On the high platform, Sengoku held a file in his hands.
After a brief opening speech, he unfolded the document, and the trainees of the elite camp all felt their hearts tighten.
He began to read aloud:
"Arikben, awarded the rank of Lieutenant. During his internship at the 12th Branch, he captured four pirates worth 5 million berries, two worth 10 million, and one worth 15 million. Assigned to the 12th Branch."
"Dandier, awarded the rank of Lieutenant…"
"Anthony, awarded the rank of Captain…"
"Brian, awarded the rank of…"
With each name read, the corresponding student stepped forward to receive their papers and orders.
Some were assigned to branch bases, others to headquarters, all determined by their performance and strength during training.
"Smoker!"
The name instantly drew attention. Everyone turned to him, curious about his posting.
Sengoku turned the page and continued:
"Smoker, during his internship at the 32nd Branch of the Grand Line, destroyed four pirate crews, captured forty pirates with bounties under ten million, five pirates worth ten million, three worth five million, and one worth eight million."
"Appointed as Colonel, to Loguetown in the East Blue, commanding all naval branches in the sea."
The crowd erupted in shock. Destroying four pirate crews, forty captures under ten million, and more at higher bounties—it was staggering.
Colonel was just one step below Rear Admiral. And being given full authority over the East Blue… in a few years, he'd surely return to headquarters promoted to Rear Admiral. His future path was clear: even the rank of Admiral wasn't out of reach.
Smoker himself remained calm, stepping forward to accept his commission.
As murmurs rippled through the students, Sengoku called the next name.
"Monkey D. Creed."
The air seemed to freeze. Everyone's breathing hitched. Creed was someone they could only look up to—already a Rear Admiral at his age. But where would he be sent?
Beyond Rear Admiral lay Vice Admiral.
"Monkey D. Creed, appointed Rear Admiral, to serve as Governor of the newly established G-K Branch, stationed in the New World!"
Gasps echoed across the field.
Sengoku listed Creed's accomplishments one by one. Though everyone already knew them, hearing them laid out in full made the weight of them overwhelming.
His record eclipsed everyone else's. It wasn't even a comparison—they weren't in the same league.
For the students, being in the same camp as a genius of his caliber was more burden than honor.
The G-K Branch drew particular attention. They had never heard of it before. Sengoku himself explained: it was a brand-new base, created specifically for Creed.
Until now, the only navy presence in the New World was G-5, famed for its strength and unruliness. Now, with G-K, there would be two.
Creed stepped forward, accepting his papers and the justice cloak of a true naval officer. The Rear Admiral rank, which the newspapers had already trumpeted after his victory over Crocodile, was now officially in his hands.
What he hadn't expected was being thrown directly into the New World.
The naming convention of branches was deliberate.
The four blues used numbers—12th Branch, 5th Branch, and so on.
The Grand Line used "G"—G-1, G-2, up to the infamous G-5.
And now, G-K was born.
Soon, all students had received their ranks, appointments, and cloaks.
Looking down at the eager, spirited faces of these young men and women, Sengoku smiled. They were the future pillars of the navy.
After his speech, Zephyr stepped forward.
Taking a deep breath, he said:
"Today you graduate. From here, you'll spread across the seas, to every corner of the world. You are my disciples. On the seas, don't disgrace my name. If I ever hear that one of you has abused your power, allied with pirates, or oppressed the people, I will personally purge you."
He raised his voice, thundering:
"The seas are full of strong men. I know you are brave, but bravery does not mean recklessness! When you face enemies far stronger than you, don't throw your lives away. Survive—that is the most important thing."
"I want every one of you standing here today to return alive. Not one less!"
His shout made his neck veins bulge.
"Yes, Sensei!!!"
The students roared in unison.
Zephyr crossed his arms, his eyes suspiciously red. Perhaps it was the wind—or perhaps something else. These students were his pride, his family.
"I've lost my family," he said softly, "but I still have you. You are my kin."
"Now that you set out on your journeys… let me, as your teacher, see you off. At the start, I tested you with my aura. So now, let us end the same way."
His body trembled—
BOOM!
A wave of overwhelming force burst out, pressing down on the field without restraint.
The students' eyes gleamed as they stood tall beneath the weight.
Then—another aura flared, rising to clash against Zephyr's.
"Hahahahaha! Good!"
Zephyr laughed heartily, pride shining in his eyes.
(End of Chapter)
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