Zephyr didn't reject Trace's "enlistment application."
The Navy had always been a great melting pot—an inclusive force where anyone willing to fight against wicked pirates and help maintain order across the seas could join, regardless of background.
Especially someone like Trace—clean origins, and a terrifying combat record.
[Defeated a subordinate of an Emperor]!
One of the rarest accolades across the entire Grand Line.
There were few individuals with that kind of reputation.
Zephyr had high hopes for him.
"This year's Elite Training Camp is already halfway through.
"We're about to arrive at an ancient island located at the beginning of Paradise—Little Garden.
"After a day of rest and resupply there, the training ship will return to Marineford to commence the second half of the program.
"Since you're voluntarily joining the Navy, there's no issue with your strength.
"But during the latter half of the training camp, just be mindful not to bully the other recruits."
What do you mean 'no issue with strength'?
What do you mean 'don't bully other recruits'?
Trace's lips twitched slightly.
If his strength was an issue, would he really be here trying to hug the Navy's thickest thigh?
Zephyr took back the enlistment documents Trace handed him and slipped them neatly into a drawer.
"Any other questions?"
Trace had plenty of minor ones, but he hesitated for a moment before asking the most important one.
"Admiral Zephyr—no, Instructor Zephyr."
Trace corrected his tone awkwardly.
"Aren't you concerned that I only joined the Navy for revenge against the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates?"
"Do you have any idea how many people enlist in the Navy every year out of hatred for pirates?"
Zephyr shook his head and sighed.
"I only hope you won't let vengeance cloud your judgment.
"Whether it's Kaido of the Beasts or Charlotte Linlin, both stand at the very top of the sea. Seeking revenge before you're strong enough is suicide."
"I understand," Trace nodded solemnly.
Once he was strong enough, he'd drag both Emperors down together.
"As for the training camp details, I'll have someone brief you—that same recruit who brought you here, Hina."
Zephyr gestured to dismiss him. "If there's nothing else, you're free to go."
Trace mimicked Hina's earlier salute, giving Zephyr a not-quite-perfect Navy gesture, and left the room.
What he didn't know was that after he left, Zephyr reopened his drawer and pulled out two intelligence reports.
The old one detailed the "Mariejois Raid" from half a month ago.
Fisher Tiger, the adventurer from Fish-Man Island, had scaled the Red Line by hand and successfully infiltrated Mariejois. He freed countless slaves and caused a major upheaval across the seas.
The newer report hadn't been publicly released. Within the Navy, only a select few were even aware of it.
In response to the raid—and as a show of force to deter increasingly rampant piracy—the Five Elders, the true power behind the World Government, had begun drafting a new system:
The Seven Warlords of the Sea system.
"In exchange for accepting compulsory conscription and submitting a portion of their earnings to the World Government, notorious pirates will be granted legal plundering rights, while also being tasked with suppressing and intimidating other pirates."
Zephyr's verdict on the system?
"What utter crap."
The new report was filled with clauses and caveats. It was clear that the Warlord system was already in its final stages of preparation.
The Five Elders weren't even seeking the Navy's opinion—just sending down a one-sided decree.
Forcing back his disgust, Zephyr continued flipping through the intelligence report.
"Warlord candidates must possess both overwhelming strength and notorious reputation…"
"Initial list includes pirates who have previously lost to Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom, etc…"
When he read that line, Zephyr suddenly froze.
His mind flashed back to the boy who had just left his office.
"…Huh? …Wait a second?"
---
Outside the office, a string of glowing text flickered at the edge of Trace's vision.
[You've joined the Navy's Elite Training Camp. You've acquired the E-rank Trait: Elite Marine!]
[E-rank Trait: Elite Marine]
[Description: A title reserved for Navy soldiers who've passed rigorous screening and elite selection.]
[Effect: +1 to Strength, Endurance, and Agility attributes at E-rank level.]
[Evaluation: "Return to the city as a living legend, the ultimate soldier king."]
[Your Strength and Agility have risen to E.]
[Your Endurance has risen to D.]
[Your overall evaluation has slightly increased.]
"Wait, joining the Elite Training Camp gives me a free E-rank trait?!"
Trace scanned the system notifications quickly. Feeling his sudden boost in physical stats, he couldn't help but grin.
"And if even basic marines have traits… that means corporals, officers, commanders—and even the top dogs like the Admirals and the Fleet Admiral—must have even stronger traits!"
Trace reached a clear and exciting conclusion.
In theory…
If he could eventually unlock the [Admiral of the Navy] trait, he'd be promoted instantly to an A-rank powerhouse!
That would be an instant level-up!
"Did Instructor Zephyr tell you something that made you this happy?" came Hina's voice beside him.
Trace turned toward her with a smile.
"Only that I've earned the chance to get closer to the beautiful Miss Hina."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hina blinked, her gem-like eyes sparkling with confusion.
Trace said warmly, "Admiral Zephyr accepted me into the Navy. That means I can now be your trusted comrade—someone you can entrust your life to."
"Can you not say things so weirdly?" Hina blushed slightly and rolled her eyes at him.
"Every just-hearted Marine is someone we can trust with our lives!"
"But Miss Hina is different," Trace said, shaking his head. "Because Miss Hina is…"
About to receive what she assumed would be a handsome compliment, Hina instinctively puffed out her modest chest and stood up straight, her long, fair legs neatly together.
"…Miss Hina," Trace finished with a grin.
Because Hina is Hina!
His words, so ambiguous yet heartfelt, struck the young Marine like a crashing wave of emotion. Her pale cheeks flushed bright red, and it looked like steam could practically burst from the top of her head.
She shot him a half-angry, half-embarrassed glare, eyes shimmering with mixed feelings. Then, she stomped her booted feet—thump, thump—and led the way toward the recruits' mess hall.
Clearly, she remembered Trace had mentioned earlier that he was starving.
Watching her brisk steps and her confident figure in uniform, Trace couldn't help but sigh in satisfaction.
"Blue skies, white clouds, a beautiful Navy girl by my side… Now this is how a proper life should start."