One Piece: My code name is Green Bull

At this moment, Jon felt like a hero with no opportunity to shine. Day after day, he worked tirelessly, all in preparation to fight pirates.

But because of his abilities, even after reaching the New World, he had been ordered to stay at the base and focus on producing food.

It was truly a case of "blessed by the fruit, cursed by the fruit."

Jon thought these monotonous days would continue indefinitely. But after some time, an unexpected opportunity arrived.

"Jon."

Just as he finished another long day working on food production, Jon looked utterly exhausted and was about to leave when Gion, who he hadn't seen in a while, came looking for him.

"Oh, it's Gion! Looking even prettier than before," Jon teased when he saw her.

Jon always joked around with Gion since she was younger. If it were one of the older women from the female barracks, he wouldn't dare tease them—they were fiercer than him!

Gion rolled her eyes at him. "You dare flirt with me? Want me to report you to the Vice Admiral?"

"Hey, no, I was complimenting you! What if I said you've gotten uglier next time, would that be better?"

"Try it and see what happens!"

Gion puffed up her cheeks and glared at Jon. "Enough nonsense. The Vice Admiral is looking for you."

"What does the Vice Admiral want with me?" Jon asked.

"You'll find out when you get there."

"Alright then."

Jon followed Gion to Vice Admiral Tsuru's office.

"Vice Admiral, you wanted to see me?"

Upon meeting her, Jon immediately asked.

Tsuru smiled gently at him. "After producing food for so long, are you starting to feel impatient?"

Since he was in front of Tsuru, Jon didn't hold back. He gave a bitter smile and replied, "Vice Admiral, when you promised to bring me to the New World, it was so I could fight pirates. But ever since I got here, I've been stuck producing food every day. Honestly, I've been dreaming about food production every night, and my brain feels like it's buzzing. If this continues, I'm going to lose it."

"Is it really that bad?"

Both Tsuru and Gion were amused by Jon's exaggerated tone.

Jon looked exasperated. "Of course, it's that bad! My goal isn't to be a food-making machine. If I had known my abilities were better suited for producing food, I wouldn't have eaten the fruit in the first place."

"Alright, stop complaining. I understand how hard you've been working. Now that we've received another shipment of food, the base has enough for now," Tsuru said.

Jon's face lit up with joy. "Does that mean I don't have to make food anymore?"

"In theory, you can never have too much food," Tsuru replied.

"Ah…" Jon's excitement instantly deflated.

Seeing his expression, Tsuru shook her head helplessly. "You still need to work on your composure."

Jon chuckled. "In front of you, Vice Admiral, no matter how composed I am, I'd have to tone it down."

"You may not have made progress elsewhere, but you've certainly improved at flattery," Tsuru teased.

Then her expression turned serious. "I happen to have a mission that requires going to sea. Are you interested?"

Jon's eyes lit up with excitement, and he quickly replied, "Of course!"

Tsuru nodded. "A member nation of the World Government in the New World has requested help from the Navy. Their country is being harassed by pirates, and they want us to resolve the issue."

"Right now, the base is operating with everyone fulfilling specific roles. While there are still other officers here, we can't deploy them easily. The requesting nation hasn't provided detailed information yet, so heading there without proper intel does pose risks. Are you sure you want to go?"

Jon declared with righteous determination, "It is our duty as soldiers to eliminate pirates. We can't back down because of a little danger!"

"Easy for you to say," Gion muttered disdainfully. "You're just desperate to get out of here."

Ignoring her, Jon looked eagerly at Tsuru. "Vice Admiral, let me lead the team. I promise to complete the mission."

Tsuru frowned thoughtfully. She had considered this option but hesitated. Although Jon was skilled, his experience and age made her uncertain if he was ready to lead troops on his own.

If it were someone else, Tsuru wouldn't have hesitated, especially considering the pirate group they'd face wasn't an ordinary one.

But Jon was a promising junior officer she had personally mentored for two years. His character was decent, and she saw him as worth nurturing.

After a moment of contemplation, Tsuru made her decision. If Jon didn't want to sit in the rear like her, then it was time for him to face the frontlines. A soldier who wanted to grow couldn't remain a sheltered flower in a greenhouse.

"Jon, I'll let you lead this mission, but military operations follow strict rules. If you fail to resolve the issue, you will bear the consequences. The military rewards merit, but it also enforces discipline. Are you willing to accept that?"

Without hesitation, Jon replied, "I accept."

This wasn't something he needed to think about. Rules were the same everywhere: success brought rewards, and failure brought blame.

"Since you've decided, I'll entrust this mission to you," Tsuru said.

"This will be your first time leading a team on your own. I'll assign you a warship and personnel. Be prepared, not just for yourself but for your subordinates as well. Being a good commander is no easy task."

In normal circumstances, it would have been more appropriate to assign Jon as a deputy commander. However, Tsuru knew Jon too well.

Though he was respectful toward her, he had a deeply rooted pride. Even a senior captain or commodore might not be able to command him effectively.

After much thought, Tsuru decided to let him take full responsibility.

Jon's strength was undeniable. His peers, like Sakazuki and Borsalino, were already leading missions on their own. He deserved the same opportunity.

What reassured Tsuru was Jon's extraordinary observation Haki (Kenbunshoku Haki). Unlike ordinary observation Haki, his had a wide range and unique abilities. Even in dangerous situations, his chances of escaping were high.

"This time, Gion will accompany you," Tsuru added.

Gion was shocked. "Vice Admiral, me too?"

Tsuru replied, "You've been by my side for years. It's time for you to gain experience. Plus, you can keep an eye on him. If he gets reckless, who knows what kind of mess he'll create?"

Jon was stunned. Was Gion there to babysit him?

"In addition to Gion, I'll assign you a deputy commander—a strong newcomer. You'll meet them when you depart."

"When do we leave, Vice Admiral?" Jon asked impatiently.

"What's the rush? Do you think you can just leave right away? I'll arrange everything for departure at 3 PM. Head to the port by then."

"Thank you, Vice Admiral!"

Jon expressed his gratitude and was about to leave when Tsuru stopped him.

"You don't even know the specifics of the mission. Where are you rushing off to?"

Jon slapped his forehead. Right—he had been so excited about leading the team that he forgot about the details.

Tsuru sighed. "With the way you're acting, I'm not sure if letting you go is a good idea."

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