He practically shouted those last words.
Xia Le listened quietly. He slowly rose from his chair, turned his back on Koby, and headed out of the Training Ground.
Only when he reached the entrance did his calm voice ring out.
"Then let me see just how determined you are."
"And prove that Teacher Garp's eyes haven't failed him yet."
Koby gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. Staring at Xia Le's retreating back, he roared, "Yes!!!"
Compared with the Class Leader, the Deputy Class Leader, and the Shichibukai Gecko Moria, he was indeed far behind. During the second phase of training, he had suffered terribly, coming to the brink of death several times.
Even compared with the other trainees, he still fell short in many ways. He and Helmeppo were practically the worst in the entire class.
But even in such difficult circumstances, he had never considered quitting.
Because this was his only true stepping stone out of his old circumstances and into a new realm.
Fighting opponents far stronger than himself was dangerous, but it also offered countless opportunities and lessons. He had come to deeply appreciate what Senior Brother Xia Le had taught him during their recent sparring session.
Only blood could drive a Marine forward. Only by truly knowing and understanding the world's darkness could one better understand its justice and light.
Medical staff soon rushed into the Training Ground with a stretcher and carried Zoro away.
Kuina stood up and looked at Zoro, hesitated briefly, then hurried after him.
At noon the next day.
"Vice Admiral Joyce instructed me to hand them over to you personally."
The visitor was Joyce's aide, a Commander wearing a top hat with a sword at his waist. He was clearly a little nervous at the sight of Xia Le,