Loa had thought that once he dealt with the Dragon People's harassment, the Prison Deathmatch would have nothing to do with him.
Momonga had told him all he had to do next was return to Marine Headquarters and receive his rank.
But Loa never imagined he would still have to fight in the Prison Deathmatch.
And the person making him do it was none other than his dear teacher, Zephyr.
The reason was simple: to show what he could do.
Passing the Combat Assessment was enough to graduate from the Elite Camp. This final step was just a show of strength.
First, it would let Marines at every level see what the graduates were capable of. No one could question why they had received their ranks, and their fellow Marines could feel proud and reassured.
Look! This is the Monster of the Elite Camp! Just look how strong it is!
Second, watching them fight would reveal their strengths and weaknesses, making it easier for Zephyr and Sengoku to decide their final assignments.
Most importantly, it would tell the Pirates and thugs at sea that another hungry wolf from the Marines had officially entered the fray.
The Prison Deathmatch had never been just about the graduates. It mattered to the entire Marine force.
With all that behind Zephyr's decision, Loa naturally didn't dare refuse. He could only grit his teeth and play the performing monkey.
It definitely had nothing to do with Zephyr's fist of justice. Ha!
Up in the stands, Zephyr chatted leisurely with Sengoku, looking utterly at ease. As the person who knew Loa's strength best, he had no worries about today's assessment.
A little behind them stood Garp and Chief of Staff Tsuru, side by side. One smoked while the other ate senbei.
But unlike Vice Admiral Tsuru,