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Chapter 53 - Chapter 53: The Black Arm's Scrutiny

G-2 Branch, the final trial grounds of Hell's Kitchen. This was no ordinary prison or execution ground, but a meticulously designed, massive, open-air colosseum. It was surrounded by hundred-meter-high alloy walls, covered with dense surveillance Den Den Mushi and automated turrets. A cold steel dome obscured the sky, casting down an oppressive light.

The center of the arena was paved with hard volcanic rock, still stained with mottled blood and battle scars. The air was filled with a complex smell of rust, gunpowder, and sweat, silently telling of the countless cruel trials that had taken place here.

The Rocks Pirates were escorted here by a team of elite marines. They were not wearing Seastone shackles, but the hundreds of black muzzles of the marines around them and the undisguised vigilance in their eyes were the heaviest shackles of all.

Zephyr was already waiting. He was not sitting on a high command platform, but stood like an iron tower in the center of the arena. His Admiral's "Justice" coat, symbolizing the highest combat power of the Marines, fluttered in the breeze that came through the steel dome. Just by standing there, an aura as heavy as a mountain enveloped the entire arena, making everyone who stepped in feel their breath catch.

"Are you the pirate crew that calls themselves the Wanderers?" Zephyr asked, his voice as deep as thunder, each word like a heavy blow, striking everyone's heart.

Rocks, or rather, the down-and-out captain "Luke" he was now playing, took a step forward. His face showed a hint of fatigue, but his back was still straight. He met Zephyr's gaze without being servile or overbearing. "That's right. We were shipwrecked, and my crew is starving. We heard that Admiral Zephyr of the G-2 Branch is a true man of justice, so we came to surrender, hoping to receive your guidance."

His acting was impeccable. The weariness and unwillingness in his tone, the struggle and hope in his eyes, were all just right. Newgate and Wang Zhi stood silently behind him like two loyal but equally exhausted crew members. Linlin looked distracted, her huge eyes darting around as if looking for something to eat. Her simple hunger made her seem less threatening and more simple-minded.

Zephyr's sharp, hawk-like eyes slowly swept over each of them. His gaze lingered on Rocks for three seconds, sensing the terrifying, dormant volcano-like power hidden within that body. It lingered on Newgate for five seconds; his heroic spirit, which could hold up the heavens, could not be completely concealed even if deliberately restrained. It lingered on Linlin the longest; he could feel that this giant woman was like a walking energy source, full of unstable, destructive, and violent factors. As for Wang Zhi, under his half-drunken appearance was a state of returning to true essence that was difficult to grasp. And the little child, Ren, who was carrying the ingredient box, was subconsciously ignored by him.

"Guidance?" Zephyr scoffed, his weathered face filled with a murderous aura. "The only end to the path of a pirate is destruction. The only guidance I can give you is to let you repent for the rest of your lives in the deepest cell of Impel Down."

Despite his words, the appreciation and excitement in his eyes grew stronger. Good materials! Every single one of these people was an excellent whetstone! The battle-hardened ferocity they exuded was exactly what his genius recruits, who had been raised in a greenhouse, lacked.

"But, before I send you to prison..." Zephyr flexed his iron-like arms, his joints cracking. "I need to see for myself if you are qualified to be the congratulatory gift at my students' graduation ceremony."

Before his words had even faded, a young Momousagi, who was only in her late teens, had already drawn her famous sword, Konpira, and stepped forward valiantly. "Teacher Zephyr, please allow this student to test their mettle."

"Not you," Zephyr waved his hand, his gaze turning to an entrance of the colosseum. "Let him do it."

A heavy iron gate slowly rose, and a tall, slender man with a cold face, dressed in a crisp Rear Admiral's uniform, walked out. He wore a thin rapier at his waist, his steps were steady, and his gaze was as sharp as a drawn blade. "G-2 Branch Rear Admiral, 'Shadow Sword' Enk," the man introduced himself, his voice as cold and sharp as his sword. He was one of Zephyr's most prized disciples, famous for his ultimate speed in swordsmanship.

"Enk, go," Zephyr ordered. "Use your fastest sword, and let me see their caliber."

"Yes, Teacher Zephyr."

Enk's figure vanished from the spot. He didn't use the Six Powers' Shave, but pure, explosive speed that surpassed human limits. The next second, he was in front of Rocks, the rapier in his hand becoming a silver afterimage that was invisible to the naked eye, stabbing straight at Rocks's heart. The sword was so fast that the air didn't even have time to scream.

Faced with this ultimate speed, Rocks's pupils contracted sharply, a look of perfect horror on his face. As if relying on a beast's instinct, at the last possible moment, he twisted his body half a step to the side with all his might. Swish! The tip of the sword grazed past his ribs, drawing a small string of blood beads and tearing a gash in his clothes.

Rocks grunted and staggered back a few steps, a look of post-disaster shock on his face, but a faint, almost imperceptible hint of amusement flashed in the depths of his eyes. Too slow.

Enk was surprised that he had missed. Just as he was about to launch a second attack, Zephyr spoke. "Enough."

Enk immediately sheathed his sword and retreated, standing respectfully to the side. Zephyr looked at the shallow wound under Rocks's ribs, then at his disheveled but still upright posture, and nodded in satisfaction. Strong, but not invincible. To be able to survive Enk's sword meant they were qualified to be the final boss. And the disheveled appearance of having just barely dodged the attack made them look less like premeditated invaders and more like a group of powerful but exhausted, cornered dogs. Perfect.

"Very good," Zephyr said in a low voice. "I acknowledge your strength. As a reward for offering the Light Horse, I'll give you a chance. I won't send you to Impel Down immediately. You will be imprisoned in the deepest part of G-2, the Repentance Sector, where you will receive my re-education. Then, in one week, my students will hold their graduation trial here, and you..." Zephyr pointed at Rocks and the others, grinned, revealing a demonic, oppressive smile. "Are their final exam."

"If you can defeat all of my best students, I will personally guide you and let you understand what true justice is. If you lose, then wash your necks and go spend the rest of your lives in Impel Down."

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