At 7 AM in Marineford, a thick sea mist still clung to the coast, refusing to disperse.
Kane and Kuzan had been lying in their dormitory beds for less than ten minutes when the morning air was shattered.
Beep—!!!
Zephyr's piercing assembly whistle blew, a sharp sound that echoed through the hallways like a gunshot.
Fall in, everyone! If anyone is late, I will increase your training load tenfold!
Zephyr's roar vibrated through the dormitory walls, leaving no room for negotiation.
Ugh... Kuzan groaned, struggling to peel his exhausted body off the mattress. He reached out with a trembling hand for the Marine vest at the head of his bed, his entire being radiating the decadent, broken aura of someone who had been thoroughly ravaged by life.
On the other hand, Kane was already up.
He was unhurriedly straightening his collar in front of the mirror. Although his blonde hair was a bit messy and his clothes were still covered in the sweat stains and dust from the previous night's ordeal, his azure eyes were exceptionally bright and excited.
How could he not be excited?
He had just undergone a physical enhancement that cost over ten thousand discipline points! Right now, he felt terrifyingly strong, as if every cell in his body had been recharged with high-voltage electricity.
Ka... Kane... Kuzan, sporting two massive dark circles under his eyes that looked like bruises, stared at his energetic roommate in shock. Aren't you tired at all? You carried me on your back for the final fifty laps!
Tired?
Kane turned around, framing himself against the morning sun streaming through the window. He flashed his trademark, charismatic smile.
Kuzan, the body might get tired, but as long as I think of the heavy weight of justice we shoulder together, my spirit is filled with infinite strength!
[Ding! Detected host's words are extremely hypocritical, causing slight physical discomfort to Kuzan. Discipline points +20!]
Hearing the wonderful system prompt, Kane's smile became even more sincere and warm.
Kuzan's movements paused. A surge of pure admiration and deep shame welled up in his heart. Is this the difference in our resolve? he wondered. Gritting his teeth, he forced his aching muscles to move and stood up.
Five minutes later, at the training ground.
The students of the Elite Class stood in a rigid formation.
Though they were the cream of the crop, most of them had dark circles under their eyes. Zephyr's furious roars from the night before had been so loud that the entire dormitory area hadn't slept a wink.
Zephyr stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes hidden behind his dark sunglasses. He scanned the faces of the crowd before finally letting his gaze settle on Kane.
To be honest, Zephyr hadn't slept at all last night either. He had stood by his office window until dawn. He had personally watched how Kane had shuffled through those final hundred laps, step by agonizing step, and how he had stubbornly carried the unconscious Kuzan all the way back to the barracks.
Such perseverance. Such a physique.
Zephyr was actually satisfied in his heart. One could even say he was amazed by the boy's grit. But he also knew this kid was truly asking for a beating.
There will be no physical training today, Zephyr announced, his gruff voice drowning out the sound of the sea breeze. As elites, raw physical strength alone is not enough! Today, we will conduct actual combat sparring! There are no rule restrictions. The fight continues until one side loses combat effectiveness or surrenders!
Group up in pairs for free sparring! Begin!
Just as the students were about to look for their usual partners, a low, raspy voice rang out from the front.
Teacher Zephyr.
A man wearing a deep red shirt and a baseball cap stepped forward from the line.
Sakazuki.
Even though he was still young, the fierce, uncompromising aura about him had already begun to take shape. He pulled down the brim of his cap, his sinister eyes looking past the crowd to fixate directly on Kane.
I request to conduct a sparring exercise with student Kane.
The entire field fell into a sudden, heavy silence.
Zephyr frowned slightly behind his glasses. Sakazuki, Kane was punished last night. His physical energy has been greatly depleted...
Is that an excuse?
Sakazuki rudely interrupted the Admiral. The veins on his neck bulged as he spoke with aggressive intensity. When pirates attack, will they spare you because you did not sleep well? Does the execution of justice distinguish between time, place, or condition?
He suddenly turned and pointed a finger directly at Kane's nose.
I do not acknowledge this kind of person! Leading comrades astray, treating military discipline like a joke, and filling the air with grand principles when he is actually just seeking attention! The Marines do not need such opportunistic people! If you cannot even beat me, then get out of the Training Camp as soon as possible. Do not stay here and tarnish your father's reputation!
The words were extremely harsh, practically tearing off Kane's dignity and stomping on it in front of the entire class.
Kuzan, standing nearby, grew anxious. He was about to rush forward to argue. Hey! Sakazuki, you are going too far! He was—
A hand steadily stopped Kuzan.
Kane looked at the battle-hungry Sakazuki and muttered to himself. System, evaluate Sakazuki.
[Scanning target...]
[Sakazuki (Youth): Physique 58, Rokushiki: Initial Mastery, Devil Fruit: None, Haki: Not Mastered.]
Looking at the numbers on the light screen, Kane's pupils contracted slightly. 58 points? Is this guy a total monster?
At the opening ceremony a week ago, Kane had increased his physique to 55 and outran everyone. At that time, although Sakazuki was close behind, he clearly hadn't reached 55 yet. In just one week, this guy had trained his body up to 58? Such a terrifying growth rate was truly worthy of a future Fleet Admiral.
However...
A playful, mocking arc curved at the corner of Kane's mouth. A 7-point difference in physique is an insurmountable chasm in the early stages of this world! Since you want to play, Sakazuki, I will play along with you.
Student Sakazuki is right, Kane said in an extremely sincere tone. He slowly rolled up his sleeves. I do indeed have many shortcomings, and my behavior last night was inappropriate. Since you are willing to personally guide me for the sake of the Marines' future and to correct my mistakes...
He looked up. His gaze instantly became sharp, but the smile on his lips grew even more playful. I could not ask for more.
Stop being so sarcastic!
Sakazuki hated this attitude most of all. He let out a roar, his muscles tensing as a fierce aura erupted from his body. He pushed off powerfully with both legs.
Bang!
A circle of dust exploded from the ground. His whole body moved like a shell fired from a cannon, instantly crossing the ten-meter gap. His right fist was clenched tight—no fancy techniques, just pure power and killing intent aimed straight for Kane's face.
If this punch landed solidly, an ordinary person's head would burst open. The surrounding recruits let out a chorus of gasps.
However, Kane stood his ground. He didn't even move his heels. Only when the fist, carrying a sharp wind, was about to touch the tip of his nose did he slightly tilt his head.
Swish!
The fist grazed past his ear, hitting nothing but air.
Too slow, Kane said softly, a hint of mock regret in his voice.
After last night's spending spree on his physique, his dynamic vision and reaction speed were on a completely different level. Sakazuki's powerful straight punch looked like a slow-motion replay in his eyes.
Can you only dodge? Coward!
Sakazuki changed his moves with incredible speed. Failing to land the first hit, he used his momentum to spin his body. His thick elbow, like a heavy battle-axe, swept toward Kane's temple. It was ruthless, accurate, and showed absolutely no mercy.
Kane didn't dodge this time. He raised his right arm and threw a counter-punch!
Thud!
A dull sound of flesh colliding rang out across the training ground. Airwaves rolled outward, making the clothes of the nearby students flutter loudly. The stone slabs beneath their feet instantly cracked with fine, web-like lines.
But Kane didn't retreat a single step. He steadily blocked Sakazuki's determined strike.
[Ding! Assaulting a fellow student. Discipline points +50!]
Hmm? Kane's eyes lit up. 50 points for a single punch?
Sakazuki, he thought, his grin widening, if you do not beat me half to death today, or if I do not beat you half to death, neither of us is leaving this field!
With that thought, Kane deliberately feigned exhaustion, letting his body sway slightly as if he were at his limit.