The training grounds of the Marine Headquarters' elite training camp were somewhat different from those outside.
This wasn't the plaza in Marineford, but rather a wooded area behind the residential district.
The overall space wasn't particularly large, roughly equivalent to just two football fields.
Perhaps because there was still some time before the official training began, the training ground appeared somewhat desolate.
Some weeds had grown past the surrounding fences, encroaching inward towards the field.
However, Zephyr had no intention of making Jake or Monet clear away those weeds—that was a task for the maintenance soldiers.
He took off his coat and despite being over sixty years old, his robust physique remained as imposing as a marble sculpture.
He looked at Jake and Monet before him, his voice carrying a tone of seriousness and resolve.
"Jake, I truly appreciate the healing treatment you gave me earlier. It did improve my condition significantly. But I won't lower my training standards for you because of that. On the contrary, your training difficulty might increase drastically because of it. Since I don't have to worry about pushing you past human limits or leaving you with hidden injuries, I can train you without restraint!"
"The same goes for Monet. Both of you haven't been in the Marines for long. If you don't put in tremendous effort early on to catch up with your peers, you'll be kicked out of the Marine Elite Training Camp in the next assessment. I don't want to see that happen, so my demands on both of you will be strict. If you can't handle it, you can quit right now!"
With that, Zephyr fixed his gaze on their eyes.
Seeing no sign of hesitation in either of them, he nodded slightly before smiling and saying.
"Good. That's how Marines should be. If you're cowardly, lazy, or undisciplined, what difference is there between you and pirates? As Marines, discipline is paramount. Without proper discipline, the so-called Marines are just pirates hiding behind a banner of justice!"
"No matter the circumstances, I want you both to remember this: the difference between Marines and pirates isn't just the flag they fly—it's what they carry on their shoulders and what they believe in!"
At this point, Zephyr paused to catch his breath.
For someone with chronic asthma like him, even after Jake had stabilized his condition earlier, speaking at length like this was still taxing.
Noticing this, Jake didn't hesitate and immediately cast another Healing Prayer at Zephyr.
As the pale golden light enveloped Zephyr's body, the intense discomfort in his organs eased considerably.
However, the healing effect this time was slightly weaker than before.
Jake understood this well.
While his Healing Prayer worked by fundamentally restoring the body, its effectiveness depended on his own abilities.
For someone as powerful as Zephyr, complete healing would require months of consistent treatment without interruption.
After all, Zephyr's physical issues weren't just due to aging organ deterioration—they were compounded by hidden injuries and illnesses accumulated over the years.
"Zephyr-sensei! If we want to fully restore your health, it'll take about six months of continuous treatment from me. Please don't feel burdened—using my Devil Fruit ability only drains my stamina. It won't cause any lasting harm to me."
Hearing this, Zephyr fell silent for a moment before asking.
"Your healing ability must have a limited number of uses, right? If you heal me, it'll delay your training progress. If this causes you to fall out of the elite training camp, then I won't accept your treatment."
Looking at the stubborn old man before him, Jake felt a mix of helplessness and warmth.
He then assured Zephyr.
"Don't worry, Zephyr-sensei. My progress speed from now on will far exceed your expectations. If I fail to meet them, I'll stop the treatments immediately. Is that acceptable?"
Zephyr nodded slightly, then took two deep breaths to ease the tightness in his chest before addressing Jake and Monet.
"I roughly assessed both of your strengths back in Sengoku's office. Jake, your doriki is already approaching 500, isn't it? Monet, though you're slightly behind, I estimate yours to be around 200. While that's somewhat low, as a Logia-type Devil Fruit user, focusing on your fruit abilities early isn't a bad thing. After all, if you didnt fight Armament Haki users, Logia are practically invincible."
"Jake's doriki meets the minimum standard for learning the Rokushiki. Monet, you can start with Iron Body and Paper Drawing. Once your doriki reaches 500, you can learn the remaining techniques. Attempting them prematurely would only damage your body."
After outlining their training directions, Zephyr began their practical instruction.
He first retrieved a wooden block and said.
"If I recall correctly, both of you have already mastered Armament Haki, haven't you?"
Jake and Monet nodded, their hands immediately sheathing in a faint black aura.
Observing this, Zephyr pondered briefly before explaining.
"The Rokushiki I'm teaching you are essentially deconstructed versions of Observation Haki and Armament Haki—though with some differences. From their inception, the Rokushiki were designed to help people better comprehend Haki."
"While some prodigies can master both types of Haki effortlessly, such individuals are rare. The Rokushiki provide ordinary soldiers with less talent a systematic path to strength. You might disdain systematic training, believing true power can't be replicated, but I tell you: what our world lacks most right now is precisely systematic paths to power!"
"A strong warrior's path may be unique, but mastering the Rokushiki essentially crosses the threshold into strength."
"Let's start with the basics: Finger Pistol and Iron Body. These two techniques are essentially precursors to Armament Haki. Since you've both mastered Armament Haki already, learning them should come quickly."
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