Slacking Privilege

Taking a deep breath, Carl threw a punch at Zephyr. There was only a loud duang.

Zephyr's expression did not change at all, but Carl pulled back his fist in pain. The web between his thumb and forefinger throbbed. He was too hard—completely impossible to hit through!

For a moment, Carl even suspected that Zephyr was the one who had truly mastered Iron Body!

"Were you fooling me again? You clearly used Holy Light to strengthen your body!"

Zephyr's suspicion seemed to have been anticipated long ago. Carl merely smiled unconcernedly. A golden ball of light appeared in his palm, which he pressed against his body. Without explaining anything, he punched Zephyr again just as he had before.

He still could not break through Zephyr's defense, but Zephyr's face changed.

Zephyr could clearly feel that Carl's second attack was fifty percent stronger than the first. That meant the first punch had truly been Carl's own strength!

At that moment, Zephyr truly believed Carl's nonsense. Holy Light could strengthen its user's physique!

"Th-this... Is there really a Devil Fruit like that in this world?"

Zephyr sighed in disbelief. He had always looked down on Devil Fruits, yet now he found himself somewhat envious of Carl.

"Teacher Zephyr, I wasn't lying, was I? Most importantly, this method is extremely efficient. The growth it provides far exceeds what training can achieve, so..."

"Sigh..."

With such an ability, was there any need to exhaust oneself training one's body every day? Of course not!

Zephyr let out a long sigh and continued, "I understand. In that case, I won't make things difficult for you. You may skip the daily physical training, but when I explain combat techniques, you must be present!"

"Of course!"

Carl agreed immediately. Having only a strong body without any combat skills would make him nothing more than a muscle-headed brute. Still, when it came to dividing up his time, Carl needed to phrase it more tactfully.

"Teacher Zephyr, I have one more request."

"Go ahead!"

Carl's expression turned serious. "It's like this, Teacher Zephyr. How about this? Every day, I'll spend four hours attending lessons, practicing, and doing actual combat. For the rest of the time, I'll leave the training ground and use my own ability to train my physique. What do you think?"

"Can't you train your physique at the training ground?"

Seeing the dissatisfaction on Zephyr's face, Carl's expression changed. He said aggrievedly, "Um, Teacher Zephyr, didn't you tell me not to reveal my ability yet? If I stay at the training ground, there's no way I can keep it hidden."

"And besides..."

Zephyr quickly asked, "Besides what?"

"Well, it's Admiral Kizaru. Admiral Kizaru has already come looking for me, more than once!"

Sorry, Kizaru. Your relationship with Zephyr couldn't possibly get any worse anyway, so just carry this blame for me properly!

Zephyr's eyes widened as he roared furiously, "I knew it! That bastard Kizaru really has ill intentions! Has he been filling your head with his crooked theories again?"

"Huff, huff! I'm going to find that bastard and have a proper word with him right now!!!"

"Hey, hey, hey! Teacher Zephyr, calm down! Calm down!"

Teacher Zephyr, your intentions are good, but please don't actually go!

Seeing that things were getting out of hand, Carl quickly grabbed Zephyr and said anxiously, "Teacher Zephyr, don't be impulsive. Think about it carefully. Admiral Kizaru's philosophy is actually very suitable for me, isn't it?"

"Bullshit! Do you think I don't know about his crooked—eh?"

Before he could finish, Zephyr froze. Stroking his chin, he began to think. That was right! Even if Carl only developed his ability, his physique would not fall too far behind. On the contrary, as his ability developed, his body would likely grow stronger alongside it.

Carl only needed to master combat techniques and turn them into experience through real battles. He would definitely become a formidable powerhouse! Becoming an Admiral would only be a matter of time.

This was practically a combination of his philosophy and Kizaru's! But asking him to acknowledge Kizaru's philosophy...

"Hmph!"

Zephyr snorted and reluctantly accepted Carl's words. He was not an unreasonable person. On the contrary, that was precisely why he had always disliked Kizaru.

He felt that Kizaru was completely wasting his talent. If Borsalino's physique could reach the level of Akainu and Aokiji, he would undoubtedly be the strongest among the three Admirals.

"Then, Teacher Zephyr, what do you think of the training plan I just mentioned?"

"Huff... This is the path you've chosen for yourself. I can't very well force you otherwise. We'll do as you said!"

Carl was delighted. That worked? I really am a genius at slacking off. I even came up with such a perfect excuse!

"But!" Zephyr suddenly changed his tone, and Carl tensed up.

"I will regularly test your strength. If you slack off, I won't care whether your ability is exposed early or not. You will stay obediently at the training ground, just like everyone else!"

"Yes, yes, yes, Teacher Zephyr. I promise you!"

Zephyr nodded and placed a broad hand on Carl's shoulder. "Carl, get some proper rest today. I'll be waiting for you at the training ground tomorrow."

With that, Zephyr turned and left. The hospital room immediately became cold and empty, leaving Carl alone.

"Huff..."

Carl let out a long breath, but Zephyr suddenly appeared outside the door and asked gossipily, "If I remember correctly, that nurse Monica is a Navy widow, isn't she? Your relationship with her seems rather unusual."

"Uh, Teacher Zephyr, don't misunderstand. I-I was just offering condolences to a Navy widow. Yes! Offering condolences to a Navy widow."

"Offering condolences to a Navy widow? If I'd come any later, I'm afraid you'd have offered them right into her bed."

"Uh..."

"Forget it. This old man can't meddle in young people's affairs, but you must restrain yourself. Don't let wine and women drain your body dry!"

Leaving behind that meaningful remark, Zephyr departed again. This time, he did not return.

When Zephyr reached the hospital entrance, he found that Ainz and Ain were still waiting outside. They looked as though they had been waiting for a long time. He said, "Ainz, Ain, go see Carl now. Especially you, Ainz. Remember to apologize to Carl."

"Yes, Teacher Zephyr!"

The two then returned to Carl's hospital room together. Ain carried a fruit basket, while Ainz carried a flower basket.

Ain smiled as she set the fruit basket aside, then said to Carl, who was lounging lazily, "Big Brother Carl, your injuries healed so quickly! I thought you'd be bedridden for a month!"

"Oh, you're both too polite. The gifts were enough—why did you bring yourselves too?"

Ainz: Did he say that backwards?

"Um, Carl, I'm very sorry. I hit too hard earlier. It was my fault. If you're still angry, then hit me once!" Ainz said sincerely.

"Hahahaha, what does a little injury like this amount to? Do I look that petty?"

If anyone should apologize, it was Carl apologizing to Ainz and Ain! After all, the two of them had been chosen by Carl as tools for slacking off. Without their help, he would not have found it so easy to slack off.

But he would not need to trouble them anymore. Carl now had his very own privilege to slack off!