Grandma knew that enrolling Tama in the Marine Academy would not only help her fulfill her dream but also open up countless opportunities for her future.
"Report" Connie spoke into the Den Den Mushi, his tone formal and serious. "I've found a child in the orphanage at Amigasa Village who is suspected of being a Paramecia Fruit ability user.
This child's abilities are special. I believe she has great potential for future development. I wanted to report this to you immediately."
There was a brief pause on the other end, followed by a cold snort from Ain.
"We actually found someone with devil fruit abilities? Looks like we've gotten lucky."
Though surprised for a moment, Ain quickly regained her composure, her professionalism shining through.
"Very well, Captain. Tell me her name and describe her abilities.
I'll issue an invitation for her to report to the Marine Academy in the Flower Capital."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Connie proceeded to give a concise report on Tama's situation. He made sure to highlight his speculations regarding Tama's ability, especially her potential to control Sea Kings.
When Ain heard that, her usual calm demeanor shifted. She finally became serious.
"From your description, this does sound like a powerful fruit.
Here's what we'll do, Connie. You'll personally escort Tama to the Flower Capital.
I'll also assign you the responsibility of selecting this batch of new recruits."
Connie's heart leapt with excitement.
"Yes, ma'am! I guarantee I'll complete the task!"
Accepting the mission with enthusiasm, Connie promised to safely deliver Tama to the Flower Capital.
After that, Ain asked for a status on Amigasa Village. Once assured that everything was in order, she ended the call.
Connie put away the Den Den Mushi, his fists clenched in excitement.
Tama really is my lucky star! he thought. Thanks to her, I've been entrusted with selecting new recruits!
With this opportunity, once he brought the new recruits back and trained them properly, his squad would undoubtedly shine in the next branch competition.
Feeling on top of the world, Connie made his way back to Grandma to deliver the news.
"I'll personally escort Tama to the Flower Capital tomorrow," he told her with a reassuring smile.
Hearing that Tama would be leaving so soon, Grandma felt a bittersweet mix of happiness and sadness.
After all, they had lived together for over half a year, and her bond with each of the children ran deep. The thought of parting so suddenly weighed heavily on her heart.
But Connie reassured her repeatedly, promising that Tama would be well taken care of. He explained that Tama could return home every six months and could call anytime she wanted.
Knowing she shouldn't stand in the way of Tama's dreams, Grandma nodded, her voice gentle but firm.
"I understand. Tama will be of great help to you. I'll go pack her things and make sure she's ready."
Connie smiled and nodded, not refusing the offer.
Tama will likely stay in the Flower Capital for quite some time, he thought. She'll need to pack properly and say her goodbyes to everyone.
With that, Connie turned and stepped into the orphanage to share the good news with the other children.
Meanwhile, after hanging up the phone, Ain wasted no time in informing Luffy of the discovery.
When the call came through, Luffy was at the Marine School outside the base, surrounded by eager students from all across Wano and beyond.
In truth, the school hadn't officially welcomed its first full batch of students yet. But Luffy had high hopes for the institution.
He envisioned it as the future talent cultivation center for the Marines.
The requirements for admission were intentionally strict. Just as Connie had explained earlier, only the best students from various schools had the chance to study at the prestigious academy in the Flower Capital.
Much like the headquarters' Marine School, the academy in the Flower Capital was divided into two main departments:
Theoretical Subjects: These were complex and further subdivided into areas like navigation, staff operations, intelligence reconnaissance, and tactical analysis.
Practical Subjects: This department focused on physical prowess, recruiting students with exceptional strength and athletic ability.
Of course, students weren't confined to just one path.
As long as they had the talent and interest, they could attend theoretical classes during the day and engage in physical training at night. After three years of study, they could even apply for advanced courses to further enhance their knowledge.
Beyond this, the school had few restrictions.
As long as a student was exceptional, they could apply—regardless of age. Even those in their 20s or 30s could enroll in rapid improvement classes designed to hone their skills quickly.
Luffy had even reserved a certain number of student spots for each unit, allowing commanders to recommend talented Marines under their leadership to study advanced techniques like Haki and the Six Powers.
Back to the present—after Ain reported the news, Luffy immediately knew who she was talking about.
Tama, or as she was known in full, Kurozumi Tama.
Even in Luffy's eyes, Tama's ability was undeniably powerful.
In the original timeline, she had the power to control users of artificial Zoan-type Devil Fruit user. Luffy, remembering the manga, had once been terrified that Tama might tame Kaido himself.
But Oda, the creator of their world, seemed to realize that allowing such a thing would break the story completely.
Kaido was deliberately kept from meeting Tama, and Teacher Kaido narrowly escaped total humiliation.
Moreover, in the original story, Tama never demonstrated the ability to control real Zoan-type Devil Fruit users. It remained unclear whether her power could affect them.
But now, hearing Connie's report that Tama could control fish—even Luffy hadn't seen that coming.
My goodness… Luffy thought, his eyes widening. If her ability can control Sea Kings, what's the point of Shirahoshi?
A grin spread across his face as the thought solidified in his mind.
"I declare Tama the new Poseidon! Who agrees, and who dares to disagree?"
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