The next day, the sun hung high over Marineford.
The massive fortress radiated undeniable authority. Everywhere one looked, there was a sense of discipline, grandeur, and overwhelming power.
Wide streets stretched in every direction like veins across a continent, bringing life and prosperity to the city.
The inner district was mainly residential, home to Marine families. Deeper inside were the residences of high ranking officers such as Rear Admirals, Vice Admirals, Admirals, and even the Fleet Admiral.
The outer district housed civilians connected to the Marines through distant relations, and it also served as the marketplace. Altogether, the enormous fortress supported a population of three to four hundred thousand people, including the Marines themselves.
Walking through the busy streets, Ethan's expression shifted slightly.
"Good thing this is Marine Headquarters. Learning the Six Powers should be easier here. If this were a branch base it would be much more troublesome, and I don't have much time."
"I'll start by finding Vice Admiral Tsuru. I don't know if she'll help me, but I have to try. I can't afford to miss any opportunity."
Ethan clenched his teeth slightly, determination settling in his chest. Asking for help did not sit well with him, but he had no other choice right now.
As for approaching a legendary figure like Garp, that was unrealistic. Why would someone like that help him? Imagination was one thing, reality was another. Ethan had always understood that.
Even Tsuru, whom he had only met once, might refuse him. Expecting help from others was never guaranteed.
Technically, Ethan did not need anyone's assistance. He could simply enlist as a Marine recruit. But that would waste too much time. His goal was the Marine Academy, where training methods for the Six Powers and possibly Haki would certainly exist. As long as he could enter the academy, his own effort would earn him better training.
Most importantly, he had no background or connections. Hard work alone would not be enough. When necessary, he would need to stand out and draw attention from the higher ups. If they considered him worth cultivating, everything would change.
Standing at the entrance to the officers' district, Ethan waited quietly while a guard sent in a notice.
"You may enter. Vice Admiral Tsuru is in Central Building A."
"Thank you."
After expressing his gratitude politely, Ethan walked forward.
A small bridge crossed a gentle stream. Trees lined the stone paths, and buildings stood neatly on both sides.
Knock. Knock.
Ethan stood at the door and knocked.
"It's unlocked. Come in."
The calm voice carried a quiet sense of wisdom.
Ethan slowly pushed the door open. From the moment he stepped inside, he knew every movement of his was being observed. Earlier he had sensed several strange ripples. If he was not mistaken, that was Observation Haki.
As for how he could sense it, the Devil Fruit had enhanced more than just his body. His senses and awareness had sharpened as well.
Devil Fruits were divided into three main categories: Logia, Paramecia, and Zoan. Zoan fruits were the most common, and they greatly enhanced physical strength, recovery, endurance, and vitality. In those aspects they often surpassed Logia and Paramecia abilities, with only a few rare exceptions.
In other words, Ethan was no longer an ordinary human. What he lacked now was experience and training.
"Sit down. What brings you to me?" Tsuru asked, watching him with interest from the sofa.
"I want to join the Marines," Ethan said directly.
There was no point hiding his intentions. A strategist like Tsuru would see through lies easily.
"Oh? You're quite clever."
From that single sentence, Tsuru had already guessed his reasoning. There were many ways to join the Marines. The difference was simply the long road or the shortcut, and Ethan had clearly chosen the shortcut.
"But you're just an ordinary civilian. And you're already older than most recruits. Your foundation is weak."
She neither accepted nor refused. Instead, she watched him sharply.
"There are many ways to grow stronger. For example… Devil Fruits."
Golden crimson flames erupted from Ethan's body.
In an instant, a wave of heat surged toward her.
Hissing sounds filled the room as objects began to burn. Within seconds, everything except the area around Tsuru turned to ash.
"Put it away," Tsuru said calmly, her interest deepening.
"Sorry. I still can't control it well."
As soon as he spoke, the blazing flames rapidly withdrew back into his body.
"Fire? A Logia fruit?" Tsuru asked, clearly intrigued. She paid no attention to the smoke filling the room. Discovering a potential Logia user was far more important than a bit of damage.
At the Marine Academy, there were already two famous Logia users. One wielded the Magma Fruit, Sakazuki. The other wielded the Glint Glint Fruit, Borsalino.
Both would eventually rise to the rank of Admiral. Their immense power made Tsuru's excitement understandable.
"Sorry, it's not Logia," Ethan said calmly. "It's an Ancient Zoan. A firebird."
He lied without hesitation.
Between an Ancient Zoan and a Mythical Zoan, keeping a lower profile was the safer choice while he was still weak.
There would be plenty of chances to attract attention later. Right now, his only goal was entering the Marine Academy.
"I see."
Tsuru looked slightly disappointed, but her excitement quickly returned.
"Ancient Zoans are rare as well. Combined with Zoan recovery abilities, you'll be tougher than ordinary people and heal faster."
Then her eyes narrowed.
"But why should I help you? If I'm not mistaken, you want power so you can find that girl. That means you're joining the Marines with a goal in mind. You intend to use the Marines."
"If I had no goal, you wouldn't still be talking to a stranger," Ethan replied calmly.
"Well said," Tsuru answered.
"I can help you. But you must agree to two conditions."
"One."
Ethan frowned slightly, his tone firm.
Tsuru's eyes lit up.
"Fine. One condition."
She nodded immediately.
"You're probably wondering why I agreed so quickly. You should understand that you're the one asking me for help."
"I understand," Ethan said. "I'm not interested in anything unnecessary. I only know that if something is within my ability, I will fulfill my promises. Even if it costs me my life."
"You continue to surprise me," Tsuru said, her gaze sharpening.
"You have potential and exceptional mental discipline. We'll see how far you go. I hope you achieve your goal."
She paused briefly.
"Tomorrow morning, come with me to the academy. That will be your first step."
"Thank you."
Ethan bowed slightly, then left calmly.
Tsuru watched his departing figure and muttered quietly,
"What a frightening boy. I wonder if I made the right decision today."
Outside, Ethan let out a long breath as he stepped out of the inner district. He glanced back at the building behind him.
"No wonder they call her the Marines' great strategist. That pressure was intense."
His back was already soaked with sweat.
"But the first step is finally done."
He began walking forward with steady determination.
"Lily… wait for me."
For that goal, he was willing to give up everything.