Kizaru's Recruitment

Zephyr's words made sense. In this world, the importance of physical fitness was beyond doubt.

Just look at Jin Huang. She had snapped Seastone handcuffs with her bare hands and taken Teacher Kai's dual-wielded Conqueror's Coating-studded club to the face, yet all she had suffered was a slight nosebleed.

What kind of monstrous physique was that? By comparison, Ashura, who was also one of the Nine Red Scabbards, was simply pathetic! He had actually been blown to death by a bomb, despite growing such a massive body!

One had to understand that Gear Fourth Luffy had been hammered so hard by Teacher Kai that his eyes had rolled back, while Jin Huang had taken Teacher Kai's club to the face without a scratch and had even been able to stab him with a knife!

This showed just how important physical fitness was. The problem was that Carl did not need to train to improve his physique. By slacking off every day, he could use the Attribute Enhancement Card to achieve growth far beyond what ordinary training could provide.

It was not as if he could not train after work, but that would be far too boring. Carl was a man—a handsome and formidable man!

How could he waste his precious nightlife on cultivation?

Lu Xun had put it well: "A handsome man only looks handsome because he suffers, and a beautiful woman is bound to suffer for her beauty." Carl believed this wholeheartedly.

"Cough, cough. Teacher Zephyr, don't worry!"

As for what Zephyr was not supposed to worry about, Carl did not say, and one should not ask.

Zephyr nodded in satisfaction. This boy was teachable! He patted Carl on the shoulder and said, "Come back to the training grounds after you've recovered in a couple of days. Otherwise, you'll affect the others."

"Great—uh, I mean, okay! By the way, Teacher Zephyr, if it hadn't been for Ain today, I might not have gone home to buy fruit, and I wouldn't have accidentally eaten that Devil Fruit. So, I'd like to ask you to show some mercy and not make things difficult for Ain."

"Hahaha, I'm not that unreasonable. By the way, before the training camp ends, you'd better not reveal your ability. Otherwise, it will cause unnecessary trouble!"

"Mm-hmm, all right, Teacher Zephyr. I'll be going now!"

Carl nodded. If he had not been accidentally discovered by that treacherous old monkey, he definitely would not have revealed his ability so quickly.

Feeling the envious and jealous gazes around him, Carl scampered away from the training grounds to avoid being torn in half by those sour grapes.

The Marshal's office.

Aside from Kizaru, Staff Officer Tsuru was there as well. If Garp had not gone on vacation, he probably would have come over to join in the fun too.

"Tsuru, did you bring Carl's detailed records?"

Staff Officer Tsuru nodded. "Of course. Everything since he joined the Marines is here. Sengoku, is that boy's ability really as miraculous as you said?"

Before Sengoku could answer, Kizaru spoke up from the side. "Ooh~ Staff Officer Tsuru, Carl's ability really is incredible. Even now, I can still feel it working!"

"Marshal Sengoku, once Carl graduates, how about letting him serve as my adjutant? I'm very fond of him!"

Sengoku frowned and adjusted his round spectacles. "Aren't you being a little too impatient? Carl still has at least three months before he graduates!"

"But once Carl's ability is made public, he'll be in high demand! After all, who wouldn't want a companion like Carl on a mission?"

Although Kizaru's tone remained as careless as ever, his expression was somewhat serious. It was completely different from his usual attitude of not caring about anything.

As for what he was thinking, no one could see through him—not even Sengoku, known as the Wise General.

Only Kizaru himself knew that he had seen his former self in Carl. There was some similar quality between them.

On top of that, Carl was a Marine whom Zephyr valued. If Kizaru could make Carl follow the right path just as he had, then Teacher Zephyr would surely be delighted!

"Admiral Kizaru, I give you my word that Carl's ability will absolutely not be made public before he graduates. As for whether he's willing to follow you, that isn't up to me. Carl will have to decide for himself."

Kizaru pursed his lips, seemingly thinking of some scheme. After saying goodbye, he left the Marshal's office directly.

Meanwhile, after leaving the training grounds, Carl wandered aimlessly around Marineford. As he familiarized himself with the terrain, he also saw many familiar places.

For example, the main battlefield of the future Paramount War—the Marineford Plaza—as well as Crescent Bay...

Looking at the bustling Marine family housing community, Carl could not help sighing. "I heard that becoming a headquarters officer at the rank of commander or above gets you a house here. Sigh~ I wonder when I'll be able to get one too."

"That should be very easy for you, little guy."

Hearing that familiar voice, Carl's heart jolted. Damn, that treacherous old monkey makes absolutely no sound when he walks! Doesn't he know he could scare someone to death? What a bastard!

"Admiral Kizaru!"

"Carl, you don't have to be so formal! I heard you saying just now that you wanted a house here?"

Kizaru still spoke in that slow, languid tone. It made Carl feel anxious, but that was not even the main problem.

Carl currently had the body of a child and stood only around 1.5 meters tall, while Kizaru was a full three meters tall—almost twice his height. It made talking to Kizaru extremely difficult. They were standing close together, and even looking up at a forty-five-degree angle was not quite enough.

"Uh, yes, Admiral Kizaru."

"That's very simple! Once you graduate and become my adjutant, you won't even need to ask about a house. The logistics department will arrange one for you."

Carl's heart jumped. Was Kizaru trying to recruit him? No, he was definitely trying to recruit him!

Generally speaking, after graduating from the training camp, new recruits were assigned to the Four Blues or the Grand Line according to their grades. Only the most outstanding recruits would remain at Marine Headquarters and spend some time growing under a vice admiral or admiral.

Aokiji, for example, had once been Garp's subordinate and devoted admirer.

Kizaru had shown his favor toward Carl in advance. Without a doubt, he had taken a liking to Carl's ability. Carl was very confident about that. What ADC did not want a reliable support?

But Zephyr had just told him to stay away from Kizaru, and now Kizaru had come to recruit him.

Carl could not help suspecting that some secret competition was taking place between the two rivals. As a rookie caught in the middle, he was in a difficult position!

However, speaking honestly, if he could choose whom to follow, he would most likely choose Kizaru. The reason was simple: Aokiji was currently something of a slacker. If even Aokiji slacked off, how could Carl?

Akainu was diligent, but with his severe personality, he would never sit by and watch Carl slack off. He would definitely raise his demands of him.

So Carl did not have many options. One was Garp—powerful and with plenty of vacation time.

The other was Kizaru—fast and efficient. If Carl even gave him a buff at Marine Headquarters, Kizaru could zip around and take people out in an instant.

"Hahaha, Admiral Kizaru, I still have a long time before graduation! There's no need to rush. But don't worry—if I get to choose when the time comes, I'll definitely prioritize becoming your adjutant!"

The corner of Kizaru's mouth lifted slightly, apparently satisfied with Carl's answer. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a string of keys, and tossed them to Carl.

"These are the keys to my former residence. If you don't mind, you can move in for now! Consider it a gift from this old man!"

With that, Kizaru transformed into a streak of golden light and vanished, giving Carl no chance to refuse.

"Well, this day has been downright magical. I got a house, secured my career, and even had a great time slacking off. Tsk, tsk, tsk~"