Chapter 7: Kizaru's Recruitment
Zephyr's words were not without reason. In this world, the importance of physique was undeniable.
Have you not seen King Kin'emon break Seastone handcuffs with his bare hands and take a dual-wielded, Haki-infused Kanabo from Teacher Kaido to the face, only to get a mere nosebleed?
What kind of powerful physique was that? In comparison, his fellow Akazaya Nine member, Ashura, was too weak! He was actually killed by a bomb, all that muscle was for nothing!
You must know, Gear Fourth Luffy was knocked out cold with one blow from Teacher Kaido's club. But not only was King Kin'emon fine after taking it to the face, he could even stab Teacher Kaido!
This shows just how important physique is. But the problem was, Karl didn't need to train to improve his physique at all. By slacking off every day, he could gain growth far exceeding daily training through attribute enhancement cards.
Although it wasn't impossible to train after work, that would be too boring. Karl was a man, a handsome and fierce man!
How could he waste his precious nightlife on training?
Lu Xun had a saying: "A man is handsome only because he is tired, a woman is beautiful and must suffer." Karl firmly believed this.
"Ahem, Teacher Zephyr, rest assured!"
As for what to rest assured about, Karl didn't say, and you shouldn't ask.
Zephyr nodded in satisfaction. This kid could be taught! He patted Karl's shoulder and said: "Wait a couple of days until you're back to normal before coming to the training grounds. Otherwise, you'll affect the others."
"That's grea—uh, I mean, okay. Right! Teacher Zephyr, if it weren't for Ain today, I really might not have bought fruit to eat, and I wouldn't have accidentally eaten that Devil Fruit.
So, I'd like to ask you to be lenient and not give Ain a hard time."
"Hahaha, this old man isn't that unreasonable. Right, before the training camp ends, it's best not to expose your ability. Otherwise, it will cause unnecessary trouble!"
"Mhm, okay, Teacher Zephyr. I'll be going then!"
Karl nodded. If he hadn't been accidentally discovered by that troll Kizaru, he definitely wouldn't have exposed his ability so quickly.
Feeling the envious and jealous gazes from all around, Karl happily scampered away from the training grounds, lest he be torn in half by those jealous haters.
...
Fleet Admiral's Office.
Besides Kizaru, Staff Officer Tsuru was also present. If Garp hadn't been on vacation, he probably would have come over to join the fun as well.
"Little Tsuru, did you bring Karl's detailed file?"
Staff Officer Tsuru nodded: "Of course, everything since he joined the Marines is in here. Sengoku, is that kid's ability really as amazing as you said?"
Before Sengoku could speak, Kizaru at the side interjected: "Ooh~ Staff Officer Tsuru, little Karl's ability is truly amazing. Even now, I can still feel it working!"
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, how about letting Karl be my adjutant after he graduates? I have high hopes for him!"
Sengoku frowned, pushing up his round glasses: "Aren't you a bit too hasty! There are at least three months until Karl graduates!"
"But once Karl's ability is made public, he'll be in high demand! After all, who wouldn't want a companion like Karl when out on a mission?"
Although Kizaru's tone was still as flippant as ever, his expression was somewhat serious, a world of difference from his usual "I don't care about anything" attitude.
As for what he was thinking, no one could see through him, not even Sengoku, known as "The Strategist."
But only Kizaru himself knew that he saw a reflection of his past self in Karl. They shared a certain similar trait.
Plus, he was a marine that Zephyr valued. If he could guide Karl onto the "correct path" just like himself, Teacher Zephyr would surely be very happy!
"Admiral Kizaru, I assure you, his ability will absolutely not be made public before he graduates. As for whether he's willing to go with you, it's not up to me. That will depend on Karl's own opinion."
Kizaru pursed his lips, seemingly having thought of some mischievous idea. He said his goodbyes and left the Fleet Admiral's office.
Meanwhile, after leaving the training ground, Karl wandered aimlessly around Marineford, familiarizing himself with the terrain and seeing many familiar places.
For example, the main battlefield of the future "War of the Best," Marineford Plaza, Crescent Bay...
Looking at the bustling Marine family community, Karl couldn't help but sigh: "I heard that if you become an HQ officer of Captain rank or higher, you can get a house here. Sigh~ I wonder when I'll be able to get one."
"That should be very simple for you, young man."
Hearing this familiar voice, Karl's heart jumped. Dammit, this troll Kizaru makes no sound when he walks! Doesn't he know he'll scare people to death, that bastard!
"Admiral Kizaru!"
"Little Karl, no need to be so formal! I heard you say just now that you wanted a house here?"
Kizaru still spoke in that slow, drawn-out tone. Karl felt anxious just listening, but that wasn't the main point.
He was currently in his boy form, only about 1.5 meters tall, but Kizaru was a full three meters tall, almost twice his current height. This made it very strenuous for Karl to talk to Kizaru. Standing so close, even a 45-degree upward gaze wasn't quite enough.
"Uh, yes, Admiral Kizaru."
"That's very simple! As long as you come and be my adjutant after you graduate, you won't even have to ask about the house. The logistics department will take the initiative to arrange it for you."
Karl was shocked. Was Kizaru recruiting him? No, he was *definitely* recruiting him!
Generally speaking, recruits who participate in the training camp are assigned to the Four Seas or the Grand Line based on their performance after graduation. Only the most outstanding recruits get to stay at Marine Headquarters to grow under a Vice Admiral or Admiral for a period.
For example, Aokiji back in the day was Garp's follower and little fanboy.
Kizaru was showing him goodwill in advance, undoubtedly because he valued his ability. Karl was very confident about this. What ADC wouldn't want a reliable support?
But Zephyr had just told him to stay away from Kizaru, and now Kizaru was here recruiting him.
This made Karl suspect there was some secret competition between this bickering pair. It was tough for a little rookie like him to be caught in the middle!
But in all honesty, if he had to choose who to follow, he would most likely choose Kizaru. The reason was simple. Aokiji was in his slacker phase right now. If *he* was slacking, how could Karl slack?
Akainu, while dedicated, had a harsh personality. He would never sit by and watch Karl slack off; he would definitely raise his expectations for him.
So Karl's choices were limited. One was Garp: strong and took lots of vacations.
The other was Kizaru: fast, efficient, and Karl could even just give him a buff at HQ, and Kizaru could *whoosh* over and take care of people.
"Hahaha, Admiral Kizaru, it's still a long time until graduation! No need to be in such a hurry. But rest assured, if I get to choose then, I will definitely give priority to being your adjutant!"
Kizaru pursed his lips slightly, seemingly very satisfied with Karl's answer. He casually took a set of keys from his pocket and tossed them to Karl.
"These are the keys to my old residence. If you don't mind, you can live there for now. Just consider it a gift from this old man!"
After speaking, Kizaru turned into a flash of golden light and disappeared, not giving Karl any room to refuse.
"Good heavens, this day has been pretty surreal. Got a house, career is stable, and I even got to slack off to my heart's content. Tsk tsk tsk~"