Chapter 23: Goodbyes.
Just like that, Alex and Shanks's life as marine's began. Over the next 10 months, they trained with Garp and Dragon. And Buggy, but he mainly just ran away from everything. Occasionally they would be sent on missions to catch pirates or perform other duties. Sometimes together, sometimes split up. However, one thing that stayed consistent was Alex's thirst for knowledge. He had recorded every single book he was allowed to in the marines base and everytime he was sent out on a mission he would record any books he could find.
His experiments and building habits continued as he started many new projects and created new inventions. He was a little lab rat and had already earned the respect of every other scientist, carpenter, blacksmith, medical staff and anyone else on the island who worked in skilled trades. Alex might not have been the best at everything, but he was up there. At least top 5 on the island in most things he did, and that was on an island filled with some of the most skilled people in the world.
His growth was remarkable and Shanks was no different. He was already starting to bloom as a swordsman and make a name for himself as a marine.
But the most impressive was Buggy. He had already received multiple promotions and was now a junior grade lieutenant at the age of 14! Well, legally, at the age of 19.
Alex and Shanks had fallen behind and Buggy was now their commanding officer. The funny thing was, Buggy didn't even mean to get promoted! It was like he had stolen the luck of the Irish from his ginger friend Shanks! He would constantly get credited with deeds done by Alex and Shanks or just outright stumble into situations where he found criminals who were in hiding.
Alex and Shanks thought it was the funniest thing ever.
Buggy was also saved by the fact that he had the best secretary/second in command officer you could find. April was his right hand man, errr woman and she proved to be instantly competent. She might not be the best fighter ever, but she was a priceless asset when it came to anything else.
On another note, Alex and Shanks had successfully been able to avoid Maya and Sarah. They had practically memorized the entire layout of the island with how often they had to run away from the girls. They even became friendly with Drake's parents because they ran through their house so often while being chased!
The whole family was currently sitting at the table as Alex's left hand was cooking dinner in the other room. Alex was sitting next to Shanks and Buggy, who had grown about half a foot in the last year, just like he did. Dragon and Garp were sitting on the other side of the table.
Alex was reading his archive while Garp's stomach growled. A finger reached out into the kitchen and grabbed a bag of crackers before dumping them on Garp's lap.
Garp laughed. "These things are great!"
Alex sighed. "You know, I never thought I could see a grown man, the hero of the marines no less, become addicted to crackers just because I made them one time."
Everyone at the table laughed at the now addict marine hero. Garp laughed. "Bwahahaha! You're just too good at making them! The best chef I know!"
Alex laughed and closed his book. "I don't even think you can be considered a chef for making crackers."
The food floated to the table on top of Alex's hand. Each finger brought over a plate for someone as steam rose from the food. Everyone's mouth started to water and they couldn't wait to dig in.
Alex's plate was at least 3 times the size of the others and his food piled just as high. Probably 50% of the food he made was for him to eat, the other 4 shared the last 50%.
Everyone scarfed down their meals.
"Are you guys ready for your big mission?" Garp asked with a mouthful of food.
Shanks nodded. "It's a piece of cake, just like all the others."
Garp laughed. "Not everyone else is a little monster like you. Most marines don't think it's easy to take down people with $100,000,000 belli bounties."
Alex chuckled. "Most people aren't able to become a lieutenant at 14 years old either."
"I'm only a junior lieutenant! And I don't even know how!" Buggy replied as he stuffed his mouth.
Garp laughed. "I'm proud of you! You're becoming a true marine! One day you might be a vice admiral like me!"
Buggy shook his head. "No way! No way! No way! I don't even want to be a marine! If Alex hadn't stolen the devil fruit from me I could have run away and sold it! I would have been set for life!"
Alex and Shanks laughed with mouths full of food.
Dragon smiled. "I agree. Doesn't it suck to be a marine? We should all just run away together!"
The three boys laughed and nodded while Garp slapped Dragon's back. "I'll never let you get away! Bwahahaha! You're gonna be a marine for life!"
Dragon chuckled and shook his head. "You wish, old man."
Garp sighed. "Where are you guys going again?"
"The west blue. Apparently a group of new world pirates are causing a ruckus and they need reinforcements from the grand line." Alex replied.
Shanks looked at the clock and chugged his orange juice. "We also have to get going, like 5 minutes ago."
Alex laughed and shoveled the rest of his food into his mouth. I mean that literally, he made a shovel to pick up the rest before eating it.
Buggy shivered. "Your powers still freak me out."
Alex laughed and burped before standing up and turning to the door. "Well, let's go losers."
Dragon laughed and stood up. "This is our first mission with everyone together after all."
Shanks and Buggy got up together.
"Let's show these losers how real pirates fight." Shanks said as he grabbed his sword and put it on his waist.
"I hear that the girls will come with us." Buggy said happily.
Alex and Shanks froze in their tracks. "On second thought, I'm not feeling too well." Shanks said.
Alex nodded. "I actually feel like I have Pharyngitis. I think I have to sit this one out."
Dragon laughed. "Bwahahaha! No you don't!" He said as he grabbed Alex and Shanks and carried them with him towards the boat with Buggy following close behind.
Garp laughed. "See you guys in a few weeks."
Dragon stopped at the door and replied with a sad smile. "Goodbye, old man. Thanks for taking care of us."
Alex and Shanks wiggled out of Dragon's grip. "Thanks for letting us stay here. I'm gonna miss you. Uncle Garp." Alex said.
Shanks nodded. "See you soon, Uncle Garp. Thanks for training me. I couldn't have come this far without you."
Buggy looked back. "Uhh, yeah. See you in two weeks, old man!"
Alex, Dragon and Shanks smiled and walked away.
Alex left one last parting sentence. "I left enough crackers to feed a horse for a year in the store-house. Enjoy yourself."
Garp laughed. "Bwahahaha! That's just what I wanted to hear!"
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone