As Zephyr entered the training grounds, the gathered Marine officers instinctively formed into a neat formation.
Daren noticed Gion quietly stepping in behind him to take her place in line. He allowed himself a faint smile.
Soon enough, Zephyr reached the front of the formation.
Standing before the legendary former admiral and chief instructor, every Marine straightened their posture and raised their hands in a unified salute.
"Zephyr-sensei!!"
No matter how proud or defiant they had been before arriving at Marine Headquarters, in front of this man—this living legend who had trained generation after generation of "monsters"—they all offered their sincerest respect.
"Not bad! Spirited and imposing!"
Zephyr scanned the row of youthful, determined faces and the eyes burning with ambition. A satisfied smile crept onto his face.
Every time he saw young people like this, striving to walk the path of justice under his guidance, he felt a deep pride that words could hardly express.
It was that same feeling that kept him here, teaching, even after he'd lost faith in the institution itself.
In some quiet corner of his heart, Zephyr understood that the satisfaction of raising the next generation helped dull the grief and pain he still carried.
Adjusting his sunglasses, he began to speak.
"Before the training officially begins, I'd like to offer my congratulations."
His voice was deep and steady, echoing through the training grounds and settling clearly into the mind of every trainee.
"Congratulations on being officially accepted into the Marine Headquarters Officer Training Camp."
As his warm smile spread, many of the students couldn't help but smile along with him.
"You come from all corners of the world. Some from the peaceful East Blue, some from the wealthy West Blue, others from the chaotic North Blue...
"Before today, your lives were vastly different. Some of you were high-ranking officers in control of entire sea regions. Others were ordinary soldiers...
"You've all walked a long, hard road to reach this place. I know it hasn't been easy.
"And you should be proud of yourselves."
At those words, the trainees instinctively stood straighter.
Daren noticed that Kuzan's eyes were glowing, his clenched fists trembling with excitement.
"But!"
Zephyr's tone suddenly sharpened.
"All of that ends now!"
"Your past identities, honors, achievements—they no longer matter. Here, in this camp, you are nothing!"
"From now on, you will rebuild your lives from the ground up."
"You're about to live through the best and the worst year of your lives."
"You will be pushed to your physical and mental limits on every front..."
...
At the same time, atop a building overlooking the training ground stood three tall figures, side by side.
Their long coats, symbolizing their rank as Rear Admirals, fluttered behind them in the wind.
"Here we go again... a new beginning,"
Borsalino said with a lazy grin, hands in his pockets as he watched the scene below.
"Thinking back, those really were good days."
A flicker of nostalgia crossed Dragon's eyes before he gave a small smile.
"Still, this is the third batch now, and Zephyr-sensei's speech hasn't changed a word."
Borsalino shrugged.
"What I want to know is—who's going to take the top spot this time?"
"No one managed to claim it last time. That was a shame..."
He glanced sideways at Sakazuki and Dragon.
Sakazuki remained silent.
He studied the crowd below for a moment, then turned away without a word.
"Oh? Not staying to see how it plays out? I heard that kid Kuzan has talent like ours—monster-level, they say."
Borsalino sounded genuinely surprised as he watched Sakazuki's retreating back.
"No need."
Sakazuki didn't stop walking.
"'Monster-level' isn't special. Everyone here carries that title."
"He won't beat my adjutant."
With that cold response, Sakazuki vanished from their sight.
"Man... cold as ever."
Borsalino scratched his head with mock helplessness, then turned to Dragon.
"What about you? What's your take, Dragon?"
Dragon paused in thought, then spoke slowly.
"That Kuzan kid... I've read his file. He's impressive."
"If Daren weren't here, he'd crush the competition without even trying."
Borsalino smiled.
"That's a real shame, huh?"
...
"...Now, open your eyes and take a good look around. Say hello to your competitors—and your future comrades."
Back on the field, Zephyr was nearing the end of his speech.
Everyone remained laser-focused.
"It doesn't matter whether you were successful or failed in the past, whether you were glorious or forgotten, strong or weak... none of that matters now."
"Because the moment you stand before me, your life's starting line is reset."
"I will give you everything I've learned—without holding anything back."
"This is your stage."
"And whether your story ends in triumph or failure... is up to you."
"Now, before we officially begin the camp, let me ask—"
"Does anyone here wish to withdraw? If you do, speak up now."
Zephyr's sharp gaze swept across the crowd.
Fifteen trainees met his eyes with unwavering determination.
There was no way anyone would give up a chance this rare—one that countless Marines would fight for.
Zephyr's smile deepened.
"Very well. Then I hereby declare..."
He drew a deep breath, and his voice rang across the field.
"The Third Elite Officer Training Camp of Marine Headquarters—officially begins!"
"Next, as per tradition, the new trainees will engage in randomized combat. Based on strength, the top five positions in the camp will be determined."
Tokikake raised his hand, curiosity written on his face.
"Zephyr-sensei, is there a reward for making the top five?"
Zephyr shook his head.
"No. In terms of teaching resources, all students are treated equally. No exceptions."
He grinned, a spark of amusement in his eyes.
"But the top five list itself—that's the biggest reward, isn't it?"
The moment those words landed, a fiery battle spirit ignited in everyone's eyes.
He was right. The list itself was the reward.
Every one of them had been handpicked from across the world—elite, exceptional, and confident. None of them were willing to fall behind.
For a Marine, honor is the highest prize!
To stand among the top five in a camp full of the best...
To claim the title of number one!
...
(50 Chapters Ahead)
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