Seeing Zephyr crying for him, Klein felt a sharp tug in his chest.
He was only fourteen years old—turning fifteen this year.
Back in my previous life, I'd still be in middle school at this age, he thought. That carefree age.
"Bro... I-I'll definitely become a hero." Zephyr's voice was choked with sobs, his face full of longing. He had already lost his family.
It had been a long, long time since he felt any special warmth or care from anyone.
But here, with Klein—he truly felt the warmth of an older brother.
Klein smiled gently. "Otōtō, show me your idea of a hero's pose."
Zephyr quickly wiped away his tears and smiled. "If big bro wants to see it, then I'll show it off properly."
In his mind, the image came to life: a childhood memory of striking a heroic pose for his friends.
His expression turned serious and focused. Dressed only in his cadet uniform, he spoke with resolute confidence:
"I am... the hero of justice!"
He spread his arms wide and twisted them in front of him in two full circles, freezing in a powerful stance.
It looked just like the two horizontal strokes of a Z.
With all his might, he bellowed at the top of his lungs, bursting with an unwavering belief:
"Z!!!"
The powerful shout, full of spirit and conviction, shook everyone present—Klein included.
Z.
"Hahaha—!" Klein burst out laughing. "Hey, my otōtō, your big bro's got a good eye for people."
"You'll absolutely become a hero one day!"
He stepped forward and gave Zephyr a big bear hug, patting him firmly on the back. "Just make sure you become your own kind of hero."
"Yeah!" Zephyr bit his lip, though it quivered like a wave. In the end, he couldn't hold back anymore and broke down, crying his heart out.
He hugged Klein tightly, refusing to let go. Klein let him stay that way until he calmed down.
"Remember, if you ever face an enemy you can't beat, focus on staying alive. I'll come back and reclaim your pride for you!"
"No matter where you are on this sea—I'll come running!"
At that moment—
A Marine captain on deck shouted toward him: "Sir Klein! It's time to set sail! Please board the ship!"
Klein ignored him entirely.
The Marine Four Flowers had already laid down big bundles at his feet—so heavy that the ground trembled under the weight.
"Klein-oniichan! These are all supplies we prepared for you. You'll definitely need them on your journey!"
"There's also protein powder and amino acids our dad asked us to pass on!"
"He said to tell you to build some real muscle!"
"..." Klein fell silent. He turned toward the ship. "Hey! You guys, come down here and haul this stuff aboard!"
Several Marine soldiers stomped down the gangplank and began moving the supplies onto the warship.
Tsuru smiled gracefully. "Klein, you're the first cadet in the academy's history to graduate early. We're proud of you. We hope to hear your name echo across the seas soon."
Having your name known throughout the Grand Line—now that was face.
"Oh, that's guaranteed!" Klein flashed a confident, cocky grin.
There was a glint of arrogance in his eyes—like a charming, cocky villain.
"Also, you promised me a luxurious dinner, remember?" Tsuru, the beautiful girl, smiled warmly, like a gentle spring breeze.
"I'll make sure you eat so much your belly swells."
Like you're pregnant.
After saying goodbye one by one—
Klein turned around. His Justice-emblazoned cloak flared in the wind. Seagulls circled above, letting out loud cries as if to see him off.
The King of the Marines—First Generation—sets sail!
Klein stepped forward, striding up the gangplank like a dragon—bold and powerful.
Just then—
A voice rang out beside him:
"Hey—Klein! I don't become someone's adjutant that easily, you know! If I'm going to serve under someone, they better at least be a Vice Admiral—maybe even an Admiral!"
He froze mid-step.
How could he not recognize that voice?
Ah... Tsuru!
Countless memories surged through his mind like passing clouds. Why were his eyes getting blurry?
"Admiral?" Klein didn't turn around, just laughed loudly. "Hahaha—!"
"Becoming Admiral's nothing—I only need to lift a finger!"
"After all..."
"I'm the strongest genius in Marine history!!"
It was that overwhelming confidence—that youthful arrogance—that made everyone seeing him off smile.
Klein stepped onto the deck.
The Marine captain there shouted, "Set sail!"
Immediately, soldiers began raising the heavy anchor and unfurling the sails. A seagull flew by, carrying a scale in its beak.
The warship moved out.
At the crescent-shaped bay, Kong slowly appeared from the shadows. He watched the ship with firm eyes.
"Klein... next time we meet, I won't lose so pitifully again!"
"....." Instructor Carter stayed quiet. That brat Klein really is a monster... I almost feel bad crushing his confidence.
He chuckled. "Hahaha—! That kid's gonna flip the world upside down. Pirates are gonna have a hell of a time."
"I just hope... he remembers my name now and then."
Old me donated quite a bit to you, y'know... 510 million Berries! I remember the number exactly!
You know...
Every time I think about that number—
It hurts like hell.
I've barely slept these past few nights.
On the warship.
A young Marine man around twenty years old, about 180cm tall, walked up to Klein. He wore a Marine Captain's uniform—not the usual square-jawed face, but one that was rather delicate. A sniper rifle was strapped to his back. He saluted:
"Commander Klein, sir! I'm Captain Os. From now on, I'll be in charge of escorting you to New World GL-14 Base!"
Os?
Klein's gaze completely ignored the man's outdated uniform, instead locking onto the sniper rifle on his back. A memory from his past life suddenly surfaced.
World's number one sniper... Codename 'Black Gun', the 'Black Emperor'... King of the Old Era... on my warship?
Well...
Klein quickly came to his senses. It's probably just the same name. Marines and pirates are enemies after all.
Then it hit him.
Wait—did Os just say New World?
Klein's eyes widened. "Hey, Os—are you saying the GL-14 Marine Base is in the New World?!"
"That's right! We're heading to the Red Line, and from there to the New World," Os replied.
"Shit!"
Klein's expression darkened. The New World?! No way!
I haven't even grabbed the money from Skypiea yet—how can I go somewhere that dangerous?
His face turned serious. "I'm the highest-ranking officer on this ship. Os, I order you—change course! Take us to the Sabaody Archipelago first!"
!!!
Os's expression shifted drastically. He began sweating.
"Wait wait wait, Commander Klein! That's a direct violation of orders—you'll be punished!"
"I'll take responsibility if anything happens!"
Klein's tone was absolute. His sharp eyes radiated oppressive force, making Os feel like he couldn't breathe.
So strong.
Just like the rumors—truly a terrifying monster.
No wonder he defeated Kong, earning the title of the most powerful Marine in 800 years.
[Volume One: End]