At this moment, two robust old men were sitting on Garp's dog-headed warship. They were Garp and Zephyr, whom he had dragged along.
Zephyr was somewhat dissatisfied: "The new Marine Training Camp is about to start, and I have plenty of things to do. Why did you drag me here at a time like this?"
Ignoring Zephyr's grumbling, Garp said to him, "I've found two students with exceptional talent for you. You'll definitely be happy once you see them."
Zephyr replied, "Are you talking about that granddaughter you're always mentioning? Really, my ears are practically growing callouses from hearing about her. Let's get this straight beforehand: if her strength isn't up to standard, I won't admit her just to save face for you."
Zephyr thought for a moment and added, "She's too young. Training too early isn't necessarily a good thing. I heard she's only 11. At this age, if her talent isn't enough, she can wait for the next class. If that's still not enough, I'll even save a spot for her in the one after that."
Garp said, "You'll understand once you see her. My granddaughter has the potential of an Admiral."
Zephyr shook his head helplessly, wondering where Garp picked up such flashy talk, but he also felt curious. He wanted to see this granddaughter of Garp's who supposedly had the potential of an Admiral.
Soon, Garp and Zephyr arrived at Koushirous Dojo.
Garp greeted Hera warmly: "It's been nearly three years, Hera. Did you miss Grandpa Garp?" He opened his large arms, ready to welcome Hera's hug.
Hera also hugged him warmly: "Of course I did. I was even afraid you'd forget to pick me up."
Garp laughed heartily: "How could that be? How could I forget to pick up my precious granddaughter for the Marines? Come, meet this person. This will be your future instructor, Teacher Zephyr. Don't underestimate him; more than half of the Marines are his students, and he himself is undoubtedly a powerhouse at the Admiral level."
Zephyr said, "Even if you flatter me, it's useless. An assessment must still be conducted. This is not only for the sake of the training camp's responsibility but also for your own. I still think you're too young."
Garp curled his lip: "Tch, am I that kind of person? If Hera couldn't meet the requirements, I wouldn't have the heart to let her enter the Marines at such a young age."
Zephyr turned to Hera: "Come, use your strongest move. As long as you can satisfy me, I'll allow you to participate in this Marine Recruit Training Camp."
Hera nodded, and the two of them went to the dojo's open ground.
At Hera's call, 'Zafkiel,' a giant clock face appeared in response. Hera was ready.
"Start!" At Garp's command, Hera moved. The shadows beneath her feet spread out, and the City of Devouring Time enveloped the area. Hera first supplemented herself with a First Bullet and then dove into the shadows beneath her feet.
Zephyr didn't move. He sensed the effect of the City of Devouring Time and said in surprise, "This domain is simply a nemesis for Grunt Soldiers. Even I would be slightly weakened if I didn't use Haki to block it."
When Hera reappeared, she was already behind Zephyr. The Second Bullet was fully charged and fired at Zephyr. Then, after the long gun, the minute hand, fired the shot containing the Second Bullet, the golden clock in her left eye suddenly emitted a blue light. A white clock face flashed behind her, and her clothing changed from a black and red dress to a white military uniform.
"Teacher Zephyr, you'll have to be a bit more serious." After Hera spoke, the minute hand in her hand had been replaced by a military saber. "Cancer Sword!" A beam of white light slashed out—a sword strike capable of tearing through space slashed toward Zephyr.
Although Zephyr's own time had been slowed by the Second Bullet, his years of combat experience allowed him to react. At the moment he felt the danger from behind, his Armament Haki surged out, breaking through the Second Bullet's shackles in an instant. He twisted his torso, transforming his fist into a black fist that collided with the glowing white military saber.
Genzo released his sword intent, blocking the energy leaking from their clash. Garp suddenly appeared behind Hera, helping her neutralize the impact of the blow.
Zephyr had counterattacked subconsciously after sensing the danger and hadn't controlled his strength in time. Although he had tried his best to pull back his move afterward, the opposing force still caused Hera some internal injuries.
Zephyr felt apologetic and quickly apologized to Hera: "I'm sorry, young lady. Your sword made me feel a hint of danger, and I didn't react in time, which hurt you."
Hera quickly said, "It's okay, I have healing abilities."
The white military uniform on her body changed back to the black and red dress. The Roman numeral representing four on the clock face behind her lit up. "Fourth Bullet." Hera fired a shot at herself with the rifle's Hour Hand, and her condition returned to how it was before the clash.
During these few months of hunting pirates, after absorbing much of their time, Hera's Zafkiel had unlocked another ability. However, Hera felt that the Third Bullet was useless for the time being, so she unlocked the Fourth Bullet first.
Watching Hera's performance, Garp marveled, "I didn't expect that after not seeing you for a while, your abilities would increase again. And looking at this, are there a total of 12 abilities and two form switches? Truly terrifying."
He then said to Zephyr, "Well? You even used Haki. This must count as passing, right?"
Zephyr said, "What a terrifying young girl. Even Aokiji and the others didn't have your current strength at your age."
On the other side, Kuina was already eager to try. However, Zephyr sensed her and said, "Such a young and powerful Swordsman? No need for an assessment. The Marines welcome you."
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