When hearing the previous conversation, especially Elliot’s words, “I just want to become strong, strong enough to reach a certain level”…
Zephyr revealed a look of surprise.
Because there were many similar questions, and asking such a question—although seemingly ordinary—was actually the most classic method used by Marine psychologists to evaluate a soldier’s mental state.
But…
He had always assumed that all Marines were trapped by the premise of the problem itself.
No one had ever answered like Elliot, giving a response that completely bypassed the problem’s existence.
Even the cadets standing nearby looked at Elliot in surprise, their expressions turning thoughtful.
It was still about getting stronger!
But…
Could getting stronger really solve all problems?!
It’s just…
Just as everyone was moved by Elliot’s answer, they heard the final sentence he delivered with a completely straight face.
One by one, their lips twitched as they stared at him.
This guy…
Did he not know the meaning of humility?!
Everyone already knew he was a special recruit and incredibly strong.
Why did he have to specifically emphasize it himself?!
“Heh!” Zephyr suddenly chuckled, which quickly turned into roaring laughter.
He then looked at Elliot.
“A brat who hasn’t even mastered Rokushiki or Haki, yet boasts of his own immense strength.
The monsters on this sea are as common as grains of sand, and the pirates wreaking havoc across the world are a dime a dozen.
You merely fought to a draw with an old man whose strength has regressed, yet you dare to be this arrogant!”
With that said, Zephyr’s gaze turned solemn.
“During this trip to that small island in the New World, I will teach you what Haki is!
I will also show you that Haki stands above all else.
Even those Logia-type Devil Fruits, or the extremely rare Mythical Zoan-types, are nothing but a joke in the face of sufficiently powerful Haki!”
“As for Rokushiki, I will personally teach you during the few days it takes to reach Beast Island.
So for these next few days, aside from academic classes, you don’t need to train with the other cadets!”
Having said his piece, Zephyr stood up directly, preparing to leave.
Elliot slurped a mouthful of noodles, quickly swallowed, and spoke up.
“Mr.
Zephyr…”
Hearing Elliot call out to him, Zephyr turned back.
Elliot asked seriously, “You can arrange my work duties however you see fit, but I will only clock in and out during designated hours.
I absolutely will not work overtime.”
Zephyr clenched his fists.
“Suit yourself!”
But just as he was about to turn around…
Elliot followed up, “Also, going to that Beast Island counts as a business trip, right?
Is there a travel allowance?
If so, could you tell me how much it is for the rank of Ensign?
This question is quite important.”
Hearing this, Zephyr let out a low, heavy breath, then immediately turned and stormed off!
Meanwhile, the crowd watched Elliot.
How should they put it…
They stared blankly at each other.
They were envious that Elliot was receiving private instruction from Instructor Zephyr.
But their expressions were bizarre because they seriously wondered if there was something wrong with Elliot’s head.
Going to Beast Island was an opportunity they dreamed of day and night!
…
[Sea Circle Calendar, Year 1517, May 6th]
Because Instructor Zephyr started teaching me things today, I changed how I address him to Instructor.
I also started learning the techniques known as Rokushiki, but Instructor Zephyr only taught me for a moment before standing frozen in place, lost in thought.
…
[Sea Circle Calendar, Year 1517, May 7th]
Today I continued learning from Instructor Zephyr, but for some reason, he got angry and ended the training early.
However, I can now fly using that technique called Geppo.
I also met a few classmates today, including the one who ate the clay Devil Fruit.
…
[Sea Circle Calendar, Year 1517, May 8th]
Still learning from Instructor Zephyr, but he got even angrier.
He still hasn’t answered whether there’s a travel allowance, and when I ask the others, they won’t answer me either.
We depart tomorrow.
Although it’s part of the job and something I naturally have to do, there should be an allowance, right?
…
[New World] is the name given to the second half of the route known as the Grand Line.
The pirates and atrocious outlaws within it are on a completely different level compared to those in the first half of the route, or the pirates from the Four Blues.
Elliot had heard this from Prince Grus.
Who was also that clay man.
Right now…
Elliot stood on the deck of a massive, modified Marine battleship.
Beside him were Grus, wearing a military cap with a long brim; Kujaku, a tall woman with a whip-like longsword hanging from her waist; and the blonde-haired Hibari.
“Is Vice Admiral Momonga accompanying us?” Grus asked in a low voice, looking at the Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral dressed in a light purple striped suit.
Kujaku spoke up from the side, “It would be weirder if a Vice Admiral wasn’t accompanying us, wouldn’t it?
After all, ever since that incident in the past, Headquarters has paid close attention to cadets going out for field training.”
Perhaps noticing Elliot’s gaze, Kujaku smiled and said, “You really don’t know anything, do you?”
Saying so, Kujaku glanced over at Instructor Zephyr, who was talking to Momonga, and lowered her voice to explain to Elliot.
Simply put…
Instructor Zephyr had once taken his students out on a mission, only to encounter a pirate with a Devil Fruit ability.
That pirate was extremely strong.
Because he had to protect the cadets, coupled with his already regressing strength, only two cadets survived, and Instructor Zephyr’s arm was severed.
Prince added, “That’s why there’s an evaluation now, selecting just over forty of us instead of sending all the cadets out.
Moreover, Headquarters ensures that a Vice Admiral accompanies the cadets every time they leave, especially when heading to the New World, complete with an escorting battleship.”
“I…
I’ve heard about that too,” Hibari said softly, hugging the sniper rifle in her arms, her voice a bit timid.
“And I heard Instructor Zephyr has always blamed himself, to the point where even his personality changed.”
Elliot looked at Zephyr.
At this time, Zephyr and Momonga had already stepped onto the deck and were about to head into the cabin.
Perhaps noticing Elliot’s gaze, Zephyr glanced back at him.
But for no apparent reason, the old man rubbed his forehead, mainly because he thought of what had happened over the past three days.
*This monster!*
He muttered in his heart.
On the other hand, Momonga took a few extra glances at Elliot.
Although a few days had passed since the incident…
The story of this new recruit scaring Hound silly with a single punch had already spread throughout the Vice Admiral circles.
Kujaku smiled and said, “But this time, we aren’t going to a place with many pirates anyway, so it should be fine.
Plus, we have Vice Admiral Momonga with us.”
But just as she finished speaking, Kujaku noticed Elliot staring solemnly at the backs of Instructor Zephyr and the others as they walked into the cabin.
She couldn’t help but ask, “What are you thinking about…?”
Elliot turned back to look at Kujaku.
“I’m wondering whether or not they’ll actually give us a travel allowance, and…
how much a Vice Admiral’s allowance would be…”
“Huh?”