The most direct evidence is Luffy’s battle with Crocodile. At first, Luffy was utterly defeated. Many speculated that if Crocodile truly wanted to kill Luffy, he wouldn’t have left Robin the chance to save him. Perhaps after that near-fatal encounter, Crocodile received a warning, so he didn’t go all out later.
Crocodile, after all, was one of the Shichibukai, known as the “Desert King” and “Crocodile.” Even at his worst, he shouldn’t have been someone Luffy could handle at that stage. Despite Luffy discovering Crocodile’s weakness, they were in the desert—Crocodile’s domain. The Sand-Sand Fruit wasn’t an ordinary Logia type; a few sandstorms could easily kill Luffy. Yet, in the end, Crocodile was defeated.
Foxy didn’t believe that Crocodile didn’t know Haki; otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone toe-to-toe with Whitebeard. But during his battle with Luffy, Crocodile didn’t even use Haki, getting beaten without much resistance and eventually resorting to poison. Did people think the so-called “strongest Devil Fruit” Logia types were that fragile?
And it wasn’t just Luffy; every member of the Straw Hat crew had a complicated background. Initially, One Piece seemed like a story about a few underdog kids chasing their dreams. But later, it was about many princes, rich kids, and heirs touring the world.
That disparity ruined the viewing experience.
While there were flaws, the emotional highs, passion, and memories One Piece created were irreplaceable. It allowed Luffy to be naive, reckless, and fearless, facing any enemy without hesitation, even when he lacked the strength. This endearing yet infuriating trait often puts his companions in danger.
Without his strong background, Luffy would’ve died countless times. But his personality also made him endearing, as he cared deeply for his friends and would sacrifice his dreams for them. This drew like-minded friends to his side.
He was kind-hearted.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and there is no absolute right or wrong. As the saying goes, there is no such thing as perfection.
Shaking off his thoughts, Foxy looked at the mountain peak, unwilling to give up. If Luffy could persevere at seven or eight years old, building a solid foundation that allowed his strength to skyrocket, why couldn’t he? He was 21, a transmigrant with the protagonist’s aura, and had experienced hell twice. What hadn’t he seen?
If he wasn’t afraid of poverty, why fear death or hardship?
With his mind in high gear, blood pumping, and body on edge, Foxy felt the pain fading away. Hard work leads to success. Physical pain was nothing compared to the agony of his lost eye.
Clenching his fists, Foxy quickened his pace.
As he passed Shuzo, the latter was momentarily stunned.
Next was Gasparde.
Seeing Foxy overtake him, both Shuzo and Gasparde were displeased, speeding up.
Leading the pack was Drake, whose wounds were already healing, and he looked relatively relaxed.
With Foxy, Gasparde, and Shuzo’s competitive spirits ignited, the atmosphere on the mountain path turned intense, like a powder keg ready to explode.
Faces flushed red, and everyone picked up their pace, driven by a strong sense of rivalry.
Competition fosters progress. When focused, everything else fades away, even pain.
The sun above grew hotter, but the trainees were drenched in sweat. As the sweat-soaked into their wounds, it felt like being pricked by needles.
Ultimately, everyone reached the summit within the allotted time.
“Very good.”
Looking at the pale-faced trainees lying on the ground, Zephyr seemed satisfied.
“Get up, eat lunch, and you have an hour to rest.”
Zephyr’s words were like music to their ears. The trainees looked up, hardly daring to believe their ears.
Although construction was ongoing at the summit, the cafeteria and dormitory had long been established. Foxy and the others were just one of the first trainees here.
Lunch was still sea king meat, and everyone wolfed it down. After a morning of exertion, they were exhausted and wounded, making it the perfect time to replenish their energy.
Foxy ate even more than in the morning, at least twice as much. He had no idea how he managed to fit it all in.
After lunch, the trainees lay outside the cafeteria under the trees, unwilling to move. Some wanted to shower but were scolded by Zephyr, who said they’d get to wash later in the afternoon. Changing their tattered clothes was out of the question.
Sitting under a tree, Foxy grimaced, inhaling the smell of sweat and blood. His body felt sticky and hot, making him uncomfortable.
Foxy’s face darkened, worried about infections and bacteria. What if they caught some disease?
While people had robust immune systems, bacteria were even more vital.
Summoning his courage, Foxy went to Zephyr’s office at the summit.
“Reporting.”
Grimacing, Foxy knocked on Zephyr’s door. Zephyr, talking to a Den Den Mushi, motioned for Foxy to enter.
After a brief conversation, Zephyr hung up and looked at Foxy. “What is it?”
“Zephyr-sensei, I request to take a bath and change clothes.”
“Training isn’t over yet; it’s unnecessary.”
Zephyr glanced at Foxy, then returned to his desk, reviewing documents.
“Zephyr-sensei, many of the trainees are injured. Without proper cleaning, the wounds could get infected, and bacteria could cause serious illness or even death.”
Standing straight, Foxy stared at Zephyr.
“I know.”
Zephyr didn’t lift his head; these common concerns were not lost.
Foxy stiffened, his face showing fear. If Zephyr knew, why wasn’t he letting them wash? Was he trying to kill them?
“You’re right. I do intend to train you to the point of death.”
Looking up, Zephyr seemed to read Foxy’s mind, his face expressionless.
“Anything else?”
Zephyr pointed to the door, not giving Foxy another glance.
“Zephyr-sensei.”
“Any more questions?” Zephyr’s eyes narrowed, and an intimidating aura made Foxy’s heart skip a beat.
“None.”
Unable to speak, Foxy clenched his fists.
“Then you can leave.”
As Foxy reached the door, Zephyr suddenly spoke. “Illness can also lead to progress.”
Turning back, Foxy saw Zephyr buried in his documents, viewing him like a devil.
This was too cruel; people could die from this. Was Zephyr using illness to increase their resilience, recovery, and healing abilities?
It seemed he honestly didn’t view them as human.
This training method might make some trainees resent Zephyr, which explains why Zephyr’s later years were so troubled, with few trainees coming to his aid.
Borsalino’s relationship with Zephyr was particularly strained, likely due to this.
Zephyr’s intentions were good, but his methods were too harsh.
However, Zephyr had warned that his training could be deadly, and anyone who couldn’t handle it was free to leave. It was all voluntary.
Zephyr owed no one, and those he trained owed him gratitude and sincere thanks.
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