Everyone's Recognition

Zephyr's assessment of Kizaru is that he relies too much on his Devil Fruit, and this is one of the reasons. Because Kizaru is a Great Swordsman, he can stand on his own two feet with the strength of Great Swordsman.

He ascended to the position of Admiral.

The Glint-Glint Fruit was originally meant to be the icing on the cake, further enhancing his strength.

Unexpectedly, Kizaru focused most of his energy on the Glint-Glint Fruit. In Zephyr's view, this was putting the cart before the horse.

Of course, Kizaru isn't stupid.

He initially chose to focus his energy on the Glint-Glint Fruit because his swordsmanship had already reached an extremely high level. Reaching even a higher level would be far too difficult.

If he focused his energy on the Glint-Glint Fruit, his Devil Fruit Ability would rapidly increase in a short period of time. In that case, his overall strength would reach a new level.

He originally only intended to improve his overall strength in a short period of time, and then continue to cultivate swordsmanship. He never expected... but he never imagined that his talent in developing Devil Fruit would be no less than that in swordsmanship.

Therefore, it got out of control.

This led him further and further down the path of developing Devil Fruit, to the point that he neglected the way of the sword.

However, his strength has indeed increased rapidly in a very short period of time. Now, relying solely on his Devil Fruit Ability, he has reached the level of Admiral.

From Zephyr's perspective, given Kizaru's talent in swordsmanship, as long as he doesn't focus most of his energy on his Devil Fruit Ability...

His swordsmanship is certainly far more than this.

With the addition of a powerful Devil Fruit Ability, he could directly reach the pinnacle of the world and become one of the strongest beings in the world.

To say that Zephyr looked down on Kizaru would be more accurate to say that Zephyr was lamenting Kizaru's talent in swordsmanship.

Did you see Kizaru say that to Akainu or Aokiji?

No.

Is it true that Kizaru is inferior to these two in other aspects?

No, that's not the case.

Zephyr knew that it would be extremely difficult for these two to improve their talents in physical combat and swordsmanship further. It could only be achieved through time and experience. Therefore, the only way to improve quickly was through their Devil Fruit.

"Brush..."

Wherever Kizaru's slash passed, the ground was cleaved open. Yes, cleaved open, not just left a slash mark.

"How is that possible?"

Vergo's expression changed drastically, because Kizaru's attack had truly shocked Vergo.

"As expected, Admiral Kizaru's swordsmanship hasn't regressed. On the contrary, it's gotten even stronger..."

Unlike Vergo, Onigumo, standing some distance away, was filled with excitement. He was in the same class as Kizaru and Akainu, and knew their strength all too well.

"That's a strike at the level of Great Swordsman!"

"Admiral Kizaru is actually a Great Swordsman, he's incredibly strong..."

All the naval soldiers erupted in cheers at that moment.

Meanwhile, the expressions of Vice Admiral John Giant, Stainless, Mozambia, Kesha, Comil, Momonga all turned serious.

Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral, and Admiral candidates Momousagi (Gion) and Chaton (Tokikake), are currently with Sengoku, Garp, and O-Tsuru.

Momousagi and Chaton turned to look at Sengoku, Garp, O-Tsuru.

"It seems like Kizaru is ahead of us in swordsmanship."

Even among Great Swordsman, there are significant differences in their strength. Otherwise, why would Hawkeye have been able to dominate the Great Swordsman of the world's Great Swordsman for so long?

Take Momousagi and Chaton, for example; they are both Great Swordsman. Otherwise, they wouldn't be candidates for the position of Admiral.

However, Kizaru's sword strike left them all in awe.

Sengoku, Garp, O-Tsuru exchanged glances, understanding what Momousagi meant. However, none of them knew when Kizaru had made further progress in his swordsmanship.

If this happened before the Marineford War, then there's a problem. If he had already reached this level back then, his strength should be even greater than Akainu's.

However, he didn't show it.

If it happened after the Marineford War, was it before or after Aokiji became Fleet Admiral?

If it were before, he would have been fully capable of overpowering Aokiji and taking a position in the Navy.

At the same time, Vergo, facing Kizaru, flapped his wings and soared into the sky, dodging the attack...

And it is precisely because of this that the power of this sword strike was fully revealed.

Starting from where Kizaru stood, the island was instantly transformed. Seawater surged from underground, and soon a river formed from the center of the island, leading directly to the sea.

"Oh... oh... you got carried away on a whim and went too far!"

Kizaru sheathed the Ame no Murakumo, then looked at Vergo in the air and said directly, "Your current strength, while still somewhat inferior to that of the previous Admiral Akainu, has certainly reached the level of Admiral, at least no less than when I, Akainu, and Aokiji were in the Admiral position... I will recommend you to Fleet Admiral Aokiji for the position of Marine Admiral."

Clearly, he no longer wanted to play.

Vergo immediately landed in mid-air and stood in front of Kizaru, saying very politely, "Thank you, Admiral Kizaru."

"Very good..."

Both Vergo's displayed strength and Kizaru's slashing strike excited the entire Marine force.

Even Aokiji was extremely happy at this moment.

But when his gaze fell on Kizaru, it held a hint of scrutiny. Clearly, he had also noticed something amiss.

Meanwhile, at the Marine Academy.

Zephyr and the other students were also watching the battle between Vergo and Kizaru.

Zephyr, standing there, showed a surprised expression. Then, a hint of doubt appeared in his eyes.

He murmured, "To reach a higher level in swordsmanship means that one hasn't given up on swordsmanship and has consistently practiced it... otherwise, it would be difficult to make a breakthrough."

Having taught at the Marine Academy for decades, he understood this far better than Sengoku, Garp, and O-Tsuru.

"Has this guy been hiding all along?"

He instantly drew a conclusion. But then a question arose, "Why is this guy hiding it?"

Thinking of this, Zephyr's eyes narrowed involuntarily.

He immediately thought of telling Sengoku and Aokiji about it. However, he then remembered something and subconsciously reached for his other arm.

That was a robotic arm.

Sure enough, some plot points, even after being influenced by Moke, remain unchanged. Even though Moke had taken Zephyr before Weevil severed him.

However, Zephyr's arm remained severed. Only, the one who severed his arm was a different pirate.

Because the outcome of the Marineford War was completely different from the original story. And the person who became the Fleet Admiral was Aokiji.

The Shichibukai were not abolished; on the contrary, they were given even more importance by Aokiji.

Because, at least until the Navy recovers, it can keep the pirates of the New World in check. And as a result, the Shichibukai will need to recruit some new members.

Just like in the original story, one of them is the one who severed Zephyr's arm. Therefore, Zephyr has already begun to turn to the dark side at this point.