One Piece : From Slave to Fleet Admiral

The pair approached Zephyr and the cheerful Binz was the first to greet Jake and Monet with a smile.

"So, you're Jake and Monet! Zephyr-sensei hasn't stopped talking about you two lately. But we've been away on missions, so we couldn't meet you sooner. And the moment we arrive, we hear him claim we wouldn't last ten minutes against you—now that's a blow to my pride!"

Despite his words, there wasn't a trace of resentment on Binz's face.

He extended a hand towards Jake.

"Still, thank you for treating Zephyr-sensei condition. I'm Binz—pleased to be your fellow trainee!"

Jake shook his hand warmly, smiling in return.

"Likewise, Binz-senpai."

Just as Monet reached out her hand, Binz shook his head with a smile, then removed his navy cap.

Placing it over his heart, he gave a slight bow and nodded gently before saying.

"I'm not quite accustomed to shaking hands directly with women and doing so might make young Jake jealous. Please forgive me."

At Binz's words, both Jake and Monet instantly blushed, while Zephyr and Binz's laughter echoed across the training grounds.

Even Ain, who had remained mostly silent, covered her mouth with a soft chuckle.

The atmosphere on the training field was exceptionally harmonious.

After a few brief greetings, Jake continued treating Zephyr's illness, while Monet subtly used her abilities to lower the temperature around them.

Noticing this, Ain smiled at Monet and said.

"It seems we'll become great friends, Monet. I'm someone who really can't stand the heat, so you'd better prepare yourself for me clinging to you constantly in the days ahead~"

"Ain-san, I... I'll do my best."

Monet's personality was actually quite reserved, making her less adept at handling someone as outgoing as Ain.

But that didn't mean she disliked the idea of being friends with Ain.

Meanwhile on the other side, Binz watched the pale golden light glowing in Jake's hands and asked curiously.

"Jake, is this the healing ability that comes with your Mythical Zoan fruit? There even seem to be golden feathers appearing around you—it really does look like something out of a myth! It's such a beautiful fruit, but having it in your hands is truly fortunate. Without it, who knows how long it would have taken to cure Zephyr-sensei illness."

"You don't understand... Every time I see Zephyr-sensei coughing from his illness, I resent my own Devil Fruit for not being able to heal. If only my ability could..."

At this point, Binz's eyes actually reddened.

Seeing this, the smile faded from Ain's face as she looked at Zephyr's slightly aged features, a faint mist forming in her eyes.

No one respected and cherished Zephyr more than they did—to them, his kindness was no less than that of a second parent.

Noticing their expressions, Zephyr gave each of them a light punch on the head.

Watching them grimace in pain, he scolded angrily.

"You two idiots! This old man isn't dead yet! And how many times do I have to tell you? My illness has nothing to do with you! Stop taking responsibility for things that aren't your fault every single time! I didn't survive just to be a burden on you! Besides, with Jake's treatment, my condition has improved significantly! We're never discussing this topic again!"

Seeing Zephyr's demeanor, the two nodded with smiles.

Compared to his previous state—where he would gasp for breath at regular intervals—Zephyr was doing much better now.

To quickly move past the subject, Zephyr continued.

"Do you kids know that this year's Elite Training Camp is a bit different from previous ones?" Zephyr began.

"Normally, the first day is just warm-up exercises to familiarize you with the camp's routine and rankings aren't determined until the end of the month. But due to circumstances involving the World Government, your batch will need to determine the top rank on the very first day."

Hearing this, Binz looked puzzled and couldn't help but ask, "What does the World Government want from us? Why the sudden change?"

"It's simple, really—something that's been going on for years," Zephyr explained. "Every year, the CP organization of the World Government conducts combat drills with the Marines. Though they call it training, it's really a way for their new recruits to test the strength of our latest batch, allowing them to estimate the Marines' future combat potential and make adjustments accordingly."

Ain, still confused, chimed in, "I've heard of this tradition, but Zephyr-sensei, even in the past, the Elite Training Camp never determined rankings on the first day. Is there something special about this year?"

"Yes," Zephyr nodded. "This time, the World Government has produced someone they're calling the most talented genius in 800 years. During a recent kingdom rescue mission, this individual not only slaughtered all enemy forces but also killed all 500 kingdom soldiers who were supposed to be rescued. A truly bloodthirsty monster."

At this point, Zephyr sighed before continuing, "For some reason, despite such atrocities, this person faced no punishment. Now, the CP was eager to avenge their seven-year losing streak against the Marines, has pushed the combat drills forward by a month—originally scheduled for late August, it's now happening in July."

"Because of this, we must determine this year's top rank early and provide them with intensive training over the next month to prepare for the upcoming challenge. Rumor has it that the CP, desperate to reclaim their lost pride, has explicitly ordered that brat to fight ruthlessly—even if it means killing his Marine opponent."

Monet frowned at this.

"Zephyr-sensei, does that mean we're also allowed to fight just as ruthlessly?"

Zephyr shook his head.

"No. The Marines' budget is already tight this year. If we kill the World Goverment so called genius, the backlash would only increase the pressure on us. So prioritize self-defense. However..." He then turned to Jake.

"When you face that guy, you're free to go all out."

Jake grinned in understanding.

"Understood, Zephyr-sensei."

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