Marine Headquarters
Marine Officer Training Camp
Inside the classroom, Zephyr—Chief Instructor of the camp—stood at the podium, handing out exam papers.
This class had been an undeniable success.
The trainees gathered from across the world had proven their worth through hard work. Today marked the final day of the program.
Their graduation assessment would determine their future career paths within the Marines.
The written exam tested their academic knowledge.
Zephyr was, without question, an excellent teacher.
Not every student possessed overwhelming combat power.
But to him, strength or weakness didn't define a Marine.
Those lacking in raw power could rely on exceptional academic performance to enter Marine Headquarters as staff officers—strategists, logisticians, tacticians—shining in roles suited to their talents.
And even if one's academic results were terrible?
That was fine too.
This world ultimately respected strength.
If your combat power was sufficient—if your might was overwhelming—you would still have a bright future.
Zephyr never confined his students to a single path.
He respected each student's talent and did everything possible to help them maximize it.
Seated in the front row, Dragon began writing furiously the moment he received his paper.
He was one of the rare few who excelled in both intellect and combat. Zephyr and the Marine high command held great expectations for him.
To his right sat Sakazuki.
Behind his stern expression lay a calm, calculating mind. His goal was to become a Marine Admiral—perhaps even Fleet Admiral one day.
He would not waste any opportunity to grow stronger.
To him, knowledge acquired through effort was trivial.
Of course, some less confident students scratched their heads in frustration.
The exam duration was one hour—more than enough.
Dragon and Sakazuki seemed to be competing silently. In less than thirty minutes, both completed their papers and submitted them to Zephyr before leaving the examination hall.
Zephyr skimmed their answers and nodded in satisfaction.
After the written exam came the combat trial.
Roldy had already been waiting at the training grounds.
Seeing Dragon and Sakazuki standing far apart from each other, he shook his head helplessly.
The rumors were true.
These two really couldn't stand each other.
When they noticed Roldy waiting on the field, both were momentarily stunned.
Then Dragon strode forward with a grin and slapped Roldy on the back.
"You're out of the hospital, huh? Looks like you recovered well! So how was it? Going on a mission with my old man and facing that monster Roger?"
"What else? Just nearly beat Rayleigh to death, that's all."
Roldy stood with hands on hips, smug.
Dragon and Sakazuki both widened their eyes.
They had been confined to camp, busy with exams. They only knew Roldy had been hospitalized—no details.
"You fought Rayleigh? The Dark King Rayleigh?!" Dragon's jaw dropped.
As Garp's son, he understood how formidable the Roger Pirates were. Rayleigh especially.
"Nicely done."
Sakazuki spoke few words, but his approving glance said enough.
"Impressive. With you around, the suppression phase of our graduation exam should be much easier."
The graduation test consisted of two parts:
First, the written and combat evaluations at Headquarters.
Second, Zephyr personally leading them to eliminate criminals at sea.
One tested their knowledge.
The other tested their response to real danger.
Dragon and Sakazuki sat beside Roldy —one on each side.
"Oh right, where's Borsalino?"
"Him? Admiral Sengoku called him away. Apparently they needed his ability for a mission. Zephyr approved it. You know him—absolute monster in strength, just… a bit unreliable."
Neither Dragon nor Sakazuki knew the details.
The Glint-Glint Fruit was one of the most powerful Devil Fruits in existence. Light-speed movement opened countless possibilities.
In truth, Borsalino was already strong enough to graduate—and since he had no interest in competing for top honors, Zephyr allowed him to skip the exams.
The three chatted idly.
Mostly Dragon and Roldy talking.
Sakazuki smoked a cigar, interjecting occasionally.
It didn't take long for Roldy to realize just how incompatible Dragon and Sakazuki were.
When Dragon remarked,
"Compared to other pirate crews, the Roger Pirates are far less dangerous. We should prioritize other threats accordingly—"
Sakazuki snorted coldly.
His rebuttal was forged in iron and blood.
"No matter the reason—if they are pirates, they deserve eradication without mercy."
They argued for a full half hour.
Roldy , stuck in the middle, felt his head pounding.
Only when Zephyr arrived with the rest of the trainees did hope return to his eyes.
"Instructor Zephyr!"
The trio stood.
Zephyr nodded.
"Brats! The final assessment begins now!"
His voice boomed across the field.
"The rules are simple—aside from me, only one person is allowed to remain standing on this training ground today!"
"The last one standing will be this class's top graduate!"
"Fight without restraint! I'll oversee the match!"
Simple.
Brutal.
Very Marine-like.
The moment Zephyr finished speaking, the trainees locked eyes.
Someone made the first move.
The massive field descended into chaos.
Those strong academically but weak physically were eliminated almost immediately.
The remaining contenders?
At minimum, they possessed the strength of Marine Headquarters Commodores.
"Sensei, your methods never change."
Roldy stood beside Zephyr, casually eating sunflower seeds.
Zephyr shot him a glance.
"Why are you still standing here?"
"Huh? You told me to come. I'm the Deputy Chief Instructor."
Roldy blinked.
A sly grin spread across Zephyr's face.
"I recall saying… aside from me, only one person is allowed to remain standing on this field."
The field went silent for a brief second.
Roldy froze.
He pointed at himself.
"…You mean I'm participating too?"
Zephyr didn't answer.
Heat suddenly surged from Roldy 's left.
A violent gust rose from his right.
"Hahaha! It's been a while since we sparred, Roldy !"
A miniature tornado howled in Dragon's palm.
"The brat I once saved—let me see how strong you've become!"
Sakazuki's arms transformed into flowing magma.
Roldy wanted to protest—
But one look at Zephyr's eyes made him swallow his words.
Instead—
He grinned.
Sharp fangs gleaming.
"Well then… looks like there won't be a top graduate this year after all."
The battlefield shifted instantly.
Every remaining trainee abandoned their opponents.
All eyes locked onto Roldy .
War intent burned fiercely.
They had long heard the name of the strongest monster.
Now—
They finally had the chance to witness it themselves.
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