As Zephyr entered the training field, the assembled Marine cadets instinctively formed a simple, orderly phalanx.
Darren noticed that Gion quietly took up her place behind him, standing silently in line.
He smiled faintly to himself.
Very soon, Zephyr walked to the front of the formation.
Faced with the man whose presence was as solid and overwhelming as a mountain, all the cadets straightened their backs and saluted sharply, their voices ringing out in unison:
No matter how brilliant or unruly they had been before coming to Headquarters —
in the presence of this legendary Marine, the man who had once been an Admiral and had trained countless "monsters" —
everyone saluted with the deepest, sincerest respect.
"Very good! You're all full of spirit and vigor!!"
Zephyr surveyed the proud young faces and the bright, burning eyes before him, and a satisfied smile stretched across his lips.
Every time he saw young people full of life and hope, striving forward on the path of justice under his guidance, he felt a pride and joy that words could not describe.
This was the very reason he chose to stay and teach, even after his heart had been shattered by disillusionment with the Marines.
Somewhere deep inside, Zephyr knew:
training the next generation, passing on the torch of justice, was the only thing that could slightly ease the sorrow and wounds within his heart.
Adjusting his sunglasses, Zephyr spoke, his voice low and powerful, echoing across the wide training ground:
"Before the camp officially begins, I would like to offer my congratulations."
His words rang clearly into the mind of every cadet.
"—Congratulations on officially joining the Marine Headquarters Elite Officer Training Camp."
A deep, heartfelt smile curved his lips, and many of the cadets couldn't help but smile along.
"You have all come from across the seas —
some from the peaceful East Blue, some from the prosperous West Blue, some from the chaotic North Blue..."
"Before arriving here, many of you held different statuses.
Some commanded forces over entire seas; some were ordinary Marines."
"You have traveled a long and difficult road to reach this place. I know it wasn't easy."
"You should feel proud of yourselves."
At these words, the cadets unconsciously straightened their backs even more.
Darren noticed Kuzan's eyes sparkling with excitement, his clenched fists trembling slightly with emotion.
Suddenly, Zephyr's tone shifted, turning sharp and stern.
"From this moment on, everything from your past is over!"
"Forget your previous status, your honors, your achievements.
In this training camp — you are nothing."
"From now on, you will rebuild your lives from scratch."
"You will spend the best and the worst year of your life here."
"You will be pushed beyond your limits — physically, mentally, and spiritually..."
Meanwhile, atop a building overlooking the training field, three tall figures stood side by side.
Their wide Marine cloaks fluttered in the breeze behind them, marked with the insignia of Rear Admirals.
"It's another new beginning, huh..."
Borsalino peered lazily at the scene below, hands tucked casually into his pockets, a carefree smile on his face.
"Thinking back... that was a beautiful time," Dragon said, his eyes reflecting a rare trace of nostalgia.
Then he smiled faintly and added:
"But this is already the third class, and Teacher Zephyr's speech still hasn't changed."
"Wonder who'll end up as the top cadet this time?"
"The last class didn't even manage to crown a true number one. What a shame..."
He glanced sideways at Sakazuki and Dragon with an unreadable smirk.
Sakazuki said nothing.
He simply gazed deeply at the cadets gathered below, then turned away without hesitation.
"Oh? Not staying to see how it turns out?"
Borsalino called after him, feigning surprise.
"I heard that kid, Kuzan, has monstrous potential... just like us back then."
"No need," Sakazuki replied coldly, his footsteps never faltering.
"'Monster,' huh? Who here isn't called that?"
"He won't surpass my subordinate."
With that cold declaration, Sakazuki disappeared from sight.
"Geez, so heartless..."
Borsalino scratched his head helplessly, then turned to Dragon.
"What about you, Dragon? What do you think?"
Dragon pondered for a moment before answering:
"Kuzan... I've reviewed his file. He's very promising."
"If not for Darren, he would easily outshine the rest of the class."
Back on the training field, Zephyr's opening speech was drawing to a close.
"Open your eyes wide," Zephyr said, voice steady and commanding,
"and greet the rivals and comrades who will accompany you from today onward."
"No matter what successes or failures, glory or defeat, strength or weakness you carried in your past lives — none of it matters."
"From the moment you stand here, your starting line is reset."
"I will pour everything I have into you — holding nothing back."
"This stage belongs to you."
"And whether your ending is glorious or tragic... will be up to you."
Zephyr paused, then added:
"Before the camp officially begins, as tradition, I must ask one final question."
"Is there anyone who wishes to withdraw?"
"You can still leave now."
Lifting his head, Zephyr swept his gaze over every face in the field.
All fifteen cadets met his eyes with unwavering resolve.
No one who had fought so hard for one of these rare seats was about to give it up.
Seeing this, Zephyr smiled in satisfaction.
"Very well," he said, drawing a deep breath and declaring with a voice that echoed across the entire field:
> "The Marine Headquarters Elite Officer Training Camp, Third Class — officially begins!"
"And next," Zephyr continued with a hearty grin, "according to tradition, the new cadets will engage in randomized sparring matches."
"The results will determine the top five seats within the camp."
Tokikake raised his hand and asked curiously:
"Teacher Zephyr, is there a reward for making the top five?"
Zephyr shook his head:
"No. In the classroom and training grounds, every cadet is treated equally — no favoritism."
He grinned broadly and added, with a gleam of mischief:
"But being recognized among the top five... isn't that reward enough?"
The moment he spoke, a fierce, burning fighting spirit erupted in every cadet's eyes.
Being recognized among the top five was the ultimate reward.
They were all elites and geniuses, handpicked by Headquarters after fierce competition.
Each carried pride and ambition in their hearts — none would willingly fall behind.
For a Marine, there was no greater honor than proving one's worth.
To rise above a crowd of the world's finest—
To seize a place among the top five—
> To claim the title of Number One!