The Genius's Backstory

Even with the Byakugan and Gentle Fist, Morito could only fight Zephyr to a 'fifty-fifty' draw.

Now, with his Byakugan sealed and unable to use Gentle Fist, and even forbidden from using the Marine Six Styles, Morito was no match for Zephyr relying solely on Observation Haki and Armament Haki.

Bang!

With another muffled sound, Morito's body was sent flying backward again.

The terrifying air current blasted apart the trees, and the dense canopy collapsed, falling directly onto Morito.

Morito rubbed his aching cheek and emerged from the leaves and branches.

A large section of the forest surrounding the clearing had collapsed. Looking down from above, it resembled a bald head. The half-day the two had spent training was more efficient than a team of loggers.

"If you hit my face again, I'm going to get serious!"

Even without looking in a mirror, Morito knew his face was almost as swollen as Zhu Bajie's.

That old scoundrel Zephyr kept aiming for his face when they sparred; it was too much.

Could this guy be jealous of him?

"I'd like to see how you get serious."

Zephyr looked at Morito with a faint smile, his eyes filled with amusement that could be felt even through his blindfold.

Morito's expression darkened, and he instinctively gathered Chakra at his fingertips.

But the next second, he dispersed the Chakra in his hand.

Didn't he go all out, exposing his strength and talent, to gain Garp's attention and Zephyr's notice, all for the sake of being cultivated?

Zephyr was the chief instructor of the entire Naval Academy, and his time was even more precious than that of an Admiral.

Compared to the unreliable Garp, Zephyr's teaching was clearly top-tier.

The Marine Headquarters at the start of the story, the three highest-ranking Admirals, the elite Vice Admirals of the headquarters, Smoker, Hina, and other well-known figures – who wouldn't respectfully call Zephyr "Teacher Zephyr"?

Wasn't it precisely his original goal to have Zephyr personally take time out to train his Haki?

"Hoo..."

Exhaling a deep breath, Morito calmed down.

Before you can hit, you must first learn to take a hit.

The 'take a hit' here didn't mean literally taking hits without fighting back.

It meant experiencing the enemy's punches, their strength, and judging their combat style and fighting capability through defense during a battle.

"Again!"

Morito once again threw up his fists and charged at Zephyr. His eyes couldn't see, but he still had his hearing and sense of smell.

The ears were the most sensitive sensory organs besides the eyes.

Zephyr's stance was stable, and his footsteps were heavy; it was almost impossible for him to hide his movements.

Currently, Morito's Observation Haki wasn't enough to fully predict Zephyr's attacks, so he needed to rely on his other senses.

Hearing was key to determining Zephyr's position.

Yet, Morito himself didn't realize that he was relying less on his hearing, sense of smell, and touch, and more on his Observation Haki to predict Zephyr's actions.

His Armament Haki was also gradually improving. From being certain of broken bones after taking a punch to now only suffering bruises.

Zephyr didn't dodge or evade, taking Morito's punch with his palm, and then threw a punch back with his other hand.

The force of the punch hit Morito, who quickly turned his head to dodge.

However, he dodged the first punch but couldn't dodge the second kick. Zephyr had planned the follow-up move while throwing the punch, and a kick to Morito's chest sent him flying.

Noticing Zephyr's leg movement, Morito immediately solidified his Armament Haki and focused it on his chest.

Bang!

Armament Haki clashed against Armament Haki, exploding like the sound of metal colliding.

Morito was sent flying backward, but he wasn't injured. Only a sharp pain in his chest made him feel uncomfortable.

Zephyr's strikes were measured, and his control over his strength was precise.

Being able to break through Morito's Armament Haki defense caused him pain, but it didn't break his bones.

As Morito's Armament Haki improved, Zephyr's strength also increased.

That old fool Garp's attacks were solid iron fists; lightly, they could shatter rocks, and heavily, they could smash steel plates.

The consequences of a punch landing on someone were imaginable.

This point alone showed the difference in teaching between Zephyr and Garp.

Time flowed by unconsciously, from sunrise to sunset, a whole day passed.

There were no pauses except for a short break for meals.

Only two figures crisscrossed in the forest, their movements constantly accompanied by the sound of metal colliding.

Both arms felt heavy and painful; his legs felt as if they were filled with lead, seemingly unable to even support his body.

Sweat soaked his clothes, and the wind dried them.

His arms grew heavier, the pain gradually numbing. He wasn't sure if it was Armament Haki blocking Zephyr's punches or if his nerves were just confused.

Sweat soaked his clothes again, and the wind dried them once more.

He was exhausted, really wanting to rest.

Why did he have to work himself to death every day, only to be called a genius by lazy people?

Wasn't it more comfortable to just lie around and be lazy?

During the fight, Zephyr's figure seemed to transform into others before his eyes. Morito saw the arrogant Golden Lion, the domineering Whitebeard, and the heroic Roger.

The immortal Hundred Beasts Kaido, the steel balloon Charlotte with the strongest defense, and the man who exuded the most Haki, Red-Haired.

The sea was cruel. If he chose to laze around comfortably now, he would only be fish on a chopping block for the strong in the future.

Perseverance was more terrifying than hard work.

Morito bit his lip. His lips were the most sensitive, closest to his brain. A sharp sting of pain shot through his mind.

He steadied himself, and somehow, he didn't feel as tired anymore.

Zephyr's fist came again.

This old guy seemed tireless, each punch as powerful and precise as the last.

For the first half of the day, Morito could still calmly think about how to counterattack while defending.

Landing even one punch on Zephyr would be a victory.

For the latter half of the day, Morito was fighting purely on instinct.

Morito's stamina was second to none among his peers, but compared to Zephyr, who was at his peak, he was far behind.

"Can't go on? If you want to rest, we'll stop for today."

Zephyr taunted Morito, but inwardly, he was secretly shocked.

His original plan was to train for half a day and then let Morito reflect on the fight's details after lunch.

However, Morito's talent and strength had earned Zephyr's admiration.

From dawn till dusk, Morito had been pummeled by him for an entire day yet remained conscious and still possessed some fighting ability!

"If you're tired, then rest!"

Morito took a breath and said calmly.

Zephyr's eyes flashed. "Good kid!"

Whoosh!

Zephyr vanished from his spot, using the Marine Six Styles' Soru to close in on Morito.

The training rule was that Morito couldn't use the Marine Six Styles, but Zephyr could!

Morito secretly focused. His expression was far from as relaxed as his words suggested. He had to give his all against every one of Zephyr's attacks.

He was a man who could fight Zephyr to a standstill, how could he be defeated so easily?

"Again!"

Bang!

"Again!"

Bang bang!!

"Again!"

Bang bang bang!!!