Yuno's voice echoed across the field. Then, with another silver slash—like moonlight tearing through the smoke and dust—his blade charged straight toward Stoloberg, who had just barely stopped and stood defenseless!
Without question, if Stoloberg failed to react, this strike would have cut him down on the spot!
But, just as Yuno had anticipated, a figure rushed out at the last instant, blocking the path of the GETSUGA TENSHO Strike!
Yuno's Observation Haki immediately revealed the identity—Vice Admiral Flying Squirrel!
Without hesitation, Flying Squirrel stepped forward. His own senses told him this slash carried enough power to threaten even him.
"Hah!"
With a roar, he coated his fists in dense Armament Haki and charged head-on!
The clash shook the air. Flying Squirrel's blow shattered Yuno's crescent slash, but the force sent him staggering several steps back before he managed to halt.
His fists tightened, his expression grave. What a terrifying slash… from a recruit who hasn't even graduated?!
Even for him, dealing with such a strike wasn't simple.
It was hard to believe, yet the truth stood right before his eyes. He could only sigh inwardly—truly worthy of being Zephyr's prized student. Just as the rumors claimed, this boy was a monster.
…
The sudden twist left the spectators frozen in disbelief.
When their eyes turned back to Yuno, shock filled every gaze.
"Are… are you kidding me? That's a fresh recruit?"
"A slash on that level… even many sword-wielding vice admirals couldn't match it!"
"No wonder he was called a future admiral… with this strength, he deserves that title!"
An uproar spread through the crowd. At first, many had viewed the graduation test with skepticism—even ridicule. But now, having witnessed Yuno's power, their doubts were obliterated.
This was no ordinary recruit. This was a man with the qualifications to become an admiral!
Hina, Ain, and Ian—those who knew Yuno best—stood slack-jawed, mouths wide enough to fit an egg.
They had always known Yuno was strong, but this terrifying display of full power was beyond their imagination!
Roy, who once dreamed of surpassing him, felt his face burn. How stupid was I back then? Yuno won't remember what I said, right? Gods, how embarrassing…
Meanwhile, Ian and the others who had followed Yuno to Marineford were speechless.
Too abnormal… That was the only thought in their minds.
Only Lafer still had fire in his eyes. While he was proud of Yuno, he also clenched his fists in resolve. If he wanted to stand alongside him, he would have to push himself harder, and train until the day he could catch up!
...
Inside a nearby building, gazing down at the arena through the French windows, Admiral Aokiji let out a rare exclamation.
"No wonder Zephyr San values this kid so highly… At that age, to be this strong is pretty impressive."
Zephyr, standing beside him, wore a calm smile. "Heh, don't underestimate my eye for talent. My ability to judge people is far sharper than you youngsters give me credit for."
But deep inside, Zephyr felt a twinge of awkwardness. He hadn't actually expected Yuno to reach such a level. Passing the assessment was one thing—but defeating an active Rear Admiral, and one as capable as Stoloberg? That was beyond even his predictions. And Yuno had even managed to repel the Flying Squirrel…
That wasn't just surprising.
It was shocking.
If not for his composure, he might have embarrassed himself in front of Aokiji.
Meanwhile, Kizaru, who had been lazily observing the test from a distance, strolled closer. Perhaps he'd only come for a change of pace, but what he saw left him raising his brows.
With his usual drawl, his lips curling into a sly grin, he remarked, "Oooh, how scary… Are the rookies these days really this monstrous? This has gotta be a joke…"
Stoloberg had once served under him, so Kizaru had simply come out of curiosity. Instead, he'd stumbled onto a scene that defied belief—a recruit defeating a Rear Admiral, and even fending off a Vice Admiral.
Back on the field, Yuno retracted his silver fiber, saluted crisply, and asked,
"Instructor, do I pass this assessment?"
Stoloberg stood frozen, his breathing ragged, his expression dark. Never had he imagined suffering such a complete defeat. If the Flying Squirrel hadn't interfered, that final sword strike—Observation Haki had told him—would have left him gravely wounded, maybe even killed, despite his Armament defense.
Humiliation burned in his chest.
A Rear Admiral… defeated by a mere recruit.
His face shadowed, Stoloberg said nothing. Yuno, however, only smiled faintly, waiting.
A heavy silence settled.
The Flying Squirrel opened his mouth but quickly shut it again—this was not his place to speak.
Fortunately, the quiet didn't last. With a firm step, Zephyr appeared on the field, his imposing presence breaking the tension. His gaze swept over the two men, reading more than either revealed. Clearing his throat, he addressed Stoloberg directly:
"Rear Admiral Stoloberg, Patino Yuno has passed this assessment. You have no objection, do you?"
Stoloberg drew in a long breath, hiding the killing intent seething within him. His voice was calm but heavy:
"…Teacher Zephyr, I have no objection."
With that, he turned on his heel and strode away.
Yet Yuno could still feel it—the faint, unmistakable murderous intent lingering in the air. A grin tugged at his lips. He muttered under his breath, "Murderous intent, huh? Heh… interesting."
Zephyr gave a short nod, then declared in a voice that carried across the grounds:
"Patino Yuno has passed the graduation assessment!"
"Thank you, Teacher Zephyr!" Yuno bowed deeply.
Zephyr's stern eyes softened slightly. "You've exceeded even my expectations. To defeat Stoloberg… you already possess the strength of a Rear Admiral. I'll push for your promotion."
Yuno's gaze sharpened with determination. "Thank you, Teacher Zephyr!" He saluted once more.
Zephyr dismissed him with a satisfied wave. "Good. You may go for now. Leave the rest to us."
Yuno nodded and departed, his back straight and steady.
But the field did not quiet down. On the contrary, whispers spread like wildfire. First the recruits, then the instructors, then the officers—until finally the entire Marine Headquarters knew.
A recruit had defeated a Rear Admiral in his graduation exam.
The news sent shockwaves through the Navy.
The name "Patino Yuno" had just become impossible to ignore.
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