In the deathly stillness of the training ground, the deafening roar of the collapsing fortress tore through the heavy air.
The cracked walls shattered completely, the entire structure disintegrating into rubble. Blackened steel rods twisted and snapped, crashing down amid an avalanche of stones and debris.
A surging wave of dust and shattered brick engulfed half of Dalmatian's figure, whipping his cloak high into the air.
Frozen in place, Dalmatian stared at the towering silhouette of the Marine commodore. His expression was a tangle of disbelief, awe... and something deeper he couldn't name.
At some point, his entire back had been soaked in cold sweat.
Around him, the other Marines were no better. Mouths open, eyes wide, frozen stiff as statues.
The terror that had unfolded moments ago seemed almost unreal, lingering in the choking air.
No one dared to breathe.
It was as if time itself had stopped.
Doberman croaked hoarsely, swallowing painfully against a throat parched as if scorched by fire.
He recalled, with a sharp, shameful jolt, how he had so confidently boasted about wanting to challenge Darren earlier.
His face flushed with a burning heat.
Around him, other Marines exchanged pale, shaken glances. Bitter smiles tugged at their lips as the full weight of reality sank in.
"...Not even the same league."
"How are we supposed to train alongside a monster like that...?"
"Now I believe it... he really fought Byrnndi World."
"He's not human. No way..."
Murmurs died as quickly as they were born.
Tokikake shook his head and let out a long, drawn-out sigh. He waved his hand vaguely in the air as if shooing away some unpleasant memory.
"Don't worry. You'll get used to it," he muttered.
"But don't expect him to act like a normal human being."
His voice carried a strange mixture of bitterness and familiarity, as if he'd survived something no one else could understand.
The others fell into a heavy, thoughtful silence.
Only Kuzan remained unshaken — or rather, utterly energized.
Eyes burning with excitement, he rushed up to Darren, practically vibrating with admiration.
"That strength just now—and your body—how did you even train like that, Darren?! That was so insanely cool!!"
Darren brushed the dust from his shoulders, offering a casual smile.
"Compared to your Devil Fruit powers, it's nothing much."
Kuzan clenched his fists tighter, fire practically spilling from his gaze.
"As expected of my lifelong rival! I can't wait to fight you!"
Darren chuckled softly, but said nothing more.
Zephyr stepped forward, laughter rumbling in his chest. He couldn't hide the pride lighting up his face.
"The winner of this match: Rogers Darren!"
The young Marines straightened instinctively, even as they continued to stare, half in awe, half in dread.
Exaggerated strength.
A body tougher than steel.
An explosive force that could bring fortresses crashing down.
Zephyr couldn't help but grin wider.
A seedling with the potential to one day shake the very foundations of the world.
If this boy mastered Haki under his guidance...
He would become a storm clad in flesh and bone.
"Well done, Darren," Zephyr said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Your control over your power is excellent."
Darren bowed his head respectfully.
"Thank you, Zephyr-sensei."
Zephyr turned, his eyes falling on Dalmatian, who still stood stiff and stunned.
"And you, Dalmatian. Don't be discouraged."
His voice softened slightly.
"I saw your fight—you handled your Zoan abilities well. Your timing and judgment were good. With time and effort, you will become one of the pillars of the Marines."
Dalmatian's shoulders jerked.
Then he stood straighter, saluting sharply with a new glint of determination in his eyes.
"Yes, Zephyr-sensei! I will give it my all!"
"And me, sensei? What about me?" Tokikake called, grinning shamelessly.
Zephyr gave him a sidelong look.
"You did well too..."
"Your luck was exceptional."
The heavy tension began to lift, if only a little.
"Next match!" Zephyr barked, wasting no time.
Two more Marines stepped forward.
But after what they had just witnessed, the rest of the matches seemed almost meaningless.
'Only monsters can fight monsters,'
The thought echoed silently through every mind.
Within minutes, the remaining duels ended.
Zephyr gathered everyone together once more, his voice booming across the training ground:
"The Top Eight—step forward!"
Commander Kuzan – South Blue
Commander Gion – Marine Headquarters
Captain Yamakaji – South Blue
Commander Comil – Grand Line
Commodore Darren – Grand Line
Captain Onigumo – West Blue
Captain Strawberry – Grand Line
Commander Tokikake – Marine Headquarters
One after another, the eight chosen Marines stepped forward, their backs straight, their eyes fierce and proud.
The noon sun bathed them in a golden haze, painting their determined faces with a soft brilliance.
'Like a sky full of stars...'
Darren thought, a rare feeling of warmth stirring in his chest.
Aside from himself, a traveler from another world,
The seven standing here would one day rise to greatness.
Each one destined to become pillars of Marine Headquarters.
Even Strawberry — the hulking, skull-headed dual swordsman — would one day hunt down Sun Pirates alongside Admiral Kizaru.
The future of the Marines stood here, side by side.
Zephyr's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
"You've all seen a glimpse of each other's strength," he said, smiling broadly.
"Now—let's move to the second round."
He produced a fresh set of slips.
The Top Eight exchanged determined glances, then stepped forward to draw lots.
"Not Kuzan or Darren, please not Kuzan or Darren..." Tokikake muttered feverishly under his breath.
"I hope I get Darren!" Kuzan grinned with unrestrained glee.
The others stared at them, exasperated.
Soon, the matchups were announced:
Tokikake vs. Strawberry
Darren tucked away his "4" slip and looked up.
Standing opposite him was Yamakaji, his rugged, easygoing face split by a sheepish grin.
"Looks like I got unlucky," Yamakaji chuckled, scratching his short hair.
He fished out a rough-looking cigar from his pocket, handing it to Darren.
"Locally grown in South Blue. Not fancy, but it's got punch. Give it a try?"
Darren glanced down at the cigar — cheap, unmarked — and at the thick, scarred hand offering it.
He accepted the cigar without hesitation.
Rogers Darren vs. Yamakaji