No one had expected that the stern Vice Admiral Dragon had once been a member of the training camp as well.
Moreover, the Three Monsters from the class ten years ago had now grown into big shots at the vice admiral level. What would the Three Monsters of their class be like ten years from now?
"Admiral Sengoku specifically approved a year of leave for you. I really didn't expect you to come back so early," Dragon said in a low voice, seemingly unconcerned by Kuzan's exposure.
"The past will always pass. Since it was a choice I made myself, there's nothing to regret," Kuzan said as if nothing had happened.
"...I hope so!"
The cryptic exchange between the two left everyone confused, but Longinus vaguely understood. Was it because Kuzan had personally killed his friend, the giant vice admiral Saulo, during the Ohara incident half a year ago? Sengoku must have been worried that he'd suffer a blow, so he specifically approved a year of rest for him.
"Enough about such boring matters." Kuzan shook his head and looked at Longinus across from him. "You're Longinus, the hero Vice Admiral Garp praised so highly?"
"I merely did what a Marine should do. Vice Admiral Garp is the true Marine Hero."
"Ah la la la~ Newcomers these days really are stronger than the last. Before long, you'll probably be standing at the same level as me."
"Gasp..." The recruits had not expected Kuzan, the youngest vice admiral at Marine Headquarters, to think so highly of Longinus. Hadn't they only just met?
Longinus merely waited for what came next. He didn't believe Kuzan had happened to show up today by coincidence.
"Take the Black-Clothed Pirate Group I was preparing to capture. Before I could make a move, you'd already defeated them."