Marineford Military Academy, swordsmanship dojo.
The thirty military academy students of Class One stood ramrod straight and silent, watching Zephyr and Sephiroth before them as they quietly listened to the two speak.
Zephyr cleared his throat before he began.
"This is Vice Admiral Sephiroth, the Marines' foremost Great Swordsman. He, too, graduated from the Military Academy, making him your senior. I'm sure many of you have heard of him.
"He will be teaching this term's swordsmanship classes!
"I consider myself no weakling in the way of the sword, but in all fairness, I cannot compare to him.
"You could say that in swordsmanship, the student has surpassed the master!
"Therefore, he will be instructing you from here on out!"
With Zephyr's signal, Sephiroth immediately stepped forward and addressed the thirty students.
"Swordsmanship is a technique for killing. No matter how flashy a sword style may be, it is derived from basic sword moves, so the fundamentals are of paramount importance.
"Therefore, to become a swordsman, or even a Great Swordsman, you must undergo years of persistent swordsmanship training.
"However...
"I've read your files, and there are not many among you who specialize in swordsmanship.
"Since you are not dedicated swordsmanship practitioners, and swordsmanship is merely a supplementary combat method for you, then in accordance with Instructor Zephyr's principle of teaching according to aptitude, I believe you can use a pistol alongside your swordsmanship training.
"As the saying goes, beyond seven paces, a gun is faster; within seven paces, a gun is both faster and more accurate..."
"Hold it! Why does that sound so familiar to me?!"
Zephyr hurriedly raised a hand to interrupt Sephiroth. Blowing his beard and glaring, he said:
"This is a swordsmanship class! A swordsmanship class...
"How can a Great Swordsman like you make such absurd suggestions,