"Sengoku, are you really going to let those three brats graduate early?"
Right now, Zephyr massaged his temples as he glared at his old friend Sengoku
Regarding the early graduation applications submitted by Sakazuki, Dragon, and Borsalino, Zephyr had originally been against it.
But in the next mont, Sengoku called him over.
"Zephyr, I know you think they're not ready yet."
"But you also know how short-handed we are right now. The strength of those three is already surpasses most officers."
"Especially Borsalino, now that he's eaten a Logia-type Glint-Glint Fruit - you could say he's already halfway into admiral ranks."
It would've been better if Sengoku hadn't ntioned that, because the mont he did, Zephyr's anger flared up.
"Devil Fruits? Pah! Nothing beats hardened fists and discipline!"
As one of the old-generation powerhouses, Zephyr, along with Garp and Kong, was a staunch supporter of physical combat and scoffed at the use of Devil Fruits.
Seeing Zephyr's face full of disdain, Sengoku let out a sigh.
"Zephyr, whether you like it or not, a good Devil Fruit can let soone quickly gain formidable power."
"Borsalino already had excellent talent, and now with the Glint-Glint Fruit's boost, I believe his strength will skyrocket. Instead of keeping him in training camp, it's better to bring him under my command and have him fight directly."
As the sole active admiral, Sengoku's burdens were imnse.
Zephyr understood that much.
So, regarding Borsalino being placed under Sengoku, he didn't object.
After all, when it ca to the developnt of devil fruit, he was better than him.
"Fine, him I get. But what about Dragon and Sakazuki?"
Sengoku took two application forms from his desk and handed them to Zephyr.
"Hmm… That damn Garp! He was the one who sent Dragon to , and after just one year, now he wants to take him back - bastard!"
"Ugh… Sakazuki really can't sit still, huh."
Both applications were extrely simple.
Dragon's just said: "Vice Admiral Garp's orders."
Sakazuki's was even shorter: "Pirate extermination."
After reading them, Zephyr was dumbfounded. He slowly leaned back in his chair and let out a helpless sigh.
"Ah… these little bastards, each one's more trouble than the next."
Seeing his old friend accept reality, Sengoku laughed heartily.
"Co on, Zephyr. They'll thrive at sea. You should be proud."
Zephyr gave him an exasperated look.
"What choice do I have? Who can stop a man who yearns for the ocean?"
"I won't interfere with those three, do as you like. But as for the others, especially Hamr, you'd better keep your hands off."
Sengoku was just about to speak when he froze on the spot.
"Hmph, Sengoku, don't think I don't know what you're scheming," Zephyr growled. "Hamr's ability is indeed remarkable, but he still can't control it yet, and his strength hasn't yet reached the level of those three. I absolutely won't allow you to approve his early graduation."
Zephyr's stance was firm, he absolutely wouldn't let go of Hamr.
Sengoku felt awkward for a mont.
It was true, he had been eyeing Hamr, after all, the young man's ability, if mastered, would be incredibly powerful.
Over the past year, Hamr had forged more than a dozen rare items.
All kinds of attributes, you na it, he made it.
There was a shield that boosted defense, a cloak that allowed brief flight…
Of course, all those items were "requisitioned" by Marine higher-ups under various pretenses, leaving Hamr quite unhappy.
In the end, headquarters had to pay him a generous bonus to calm him down.
But now, with Zephyr glaring fiercely, practically ready to fight him if he opened his mouth, Sengoku swallowed his words.
"Alright, alright, fine! hamr stays with you."
'Anyway, I've got Borsalino as my adjutant - I'm not losing out.'
Sengoku tried to console himself with a forced chuckle, completely unaware…
That particular monkey was... slippery.
The next day, at the port
The three monsters were each about to embark on their own journeys.
Hamr watched as the three packed their bags and prepared to leave the barracks, a complicated feeling welling up in his heart.
"You three bastards are just leaving behind like this."
"Zephyr-sensei, really… why won't you let graduate early…"
Hamr complained helplessly, making the three of them burst into laughter.
"Hamr-kun, ganbatte~!"
Borsalino's sarcastic tone made Hamr swing at him.
But with a flash of light, Hamr's fist passed right through Borsalino's body.
"Tch, damn Logia powers."
Hamr helplessly pulled back his fist.
Then he rummaged under his bed and pulled out three items.
"Here, don't say your bro doesn't have your backs."
The three items were: a green cloak, a pair of black gloves, and a pair of glasses.
Borsalino stepped forward, beaming with joy.
Dragon and Sakazuki's faces also lit up.
"Didn't you say you were all out? How co you still have these?"
Dragon picked up the green cloak, grumbling at Hamr.
"Every damn thing I forge gets snatched away by those old bastards at the headquaters"
"These three? I had to sneak in two hamring sessions per day just to make them under the radar."
Hearing this, Sakazuki suddenly understood.
"So THAT'S what that *thud-thud* noise was every night."
"Borsalino kept saying it was just giant rats in our dorm. That bastard!"
Hamr chuckled and handed the black gloves to Sakazuki.
"These gloves will let you punch with 150% of your usual strength."
"And don't tell you're a swordsman crap. I still think your fists suit you better."
Then he handed the glasses to Borsalino.
"They'll help you focus better and improve your eyesight. I think they'll go well with your Glint-Glint Fruit powers."
Borsalino put on the glasses, a satisfied look spreading across his face.
"Arigato, Hamr-kun. I really like them~"
Dragon, holding the green cloak, eagerly ran over to Hamr.
"Hamr, what about this cloak?"
Hamr gently stroked the fabric.
"Lightweight Cloak. Do you rember those boots I made before?"
"This cloak works similarly, it reduces your weight and boosts your speed."
Dragon was overjoyed and quickly threw the cloak on.
"Alright, get lost, all of you! Go wipe out those pirates. I, Hamr, will hold down the fort back here!"
"Who knows, by the ti you co back, I might already be the logistics chief, and then you'll all have to treat with proper respect!"
Even as he cursed them out, Hamr's eyes were slightly red.
Over the past year, the four of them had eaten together, lived together, and saying there was no bond would be a total lie.
And just like that, Hamr's first year in the One Piece world ca to an end.
What awaited him next was an even brighter future.
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