"Attention all Marines! Zephyr's test is starting!" a clear, commanding voice echoed across the Marineford base.
Nearby, Jahara—the sailor who'd delivered messages for the infamous Kake—stood nervously, glancing around. His voice cracked slightly as he nervously asked,
"Which room is Rear Admiral Momosagi in? The new recruit Kyle's room?"
Tea Dolphin tensed. His voice grew louder, almost strained,
"Are you sure you read that correctly?"
Jahara smirked inwardly. He had been the Kake's unwilling informant more than once, but now the tables had turned. Why not have some fun? He answered truthfully,
"I saw it myself. It's true. Lieutenant Kyle is young, promising... and perfect for Momosagi!"
Tea Dolphin's expression twisted in disbelief.
"Damn it! Are they trying to break down my wall? A rookie? How dare he?"
Jahara shrugged with a mischievous grin.
"Honestly, you and Momosagi aren't exactly close. Why act so important?"
At that moment, Momosagi herself descended the stairs, chatting and laughing with Kyle. She was in a good mood—having just admired the famous twin swords. Concerned that the young recruit might get lost in the maze of Marineford, she decided to personally escort him to the square where Zephyr awaited. She was genuinely curious to see how this young swordsman would fare.
They approached Kake who stood glumly beside a tattered bouquet of yellow flowers.
"Momosagi," he blurted awkwardly, "are you… in love?"
His bluntness was typical—he was used to confessing his feelings without any pretense.
Momosagi's brow furrowed. She didn't like Tea Dolphin much. Though they were colleagues of equal rank and he seemed decent enough, his constant, unwelcome confessions had become a thorn in her side, interfering with her work and peace of mind.
Moreover, anyone who wanted to get close to her had to first survive the 'Kake test.' She hated that.
"There's no nonsense here," she snapped. "Even if there were, it's my personal business, not yours, Kake. Now step aside. I'm escorting Kyle to the square."
With that, she deftly sidestepped the disgruntled Rear Admiral and led Kyle toward the central square, where Zephyr was already waiting.
Kake was left standing there, the weight of bitterness and jealousy pressing down on him. Years of trying to win Momosagi's favor, and now this rookie strolls in, and she walks off with him like he's nobody.
"Damn it, Kyle," he muttered bitterly, "this isn't over. I'll prove to Momosagi that I'm better than you."
A plan began to form in his mind. He might not have Momosagi's status, but he was still a strong fighter—and the upcoming potential test was his chance to challenge Kyle.
---
Meanwhile, at Marineford's vast square…
The island was divided into three zones: the Marine Corps Headquarters, upscale residential and shopping districts, and the sprawling beaches.
As Kake strode toward Headquarters with a determined scowl, Kyle and Momosagi reached the square.
Zephyr, tall and imposing even in casual Marine attire, spotted them immediately.
The test was about to begin.
Zephyr already regarded Kyle as one of the most promising recruits of the new class.
Though Kyle's swordsmanship was raw, his control over the Gravity Fruit gave him a unique edge.
Still, Zephyr was confident in his teaching ability.
"If Kyle trains well under my guidance," he'd said, "he could be a Rear Admiral within three years."
A Marine nearby announced loudly,
"Zephyr, Admiral! Recruit Lai Mu has arrived to report!"
Lai Mu remained modest, drawing more attention because of his humility than any boast.
Zephyr stepped forward and said plainly,
"Lai Mu, I will now test your sword skills. I will teach you combat techniques tailored to your strengths."
He smiled faintly.
"Though I'm known for my fists, the sword is no stranger to me."
With that, Zephyr commanded a Marine,
"Bring me a sword!"
Immediately, a marine handed Zephyr a blade.
Suddenly, Zephyr's entire body was engulfed in a fierce aura. The sword transformed—once a simple weapon, it now glowed with a dark, warlike sheen, radiating raw power.
The Marines nearby stopped training, gathering eagerly to witness the rare sight.
For all aspiring fighters, this was a gift.
Soon the square was packed with Marines, all eyes on Zephyr and Kyle, awaiting a clash of skill and will.
The stage was set for a spectacular test.