes to take on a different expression.
"Your captain's uniform, freshly dispatched from headquarters. It showcases your new rank, which will be presented to the whole world in a month. So, enjoy your last month as a regular Marine, Captain Hachiman."
Shizuka's words were filled with genuine happiness and pride, and Hachiman reacted to them in the best way he could.
"Thank you very much, Hiratsuka-sensei… soru!" Hachiman exclaimed with a teasing smile as he disappeared from the office through the open window Shizuka had left.
"This kid…" Shizuka mused until she noticed a note on the table. Opening it, she read the following: "Next time, I'll treat you to ramen and show you how much I've improved my Armament Haki. Yours, Hachiman."
"I hope he never changes…" Shizuka said with a smile before returning to her work.
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Hachiman was on a commercial ship headed towards his hometown – 6 years without setting foot on the island made him feel melancholic. Although he considered Sobu Island more of his home, where he spent 3 years as a Third-Class Marine recruit and had access to all the island's signature coffee, Chiba remained the place where the light of his heart resided – his beloved little sister, Komachi.
"(If Komachi could read my thoughts, she could probably redeem more Komachi points than capturing and delivering one of the Yonko…)" Hachiman thought as he gazed out of the ship's window, watching as it approached his native island. The island was beautifully lush due to its four different climates, and substantial buildings showcased that poverty wasn't an issue here.
"(Oh, and I haven't told anyone that I've been promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant in one big jump, Lieutenant Commander, and finally Captain. Nah, I don't think it matters, and in a month, the whole world will know anyway.)" Hachiman pondered as he utilized his Observation Haki to spot a young woman of 21 holding a sign with his name, a 53-year-old woman with a simple appearance, and a 60-year-old man showing signs of age, missing an arm, and sporting an eye patch.
"I didn't think they'd all come, especially that Father would… his presence must mean something important. Maybe he's going to tell me about Ryusei's loss," Hachiman mused as he headed to his room to gather his belongings in preparation for the ship's arrival.
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"Onii-chan!" Komachi shouted, launching herself into Hachiman's arms as he welcomed her with open arms.
("(My Logia body didn't turn transparent; this is only possible because my little sister's cuteness is as strong as Haki.)") Hachiman thought joyfully, thrilled to see his younger sister again. To his relief, there was no ring, which meant nothing was there to ruin the moment – or so he thought.
"Son…" Hiroyoshi Hikigaya interjected, breaking the sibling moment.
"Father…" Hachiman addressed his father with a serious tone.
"You survived Marineford, and I expect you've maintained the Sergeant rank you attained. It's good to see you growing," Hiroyoshi Hikigaya said.
"Yes, Father. I've been doing quite well. But now, I'd like to make the most of the vacation they've given me."
"It's good to see the family reunited. Why don't we take this opportunity to go eat and catch up? Hachiman might have a lot to share about the war or his life after that dreadful event," Chizuru, Hachiman's mother, suggested.
"That sounds great, dear. But I'd like to have a private chat with Hachiman first, and then we can all gather to eat," Hiroyoshi stated, addressing his wife.
"It seems to be important, Lieutenant. Don't worry, Mom, we'll join you for a meal and a chat soon, especially to talk with my dear Komachi," Hachiman said, referring to his father by his military rank rather than his familial relation.
"Alright, Komachi, come with me. We'll prepare the food," Chizuru said.
"Okay, Mom. See you soon, Onii-chan."
With that, the two Hikigaya women departed, leaving the men alone.
"Son, let's not delay this any further. Come with me."
With those words, Hachiman followed his father as they walked through the port toward the nearby base where the Marine's administrative work took place. For Hachiman, when he was a child, it was an enormous place filled with warehouses and ships in repair. But now that he's older, it doesn't seem as impressive anymore, especially when a single Marineford warehouse was larger than this entire base.
"Pretty modest, isn't it? Well, when you've spent so much time at the academy and Marineford, any other place you visit won't seem as incredible as those places. After all, they represent the heart of the Marine," Hiroyoshi commented.
"The academy was a good place, but I didn't get to experience much of Marineford due to the war and Mugiwara's commotion with the Bell," Hachiman replied.
"I understand. After all, it was the largest war seen in modern times, and you managed to survive. But sometimes luck runs out, and one must accept their destinies."
Hiroyoshi said, looking toward an altar near the Marine base. There, the face of Lieutenant Tadeo, who fell in combat against pirates ten years ago, could be seen. Next to it was a photo of his son, Ryusei, who also fell to the pirates.
"They were rookie pirates from the North Blue. What should have been a routine apprehension for a promotion turned into a tragedy because of the powers those pirates possessed," Hachiman added.
"Komachi told me about the funeral through her letters, how it went. If I had known earlier, maybe I would have asked for permission to attend," Hachiman said as he watched his father arrange the flowers.
"It wouldn't have been necessary. Ryusei never liked you, and in his eyes, you were a loser. He wouldn't have been pleased if you had shown him pity," Hiroyoshi said as he opened the door and invited Hachiman inside. Hachiman sat down at the table immediately upon entering. Two cups of tea and a teapot were set before him. His father sat down and used his available arm to pick up the teapot and pour.
"A fine East Blue harvest that rivals the coffee you enjoy on Sobu Island, where you served for three years," Hiroyoshi said as Hachiman picked up his cup, watching his father pour the tea with his single arm. Seeing his father's condition brought a certain guilt back into Hachiman's heart.
"Fifteen years have passed since that incident. Time flies, where in this peaceful island, you were reminded of the terror of pirates," Hachiman remarked as he observed his tea, the liquid reflecting memories of Marineford.
"And your strength hasn't changed," Hachiman uttered, looking into his cup as memories of Marineford were reflected in the liquid.
"Hachiman, I know you don't want a long conversation, and you probably just want to rest. So, I'll be brief. We'll send a letter to have you transferred to Chiba."
Hachiman, without needing his Observation Haki, sensed the situation coming. Still, he chose to accompany his father, wanting to know how long it would take his father to drop the bombshell. Luckily for him, it happened sooner rather than later.
"That sounds great, but why now and not three years ago? Is it because you had Ryusei then and didn't need a loser like me?" Hachiman asked, a question that he had always wanted to bring up in front of his father. However, the tone he used was quite cynical, which irritated his father.
"Show some respect. I'm not just your father; I'm also your superior. And the latter is much more important when we're in the Marines. And stop using that unpleasant tone when mentioning a hero like Ryusei," Hiroyoshi reprimanded, generating a dry apology from Hachiman, his finger near the cup, causing it to slightly melt. Luckily, his father wasn't looking.
"Brat, grow up for once and try to understand what I'm trying to say. You're weak, and the sea is much larger than you imagine. Now that you've attained your rank, it's time for you to return to your hometown and protect it. Not for my sake, but for your mother and your sister," Hiroyoshi shouted, hitting the table hard, causing the tea cups to spill on the table. His strength was so immense that he nearly destroyed the table.
Hachiman gazed at his father, understanding his point of view. In his eyes, Hachiman was still the weak child who needed protection, as well as the one responsible for the loss of his left arm and eye. In his anger, Hiroyoshi was trying to prevent Hachiman from meeting the same fate as Ryusei and keeping him away from the sea.
But Hachiman wasn't weak anymore, he was strong, possessing one of the most powerful abilities. Taking a deep breath, he responded, "Father, I am a Marine, and I made an oath to save everyone without favoritism. That's the genuine justice I've always sought. And while I'd like to return to Chiba, doing so would only prove what everyone thinks of me. Now, I've chosen to change."
Hachiman's words were delivered with a seriousness his father hadn't expected. Instead of cynicism, there was truth in his son's words. Yet, this emotionally charged moment of valor was interrupted by the feminine laughter of someone who entered the room with a forceful kick.
"Oaths? Valor? Words of the strong. How dare a loser like you, who only survived in Marineford, use them. Don't make me laugh," said the woman in Marine attire as she entered the room, her physical appearance suggesting she was around the same age as Hachiman. She was shorter in height and her stern gaze revealed a hidden sadness.
Her body was well-proportioned and would have caught the attention of any man. It was no surprise that she had been considered one of the three beauties of the academy when Hachiman was a student. But Hachiman had known her from even before that, as she could be called a childhood friend if not for the fact that she was the leader behind all the pranks and ill-treatment he received from "simp" admirers seeking her attention.
"Hikari, I'd like to say it's a pleasant surprise, but I'd be lying," Hachiman commented.
"Promoted, and now you have the audacity to speak to me? I would have preferred it if you had stayed quiet in my presence when you were the academy's loser," Hikari retorted.
"Now your simps aren't around to protect you," Hachiman was about to continue his sentence, but a punch from his father made him stop.
"Hachiman, Hikari is no longer your friend; she's your superior. Show her respect," Hiroyoshi said loudly, and Hikari's victorious smile widened as Hachiman suppressed his frustration.
"Thank you, Mr. Hikigaya. It's good to see that Komachi inherited her good manners from you, unlike your eldest son," Hikari remarked, causing Hachiman to want to say something, but his father's look told him to stay composed. Taking a deep breath, he spoke.
"Lieutenant Junior Grade Hikari, what brings your delightful presence to this place?" Hachiman said with a forced smile and a feigned tone of friendliness.
"Nothing, Sergeant Hikigerma. I just came to see if you had accepted the situation and will make an effort to write the letter for your transfer. Until you're weak, a sergeant can still offer protection for the pirates in this feeble place."
"Why would the strength of a weak sergeant matter when there's a great Lieutenant Junior Grade like you, Miss Hikari?" Hachiman retorted with a mocking tone, now ignoring the disapproving look his father was giving him.
"I don't care if a germ like you knows, but I plan to set sail soon and see if I can rise through the ranks. Staying on this island might hinder my growth," Hikari said with disdain in her voice, not so much for the island itself but fueled by a desire for revenge in her heart—a sentiment Hachiman had observed in his father when he was younger.
"Sailing the sea just for revenge usually ends badly, especially when you're so weak," Hachiman calmly stated.
"I don't need a lecture from the logic monster. Do you not remember that I was in the top ten of my graduating class?" Hikari replied.
"And Ryusei, who was the top of his class with the power of a carnivorous Zoan, ended up losing his life due to carelessness," Hachiman said. Before he could continue, a gun was pointed at his head.
"Say his name again with those filthy lips of yours, and I swear there'll be another funeral in Chiba," Hikari exclaimed, visibly agitated, while Hiroyoshi was on the verge of standing up to defuse the situation.
Then, the emergency alarm sounded, a signal that left Hachiman perplexed because in his memory, Chiba was peaceful. But the expressions on Hiroyoshi and Hikari's faces turned cold, as if they were already prepared for this.
Quickly, everyone left the room to join the others in facing the threat that the alarm was warning them about.
"Pirates? I know that with the change in the Marineford base and the G1, some sectors of the world have become more vulnerable, but I didn't expect Chiba to be one of them."
"Scared, Hikigerma? But don't worry, they're not pirates, but rather bandits."
"Bandits?"
"¿Yes, remember Kazuo?"
"Ah, yes, one of your 'simps' who got expelled from the academy by Hiratsuka-sensei when they, along with other 'simps', were beating up a promising future Marine."
"And they hold a grudge against us, especially you."
"Okay, Hikari, I can understand why they'd hold a grudge against you—I mean, literally, because of your 'simps', I got beaten up. But why me? I was the victim."
"What's my fault if losers beat up a loser? Those actions are a very childish way of thinking that I left behind when I entered the academy and formed my own group."
"Leaving out those 'simps' from the elite group you were forming, who tried to regain your attention by attacking me. But don't worry, Hiratsuka-sensei showed up just in time and stopped the situation with the expulsion."
Hachiman pronounced the last part with a certain satisfaction in his voice.
"Well, the expulsion made the losers form a band of bandits and they started recruiting more losers, making them a problem for Chiba. About a year ago, they thought they had enough strength and attempted to attack your father."
"But Ryusei easily stopped them, although my brother had a soft and kind heart, so he let them go to rebuild their lives."
Hikari said the last part with a certain admiration for her younger brother, a sentiment that Hachiman could understand because he felt the same way about his younger sister.
"Maybe I'll leave him a flower as a sign of gratitude..." thought Hachiman before speaking.
"So, the 'Simps' gathered because of the Lieutenant's passing and decided it was time to attack. Whoa, that's a terrible way to honor the memory of their leader."
"Lieutenant, until my brother is no longer with us, you should respect the rank of your superior, especially when it's a rank that a germ like you will never achieve, Sergeant."
Hikari said with disdain while Hachiman ignored her.
After a short while, they arrived in front of the group of bandits, which Hachiman estimated to be around 30 to 50 people. At the front was their leader, a tall man over 2 meters with a muscular build and a sword in his hand.
"Oh, Hikari, as I mentioned in the letter, we've come with all the lads ready to pay our respects to Brother Ryusei. So, if you accept our terms, we'll be ready to help you set sail."
Kazuo spoke while laughing confidently, feeling secure surrounded by so many people.
"I've already told you, Kazuo, your demands are too stupid for me to accept."
Hikari said without feeling intimidated by the number of men present, even though she had come with only 6 marines, Hiroyoshi, and Hachiman.
"Come on, babe, it's not that hard. Just accept the 50 guys behind me as first-category recruits, and me as a corporal. I know that officers' ranks can recruit members from the common folk if they demonstrate skill, as established by the World Government."
Kazuo expressed confidently as the people behind him began to make unpleasant faces.
"If it were just that, I wouldn't have a problem, you damn pig."
Hikari expressed with annoyance as Hachiman looked on curiously, wondering what the offer was, while his father began to reach for his sword with his one arm.
"You hadn't forgotten, I thought you had already accepted it. But well, I don't lose anything by repeating it, along with the other small conditions."
Kazuo spoke as the people around him started laughing.
"First, the Lieutenant has to satisfy all the needs of her men. We're going to fight for you, so a little something in return for this effort isn't too difficult, right, Hikari-chan?"
"And second, bring that wimp Hachiman along so we can have free rein to do whatever we want with him. As a superior officer, nobody would question if a third-class recruit disappeared during a mission at sea, ririririri."
Kazuo started laughing while his men joined in.
"And we'd even do you the favor of getting rid of your useless son, Lieutenant Hikigaya, making him believe he fell in the line of duty. You could even pay us for it..."
Kazuo spoke while looking towards the Lieutenant, not realizing that there was an extra person present.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed a face he recognized next to the Lieutenant, and upon recognizing it fully, he began to laugh even harder.
"Ririririri, but if it isn't Hachiman! Hikari-chan, I knew you couldn't doubt our assistance on your mission for the honor of Brother Ryusei, which you brought to us as payment for that wimp Hachiman."
The smile on Kazuo's face was mirrored by nine other men, who, like their leader, blamed that weakling Hachiman for their expulsion from the marines.
"What's the matter, Hachiman? Why don't you come closer? Oh, are you paralyzed because even your superior and your father sold you out to achieve vengeance for Brother Ryusei? But don't worry, even your own father saw Ryusei as more of a son than the failure you are."
Sergeant Hachiman, ignore them and don't even move. Your father and I are enough to deal with these scum... Why are you moving, you bastard?" Hikari shouted at Hachiman, who had already started walking.
Hachiman, tired of all the talk, walked towards Kazuo and stood in front of him. His 1.82 meters were nothing compared to Kazuo's almost 3 meters.
"Sergeant, if you had known how to keep your mouth shut and had told that bitch it was just training, we wouldn't have been expelled. I'd be a sergeant now, and maybe I would have been there to help Brother Ryusei, and he'd still be alive. So, it's all your fault, you bastard."
Kazuo shouted as he placed his sword on his back.
"With that attitude, I doubt it. But well, I'm sorry your boyfriend died, but not that you were expelled. A guy like you would have been too much harm to the marines. We don't accept pigs here."
Hachiman's words didn't sit well with Kazuo.
"Riririri, it seems that becoming a sergeant has boosted your spirits. I'll be kind and put you back in your place, bastard!"
Kazuo shouted as he swung his sword downwards in a vertical motion towards Hachiman's arm, cutting through it easily as if it were butter.
"Now you'll finally have something in common with your crippled father..." Kazuo expressed with a bloodthirsty look. However, upon noticing that Hachiman didn't make a sound and that blood was spilling from the severed arm, but also seeing a purple light emanating from the part where the arm should be, Kazuo's expression began to change. It worsened when Hachiman spoke.
"That's it? Seriously, you're the worst bandit of them all. In the end, a simp never stops being a simp..." Hachiman exclaimed, while his severed arm started glowing with purple rays that converged towards the missing part of the arm. Before long, an arm appeared as if nothing had happened.
Bastard, when did you become a Devil Fruit user?" Kazuo exclaimed as he swung his sword, trying to cut Hachiman. However, his attempts were futile, as his sword collided with a translucent body, as if it were a hologram.
Hachiman performed several cutting movements while everyone present looked on in astonishment. The terrified and sweating bandits were witnessing something they couldn't believe, while the marines were taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.
This intangibility, are you a Logia user, by any chance?" Kazuo nervously pronounced as he began to step back.
What happened to all that confidence? Weren't you going to give me what I deserved for all the troubles in your life? I'm waiting, Kazuo." Hachiman uttered as he walked towards Kazuo, who was now retreating.
Wait, Hachiman-sama, this... we were just playing. This was a role-playing game before the welcome party with your childhood friends to celebrate your promotion to sergeant, right, guys?" Kazuo expressed, terrified, as he fell to the ground in front of Hachiman. One of the men tried to speak, trying to support the story, but Hachiman silenced him with a glance.
"Oh, a welcome party. You shouldn't have gone through the trouble, guys. Did Komachi tell you I was coming soon? Just as expected from my dear sister."
"It's true, Koma..." one of the bandits tried to speak, but Hachiman silenced him with a glance that conveyed that uttering his sister's name would lead to his instant death.
"But it's curious how you knew that I'm a Devil Fruit user now, something I didn't even tell Komachi..." Hachiman expressed with a smile as he stood at Kazuo's height, his hand moving towards Kazuo's head, with his thumb and index finger turning black.
"Poing!" Hachiman pronounced as he delivered a swift tap with his index finger that sent Kazuo flying towards several of the bandits, who were trapped under the massive body of the brawler.
"Boss! He's unconscious, a single tap from his fingers knocked him out..." a bandit cried out, completely terrified by the sudden turn of events.
"Step back, Hachiman. I know my rights, and I know that someone of lower rank can't continue attacking without the permission of their superior. That would be insubordination and could cause you a lot of trouble." One of Kazuo's followers pronounced, whose name Hachiman didn't bother remembering.
"He's right, Sergeant. I order you to stop and let my team handle this. There's no need to go further, and we can resume discussing the matter later before the alarm went off." Hikari stated with a certain excitement in her voice, impressed by Hachiman's display of abilities.
"You heard your boss, so stop and let higher authority take care of it, Sergeant..." the lackey pronounced with a smile on his face. But instead of waiting for Hachiman to stop, he began to laugh.
"Hehehehehe..." Hachiman's laughter began to make everyone uncomfortable, as the tone of his cynical laughter sent shivers down many people's spines.
"What are you laughing at, you bastard? Do you want to dishonor your father or the rank you've achieved by disobeying your superior? Punishments for insubordination can cost you your position." The man yelled out in fear.
"I'm sorry, I find it so amusing how the men who wanted to beat me up are now trying to seek refuge with Hikari. But unfortunately for you, there are two reasons that won't save you. Firstly, she's not my boss because I don't belong to this division."
"B-but Hikari's rank is Lieutenant Junior Grade, while you're just a sergeant, and hierarchy is respected in all divisions..." the lackey spoke out fearfully, as many men were already preparing to flee.
"Oh, it seems that thick skull can think. If you hadn't followed that idiot Kazuo, you might have been a corporal by now. But the problem with your argument is, who said I was a sergeant?" Hachiman said with a smile, causing the man to freeze in fear and start searching his clothes for his identification.
"Why don't you read what's there, my friend..." Hachiman said with a voice that shook the man's entire body. As the lackey began to read the identification, he felt his heart start to race.
"C-Captain Hikigaya Hachiman, Division 108 of Marineford..." the lackey read with tears in his eyes, while both the bandits and the marines couldn't believe what they had just heard.
"Hachiman, you've been promoted to Captain?" Hiroyoshi exclaimed, unable to believe it.
"Captain Hachiman, don't forget, Lieutenant, or I'll have to give you a reprimand..." Hachiman said, echoing his own words back to his father.
"This must be a bad joke, how can the loser Hachiman be a captain?" Hikari exclaimed, falling to her knees in disbelief.
"Captain Hachiman for you too, Lieutenant Junior Grade. Don't make me file a report to have you demoted and make your aspirations even more complicated." Hachiman said with a serious tone, tired of the whole situation, while the lackey and the bandits were now paralyzed with fear.
"So, my friend, now you know the consequences of attacking a captain: 1 to 3 years in Level 1 of Impel Down if you don't have too many criminal records."
"Hachiman-sama, have mercy. This was all Kazuo's idea. He had us threatened, and we couldn't do anything..." the lackey exclaimed in fear, as Hachiman gently patted his face.
"That's my decision to make, Simp..." Hachiman said, and with a strong slap that knocked the man's teeth out, he sent him tumbling down, leaving all the other bandits frightened.
"R-run!" shouted a terrified bandit as he began to retreat, Hachiman watched them run and positioned his fingers like a gun.
"Bang!" Hachiman said, and a purple ray shot out from his finger. Boom! An explosion like what seemed to come from a plasma shot advanced ahead of all the bandits and detonated in front of those trying to escape.
The explosion was so powerful that it knocked down several people due to the force of the attack, and everyone looked in complete fear at the crater that had formed from the blast.
"This was supposed to be a day I thought of resting and spending time with my sister, but my father, a queen bee, and a bunch of simps have ruined it. So let's do it my way, fight or die." Hachiman said as he walked towards the bandits who, scared of dying, launched themselves into battle with everything they had. Shots, cuts, or even punches were thrown at Hachiman, who simply passed through their translucent body, while he delivered blows and kicks to anything nearby, breaking teeth, armor, and bones with the force of his attacks.
In the eyes of the marines at the base, it was a one-sided massacre as Hachiman faced off against the poor bandits.
"Hikari-sama or Mr. Hikigaya, save us from this monster..." a bandit cried out before fainting, as more men were knocked down.
"This is undoubtedly the strength of a captain. What the hell happened to that kid in Marineford?" Hiroyoshi Hikigaya said as he watched the weak son knock down so many men with extreme ease.
"..."Hikari didn't say anything, because she still couldn't believe it, and her men didn't say anything either, as all their expectations of Lieutenant Hikigaya's son were shattered.
"Now we know why he's the man who survived against Whitebeard's pirates..." exclaimed a random marine, watching as Hachiman spent his first day off beating up the bandits.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone