The Training Camp was inside the Navy School, in an area set aside for it.
When the gates opened, they saw hundreds of elite recruits already waiting in formation on the brand-new training ground.
No one whispered to anyone else. Every recruit stood straight, head held high.
As a group, they presented a sharp contrast to the naval cadets arriving from the Four Seas and other bases along the Grand Line.
It seemed like an unspoken show of force.
And it worked. The newcomers were genuinely shaken.
"Whoa! They're pretty intimidating, don't you think, Sakazuki?"
Borsalino eyed the neat formation, then turned with a teasing smile to Sakazuki, who kept his gaze fixed straight ahead even as he walked.
Sakazuki said nothing. He intended to join the formation and stand behind the Marine Headquarters cadets.
Normally, that was what they should have done.
But two figures passed the formation, one on either side.
One was a young swordsman with a longsword at his waist, a melancholy look on his face, and a smile on his lips.
The other folded his arms across his chest and cast the Marine Headquarters elites a cold glance.
The two walked straight to the front, took positions on opposite sides, and stood in formation.
With those two leading the way, the young Marines from the other Marine Fortresses followed them and lined up in front of the formation.
Sakazuki immediately changed course as well. As a prodigy from the North Blue Navy's Governor's Headquarters, he was proud.
Following regulations did not mean he could not adapt.
Besides, no one had given him an order yet.
Borsalino watched with a smile and followed Sakazuki on his long legs.
As they passed, some of the newcomers even shot scornful looks at the Marine Headquarters cadets in formation.