After a while, two tall figures walked toward them.
"What a terrifying guy. Finally seeing you again after graduation!"
A voice filled with laughter sounded. Alex looked up.
His eyes narrowed slightly before quickly returning to calm.
The two approaching figures were none other than the remaining members of the future Three Admirals.
"Long time no see, Borsalino, Sakazuki!"
Kuzan waved.
"I heard you've been following Vice Admiral Garp. I wonder if your strength has improved recently."
Sakazuki said coldly.
"Haha, you'll see soon enough."
Kuzan laughed loudly.
The three began chatting casually, and Lieutenant Colonel Rista tactfully greeted them before turning to leave.
She knew very well that these three were famous among the new generation at the Marine academy. Because of their outstanding talent and exaggerated strength, they were known as the Three Monsters.
Their future within the Marines was practically guaranteed.
"Oh my, who is this handsome young man? He looks quite frightening. Kuzan, aren't you going to introduce him?"
Borsalino noticed Alex and asked with a smile.
Since their arrival, the black-haired youth had remained silent and calm, showing no particular reaction to their presence.
"His name is Alex. He's Vice Admiral Garp's disciple," Kuzan said.
After a pause, he added with both a smile and unusual seriousness,
"And he's also a monster."
Sakazuki and Borsalino both froze slightly.
They understood clearly that Kuzan's use of "monster" referred not to personality, but to strength.
The title "Three Monsters" was their shared reputation among the Marine rookies.
"If he caught Vice Admiral Garp's attention,"
"then his strength must be impressive as well."
The coldness on Sakazuki's face faded, replaced by a faintly provocative smile.
Alex looked up at the younger version of the future Fleet Admiral Akainu and suddenly grinned.
"Not that strong."
"But beating you shouldn't be a problem."
The statement stunned Kuzan, who looked at Alex in surprise. In his memory, Alex had always been calm and indifferent, almost emotionless for someone their age.
This was the first time he had seen such a sharp display of emotion from him.
Even Bogard looked slightly surprised.
Borsalino, meanwhile, repeatedly exclaimed,
"Another monster… how scary."
Sakazuki fell silent for a moment before smiling as well.
He keenly sensed that Alex seemed to harbor an instinctive rejection—even dislike—toward him.
"Then I would very much like to experience your strength firsthand."
The moment his words fell, the quiet reception room filled with the tension of impending conflict.
Meanwhile, inside another office.
"Golden Lion Shiki has gathered nearly all his forces at Edd War. Such abnormal behavior has drawn the attention of the entire world."
"We still don't know his objective."
Sengoku frowned while staring at the sea chart spread across the table.
"That guy Shiki is stirring up trouble again. Truly the greatest destabilizing factor in the world."
Garp chuckled.
"But I only care about Roger. Where are the Roger Pirates?"
Sengoku shook his head.
"We can confirm Roger and his crew are somewhere within this sea region, but we still don't know which island they're currently on."
His expression grew serious.
"What we can confirm is that Shiki's sudden movements are almost certainly connected to Roger."
A grin spread across Garp's face. He suddenly slammed his fist onto the table.
"Then what are we waiting for? I can't wait to meet Roger again!"
"Garp, calm down. Based on my judgment, we may witness a top-tier clash between pirate forces this time."
"The Flying Pirates are likely preparing specifically to confront Roger."
"We all understand Golden Lion Shiki's ambitions."
Sengoku shook his head and spoke gravely.
Then he seemed to recall something.
"Why did you suddenly decide to take a young boy as your disciple?"
"Kuzan admires you greatly, yet even he never became your student."
Garp grinned widely and gave a thumbs-up.
"Because that kid is truly incredible!"
"In the future, he won't be weaker than me!"
Those words stunned both Sengoku and Zephyr.
They understood better than anyone how terrifying Garp's strength was at his current peak—his prime years, filled with legendary achievements.
Although they were Admirals themselves, aside from Kong, who rarely fought anymore, the strongest Marine alive was likely the Hero of the Marines standing before them.
"That kid's talent is the most outrageous I've ever seen in my life!"
Garp continued, sounding slightly proud.
"When I first met him a few days ago, he couldn't do anything. His physical ability was only slightly above normal people—about the level of an ordinary Marine."
"But he awakened Conqueror's Haki!"
Sengoku's expression changed instantly. Zephyr's pupils shrank in disbelief.
"In just a few days, under my guidance, Alex has already mastered Iron Body, and his physical strength is no weaker than Kuzan's."
"He's a monster among monsters!"
Garp continued, unable to hide his pride.
He failed to notice that the two old comrades beside him were now completely shaken.
"And—"
"He's already learned Conqueror's Haki infusion."
Sengoku and Zephyr's bodies trembled simultaneously.
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