Darren stared blankly at Tokikake, who was now clinging to his leg, howling dramatically like a dying beast. A few black lines practically floated across Darren's forehead.
And yet, somewhere deep down, he felt... a hint of admiration.
Even Darren had to admit: Tokikake, for all his idiocy, was truly capable of one thing—shameless determination.
"You sure about this, Tokikake? That's not something most people can handle."
Darren calmly pulled his leg free, his expression a mix of sarcasm and amusement.
"Endless parties, fine wine, cigars, women, gambling, constant entertainment—those things will eat away at your body, your willpower."
"Even someone like Momonga, a battle-hardened man through and through, is barely surviving out there. And you? You're the fourth seat of the HQ training camp, the future of the Marines, a beacon of justice... I just can't bring myself to let you suffer like that."
Tokikake suddenly stood tall, slamming his chest with pride, tears still fresh on his face but eyes shining with righteous resolve.
"Darren, because I'm the fourth seat, because I'm the future of the Marines—I must shoulder even heavier burdens than others!"
His voice thundered with self-sacrificing bravado, and his Marine cape fluttered dramatically with no wind in sight.
"I must face the fire—those decadent banquets, seductive traps, and trials of temptation—so that I may transform into a true hero of the Navy!"
"Please! Let me suffer this pain!"
That's Tokikake for you. For a second, I almost believed him.
Shaking his head, Darren gave a perfunctory answer just to shut him up.
"I'll think about it."
There was no way someone like Sengoku would let him reassign Tokikake to the North Blue.
But Tokikake misread the tone, grinning like he'd just been promoted.
"I get it, I get it."
He tossed Darren a meaningful look.
"Don't worry—anyone who dares oppose you is my enemy from now on!"
He clenched his fists, eyes blazing.
"Everything for the glory of the North Blue!"
Darren twitched slightly.
With that sleazy grin and average looks, you look more like some bootlicking side villain from a bad war drama...
Training Ground, HQ Camp
Under the blazing sun, dust swirled through the courtyard.
Zephyr stood before the assembled recruits of the third HQ training class, arms crossed, sunglasses reflecting the sky. A small, satisfied smile tugged at his lips.
"I trust the duel tournament from three days ago gave you all a better understanding of one another. So I'll keep it brief and get to the point."
His sharp gaze swept across the crowd.
"In this training camp, you'll receive the finest military education this sea can offer."
"Swordsmanship, hand-to-hand combat, navigation, climate theory, physical endurance—all part of your curriculum and final evaluations."
"But above all else, this camp will teach you one thing: how to unlock the true power within your own body."
"And starting today, I will begin teaching you the art of Rokushiki."
He launched into the explanation with precision and gravitas.
"Rokushiki, or the Six Powers, consists of Shave (Soru), Iron Body (Tekkai), Paper Art (Kami-e), Moonwalk (Geppo), Tempest Kick (Rankyaku), and Finger Pistol (Shigan). These six techniques complement one another, forming a versatile combat system covering offense, defense, and mobility."
"Most of you have likely heard of them already—perhaps even seen a Marine officer using one or two in action."
Many nodded in agreement.
Indeed, Rokushiki wasn't exactly a secret. Plenty of Marine officers had mastered parts of it.
Zephyr suddenly pointed toward Doberman.
"Doberman, what would you say is the greatest strength of Rokushiki?"
Doberman paused thoughtfully, then answered firmly.
"Combat, Instructor Zephyr."
"Shigan delivers close-range piercing attacks. Rankyaku provides long-range power to compensate. Soru grants burst speed for approaching or retreating. Geppo is an extension of Soru for aerial movement. Tekkai and Kami-e cover defense."
"If one masters all six, they become a high-efficiency combat machine—able to adapt to any battle."
Many recruits nodded in agreement.
Only Darren subtly furrowed his brow.
Unlike the others, he knew the truth of this world.
None of the true monsters that ruled the seas relied on Rokushiki.
In fact, most so-called Rokushiki masters fell precisely because they relied on it.
And Darren, through his self-development, had already grasped portions of Rokushiki naturally.
Yet in real combat, he'd found it... underwhelming.
Tekkai dulled the body's awareness of damage. Soru created a brief moment of stiffness after use—insignificant to most, but a glaring opening to the eyes of a true master.
So rather than calling Rokushiki a combat art...
Zephyr's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Very good. You've clearly done your homework."
He gave Doberman a nod of praise.
"But you're not entirely correct."
Zephyr's tone shifted.
He raised his massive hand and clenched it into a tight fist.
"The true purpose of Rokushiki isn't combat."
"These aren't just flashy battle techniques. They are a strict, refined, and brilliant system of training."
"Shigan and Rankyaku refine explosive power and limb control."
"Tekkai and Kami-e develop physical resilience and nerve responsiveness."
"Soru and Geppo build instant muscle bursts and total body control."
His voice boomed like thunder, powerful and clear.
"Put simply—Rokushiki is a foundation. A path designed to push the human body beyond its natural limits."
"It has nothing to do with actual combat."
"Many fools mistake it for a fighting style and try to use it against real monsters. That's chasing shadows."
"Yes, I'm talking about those bootlicking dogs in CP—cowards hiding in the dark, overestimating their technique."
He didn't even bother to hide the disdain in his voice.