Chapter 25: The Justice Question
The sudden question was as direct as a straight punch.
Garon opened his mouth, but found he had no prepared answer.
In West Blue, justice had been simple. Wiping out all the pirates was justice.
But after coming to HQ, especially after witnessing an existence like Whitebeard, he had begun to realize it wasn't nearly that simple.
With the experience of two lifetimes, he knew one thing clearly: rather than trying to be deceptively profound, it was better to face himself head-on. So, after a brief hesitation, Garon decisively admitted, "I... don't know."
Garon had gambled correctly again. His answer made Zephyr raise an eyebrow.
Clearly, Zephyr hadn't expected this sixteen-year-old youth, who dared to fight Whitebeard head-on, to admit he was lost. As someone who often lectured at the Marine Academy, he knew full well that young people like this were, without exception, incredibly arrogant.
"Interesting." Zephyr finally sat down, clearly satisfied with the answer. He motioned for Garon to sit as well, then continued, "Most people your age can't wait to declare their own philosophy of justice."
Garon sat in the visitor's chair, his back ramrod straight. "In West Blue, I thought justice was just... eliminating all pirates. But now..."
"Now you've seen a wider world," Zephyr finished for him. "And you've also seen the limits of your own power."
The office fell into a brief silence.
Outside the window, the cry of seagulls and the distant whistle of a departing warship could be heard.
Seeing Garon's silence, Zephyr suddenly changed the subject.
"Do you think you're especially strong, just because you could fight Whitebeard?"
Garon heard the test in his words.
It was a trap. Zephyr clearly wanted to use this to lecture him about his recklessness.
So, Garon went with the flow, nodding and admitting it directly. "It was strong, but it was also foolish."
That answer made Zephyr lean forward slightly.
"Explain."
"The Sky-Tremor Fruit gave me the capital to challenge a powerhouse, but the fruit's ability isn't everything," Garon said calmly, as if stating an objective fact. "When Whitebeard beat me with Haki at the end, I didn't even have a chance to react. In other words, if he had wanted to kill me, I would have been dead from the very first moment I attacked."
A flash of surprise crossed Zephyr's eyes.
He had assumed he'd have to waste his breath to make this young man recognize his own shortcomings, but he hadn't expected Garon to be so clear-headed.
A young man with this level of self-awareness and reflection was rare.
If it had been Sakazuki, Borsalino, or Kuzan, they probably would have said:
"I would have given my life to leave a permanent scar on Whitebeard. If we don't even have that resolve, what right do we have to talk about protecting the world?"
"Ooh~~ Whitebeard? How terrifying... But, I guess I was 'pretty lucky,' wasn't I? After all, with a monster like that, you'd be dead if you let your guard down for even a second~"
"Whitebeard is strong, but the outcome of a battle is never decided by individual strength alone."
"Rare," Zephyr commented. "Most people who get a powerful fruit ability gradually come to rely on it and neglect their basic training."
"I won't," Garon answered quickly, but Zephyr keenly noticed the subtle, tell-tale tightening of his fingers.
It seems even if he admits his weakness, in his heart, he still believes in his fruit's power!
Thinking this, Zephyr suddenly stood up. "Really?"
He walked around the desk to stand in front of Garon. "Stand up."
Garon immediately stood.
Zephyr was half a head taller, and at this close range, Garon could clearly feel the oppressive aura radiating from the "Black Arm" Vice Admiral.
"Without using your fruit, attack me," Zephyr commanded.
Garon hesitated for a fraction of a second. "Here?"
"Right now."
With no warning, Garon's right fist shot out. The punch had no flair, just a combination of pure speed and power, aimed straight at Zephyr's face.
"Too slow."
Zephyr didn't even move his feet, simply tilting his head slightly to dodge. At the same time, his left hand clamped down on Garon's wrist like a steel pincer.
"Again."
Garon switched to his left fist, coordinating it with a knee strike.
Zephyr released him, took half a step back, and easily evaded, simultaneously confirming that Garon's physical strength was immense. It wasn't on the level of a Giant's innate, monstrous power, but it wasn't far off.
"More than enough power. Not nearly enough technique."
For the next thirty seconds, Garon tried every angle of attack, but he couldn't even touch Zephyr's cape.
Sweat began to bead on his forehead, and his breathing became ragged.
"Enough." Zephyr suddenly raised a hand, pressed it flat against Garon's chest, and pushed him back into the chair.
"Do you see? Without your fruit, in the New World, you couldn't even handle a common pirate on a common pirate ship."
Garon clenched his fists, his chest heaving.
It wasn't from exhaustion, but from frustration.
Zephyr was right. He had, in fact, become reliant on the Sky-Tremor Fruit. Even in the fight with Whitebeard, his first instinct had been to maximize his fruit's effect, not to rely on basic combat skills.
But what can I do? The Sky-Tremor ability is just that good!
Garon even felt his fruit was the strongest Logia!
But, for the sake of Haki...
"I understand!" Garon took a deep, decisive breath and bowed deeply, his expression serious. "So, please... guide me! Vice Admiral Zephyr."
Zephyr didn't agree. Instead, he walked back to his seat, his expression softening slightly. "Why did you join the Marines?"
The sudden turn stunned Garon.
He thought for a moment, then decided to answer honestly. "To get stronger. And... to find an answer."
"What answer?"
"My justice!" Garon looked straight into Zephyr's eyes.
That one phrase, "My justice," was like a shot of adrenaline for Zephyr. He subconsciously pursed his lips.
This young man's ideological awareness is incredible!
So, schooling his expression, Zephyr silently assessed Garon. After a moment, he nodded slightly.
"At least you're honest. Unlike some who spout justice but have ulterior motives."
He opened a drawer, took out a file, and pushed it to Garon.
"Starting tomorrow, you will be my adjutant and will accompany me on missions. And from now on, I will personally train you to become a Marine Admiral!"
Garon took the file, seeing the HQ seal already stamped on it. This meant it wasn't an invitation, but an order.
"Yes, Vice Admiral Zephyr."
Zephyr stood, signaling the end of the conversation. "Remember, Warrant Officer Garon. A fruit's power is just a tool. A true powerhouse relies on this." He pointed to his heart. "And this." He pointed to his temple.
Garon nodded solemnly, saluted, and turned to leave.
As he gripped the doorknob, Zephyr's voice came again. "You will find your answer about justice. But remember..."
Garon looked back.
"Justice is not about killing. That is the answer I found."
Garon bowed deeply, then closed the door.
...
[Author's Note: The current timeline is 1480, two years after God Valley. I have modified the ages of the three Admirals. The youngest, Kuzan, is 19. Sakazuki is 20. The oldest, Borsalino, is 22 (already graduated from the Academy and received his Devil Fruit).]