"The young people these days are truly overflowing with energy."
Inside the command office of Marine Base G-8, Vice Admiral Jonathan stood before the large window overlooking the training grounds below.
Recently, the frequency of pirate activity around the surrounding sea routes had increased drastically. As the commander of G-8, Jonathan had barely slept over the past several days. Reports piled endlessly upon his desk, patrol requests arrived one after another, and every tactical deployment required his personal attention.
Still, Jonathan did not dislike this kind of work.
Unlike many Marines who pursued overwhelming combat strength, Jonathan excelled in strategy and command. Coordinating fleets, setting traps, analyzing enemy movement, and protecting supply routes this was his battlefield.
"Commander!"
A Marine Major hurried into the office carrying a freshly delivered document.
"Headquarters has sent a new directive. They specifically instructed us to provide additional assistance and accommodations to Rear Admiral Saint Roselith Seraphina during her stay at G-8 over the next month."
The major saluted immediately after speaking.
The order had actually arrived during the previous night, but that had coincidentally been the first time Jonathan had rested properly in several days.
"Saint Roselith Seraphina…"
Jonathan narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.
The silver-haired Rear Admiral had only arrived yesterday, yet Headquarters was already personally issuing orders regarding her treatment.
Interesting.
Could she really have climbed to Rear Admiral through family influence alone?
Or perhaps…
Jonathan rubbed his beard.
…was she someone personally valued by Fleet Admiral Sengoku?
As an experienced Marine who had survived countless battles in the Grand Line, Jonathan naturally would not make shallow judgments based on appearance or rumors alone.
A Marine officer capable of reaching Rear Admiral rank at such a young age could never be simple.
Still, he trusted his own instincts more than Headquarters' vague instructions.
"I need to confirm something."
Jonathan turned toward the communications table.
"Connect me to Admiral Sakazuki."
"Yes, sir!"
The major quickly complied, lifting the Den Den Mushi receiver before dialing the encoded Marine Headquarters frequency.
Pururururu… Pururururu…
Click.
"This is Sakazuki."
The rough, impatient voice immediately echoed through the office.
Even through the Den Den Mushi, the pressure in Sakazuki's voice felt suffocating.
"Long time no see, Sakazuki."
Jonathan leaned casually against the window.
"Jonathan?"
Akainu sounded slightly surprised.
"You actually have time to call me? I heard G-8's surrounding waters have been extremely unstable lately."
"They're just troublesome pirates. Nothing serious enough to give me a headache."
Jonathan answered calmly.
"Hmph."
Akainu snorted.
"Then why are you calling?"
"What? Am I not allowed to contact an old classmate unless there's official business involved?"
Jonathan laughed lightly.
"It's been years since we spoke properly."
"You still waste time talking too much."
Akainu replied bluntly.
"Back then at Headquarters, you should've spent more effort strengthening your body instead of wasting time studying tactics and schemes."
Jonathan sighed helplessly.
As expected, Sakazuki had not changed at all.
The two of them had always stood at opposite extremes.
Sakazuki believed absolute power crushed all schemes.
Jonathan believed victory required both intellect and strength.
One relied on overwhelming force.
The other relied on precise control of the battlefield.
"Fine, let's get to the point."
Jonathan finally interrupted before Akainu could continue lecturing him.
"What's the situation with Rear Admiral Saint Roselith Seraphina?"
For a brief moment, the line became silent.
"…Seraphina?"
Akainu sounded as though he had not immediately recalled the name.
Then several seconds later
"…Ah."
He remembered.
The silver-haired Celestial Dragon girl.
The young monster who had forced even Kuzan and Borsalino to acknowledge her talent.
The disciple personally recognized by Garp.
The swordswoman whom Sengoku had begun quietly observing as a possible future pillar of the Marines.
Akainu's expression darkened slightly.
Even now, he still found Seraphina difficult to categorize.
A noble born among the World Nobles…
Yet someone who genuinely carried out Marine justice.
A swordswoman who possessed terrifying talent…
Yet behaved far more rationally than many veteran officers.
Most importantly
Her strength was progressing too quickly.
Too quickly.
"You don't need to concern yourself with that matter," Akainu finally answered.
"Just continue managing G-8 properly."
"As for Headquarters' orders, use your own judgment."
Jonathan's eyes narrowed slightly.
That response alone already told him more than enough.
Sakazuki did not deny Headquarters' treatment of Seraphina.
Nor did he criticize her.
For someone as harsh and uncompromising as Sakazuki, that alone carried enormous meaning.
"I see."
Jonathan smiled faintly.
"Understood."
Click.
The Den Den Mushi connection ended.
Jonathan slowly placed the receiver back down before returning his gaze toward the training grounds below.
"So even Sakazuki acknowledges her…"
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Meanwhile, outside on the massive training grounds of G-8
"Rear Admiral!"
Riva scratched the back of his head awkwardly before speaking loudly.
"I think Kuina has become weaker recently! She probably needs stricter personal guidance!"
The surrounding Marines immediately turned their heads.
Kuina herself froze.
"Huh?!"
At first, she looked ready to argue.
But halfway through speaking, she suddenly realized what Riva actually meant.
Instantly, her expression changed.
"Yes, Teacher!"
Kuina immediately straightened her posture.
"There are still many things I don't understand! I need your personal instruction!"
After speaking, she looked toward Seraphina with an almost pitiful expression.
To train alone with Teacher…
To receive special guidance from Teacher…
To grow stronger beside Teacher…
Those were all things Kuina desperately wanted.
Saint Roselith Seraphina looked at her quietly for a moment before nodding lightly.
"Very well."
"Recently, I've gained new insights regarding swordsmanship and Observation Haki."
"Since that's the case, Kuina… let me first evaluate your progress."
As Seraphina spoke, she suddenly noticed something unusual.
The training grounds had become completely packed.
Marines from G-8 had gathered from all directions.
Some sat on rooftops.
Others leaned against walls.
Even logistics personnel and mechanics had quietly gathered nearby.
Every pair of eyes was fixed directly on her.
Some were curious.
Some were excited.
Some carried deep admiration.
Among them were Marines who already understood the existence of Kenbunshoku Haki.
Others had no idea what Observation Haki even was until their companions hurriedly explained it in whispers.
Yet despite their differences, everyone shared the same anticipation.
Seraphina remained silent briefly before calmly speaking.
"The foundation of Kenbunshoku Haki lies in sharpening one's senses and spirit."
"Do not rely solely on your eyes."
"Listen."
"Feel."
"Perceive the existence around you."
As she spoke, the noisy training grounds gradually became completely silent.
Even Jonathan's officers nearby unconsciously listened carefully.
"Observation Haki is not merely sensing enemies."
"It is the extension of awareness itself."
"You must learn to distinguish killing intent, emotion, movement, breathing, and presence."
"Only then can your perception truly awaken."
Kuina nodded seriously.
"Yes, Teacher!"
"Then begin."
The instant Seraphina finished speaking
Soru.
Her figure vanished.
Boom!
A shockwave exploded across the training grounds.
Kuina's pupils shrank.
Too fast.
Even after training under Seraphina for so long, she still could not completely follow that speed.
Clang!
Their wooden swords collided violently.
"Too slow."
Seraphina's calm voice sounded beside her ear.
"Again."
Bang!
Kuina barely blocked another strike before staggering backward several meters.
"Your stance is unstable."
"Straighten your back."
"Control your breathing."
"Your sword should move according to your will not according to panic."
"Yes!"
Kuina gritted her teeth and rushed forward again.
The surrounding Marines watched in complete concentration.
What shocked them most was not Seraphina's overwhelming skill
But the elegance of her swordsmanship.
Every strike flowed naturally like water.
No wasted movement.
No unnecessary force.
Even her footwork seemed perfectly balanced.
It was beautiful.
Yet terrifyingly efficient.
"Faster, Kuina."
"You hesitate before every swing."
"If your opponent were a real pirate, you would already be dead."
"Yes, Teacher!"
Kuina immediately accelerated her attacks.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The rapid sounds of wooden blades echoed continuously across the training grounds.
Sweat covered Kuina's forehead.
Her breathing gradually became rough.
Yet Seraphina still looked completely relaxed.
"Again."
"Your Observation Haki lost focus midway."
"Yes!"
"Again."
"Too much strength in your shoulders."
"Yes!"
"Again."
"Predict before the strike arrives."
"Yes!"
Hours gradually passed.
Yet not a single Marine left.
Even Jonathan eventually emerged from his office again.
"They're still training?"
Jonathan looked genuinely surprised.
Three to four hours had already passed since the session began.
"Yes, Commander."
The major beside him answered immediately, though his eyes were still fixed on the training grounds.
Jonathan noticed the man's distracted expression and nearly laughed.
This Major was usually extremely disciplined.
Yet now he looked completely captivated.
Jonathan turned back toward the battlefield-like training session below.
Kuina had already reached her limit physically.
Her clothes were soaked with sweat.
Her breathing had become ragged.
Yet she still refused to stop.
And Seraphina…
Still looked perfectly composed.
"This girl…"
Jonathan narrowed his eyes slightly.
"She really may become a future Admiral."
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