Chapter 347: Marine Elite Training Camp
The New World began to descend into chaos.
The Marines had no intention of intervening, or rather, this was exactly what they hoped to see.
The plan was to let these Pirates fight among themselves, turning them into complete enemies, and then the Marines would find an opportunity to act.
This also had drawbacks: under the constant cycle of big fish eating small fish, these top-tier Hegemon-level Pirate Groups would continuously grow stronger and become harder to deal with.
There was nothing that could be done; this was their only choice.
Moreover, the current Marines needed more high-end combat power, which required even more time.
During the war against the Rocks Pirates, Fleet Admiral "Steel Bone" Kong focused on cultivating young, potential Marines, gathering the more outstanding Marines from Headquarters for cultivation.
This was effective, but the efficiency wasn't high and couldn't meet the current needs of the Marines.
Especially after discovering many excellent young talent appearing in some Navy Branches and Navy Fortresses in the Four Seas.
Kong's idea of establishing a Marine Elite Training Class, focusing on cultivating outstanding Marines and helping them quickly grow, became increasingly strong.
An important point was to gather all of them at Marine Headquarters for cultivation.
If they didn't act quickly, the Four Seas Faction might resurface and grow stronger again.
Kong, who had experienced the terrifying peak of the Marine Four Seas Faction, was extremely wary of this.
Although the Four Seas Faction was not powerful now, having suffered heavy losses in the war, and later voluntarily resigned from the Marines, being courted by various Factions and joining Kingdom Navy.
However, they still possessed a considerable foundation.
Especially since the Four Seas were inherently far from the emperor's reach, as Member Nations grew stronger, the connections between some Four Seas Navy Branch Bases and certain Member Nations became closer.
Already having numerous interests, they were also easily subject to infiltration.
Turning them into the Headquarters Faction could also effectively suppress the Four Seas Faction.
With this idea, there was a need for a Marine Chief Instructor who possessed excellent teaching ability, could quickly develop the potential of these young Marines, and had sufficient strength to suppress these geniuses.
Kong, who had trained Garp and Sengoku, knew clearly that this was a difficult matter.
The most suitable candidate was Zephyr.
Zephyr had climbed up from the very bottom.
He focused on training the body and fundamentals.
Before his promotion to corporal and obtaining the training manual for Marine Six Styles.
Zephyr's own body technique, through years of training and exploration, was already that of an excellent combat master.
In terms of technique alone, neither Garp nor Kong could compare to Zephyr.
It was precisely because of this foundation that Zephyr's strength could undergo earth-shattering change within just a few years, making him one of the top strongmen in the Marines.
Compared to them, Zephyr was most suitable for teaching others how to become stronger, build a foundation, walk a suitable path, develop others' potential as much as possible, and even break through their original limit.
However, Zephyr was currently a Marine Admiral, and his own strength was equally important to the Marines.
Moreover, as a Marine Admiral, how could he focus his energy on teaching?
Of course, Kong had many other candidates, all veteran Marines with many years of experience, former Marine Vice Admirals, and even current Marine Vice Admirals.
However, none were as suitable as Zephyr.
Regardless, Kong had decided to establish what would be named the "Marine Elite Training Camp," a cradle specifically for cultivating the future of the Marines.
This was irreversible.
Before this, Kong decided to have a good talk with Zephyr.
"Zephyr, what do you think?"
"I hope you can consider it."
Inside the Fleet Admiral's Office, Kong looked seriously at Zephyr, with Advisor Tsuru beside him.
He told Zephyr about establishing the Elite Training Camp.
He very much hoped Zephyr could serve as the Marine Elite Training Class Marine Chief Instructor.
Similarly, Zephyr was also the candidate Tsuru recommended to him; their opinions could be said to have completely coincided.
Zephyr was thinking seriously.
After a long time, he looked at Kong.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, are you sure the Marines won't go to war with that group of Pirates in the New World in the short term?"
"Not in the short term."
Kong nodded.
"This Trade Route is what the World Government values most right now."
Moreover, for those Pirates in the New World, relying on Sengoku and Garp was sufficient.
"Then I agree."
Zephyr nodded.
Cultivating the future of the Marines, this mission was very heavy for him, but he still decided to take on this heavy responsibility.
"If needed, I'm ready to participate in battle at any time."
As he spoke, a smile appeared on Zephyr's face, and a warm gaze flashed in his eyes.
"It just so happens I can take some time to spend with my wife; that son of mine is almost three years old."
Zephyr was very busy.
After spending two years in the Four Seas and being promoted to Marine Admiral, he rarely got a two-month vacation.
During this time, he got married, and after his wife became pregnant, he continued to suppress the Four Seas.
He only went back once when his son was about to be born and left again soon after.
Now the mission of suppressing the Four Seas was over, but this didn't mean Zephyr had free time.
Kong and Tsuru also smiled when they saw Zephyr like this.
Tsuru herself also had a son, who was now in his teens.
"At that time, I'll trouble you to look after little Burau, Zephyr."
"Haha, I'm very strict, you know."
Burau was Tsuru's son.
She liked to use bird names for naming, just like her future granddaughter Kujaku.
"Since you've agreed, Zephyr, I officially appoint you as Marine Chief Instructor, while still retaining your Admiral position."
"Next, I will gather many young and outstanding Marines from the Four Seas, Marine Headquarters, and the Grand Line, and have them enter the Marine Elite Training Camp."
"They come from different regions and have different habits and philosophies.
I hope you can be more patient."
"Feel free to raise any requirements you have; I will do my best to satisfy them."
"They are the future of the Marines.
I'm entrusting them to you, Zephyr."
Kong said solemnly, his gaze like a Blade Edge falling upon Zephyr.
Zephyr's body stood straight, and he saluted with a serious expression.
At this moment, he felt even more the arduousness and importance of his mission.
"I won't let you down!"
(end of chapter)