Koby was momentarily stunned before hearing Wright burst into hearty laughter:
"Koby, 'justice' is a value—a judgment, a decision, and a conviction that each person forms based on their own experiences and understanding."
"Even though every Marine upholds justice as their belief, each Marine's sense of justice differs."
Wright pointed to the plaque behind him, which bore the words he had personally inscribed: "Justice of Hope."
"My justice is 'Justice of Hope,' but the other admirals and vice admirals all have their own versions of justice."
"Right now, you haven't yet reached the level where you can fully grasp the depths of your own convictions. Koby, following your superior's sense of justice isn't necessarily a bad thing if you find yourself limited, but... I believe your potential reaches far beyond that."
Koby blushed furiously, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment: "Admiral Wright... I... I once swore that I would..."
Lifting his head, after struggling to get the words out, Koby finally declared:
"I will become an admiral!"
Ah! I said it! I actually said it right in front of the next Fleet Admiral!
"Hahaha! Then you must all the more recognize your own heart! A grand ambition like that—how could you achieve it by simply following in someone else's footsteps?"
Wright looked at Koby, whose face was now as red as a cooked shrimp:
"In two years, Luffy and his crew will stir up a storm. Work hard and be ready for it!"
...
Calm Belt – Amazon Lily.
"So, to be clear, it is only because of Admiral Wright that I am allowing you to stay on this island! This is an exceptional privilege, one of a kind!"
Returning to Amazon Lily, Warlord of the Sea Boa Hancock found Luffy had already turned the island upside down with his antics.
Though perplexed by why her charm had no effect on him, as a Warlord, Hancock easily overpowered Luffy in battle. The Pirate Empress possessed both formidable Haki and top-tier combat skills.
But then, she discovered—Luffy also had the Conqueror's Haki!
Not that it mattered much. Hancock's mastery of Conqueror's Haki was far superior to Luffy's nascent abilities, and without command over the other two types of Haki, he was entirely at her mercy.
After capturing Luffy, Hancock did not treat him too harshly. After all, Wright had personally reached out to her after the war, asking her to "look after" his student.
Thus, Hancock made an exception, allowing Luffy to recover on the island. But then—an old man with white hair swam across the Calm Belt and arrived at Amazon Lily!
"Rayleigh! Even though we are acquaintances, you cannot just ignore the island's rules!"
Rayleigh and Shakky had once helped the former Empress of Amazon Lily, Elder Nyon Gloriosa, rescue the three Boa sisters after their escape from Mary Geoise, ensuring their safe return to the island. As such, he was considered a benefactor.
However, Rayleigh was too easygoing and was now being lectured by Hancock, who pinched his nose in irritation.
"Ahaha... Well, you see, we need to find a harsh training ground so Luffy can master Haki as quickly as possible."
"How about Ruskaina Island? It has 48 different seasons, is not far from Amazon Lily, and is home to powerful beasts—perfect for training."
Rayleigh rubbed his nose, now red from Hancock's grip, and sighed:
"Don't worry, we won't be disturbing you otherwise."
"Hmph, that's more acceptable..."
Hancock glanced at Luffy, who looked utterly confused:
"Admiral Wright asked me to take care of this brat, but he never mentioned an old man coming personally to train him."
"A Conqueror's Haki user... Admiral Wright's disciples are all so exceptional~ As expected, Admiral Wright is the best!"
Rayleigh smiled wryly, watching as Hancock's eyes sparkled with admiration.
"Not many news birds come here... Before I left, Admiral Wright had already defeated Admiral Sakazuki and was named the next Fleet Admiral. The inauguration ceremony will be held at the start of the new year."
"Fleet Admiral! Really?! As expected, Admiral Wright is the best!"
"Whoa! Wright-san is going to be Fleet Admiral?!" Luffy ran up excitedly. "But Rayleigh, my crew was scattered by that bear-looking guy! If our training takes two years, they won't know where to find me!"
"That's..."
Hancock suddenly remembered something and took out a Den Den Mushi:
"Admiral Wright entrusted this to me... He said it can be used to contact the World Economy News' anonymous VIP service!"
"Oh! That's a top-tier service!" Rayleigh's eyes lit up. "I've heard that it even allows private public statements in the newspaper—including pirate news!"
"Former Warlord Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach, used this very method to announce his claim to the Warlord title in advance, which led to the capture of Whitebeard's three commanders and triggered the Summit War!"
Hancock spoke solemnly:
"This VIP service only became available after the World Economy News severed ties with the World Government a few years ago. It's strictly for high-end clients—make good use of it!"
"Then let's publish a message... That way, wherever they are, they'll see it—but we'll need to be subtle, so the Marines don't catch on."
...
Kuraigana Island.
Perona, who had been freeloading on the island for some time, floated around in boredom while Mihawk quietly sipped his wine.
Looking at Zoro, who knelt before him with bold words, Mihawk chuckled as he set down his glass:
"You want me to personally train a swordsman who seeks to take my life? Hahaha..."
"What a peculiar fellow... Just like that guy... Seriously... No wonder you two are fellow disciples. I'm starting to grow curious about your master."
Gazing at Zoro, Mihawk recalled the day Wright arrived on the island to challenge his swordsmanship. He also remembered Zoro's declaration back in the East Blue:
"A wound on the back is a swordsman's greatest shame."
"Hmph... Such foolish, childish bravado. That hasn't changed."
"But it seems you've found something even more important than your ambition."
"Your senpai, that girl... Under Wright's guidance, she has merged her swordsmanship with the Marines' 'justice.' She has already surpassed you considerably."
Zoro looked up, his expression stiff with frustration.
Mihawk took another sip of wine:
"Between Wright and myself, our swordsmanship is still evenly matched. But between you and your senpai... there remains a gap."
"Ghost girl, patch him up. Then we begin."
"Hey! Don't order me around!" Perona huffed, but Mihawk and Zoro both ignored her.
"If you can't catch up to your senpai's progress, I won't forgive you."
Zoro: "..."