Alex had a very clear understanding of his own strength.
His Conqueror's Haki was Level 85, already close to the maximum. Without modesty, it could be said to stand among the top tier of the current era. Anyone lacking sufficient spirit, willpower, or strength simply could not withstand a single shockwave from it.
He could even use his Conqueror's Haki to damage physical matter.
Judging purely from displayed power, it was no weaker than that of the future Yonko, Red-Haired Shanks.
But his fundamentals were his greatest weakness.
"My physical condition is at the Major level."
"But combat experience, hand-to-hand combat, swordsmanship…"
"They're terrible."
Alex shook his head.
Over the past few days, he had sparred frequently with Kuzan, and the results had been miserable.
Without using Conqueror's Haki, he was almost always beaten badly. Whether it was combat experience or timing during battle, the gap between them was enormous.
"Becoming strong isn't something that happens overnight. It's built from talent, effort, sweat, and blood."
"I can't rush it. I need steady progress."
Alex thought silently.
Fortunately, although his irresponsible teacher Garp had disappeared somewhere, a far more professional and responsible instructor had begun appearing every morning.
Black Arm Zephyr.
"Having great talent only means your starting point is higher than others."
"But it is never an excuse to slack off. No one becomes strong without effort."
Standing with arms crossed beneath the rising sun, Zephyr shouted sternly.
"Your physical foundation is excellent—already beyond human limits. With diligent training, you will master the Six Powers quickly."
"But experience can only be gained through repeated battles and life-or-death trials."
Alex nodded quietly.
He had grown stronger quickly, yes—but every improvement had come from enduring the pain of death again and again.
He had earned it.
No one wanted to experience death.
"I will personally teach you more advanced hand-to-hand combat."
"And remember this—power exists to realize justice and ambition, not to commit evil."
Zephyr declared firmly.
A more professional teacher meant faster improvement.
With targeted training, Alex's progress accelerated dramatically.
On the fourth day, he mastered Soru.
On the fifth day, he gained a preliminary grasp of Rankyaku.
The Six Powers were difficult mainly because of the physical requirements; their principles themselves were not complicated. Otherwise, Luffy would never have developed Gear Second so quickly after fighting CP9.
By the sixth day, Alex began to understand Shigan, though he still lacked precise control.
At the same time, under Zephyr's guidance, his foundational combat skills improved, and a new line appeared on his panel:
"Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat LV1."
By the seventh day, during sparring with Kuzan, he could already fight competently and was no longer completely overwhelmed.
This filled Alex with confidence.
"If I used Conqueror's Haki…"
"…Forget it. That would be bullying."
Still, the feeling of growing stronger every day was deeply satisfying.
Especially when all the people training around him were monsters.
Zephyr's daily lessons gathered the future Three Admirals along with other promising young Marines.
Because of his friendship with Kuzan, Alex frequently sparred with him. Borsalino was equally unable to avoid these practice matches.
"They really are monsters."
"Compared to Kuzan, Borsalino looks harmless—but since he enlisted earlier, he's actually even more terrifying."
Alex had formed a clear judgment.
Among all trainees, those two were unquestionably the strongest. Their strength, speed, and reactions were genuinely monstrous. Everyone else still fell within normal limits.
"Without Conqueror's Haki, I have no chance of winning."
His gaze shifted toward Sakazuki nearby.
The man had awakened after three days of unconsciousness but had neither provoked Alex nor sought trouble again.
Alex had originally hoped to intimidate him with another burst of Conqueror's Haki, but everything remained calm.
"Exceptional mentality and powerful physical talent… truly worthy of being called a monster."
He sighed inwardly, feeling no pride at all.
On the morning of the tenth day after arriving at G5 Fortress, an urgent assembly whistle echoed throughout the base.
Alex quickly put on his Marine uniform and draped the white Justice coat over his shoulders.
"Hurry, Alex—emergency assembly!"
"We're probably deploying!"
Kuzan jumped down from the top bunk, already fully dressed, his entire body brimming with excitement.
"Yeah."
Alex nodded.
The dormitory housed four people, including two other field-grade officers in their thirties.
"Hope we end up on the same warship."
One of the bearded officers laughed.
Kuzan waved casually and hurried out. Alex said nothing and followed.
Because of the sudden influx of forces, the base had become crowded. Living arrangements were temporary, and the chance of being assigned to the same ship was slim.
There were simply too many officers stationed at G5 now.
When they arrived at the plaza, it was already packed with Marines standing in dense formation. Every face was stern, Justice coats fluttering in the wind, the atmosphere heavy and solemn.
"We'll probably be assigned under Vice Admiral Garp."
Kuzan whispered.
Alex nodded. He thought the same, though nothing was certain. He hadn't seen Garp for ten full days.
Assembly proceeded rapidly. All officers were elites, and within moments the plaza formed into several orderly formations.
"You are all elites summoned from Headquarters."
"You already know why we have gathered, so I won't waste time."
Sengoku's deep voice rang out from the platform.
"Next, mission assignments."
"Your task is to proceed to the Edd War Sea and observe closely the movements of Golden Lion Shiki and the Flying Pirate Fleet."
"But remember—avoid combat whenever possible."
All Marines straightened and shouted in unison:
"Yes, sir!"
Names were called one after another. Officers stepped forward, received ship assignments, and ran off immediately.
"Kuzan!"
Sengoku called loudly.
"Port Six, Warship B3."
"Yes, sir!"
Kuzan responded and departed at once.
Alex waited quietly. Only after some time was his name finally called.
"You—report to Port Eight, Warship A5!"
Sengoku ordered.
"Yes, sir!"
Alex turned and hurried away.
The warships were easy to identify, each marked with large painted numbers.
When he boarded, he saw several officers roughly equal to his own rank.
Among them stood an unusually large man with a simple, honest smile.
"Alex! Didn't expect we'd be on the same ship."
Alex looked surprised.
"Saul?"
"You remember me!"
Saul laughed in a deep voice, clearly delighted.
Alex smiled faintly. Looking around, he realized he barely knew anyone else. The atmosphere aboard was heavy and serious.
The mission was about to begin—no one felt like chatting.
Moments later, a tall figure boarded the warship. His expression looked weary, a sword hanging at his waist.
"Rear Admiral Jerry!"
All personnel saluted immediately upon seeing him.
Jerry waved casually and lit a cigar.
"At ease."
"Set sail. Our mission is to patrol the northwest sector of the Edd War Sea and monitor one division of the Flying Pirate Fleet."
His voice sounded drained of energy, making Alex wonder whether the man's kidneys had been completely exhausted.
The rear admiral's face was pale and gaunt, his tall, thin frame looking as though a strong wind might knock him over—like someone already halfway to the grave.
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