The Officer Training Camp at Marineford had evolved considerably since its humble beginnings. What started as little more than an intensive boot camp now bore the official title of Marine Military Academy, a proper institution with all the bureaucratic weight that implied.
Admiral Zephyr served as its headmaster, a position he'd accepted only after the higher-ups rejected his retirement request. He still held his Admiral rank, but his days of frontline combat were behind him. Now he shaped the next generation instead of fighting pirates personally.
Finn sat across from his old teacher in the headmaster's office, which reflected Zephyr's personality perfectly. No unnecessary ornaments, no displays of wealth or status. Just functional furniture arranged with military precision, the same spartan aesthetic Zephyr had maintained throughout his career.
A single piece of calligraphy hung on the wall, four bold characters that read: Press Forward Courageously.
The brushwork belonged to Admiral Sengoku, one of the few high-ranking Marines who'd nurtured refinement alongside combat prowess. Unlike rough-edged warriors like Garp, Sengoku appreciated art and philosophy. His own office displayed a different phrase in elegant script: Sovereign Over All Seas, expressing his lifelong ambition to see justice reign supreme across the world.
The calligraphy here in Zephyr's office represented Sengoku's hopes for the academy itself. That its graduates would forge ahead fearlessly and bring honor to the Marines in battles yet to come.
"These people are absolutely insane!" Finn growled, crumpling the newspaper in his fist. "I'm adding Morgans to my list. If that overgrown bird ever falls into my hands..."
Zephyr chuckled while preparing tea with practiced movements, his demeanor relaxed and content. "The newspaper didn't slander you, did it? Quite the opposite. They're calling you a representative of the new generation, destined to shine brilliantly across the seas, someone worth watching closely. Why would you want revenge for good press?"
"The reputation they're building is terrible," Finn said, his expression genuinely pained.
Within the Marines and among certain outside circles, Finn had acquired the nickname "Violent Tiger of Marine Headquarters," courtesy of that bastard Garp and his loud mouth. The origin story claimed Finn had beaten up the Fleet Admiral and forced Garp to jump off a building, which was absurd but persistent.
Initially, Finn had rejected the title entirely. But over time it had evolved into something almost respectful, and he'd gradually accepted it as inevitable.
Now Morgans, clearly understanding the Marines' intention to promote Finn as a new icon, had jumped on the publicity wave with both feet. That part should have been welcome.
Except the bird had decided to brand him with a new title: Evil-Slayer Finn.
Apparently Morgans figured that since Garp had been called the "Hero of the Marines" back in his day, and Finn had now captured the Pirate King, the young Vice Admiral deserved equally grand nomenclature.
Most people seemed to think it was fine. Instructor Zephyr showed no objection. But to Finn's ears, "Evil-Slayer" sounded awkward and cheap, like something from a third-rate adventure novel. It was somehow even worse than "Violent Tiger."
He could already imagine the scene: walking through some port town, minding his own business, when someone would point and shout, "Look, it's him! The Evil-Slayer!"
The thought made him want to die of embarrassment. Social death incarnate.
They might as well have called me "Justice Messenger" and finished the job.
"Evil-Slayer is excellent, what's wrong with it?" Zephyr said cheerfully. "Sengoku and the others clearly intend to make you a role model for the new generation. Don't disappoint us."
Finn's expression remained sour. "I won't disappoint you, Teacher. But please don't use that title around me. I genuinely can't handle it. It's worse than Violent Tiger..."
"Haha, young people worry too much about reputation." Zephyr's eyes crinkled with amusement.
Finn tossed the offending newspaper aside and took a sip of tea, letting the bitter warmth settle him. "Teacher, any promising students lately? Once Roger's execution wraps up, I'll probably be assigned to command a regional base. If you've got talented youngsters, recommend them to me first. I could use good people."
"I knew you had ulterior motives visiting me," Zephyr said with mock severity. "Always after my students."
But his weathered face split into a grin almost immediately. He shook his head and slid a document across the desk. "There are some decent prospects, though I'm not sure they'll meet your standards. Take a look."
As headmaster, Zephyr naturally wanted his students to thrive. Finn represented the rising tide of Marine power, his future practically guaranteed to be brilliant. Any officer who joined Finn's command early would benefit enormously from the association.
So despite his grumbling, Zephyr's actions were entirely sincere.
Finn scanned the list of names and accompanying profiles. None rang any bells, no future legends-in-waiting jumped out at him. He scratched his head with mild disappointment. "Eh, forget it. Maybe next time."
Zephyr rolled his eyes but didn't press the issue. These things required natural chemistry. When Finn had first met Dauberman years ago, the connection had been immediate. Dauberman was thriving now, and would almost certainly be promoted to Rear Admiral after Roger's execution. That's how it should work.
"If you don't like them, you don't like them," Zephyr said. "But what's this 'next time' nonsense, brat?"
Truth was, he felt slightly regretful himself. This current crop of students lacked truly outstanding individuals. But that was normal. If every class produced monsters like Kuzan, Sakazuki, Borsalino, Gion, and Finn himself, the Marines would have conquered the seas decades ago.
"You mentioned being sent out to command a base?" Zephyr asked, shifting topics.
Having chosen to focus on the academy, he no longer tracked every development in Marine operations. Sengoku's specific plans for Finn's future weren't something he'd been briefed on.
Finn nodded. "Yes, actually that's why I came today. Wanted your advice..."
He pulled out a sea chart and spread it across Zephyr's desk. Various Marine bases were marked with circles and notations across the map's surface.
"Teacher, Admiral Sengoku told me I could essentially choose my posting. What do you think I should pick?" Finn asked with a slight smile.
"Choose freely?" Zephyr's eyebrows rose, then he laughed. "Sengoku really does favor you."
"I'm a likable person," Finn replied with exaggerated modesty.
Zephyr set down his teacup and studied the chart carefully. "Since Sengoku's giving you free choice, it mainly depends on your needs and what kind of accomplishments you want to achieve." His expression turned more serious. "Finn, this is both a promotion and a test. Don't treat it casually."
"A test?" Finn's brow furrowed slightly. "Please elaborate, Teacher."
Zephyr leaned back, fingers steepled thoughtfully. "You're riding high right now, so you might not have considered all the implications. Think about it like this: if you choose a base that's already well-supplied with abundant resources and strong personnel, sure, it'll be easier to show results. But the foundation is already there. In some ways, that makes it harder to prove your personal capabilities."
He tapped the map. "Conversely, if you select a 'lean' base and transform it into something prosperous, that demonstrates real management ability. Same principle applies to military discipline. Taking a well-ordered base and maintaining it is one thing. Taking a base with discipline problems and reforming it entirely is something else."
Zephyr's gaze sharpened. "You need to think about what capabilities you want to prove. Choose the corresponding base and develop it properly. That's the real test Sengoku's setting for you. Pass this challenge, keep your combat strength growing, and when the opportunity comes to select new Admirals in the future, you'll be at the top of the list."
Finn stroked his chin, processing the advice. After a moment, his eyes cleared with understanding. "It's not just about proving my capabilities to myself, is it?"
Zephyr's face lit up with approval. "Go on."
"Admiral Sengoku needs me to prove to everyone else that I'm Admiral material," Finn said slowly, working through the logic aloud. "In terms of combat achievement, even though Roger was somewhat opportunistic, I captured him regardless. That box is checked. What I need to demonstrate now is governance and leadership."
He gestured at the map. "If I can take a Marine base and lead it to genuine prosperity, that proves I could do the same for the entire Marine organization from Marineford. It shows I have the vision and skill to make the Marines stronger as an institution, not just win individual battles."
When it came to fighting pirates, Finn had no concerns whatsoever. In just a few days he might have to fight Shiki. Beyond that, the Great Pirate Era was about to explode across the seas. Combat opportunities would be endless.
But proving he could lead at the highest levels? That required different evidence entirely.
"Hahaha, you're still thinking about the Admiral position!" Zephyr laughed with genuine delight.
"A Marine who doesn't dream of becoming an Admiral isn't a good Marine," Finn said without hesitation. "And not just Admiral. If I get the chance in the future, I want Fleet Admiral too."
"Ambitious. The timing isn't quite right yet, but you're correct in your thinking." Zephyr nodded approvingly. "This isn't unique to you either. Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino will all face this same test eventually. If you want to be an Admiral or Fleet Admiral, you can't just be good at fighting..."
"You have to be capable of making the Marines stronger as a whole," Finn finished.
He inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you for the guidance, Teacher."
"You're sharp. You grasped it immediately. No need for thanks." Zephyr waved off the gratitude.
At that moment, the office door burst open with enough force to rattle its hinges. Gion stormed in, her eyes wild with barely contained excitement. She completely ignored Zephyr's presence, grabbing Finn's shoulder hard enough to make him wince.
"Finn! You captured Roger? The actual Pirate King Roger?!"
Finn tried unsuccessfully to shrug off her grip. Her fingers were like iron clamps. "It was mostly coincidence, really..."
"Coincidence my ass! This is incredible!" Gion's other hand joined the first, shaking him slightly. "I'm part of your special operations unit now, your direct subordinate. When there's glory to be had, you better not forget about me! You're a Vice Admiral now, and after capturing Roger there'll be more benefits coming. They might even name you an Admiral Candidate..."
She was practically vibrating with energy. "I'm only a Rear Admiral. You have to look out for me!"
"I know, I know," Finn said, dodging another enthusiastic slap aimed at his shoulder. "After Roger's execution is handled, Admiral Sengoku plans to send me out as a base commander. I'll bring you along then."
This woman hits like she's tenderizing meat, he thought with mild exasperation. Swordsmen and their ridiculous grip strength.
Speaking of which, Finn would probably receive the special designation of Admiral Candidate after this affair concluded. Promoting him to full Admiral seemed premature, but Candidate was perfectly appropriate recognition for capturing the Pirate King.
"Outward posting?" Gion's excitement shifted to surprise, then renewed enthusiasm. "Perfect! I'm coming with you!"
"Yes, yes, fine," Finn said, offering a few more placating words until she finally calmed down.
Only then did Gion seem to remember where she was. She turned to Zephyr with an embarrassed expression. "Sorry, Teacher. I got a bit carried away."
"Hahaha, it's fine. I love seeing you youngsters full of energy," Zephyr said warmly, gesturing to an empty chair. "Come, sit down. We were just discussing Finn's options for his new command."
Gion settled into the offered seat, though her eyes remained bright with barely suppressed excitement. Finn could practically see the questions queuing up behind her gaze.
This was going to be a long afternoon.
But as he looked at his old teacher's satisfied expression and Gion's eager face, Finn felt something warm settle in his chest. These were his people. His allies. The relationships he'd carefully nurtured over seven years of calculated effort and genuine camaraderie.
Whatever came next, whether it was Shiki's inevitable attack or the Great Pirate Era's chaotic dawn, he wouldn't face it alone.
Let them come, Finn thought with quiet confidence. I'm ready.