Training Camp Life Ends Early

The next day, Senga appeared on the training grounds looking refreshed. Bridge, standing beside him, whispered to Graves, "Look at Senga, blooming like a desert rose. He's in such a good mood today."

Graves shot Bridge a sidelong glance and said nothing. He didn't dare to gossip about Senga's situation. After all, he still remembered Senga's promise to introduce him to the older sister of that beautiful marine officer.

My god, considering Miss Gion's looks, how bad could her sister be? Just thinking about it made him excited. Therefore, he had to distance himself from Bridge at this moment.

Seeing that Graves didn't want to engage, Bridge sullenly shut his mouth. He then turned to Binz, using his eyes to convey, "Ask me! Ask me what happened last night!"

As expected, Binz remained silent. Fine, you guys are so amazing and noble, refusing to listen to gossip. I'll just savor it all by myself!

Zephyr appeared on the high platform as usual. He scanned the crowd below and announced, "I have two things to announce today. The first is congratulations to Senga for winning first place in the year-end assessment!"

Thunderous applause erupted from below. Many students' faces were flushed, as if they had won first place themselves.

It was important to note that participants weren't just from their current batch; many seniors were also involved. Yet, the first place still went to someone from their batch, which was a glorious achievement.

At least they wouldn't hear the classic line, "You're the worst batch I've ever trained."

When the applause subsided, Zephyr continued, "The second matter is that student Senga will be temporarily leaving our training camp. The Headquarters has decided, in view of student Senga's strength, that he will be assigned elsewhere for the next year."

After the final announcement, Zephyr looked at Senga in the crowd. His eyes held pride and reluctance, but more than anything, they held relief.

Senga was his most satisfactory student, and now this student had fully spread his wings ahead of schedule, ready to take to the sea. As a teacher, all he could offer was encouragement and support.

Senga's roommates by his side were filled with reluctance. Bridge directly hugged Senga, wailing with snot and tears, shouting for Senga not to leave. Metis, who was lying on Senga's shoulder, looked disgusted and used her little paws to push his chubby face, not wanting his snot to dirty Senga's clothes.

Graves no longer cared about the venue. He silently took out a cigar and lit it. Binz, meanwhile, kept staring at Senga, his eyes expressing his reluctance.

Senga was a little speechless. He pushed away the clinging Bridge and spread his hands, saying, "What's wrong with you guys? We'll see each other again soon. Maybe in less than a year, you'll all be on my ship. Believe it?"

Uh… The other three were stunned. Bridge reacted the fastest. That's right! With Boss Senga's strength, wouldn't it be a sure thing to earn some merit? Wouldn't he be able to rise through the ranks and bring everyone along? Well, maybe not everyone, but that was the general idea.

The emotions of the three quickly stabilized. Senga patted their shoulders and suddenly glanced in a certain direction. Bridge asked what was wrong, but Senga shook his head, indicating it was nothing.

Meanwhile, Ain silently retracted her gaze and looked down at her toes. However, due to her developing body, all she saw were two towering peaks.

Will we meet again… classmate Senga?

After the two announcements, Zephyr declared a day of rest to celebrate the training camp's good performance. The students cheered, and the somber atmosphere of farewell was dispelled.

Afterward, Senga was summoned to Zephyr's office again. This time, Zephyr's usual stern expression was gone. As soon as Senga entered, he saw Zephyr smiling at him with a hint of kindness.

"Teacher Zephyr, is there something you need?"

"Nothing important. I just wanted to see you again. After all, you'll likely be very busy for a while."

Looking at Zephyr like this, Senga felt his loneliness and felt a pang of sadness.

Those damned pirates. The more Senga interacted with Zephyr, the more he detested pirates. This was an Admiral who was once known as the "non-killer." How could those scumbags have done that to him?

His emotions stirred, and Senga suddenly asked Zephyr, "Teacher Zephyr, what is your current stance on pirates?"

Hearing the question, Zephyr was taken aback, then fell into a long silence. He didn't answer directly but instead asked, "What are your thoughts on kindness?"

Senga thought for a moment and said gravely, "Kindness must have an edge. Soft-heartedness without boundaries will only make others push their luck; mercy without principles will only allow others to do as they please."

Kindness must have an edge? Well said. Zephyr shook his head self-deprecatingly. He now wholeheartedly agreed with Senga's words. He also knew that this statement, to some extent, negated his previous definition of justice.

But so what if it was negated? Could his "non-killing" justice bring his wife and children back to life? Could it make those pirates truly repent? Senga's words were not only a wake-up call for him but also for the "doves" within the Marines.

Many in the dove faction had become overly lenient in their pursuit of justice. Although Akainu's justice was often too extreme, one had to admit that the seas today couldn't do without Marines like Akainu.

Being able to say such things indicated that Senga had developed his own sense of justice. One couldn't say whose justice was right or wrong.

But at least, Zephyr acknowledged Senga. He was now certain that Senga's future was far beyond that of an Admiral; he would surely become a Fleet Admiral, or even higher!

I really hope I can live to see that day! To achieve that, he had to live well.

Ever since he stepped down as Admiral, Zephyr felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would use all his remaining energy to help Senga reach his rightful peak!

With that thought, he stood up and placed a hand on Senga's shoulder.

"Go without worry, Senga. Your teacher will always be your strongest backing at Headquarters!"