The Possibility of Graduating Early

"Report."

Not long after, a communications officer entered, holding 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 officer saluted each of them before leaving the office at Kong's nod.

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

From begging in the Sabaody Archipelago and scavenging through garbage to survive, to being captured by thugs two years ago and sold into an auction house, then bought by someone, tortured endlessly, killing his captor, and fleeing 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 great detail.

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

"It seems his isolation isn't without reason."

Setting down the documents, Sengoku sighed. That boy's childhood had been filled with torment. And no one knew how many children like Ye Chen there were across the world.

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

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

"This boy is undoubtedly an orphan. His background is clean. As for his former status as a slave, that's nothing serious."

With Sengoku and the others' experience, they did not care about the mere fact that he had once been a slave. If it had been the Dragon's Hoof, they might have given it some thought, but an ordinary slave mark was not a problem.

"A Paramecia, the Bomb-Bomb Fruit. Judging from his fight with Sakazuki, it's very powerful. Moreover, his determination and potential are both impressive. With the Marines protecting him, his current life is vastly different from his former one, so there shouldn't be any issues.

"Most importantly, although he is withdrawn, his treatment of his companions is commendable.

"However, he has strong self-respect, and his pride is no less than Sakazuki's and the others'. He simply isn't good at expressing it.

"My preliminary assessment is that he is indifferent to everything except matters concerning himself. For now, that is neither good nor bad."

Tsuru's assessment was comprehensive. She analyzed his abilities and personality, and it seemed she had no objections. "Zephyr has had the most contact with him. Zephyr, what do you think?"

After she finished, Tsuru looked at Zephyr. Kong and Sengoku did the same.

"From what I've seen, he can become a Marine Admiral candidate. But his personality may cause trouble in the future. His status as a slave left him deeply scarred. If he encounters slaves in the future, he may intervene to save them. There is nothing wrong with that in terms of Marine justice, but slavery involves many complications. We must be prepared."

Zephyr looked at Kong, his thoughts extending far into the future.

"That is a concern, though not an unsolvable one." Tsuru smiled at Zephyr's worries. "If this boy truly becomes an Admiral, then I believe some problems will cease to be problems."

"I'd forgotten that."

Zephyr paused, then grinned. Indeed, once someone became an Admiral, many problems were no longer problems. The same was true for a Vice Admiral.

Take Garp, for example. 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 added.

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

Kong quickly gave his decision. After all, the more talented people the Marines had, the stronger they would become.

"Oh, and five months from now will be the Marine Academy graduation ceremony. If that boy can place in the top ten, he may graduate early. I will personally present him with his rank. Zephyr, you can tell them this. There will also be other generous rewards this time."

"That's a good idea."

"There'll be quite a show then."

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

The next day, news of Ye Chen's fight 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.

After all, who was Sakazuki? He was a monster. According to unofficial reports, Sakazuki had even been injured. That was Big News.

Even Borsalino and Kuzan had been alerted. They knew Sakazuki's strength better than anyone. Anyone capable of injuring Sakazuki was no simple person.

Early that morning, everyone was informed to gather at the training ground. Zephyr had something to announce, and before he arrived, many people kept looking in Ye Chen's direction.

Meanwhile, Hina held her head high like a proud peacock. Anyone unaware of the situation might have thought they were looking at her. In truth, plenty of cadets really were staring at Hina, because her figure had grown increasingly curvaceous.

As for Vergo and the other three, they were wrapped in bandages, though their complexions looked much better.

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

"Silence."

Zephyr appeared out of nowhere and stood on the raised platform, his expression extremely stern.

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 will even become Rear Admirals directly. But don't be discouraged. The top ten will all receive rewards, and they will be generous. I hope you perform well."

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

"That's all. For these next five months, I won't assign you any missions. Train on your own!"

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

"Ye Chen."

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

After all, many people were 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 his 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 been arrogant. Even when facing them, he did not necessarily regard them as equals.

Of course, Borsalino and Kuzan had lazy temperaments. Unless something went too far, no one would ever see them get angry.

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

Pride required the strength to back it up.