Possibility of Graduating Early

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"Report."

Before long, a communications soldier entered, carrying a stack of documents.

"Fleet Admiral Kong, these are the materials you requested."

After placing the documents on Kong's desk and handing copies to Zephyr and the others, the communications soldier saluted each of them, then left the office at Kong's nod.

Below, Sengoku and the other two sipped coffee as they read through the documents in their hands.

From begging and scavenging through trash to survive in the Sabaody Archipelago, to being captured by thugs two years ago and sold to an auction house, then bought by someone who tortured him relentlessly before he finally killed them and fled to a Marine base...

It was extremely detailed. Ye Chen's history before joining the Marines had been investigated thoroughly.

Even his life after joining the Marines had been recorded in meticulous detail.

Before they knew it, they had set down their coffee, their brows drawn tight.

"Looks like there's a reason he's so withdrawn."

Setting down the documents, Sengoku sighed. That guy's childhood had been nothing but torment. And who knew how many children like Ye Chen there were throughout the world?

The others sighed softly as well. They were not overly emotional about Ye Chen's experience, because they had already seen countless children like him.

"What do you all think? Is he worth focusing on?"

After putting down the documents, Kong looked at Zephyr and the others.

"His background confirms that he is an orphan. It's clean enough. As for his former identity as a slave, that isn't a big deal."

With Sengoku and the others' experience, they did not think much of a mere slave identity. If it had been the Dragon's Hoof, they might have considered it, but an ordinary slave brand was no issue.

"A Paramecia-type Bomb-Bomb Fruit. Judging from his fight with Sakazuki, it's very powerful. Moreover, his perseverance and potential are both outstanding. With the Marines protecting him, compared to his former life, there shouldn't be any problems.

"Most importantly, he's withdrawn, but his attitude toward his comrades deserves praise!

"However, he has strong pride, and he's no less arrogant than Sakazuki and the others. He's simply not good at expressing himself.

"Preliminarily, he seems indifferent toward everything and only cares about matters related to himself. For now, it's neither good nor bad."

Tsuru's assessment was comprehensive. She roughly analyzed his ability and personality, seemingly without any objections. "Zephyr has had the most contact with him. Zephyr, what do you think?"

After speaking, Tsuru looked at Zephyr, while Kong and Sengoku did the same.

"From what I've seen, he can become an Admiral candidate. But his personality may cause trouble in the future. His identity as a slave has left him deeply traumatized. Perhaps if he encounters slaves in the future, he'll intervene to save them. That is not wrong according to Marine justice, but slavery involves too many things. We must be prepared."

Zephyr looked at Kong, his gaze reaching far ahead.

"That is a problem, but it's not really a problem." Tsuru smiled at Zephyr's concern. "If that guy truly becomes an Admiral, I believe some problems will cease to be problems."

"I forgot about that."

Zephyr paused, then grinned. Indeed, once someone became an Admiral, many problems would no longer be problems. Even Vice Admirals were much the same.

Take Garp, for instance. He did whatever he wanted. Marine regulations had no effect on him at all.

"If that's the case, then I have no objections. He can be trained as a Marine Admiral candidate!"

"I have no objections either," Sengoku followed up.

"Since none of you object, then that guy will be treated the same as Sakazuki and the others. Also, Vergo, whom Zephyr mentioned earlier, will receive the same treatment. Focus on training him as well."

Kong quickly gave his answer. After all, the more talent the Marines had, the stronger they would become.

"By the way, the Marine Academy graduation ceremony will be held in five months. If that guy can make it into the top ten, he can graduate early. I'll personally pin his rank insignia on him. Zephyr, you can tell them this. There will also be other generous rewards this time."

"This is a good idea."

"There'll be a good show to watch then."

"Enough. Next, let's discuss the situation at sea—the Golden Lion's forces."

The next day, news of Ye Chen's clash with Sakazuki had spread throughout the academy. Many people were still half-convinced, but the way they looked at Ye Chen and the others had changed.

Who was Sakazuki? He was a monster. According to rumors, Sakazuki had even been injured. That was huge news.

Even Borsalino and Kuzan had been alarmed. They knew Sakazuki's strength better than anyone. If Ye Chen could injure Sakazuki, then this fellow named Ye Chen was no ordinary person.

Early in the morning, everyone was notified to gather on the training ground because Zephyr had something to announce. Before Zephyr arrived, many eyes were fixed in Ye Chen's direction.

Meanwhile, Hina held her head high like a proud peacock. Anyone unaware of the situation might have thought everyone was looking at her. And quite a few cadets really were staring at Hina, because her figure had become increasingly curvy.

As for Vergo and the other four, they were wrapped in bandages, though their complexions had improved considerably.

Likewise, Chaton, Onigumo, and Hōshō were all covered in bandages. Standing among the crowd, they were an eyesore.

"Silence."

Appearing out of nowhere, Zephyr stood on the raised platform with an extremely stern expression.

All the cadets immediately looked away and stood straight.

"Five months from now will be the graduation ceremony. Many of you will leave the academy and become true Marines. Fleet Admiral Kong places great importance on this ceremony and will personally present awards to outstanding cadets. The top five can even become Rear Admirals directly. But don't be discouraged. The top ten will all receive rewards—very generous ones. I hope you perform well."

Zephyr's words made many cadets' eyes widen. This was a rare opportunity. As long as they made the top ten, they would not only receive rewards but also graduate successfully.

"Dismissed. I won't be assigning you any tasks for these five months. Train on your own!"

After everyone was dismissed, every cadet's face was filled with excitement, including Sakazuki and the others. Strictly speaking, they had not graduated either. They merely had the chance to go out and gain experience with Garp and the others. Only after graduating successfully would they have authority of their own. That feeling was different.

"Ye Chen."

Just as Vergo and the others were preparing to leave, Sakazuki walked over from nearby, drawing everyone's attention.

After all, many people had been curious about their previous battle.

"At this graduation ceremony, I'll be waiting for you!"

With a stern expression, Sakazuki looked at Ye Chen and issued a challenge.

Ye Chen remained expressionless and said nothing, merely nodding.

Sakazuki's challenge made Borsalino and Kuzan, standing in the distance, frown. Sakazuki had always held himself above others. Even when facing them, he did not necessarily treat them as equals.

Of course, Borsalino and Kuzan were the lazy sort. Unless someone went too far, they would never get angry.

In this world, strength ultimately reigned supreme. If Ye Chen had no strength, would Sakazuki have spoken to him like that?

Pride required strength to back it up!