"Roya, be my student!" Zephyr asked, his voice full of genuine hope.
Roya's heart skipped a beat. Even though he had already decided against going to Headquarters for more training, Zephyr's offer was still incredibly tempting.
This could change everything. He knew Zephyr was the best teacher in the entire Marine system. Not even Sengoku or Garp could compare.
Roya was sure any other Marine would jump at the chance.
And he wanted to!
But he had to think carefully. Could he, in the next four years, after the war, become a Marine Admiral?
It wasn't just about getting stronger. To be an Admiral, he had to become a Vice Admiral first, and gain respect within the Marines.
He was part of the official Marine system, where promotions were strict. Unlike Fujitora and Ryokugyu, who were chosen by the World Government in a special way, that wasn't an option for him.
Strength, respect, influence.
He needed all three.
Zephyr could help him with strength, but respect and influence? Those had to be earned by working hard within the Marines , and that took time.
"Hah..."
Roya took a deep breath and made his decision. He bowed his head. "Master Zephyr, I'm honored by your offer. I would love to be your student, but I have a request. I hope you'll consider it!"
"Hmm, tell me."
Zephyr looked surprised. Most Marines would be begging for this chance. This kid wanted to negotiate?
Wasn't he worried about making me angry?
Roya knew he was taking a risk.
I have to become his student. I can't pass up this opportunity. Just being known as Zephyr's student will make it easier to get promoted, and it'll give me someone to rely on, so I don't get taken advantage of.
But he couldn't depend on Zephyr completely. If he changed his plans too much, it could backfire.
Of course, the main reason I'm asking for something is that Zephyr doesn't seem like the type to get angry easily. He's a big shot, right? Would he really get mad at a junior like me?
He thought of Shanks, who didn't even get upset when a bandit threw alcohol on him.
That's what being a real man is all about!
If a Pirate threw alcohol on me, I'd beat him to a pulp! You can bet on that!
"Master Zephyr!"
Roya took another deep breath, his face serious. "I don't want to go to the Headquarters training camp, and I don't want to follow you around all the time. But, I'll come to Headquarters for two months every year so you can check on my progress."
"..."
Zephyr was speechless.
He had seen a lot in his life, but this was a first.
Good heavens, this kid wants to become my student just to get the benefits, but he doesn't want to work hard by my side.
Just like that rebellious Rookie who kissed a Vice Admiral in public. He's got the guts to be a freeloader while acting tough. I've never seen anything like it in the Marines.
The problem was, what could he teach in just two months?
Wait.
With Roya's talent, maybe two months a year was enough.
He also had to train the new recruits. He couldn't spend all his time on Roya. Most of the time, Roya would have to train on his own. Zephyr would just guide him and help him improve.
Zephyr wasn't angry. He was thinking about it. He had seen Roya's independent spirit.
This kid wasn't one to settle down.
Locking a lion in a cage would only make it lose its wildness. He knew that.
But Ain was not happy!
"Hey, Black Hair, you're going too far!"
"..."
Roya glanced at Ain.
Tch, if you weren't like a senior brother to me, I would have kicked your butt.
"Hahahaha..."
Zephyr shook his head, laughing. "Ain, don't be angry."
"But Master Zephyr, he--"
Ain glared at Roya. Anyone who disrespected Master Zephyr was her enemy.
Zephyr looked at Roya, thinking.
"I'll agree to your request, but I have some conditions for you."
"Master Zephyr, tell me what you want."
Roya was now respectful.
Zephyr's face turned stern. "There are two weeks left until the end of training camp. During those two weeks, you must come to me every night for special training."
"And, you must behave yourself during those two weeks. Don't cause trouble. As a Marine, you must act like a Marine!"
"Understood, Master Zephyr!"
Roya stood up straight.
You're the boss, so whatever you say goes!
Zephyr waved his hand. "Go do what you need to do. I don't have time for you during the day. If you have questions, ask Ain and Binz."
"Okay, Master Zephyr."
Roya nodded obediently, then rubbed his hands together and smiled. "Master, I have one more small request!"
"..."
Zephyr almost choked.
This kid was really taking advantage of him.
Was taking him as a student a mistake?
"Speak, what is it?"
"Well, someone as talented as me is wasting his time in the East Blue!"
Roya said, keeping a straight face.
Now that they were master and student, he had to ask for what he wanted. If he didn't, it would seem like he didn't trust him.
Besides, he was kind of a big shot now. Logue Town was too small for him.
He had to be transferred!
"So, I want to ask to be transferred to the Grand Line. I get along really well with the guys at the G-5 Branch, so going there would be great. Master, could you put in a good word for me when you get back to Headquarters?"
"G-5?"
Zephyr's smile disappeared. His face turned dark. He wanted to crack Roya's head open and see what was inside.
"You brat, get out!"
"Then I'll leave it to you, Master!"
Roya turned and ran.
Master Zephyr didn't say no, so that means he agreed! With Master Zephyr's influence in the Marines, getting transferred is just a matter of him saying the word.
Hehe, this is going to be great!
After Roya left, Zephyr sat down, rubbing his forehead. He was so angry he almost had an asthma attack. He quickly took out his medicine and took a puff.
"You brat!"
What kind of place was the G-5 Branch?
It was a garbage dump for Marine rejects.
That wasn't just his opinion. It was a fact.
For years, new recruits who caused trouble and were hard to manage, and those who kept making mistakes but didn't learn, were sent to the G-5 Branch.
If Roya went to the G-5 Branch, he would be corrupted. He couldn't let that happen.
He took Roya as his student to train him to be the next Admiral, the future of the Marines. He couldn't let him get ruined.
Hmm, I'll talk to Sengoku when I get back and transfer Roya to the G-1 Branch.
That kid Momonga was steady. With Momonga watching Roya, he would feel better. It was right next to Headquarters, so he could check on Roya anytime.
That's it!
*
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter Access up to Ch 247
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]