Zephyr's eyes shone brightly as he spoke in a deep voice.
Ever since Daren and his class—the "Golden Generation"—graduated from the Officer Training Camp, a wave of Marine fever had swept across the world.
In particular, Daren's inspiring speech at the graduation ceremony, along with his series of brilliant achievements that shook the world, had instantly made him an idol worshiped by countless Marines.
There were even cases of imitation within headquarters.
Marines and officers alike were almost always smoking, slicking their hair back into pompadours, and were more eager than ever to head out to sea and hunt pirates.
As a result, Zephyr's training camp was flooded with applicants, and its status rose rapidly.
Given the situation, Zephyr had already discussed with Sengoku and decided to modestly expand the new Officer Training Camp, increasing enrollment and actively introducing external instructors to help share the heavy burden on him as the chief instructor.
At the same time, bringing in instructors with different teaching styles could promote mutual learning, broaden new methods of instruction, and better adapt to the arrival of a new era.
This was a major reform for the training camp, and Zephyr himself had pinned countless hopes on this plan.
However, the success of this plan hinged on one thing—Daren agreeing to become the first external instructor.
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Upon hearing Zephyr's proposal, Daren couldn't help but be a little surprised.
A special instructor?
He didn't know how to react for a moment.
As a student, he had plenty of experience being taught.
But as a teacher, he was completely unfamiliar with instructing others.
More importantly, being an instructor would consume a lot of time and energy, and Daren, who was accustomed to a lazy and free lifestyle, found it difficult to accept such a change.
He thought for a moment, then said slowly,
"Zephyr-sensei, I don't think I'm qualified for such an important role... And please don't worry about hesitating because of me. Your teaching ability is definitely second to none on this sea."
"Misleading students" was just a running joke—nothing to be taken seriously.
At the very least, Zephyr was definitely not someone who would lead his students astray.
The semi-retired old man standing before him had single-handedly trained monsters like Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan, not to mention the entire Golden Generation of the Marines. His teaching ability was beyond question.
In fact, Daren knew this better than anyone.
If it weren't for the solid foundation Zephyr had helped him lay at the training camp, he would never have achieved what he had today.
It was because of this that Daren held deep gratitude and respect toward Zephyr.
"Don't worry, kid. This external instructor role won't take up too much of your time."
Zephyr waved his hand dismissively.
With his experience and insight, how could he not have seen through Daren's internal struggle?
"The external instructor doesn't need to work at the academy full-time. You only need to come to the training camp twice a month to give a lecture—sharing your personal insights and training experiences. It won't affect your normal life or duties at all."
"As for the content of the lectures, I won't interfere or meddle in any way. You're free to teach however you see fit."
"As for the quality of the teaching, I have full confidence in you."
Zephyr pulled out a cigar, lit it, took a long drag, and continued,
"Gion and Tokikake both told me that while you were in North Blue, you gave them some guidance in their training, and the results were pretty impressive."
He winked playfully at Daren.
Alright, so you came fully prepared.
"And Daren, being an external instructor is also a good thing for you."
Seeing Daren's hesitation, Zephyr decided to throw in the final incentive.
"Even though they are only external students, those who receive your instruction will, in a sense, have the bond of master and disciple with you..."
"In the future, when they graduate and move into various positions across the military, becoming the backbone of the Navy, they'll be a huge source of support for you—especially when you compete with Sakazuki and the others for the position of Admiral or even Fleet Admiral."
Zephyr wasn't ignorant of politics or power struggles. He just usually couldn't be bothered to deal with them.
But since Daren clearly had a fondness for power, he could only start from there.
"And think about it—one day, those geniuses and monsters who will make waves across the seas will all be your students... How great an honor that would be!"
At this point, he straightened up proudly, clearly quite pleased with himself.
"Just look at me. Even Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan—those unruly brats—have to respectfully call me 'sensei' when they see me, don't they?"
Yes, they shouted enthusiastically... when one gave the order, another pulled the trigger, and a third buried the body.
Daren couldn't help but silently complain in his heart.
Still, he had to admit that what Zephyr proposed was very tempting.
Enhancing his reputation and status, developing a group of loyal students, and increasing his influence within the Marine system in the future...
All it would cost was a little bit of his free time.
There was no reason not to accept such a good offer.
"Since Zephyr-sensei thinks so highly of me, I can't let you down."
Daren smiled and agreed readily.
"I will do my best as an instructor, learn from you, and contribute my humble strength to the great cause of justice!"
Zephyr rolled his eyes.
He knew this brat's nature. If there was no benefit, Daren wouldn't lift a finger.
"Enough, enough. The tricks you used to fool Sengoku won't work on me."
Daren put on a sincere face and said,
"I'm telling the truth, Zephyr-sensei."
"Everyone says Vice Admiral Garp is the 'hero' of the Marines, but in my opinion, you—who devoted your life to justice behind the scenes and nurtured so many outstanding students—are the true hero!"
Zephyr kept waving his hand dismissively, but he couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
It had to be said—Daren's words had truly struck a chord.
"Alright then, it's settled."
Zephyr paused, stubbed out his cigar, then pulled a document from his coat and handed it to Daren.
"This is the tentative list for the next training camp. Take a look, but keep it confidential for now."
"Also, if you have any promising candidates in mind, you can add them directly to the list. That's one of the privileges you have as an external instructor."
"I think your subordinate—the current North Blue Admiral Momonga—is a good choice. If you think he's suitable, you can add him too."
Daren didn't answer immediately.
He simply flipped open the list—and his eyes lit up.
Because on that list, he saw several familiar names!