The next morning, the early sunlight broke through, casting a thin mist over the sky. Marineford, bathed in the sunlight, seemed like a paradise.
“No wonder this world from One Piece feels so vibrant. The air quality and energy here are much better than in my previous life. It’s no surprise that people in this world can become superhuman with proper training. For some, Devil Fruits might not be the only path.”
Nokiyoru stood in the courtyard of Tsuru’s residence, his thoughts racing.
“Let’s go. I can only lead you to the gate; the rest is up to you.”
“Regardless, I am very grateful to you,” Nokiyoru replied sincerely, as Tsuru had indeed helped him.
“Hehe.” Tsuru smiled slightly, her thoughts unreadable.
The Marine Academy had existed since the formation of the Marines. Its sole purpose was to cultivate talents for the Marines, or rather, to select obedient enforcers for the World Government.
“The head of the academy this year is Fleet Admiral Kong. Admirals Sengoku, Zephyr, and Vice Admiral Garp, among other high-ranking officers, often serve as instructors. Kid, you will be proud of this decision in the future,” Tsuru explained basic knowledge to Nokiyoru as they walked.
“Kong is still the Fleet Admiral, which means Gol D. Roger hasn’t become the Pirate King yet. The main storyline is still a long way off,” Nokiyoru thought, analyzing the current world situation.
“Hopefully,” Nokiyoru replied with a faint smile, his expression cold.
Shortly after, they arrived at the vast Marine Academy near the center of Marineford’s eastern district.
Standing at the entrance, the bold “Marine Academy” characters showcased the strength and future of the Marines.
As they walked, Tsuru continued, “The academy is divided into three levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced. These are self-explanatory. If you want to have a say in the Marines, you’d better aim for the intermediate or advanced classes.”
“Got it.” Nokiyoru nodded, maintaining his usual calm demeanor.
Strength was the ultimate truth in this world.
“Hey… isn’t that little Tsuru? What brings you to the academy today?” A rough voice called out. A middle-aged man in his fifties or sixties casually picked his nose as he walked over.
“Garp.” Nokiyoru, standing behind Tsuru, looked at the man with eyes full of desire. If he could receive guidance from this man, he could grow rapidly.
“Aokiji? Looks like I’ll be entering the academy with a future Admiral.” Nokiyoru’s eyes lit up as he saw the young man behind Garp, unable to contain his excitement.
“You rascal, why aren’t you out chasing Gol D. Roger?” Tsuru scolded, her face darkening. She couldn’t help but feel helpless with this comrade and their complicated relationship.
“Haha, I discovered an incredible kid, so I brought him here for training.” Garp boasted, his expression smug, which made Tsuru want to kick him.
“This kid?” Tsuru turned to look at Aokiji, nodding slightly.
“He’s a Logia-type Ice-Ice Fruit user. Although he hasn’t fully matured yet, I believe he won’t be any weaker than Akainu or Kizaru,” Garp grinned, glancing at Nokiyoru, and then exclaimed in surprise, “When did this kid wake up?”
“Not long ago,” Tsuru rolled her eyes before turning to Nokiyoru. “Your true savior is this old man here. He snatched you from Shiki.”
“Thank you very much for saving my life,” Nokiyoru said sincerely, stepping forward and bowing deeply in gratitude.
“Not bad, not bad.” Garp laughed heartily and slapped Nokiyoru’s shoulder with his large hand. Nokiyoru’s face darkened, his body momentarily frozen, but he managed to endure it.
Seeing Nokiyoru’s reaction, Garp’s eyes brightened. “Come, come, you two should get to know each other. You’ll be comrades from now on.”
“Hello, Aokiji,” Aokiji greeted lazily, extending his hand. His expression was serious as he looked at Nokiyoru, feeling an instinctive threat from the younger boy.
“Hello, Nokiyoru,” Nokiyoru replied, extending his hand as well.
Cold air emanated from Aokiji’s body as their hands clasped while Nokiyoru’s body radiated intense heat.
The cold intensified, turning the surrounding ground white with frost.
The heatwave surged, raising the temperature dramatically. For a moment, the two were locked in a standoff, cold and heat clashing, creating white steam that rose into the air.
One side red, the other white, like two worlds—one icy cold, the other scorching hot.
“Tsuru, did you find another monster? Is he also a Logia user?” Garp asked excitedly, watching the two boys, both holding their ground.
“He’s not a Logia. He’s an Ancient Zoan, the Flame Bird,” Tsuru watched the contest, thinking, “I didn’t expect his flames to rival a Logia’s. It seems I’ve found a monster this time.”
“Flame Bird? I’ve never heard of that,” Garp looked puzzled.
“There are many things you don’t know. Devil Fruits are diverse and mysterious. Who knows what kinds of ancient types and abilities exist,” Tsuru sighed at Garp’s ignorance.
“True, hahaha… but this is getting more interesting. I can’t wait to see what sparks fly between Akainu, Kizaru, and these two in the academy. Too bad my boy is out on a mission.”
“Dragon hasn’t returned yet?”
“It’ll be a while,” Garp frowned, clearly concerned. He wasn’t stupid; he noticed that Dragon had been acting differently lately.
“You’re strong,” Aokiji said, filled with fighting spirit, as he released Nokiyoru’s hand and looked at him seriously.
“You’re not bad either. In a real fight, I wouldn’t be able to beat you now,” Nokiyoru’s eyes shone with determination.
“Maybe,” Aokiji shrugged.
Only they knew the truth. Nokiyoru had yet to fully utilize his Devil Fruit power, such as transforming into the Golden Sun Bird.
Even if he did, he believed he couldn’t completely defeat Aokiji. But Nokiyoru was confident he could hold his ground. His current transformation was akin to a juvenile state, as he hadn’t had time to develop his abilities fully. Most importantly, he needed more combat experience.
“Hahaha… you two are great. Let’s go to the academy and show the Fleet Admiral, Zephyr, and Sengoku the surprises I’ve brought them.” Garp clapped his hands, causing Nokiyoru and Aokiji to wince at the pain in their shoulders.
To Nokiyoru’s dismay, there was a dark stain on his shoulder.
What happened next infuriated both Nokiyoru and Aokiji. Garp casually continued picking his nose and wiped his fingers on their clothes, leaving snot marks before chatting with Tsuru as if nothing had happened.
Face to face, Nokiyoru and Aokiji erupted simultaneously, activating their powers.
“Flame Pulse.”
With a dark expression, Nokiyoru crossed his arms, emitting endless flames that exuded immense heat.
“Ice Blade.”
Chilling air surrounded Aokiji as he formed an ice blade, striking directly at Garp, who was simply too infuriating.
Explosions of flames and cold air filled the area, rocks flying as the ground erupted into chaos.
“Well, it looks like you two brats need a lesson in love. I’ll gladly oblige.”
The fight started and ended quickly. In just moments, Nokiyoru and Aokiji were lying on the ground, faces bruised and battered.
“Is this the difference in strength? No, I must become stronger, stronger than Garp, stronger than anyone.” Lying on the ground, Nokiyoru closed his eyes, gritting his teeth, now fully aware of the gap between himself and the strong.
“Alright, if you’re not dead, get up. It’s time to meet the Fleet Admiral. I’m sure they noticed our little scuffle.” Garp smirked, ignoring the two as he followed Tsuru toward the academy center.
Nokiyoru stood up, shaking his head, and offered a hand to Aokiji.
Zoan Devil Fruit users indeed had superior recovery abilities.
While Aokiji was still recovering, Nokiyoru regained much of his clarity.
“This feeling is awful,” Aokiji muttered, rubbing his head as he stood up with a wry smile.
“Hehe, as long as it makes me stronger, I’ll endure anything,” Nokiyoru said, leading the way as they followed Garp.
“Such a terrifying man,” Aokiji muttered, watching Nokiyoru’s back.
Author’s Note: I’m using code names here, as there are too many character names. Kuzan (Aokiji) is more memorable than just using their real names, like Akainu or Kizaru.
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