By the time they returned to the Navy Headquarters, half a month had passed. The weather was clear, the sky a vast expanse without a single cloud. The bright sunlight brought warmth, making people feel lazy, and the gentle breeze added to the sense of relaxation and ease.
However, leisure time was always fleeting, much like summer vacation—it seemed long, but in the blink of an eye, it was gone.
"What? You want me to be an instructor?" Kaguya, sitting on the sofa, was momentarily stunned.
"That's right." Sengoku nodded, lifting his head seriously as he spoke. "At Navy Headquarters, only you are qualified to serve as an instructor. You are the most suitable person to train those recruits."
"What about Zephyr?" Kaguya asked in surprise. "Isn't training new recruits something that old man enjoys doing?"
Old man.
Sengoku's eyelid twitched. Zephyr was someone who refused to admit he was aging. If anyone dared to call him that, they'd definitely be in for a severe lesson. The only person who dared to call him an old man at Navy Headquarters was probably Kaguya.
Sengoku cleared his throat and said, "Zephyr has taken a group of trainees out for field training. He won't be available for some time. But during this period, we still need someone to handle training."
"What about Aokiji and Akainu?" Kaguya asked curiously. "If I remember correctly, they don't have any missions right now."
"Things have changed." Sengoku's expression turned serious. "For some reason, the Red-Haired Pirates have suddenly become more active. They even left the Grand Line and headed to the East Blue. This is highly unusual, and I suspect there's something more going on. Akainu has gone to investigate."
"Then what about Aokiji?" Kaguya casually grabbed a rice cracker from the table, tore open the packaging, took a bite, and spoke through a mouthful of food. Crunch, crunch. "That guy isn't slacking off, is he?"
"Aokiji has other tasks as well," Sengoku replied. "Recent intelligence suggests that Golden Lion, who escaped from Impel Down years ago, has started moving again. This isn't good news. The intelligence from the World Government alone isn't enough—we need to send more personnel."
Kaguya commented, "Then Kizaru... forget it. That guy is even lazier than me."
"That's why," Sengoku sat up straight, speaking with conviction, "I hope you will take on the role of instructor. Don't worry, it's only temporary. It won't last long."
"You'd better find someone else," Kaguya waved her hand dismissively. "I don't have time to train those brats."
"Of course, I wouldn't ask you to do it for nothing," Sengoku said. "If you agree to become an instructor and help train the recruits at headquarters, I will give you a Devil Fruit that I acquired from the World Government."
Kaguya immediately sat up straight, her expression serious. "As a member of the government, it is my duty to train subordinates. It is a responsibility that an officer must uphold. Rest assured, Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I will train them rigorously and shape them into the pillars of the Navy!"
Sengoku was left speechless. His heart warmed, and he thought, Perhaps I misjudged her. I never expected her to be such a loyal and devoted officer to the government.
He suddenly felt guilty for ever doubting her intentions. How could I have thought she was only in it for personal gain?
Just as Sengoku was feeling touched, Kaguya coughed lightly, rubbed her fingers together, and asked, "So... how many Devil Fruits are we talking about?"
A vein bulged on Sengoku's forehead. I knew it. I completely misjudged her!
She was just a greedy little troublemaker!
And to top it off, she ate the rice crackers he had prepared for his afternoon snack.
"Kaguya!"
As Kaguya walked out of the office, she frowned and rubbed her ears. Sengoku's voice was ridiculously loud—it nearly deafened her. She wondered how Garp had managed to put up with it all these years.
Seriously, it was just a pack of rice crackers!
Sengoku, the Fleet Admiral, sure is stingy.
Still, it was a profitable deal.
Kaguya happily took out four Devil Fruits from her pocket. As expected of Navy Headquarters—even the benefits were far superior to those of regional bases. Here, they could even receive Devil Fruits on a monthly basis. Kaguya had visited several other naval branches before; while some were decent, others were so poor that they barely had enough equipment to function.
Meanwhile, at the Navy Headquarters' training grounds, navy soldiers gathered excitedly, whispering among themselves.
"Did you hear? The Inspector is going to be our instructor!"
"Instructor? Did I hear that right?"
"It's true! Apparently, she'll personally train us."
"That's amazing!"
"And they say she's the most beautiful woman in the world. This is incredible!"
"But don't get too excited… I've heard she's incredibly strict. Some people who badmouthed her behind her back were thrown into the sea to feed the fish."
"No way!"
"Oh, it's true. Do you even know who she is? The Inspector is a powerhouse on par with Kaido of the Beasts and Whitebeard Edward Newgate."
"Now I'm really looking forward to this!"
"Look, she's coming!"
In the distance, a breathtaking silver-haired girl approached. Her delicate eyebrows and eyelashes carried a refined elegance, and her eyes were as clear as crystal. Her flawless skin was as beautiful as cherry blossoms in the courtyard, and her waterfall-like silver hair cascaded down to her hips, swaying gently with each graceful step. A faint smile played on her velvety lips—an ethereal, fleeting brilliance, like fireworks in the night sky.
Everyone present was utterly mesmerized.
However, the moment this stunning girl opened her mouth, jaws dropped in disbelief.
"You bunch of brainless idiots! Do you even know what time it is? Why aren't you standing in formation yet? Or do you all want to go play with pigs in a pigsty?"
Everyone was petrified.
"It seems like you're not planning to behave… Fine," Kaguya waved her hand and sneered. "Since you all seem so eager for the pigsty experience, I'll let you enjoy some authentic farm life—free of charge."
The soldiers panicked, scrambling to line up like a flock of headless chickens.
They had heard plenty of terrifying rumors about this Inspector—stories of soldiers being thrown into the sea to feed the fish, being sent to rural farms to raise pigs, or even being exiled to Siberia to dig potatoes. Just the thought of it sent shivers down their spines.
Once the navy soldiers had formed neat ranks, Kaguya nodded in satisfaction and said, "Now that's more like it. Next, you'll be doing ten thousand push-ups. If you can't do that, then you'll run a thousand laps around the field with lead weights strapped to you. If you still can't manage that, then you'll do ten thousand squats and ten thousand kicks."
The navy soldiers were dumbfounded. Is this training or torture?! This is madness!
Little did they know, this was merely the beginning of their personal hell.
That's right, this extreme training regimen wasn't anyone else's idea—it was the same training method used by Rock Lee in Naruto.
It was precisely because of such grueling physical training that Rock Lee was able to achieve mastery in taijutsu. Though his role diminished later in the story, there was no denying that this method was highly effective.
Just look at his teacher, Might Guy—after opening the Eight Gates, he beat Uchiha Madara half to death.
The same principle applied in One Piece.
By the later stages of One Piece, battles were not just about Devil Fruit abilities but also about physical endurance. Without an incredibly strong physique, even the most powerful Devil Fruit would be useless.
Take Kaido and Whitebeard, for example—they both possessed bodies of unimaginable strength.
Kaido, of course, was nearly indestructible, which was proof enough. As for Whitebeard, even though his strength was far from its peak due to injuries and illness, he still managed to pummel Akainu. That alone spoke volumes.
All powerful individuals, without exception, were relentless in their training. Zoro was a prime example—never skipping a day of training, constantly pushing his limits.
As for these navy recruits? Their natural talent could never compare to the top fighters of the world. Even after years of rigorous training, they might never reach that level. However, with enough effort, achieving the rank of colonel was certainly within reach.
The bottom line? Push them to their absolute limits.
However, one particular girl caught Kaguya's attention—Hina.
Despite her young age, she had already attained the rank of major. Rising through the ranks at such a pace, especially as a minor, was rare within the Navy.
Hina was strikingly beautiful—delicate features, piercing eyes, and long pink hair cascading down to her waist. Her personality was strong-willed, even a bit stubborn, and she carried herself with an air of cold elegance, which only added to her charm.
When Kaguya first saw Hina's name, she had momentarily thought of another Hina from a different world. But it quickly became clear that they were not the same—just a coincidence of names. Still, the girl intrigued her.
"Hah!"
A sudden battle cry rang out.
A cold, razor-sharp sword light slashed through the air, streaking toward Kaguya's snow-white neck at lightning speed. Even before the blade reached her, its icy aura could already be felt.
Just as the gleaming sword tip was about to pierce Kaguya's throat, two slender fingers suddenly appeared—and effortlessly caught the blade between them.
"If this is all you've got, then I must say, I'm very disappointed," Kaguya turned her head slightly and smiled at the girl holding the sword. "Hina."
Hina snorted, her eyes narrowing as she said, "Instructor, you're speaking too soon. This is far from over."
The moment she finished speaking, Hina swiftly leaped backward. At the same time, she extended her hands, and several black steel rods shot out from her fingertips. In an instant, they formed a cage-like barricade, enclosing Kaguya completely.
This was Hina's ability—the Bind-Bind Fruit.
The black steel bars suddenly constricted, tightly binding Kaguya in place.
"Amazing!"
"As expected of Major Hina—she's incredible!"
"Finally! Now we can eat!"
"I'm starving to death over here!"
"Major Hina, you're the best!"
The navy soldiers cheered and rushed forward, surrounding Kaguya with excited expressions.
This was one of Kaguya's designated training exercises—the rule was simple: if the navy recruits could successfully restrain her, they would win and be allowed to eat.
If they failed to restrain her, then too bad—no dinner. Not just dinner, either. If they couldn't manage it by tomorrow, they still wouldn't eat. This would continue until they succeeded in capturing her.
Yet, no matter how hard they tried, no matter how much strength they mustered, they were simply no match for Kaguya.
Today marked the third day of this ordeal, meaning these navy soldiers had gone three days without a proper meal. The only thing keeping them going was a thin, nearly transparent rice porridge. At this point, they were lightheaded with hunger.
"Do you think you've won?" Kaguya's deep gaze locked onto the girl before her. "Hina, I've told you before—don't rely too much on your ability. If you keep this up, you'll never be more than a second-rate Devil Fruit user."
"Hmph." Hina lifted her chin proudly and sneered, "We'll talk when you actually break free, arrogant woman."
"To think I'd be lectured by a clueless little girl…" Kaguya smirked before adding, "Also, while I do enjoy binding things, I prefer to be the one doing the binding."
Seeing the mischievous smirk on Kaguya's lips, Hina suddenly felt a sinking sense of dread. She tried to retreat—but it was already too late.
In an instant, Kaguya's figure vanished.
"Heavenly Hand Power."
Everyone present, including Hina, gasped in shock.
Hina's Bind-Bind Fruit ability was formidable—her restraints were stronger than steel, making escape nearly impossible. Until now, no one had ever broken free after being captured.
"Since you all like binding so much, why don't we play a little game?" A voice suddenly rang out from above.
"Up there!"
Hearing the shout, the navy soldiers looked up to see Kaguya standing on a nearby building, smirking.
Kaguya's lips curled. "Now, let me show you what true despair looks like. Understanding that some enemies in this world can never be defeated—that, too, is part of growth."
With that, she raised a hand and snapped her fingers.
Snap!
"Nativity of a World of Trees."
The moment the words left her lips, the ground rumbled violently, as if struck by an earthquake. Massive vines burst forth, sprouting into towering trees in the blink of an eye. In mere moments, the entire navy training ground had transformed into a sprawling, dense forest.
"W-What is this?!"
The navy soldiers collapsed onto the ground, eyes wide with disbelief. To conjure such an environment in an instant—it was utterly inconceivable.
"The real fun is just beginning," a melodic voice teased.
Hina's instincts screamed danger. She swiftly retreated, slashing at the vines that lunged toward her, cutting them down with her sword.
But the others weren't so lucky. The vines slithered like living creatures, snaring the unsuspecting navy soldiers. In seconds, they were wrapped up tightly, hanging helplessly in midair like neatly bound packages.
Hina's heart sank. She had heard rumors about their new instructor's strength, but seeing it firsthand—Kaguya was even more terrifying than she had imagined.
"Little Hina, didn't anyone ever tell you? Never let your guard down in battle."
A familiar, lilting voice whispered in her ear.
Hina's pupils shrank.
Damn it.
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