The presence of such a considerate prodigy in the training camp warmed Dalmatian’s heart, even though Mosen didn’t definitively answer his invitation.
But,
The handsome young man before him had eyes longing for his fleet.
He could be persuaded.
If Dalmatian had heard the old saying, “the better-looking someone is, the more they lie,” he might have been more cautious.
If he had seen Zephyr’s peculiar expression and Shuzo’s face turned from dark to red and then to purple from holding back laughter, he might not have said the following sentence: “With me around, you won’t be assigned to anyone else’s command!”
Mosen was speechless. He didn’t expect Vice Admiral Dalmatian to be so straightforward at this moment. Ten years later, when he went to Amazon Lily, Boa Hancock praised him for his experience.
Indeed, time is the most powerful force, changing everything under its influence for better or worse.
Zephyr couldn’t take it anymore. Everyone in the training camp knew Mosen’s personality except for this upright disciple of his.
“Dalmatian, let’s not discuss this further. Since you’re here today, you can help Mosen with his swordsmanship. The training camp instructors are skilled enough to teach regular recruits, but Mosen has long become a swordmaster…”
Zephyr paused, then continued, “There’s still three months until this batch of recruits graduates. If you’re not on a mission, you can come here to teach swordsmanship. You and Shuzo can work out the details.”
Dalmatian had no objections. Vice admirals often came to help teach recruits. Some, who didn’t have a close relationship with Zephyr, just did the minimum. Like Dalmatians, those who truly respected Zephyr and had a close relationship were more dedicated.
“Don’t worry, Sensei. After this mission, I’ll be stationed at Headquarters for a while. It’s a good opportunity to check the progress of the recruits’ swordsmanship over the past six months.”
Dalmatian belonged to the dedicated group and genuinely respected Zephyr.
Only Dalmatian and Burning Mountain have treated Zephyr with respect in the past three months due to a mentor.
Other vice admirals who came to teach mostly saw it as a task to complete.
Mosen didn’t mind. Even among the three admirals, only Aokiji shared a good relationship with Zephyr. Different ideologies were understandable as long as they didn’t impose on him.
Zephyr and Shuzo had been so good to him that Mosen wouldn’t let them meet a tragic end.
As the most handsome man in the Navy, everything was under control.
“Dalmatian, I trust you. I’ll leave the swordsmanship training in the camp to you.”
Zephyr slightly bowed, which Dalmatian quickly avoided.
“Sensei, you’re too kind. The training camp isn’t just yours; it’s for the entire Navy. It’s our duty to contribute to it.”
Watching this scene, Mosen felt a sense of satisfaction. As a One Piece fan, what could be more exciting than seeing these characters come to life?
He thought, just wait till I tell everyone; they’ll be so envious.
The following day, after their physical training, the recruits were gathered.
The previous swordsmanship instructors stepped aside, making way for the new instructor, Dalmatian.
The recruits were divided into three groups based on their swordsmanship levels. Mosen initially wanted to stand with Old Val, but the instructor pulled him out to form a separate group.
Another group consisted of those who didn’t practice swordsmanship, which was expected. This wasn’t the lowest level of the Navy.
These recruits either had decent talent or a good background. What they learned depended on their strengths and choices.
The training camp tailored its teaching based on individual strengths, a principle taken seriously. One’s strengths would be further developed.
Of course, only some could receive individualised training if they were exceptionally talented and chosen for special training.
Hierarchy exists everywhere, and this world has particularly clear hierarchies. No one finds it wrong. If you are strong and talented, you should stand out.
Dalmatian stood before everyone, his Justice coat removed, looking sharp in his purple pinstriped suit.
“I’m not here to teach trash.”
His words were sharp and authoritative.
“My swordsmanship was partly learned, but mostly honed through battles. Your basics are solid. Enough talk. The third group will continue with your original instructors.”
“Only when you move up to the second group will you have the right to learn from me.”
“As for the second group, my teaching will be much stricter than your previous instructors. Be prepared.”
“The first group…”
Dalmatian paused, almost stammering.
The third was the largest of the three groups, with 90% of the recruits. The second group had only a dozen. The first group consisted of only Mosen.
Seeing Dalmatian’s disrupted mood, Mosen felt the instructors were setting him up, making all the other recruits hostile towards him.
Sigh, sometimes my good looks and excellence make it hard to fit in.
I want to be low-key, but I need to improve my abilities.
“The first group will train with the second group.”
Dalmatian’s mood was affected, but he managed to arrange things.
“Now, the third group is dismissed. Follow your instructors and continue training. The first and second groups, follow me.”
Mosen and the second group followed Dalmatian to the sword training area, where all the training dummies were cleared out.
Mosen stood alone, separated from the second group.
Mosen’s roommate, Val, led the second group from room 208. Only he and Mosen practised swordsmanship in their dorm.
Val felt nervous under Mosen’s gaze, thinking, “It’s not that I don’t want to join you, but I’m not qualified, big bro.”
Dalmatian stood firm, his eyes sharp as he looked at them.
“Now, everyone switch from practice swords to your own blades.”
This first command made a few faces turn pale. It was clear they would be sparring for real.
But Dalmatian didn’t care.
“You have one minute. Anyone late will face the consequences.”
Mosen didn’t move; he always used his sword.
In a minute, everyone returned with their blades, each with varying quality.
Some had Navy-issued swords, while others had more expensive ones, judging by their patterns.
“Good, no one was late. Now, I’ll check your swordsmanship progress.”
Dalmatian looked at Mosen and the second group, a smile forming on his stern face.
“The first group will spar with the second group. I’ll count to three, then begin!”
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