The moment Daren stepped through the gates of the Officer Training Camp, he inexplicably gained a tagalong.
Kuzan followed close behind like an overexcited fanboy, practically glowing with admiration as he trailed Daren's steps, voicing one awestruck comment after another.
"I heard during the operation against the World Pirates, you faced the great pirate Byrnndi World all on your own, right?"
"And, and... I heard you built an unbeatable fleet in the North Blue...!"
"That's just so cool..."
Faced with the overly enthusiastic Kuzan, Daren found himself with a headache. He could only respond now and then with half-hearted replies.
"I've made up my mind!!"
Suddenly, Kuzan rushed forward and stopped Daren in his tracks.
He raised his arm, puffed out his chest, and pointed straight at Daren. His eyes blazed like fire, and a determined smile spread across his thick lips as he clenched his fist tightly.
"Daren! From this day forward, you are my one and only... lifelong rival!!"
"Are you ready to face my burning fighting spirit and justice!?"
Daren: ...
Tokikake: ...
Daren's mouth twitched.
Looking at the hot-blooded youth standing in front of him, Daren had a strong feeling that his time in this training camp was going to be anything but peaceful.
...
Since the Officer Training Camp hadn't yet been expanded into a full Naval Academy, each class had only a small number of trainees, and the overall grounds weren't that large.
Daren, Kuzan, and Tokikake quickly located the main drill field.
It was midday, and the sun was scorching. The air shimmered with heat as yellow sand blew across the grounds. Even the sea breeze couldn't ease the sweltering temperature.
Over a dozen Marine officers of varying builds had already arrived. Some were quietly polishing their swords, some flexed in preparation, some stood in silence, and others leaned against the tall wall's shadow, calmly smoking.
The arrival of the three newcomers quickly drew attention, triggering waves of whispered conversation.
"That's him, right?"
"Rogers Daren..."
"The one they call the 'King of the North Blue'... the one who took down Byrnndi World?"
"He really does give off a powerful vibe..."
"..."
All eyes locked onto the tall figure walking at the front. Their expressions varied, each harboring their own thoughts.
"Who are the two with Daren? You know them, Dalmatian?"
Someone asked a young officer whose face bore Dalmatian-like markings beneath a military cap.
Dalmatian responded slowly,
"The guy with the brown cap is Tokikake, from Headquarters—talented... As for the yawning guy with the curly black hair? No idea."
"You know him, Yamakaji?"
"Yeah, that's Kuzan. He's from the South Blue, same as me. Total monster,"
The buzz-cut officer with a square face named Yamakaji smiled as he spoke, a lit cigar between his lips.
Despite his rugged features, his grin radiated a calm, approachable warmth.
"He's absurdly strong. Headquarters made a special exception to let him in."
"...A monster, huh?"
Not far away, a gloomy man who'd been polishing his saber looked up at that word.
His dull-toned skin reflected a cold sheen, and his eyes brimmed with icy battle intent. His reddish-brown hair hung messily like spider legs.
"Careful, Onigumo. This isn't West Blue vacation time," spoke a young man with a cross-shaped scar on his cheek. His stern gaze was laced with teasing.
"Even if West Blue's relaxed, it's still better than your so-called 'weakest East Blue,' Doberman," Onigumo shot back coldly.
Doberman snorted.
"Still bitter? We can go another round. I doubt yesterday was satisfying enough for you."
Onigumo sneered.
"Forget it. I'm not interested in weaklings."
As he said that, his sharp gaze shifted from Kuzan to focus directly on Daren.
...
While the rest of the trainees assessed the three newcomers, Daren was also taking stock of those present.
Though they all looked at least twenty years younger than in the original timeline, their defining features were easy to recognize.
The one with the Dalmatian spots was Dalmatian, a Zoan-type user of the Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Dalmatian. A future elite Vice Admiral who would one day severely injure Luffy during the Summit War of Marineford using Soru and Shigan.
The buzz-cut man with the beard and gentle smile was Yamakaji—a future elite Vice Admiral as well. He would one day watch over Vice Admiral Tsuru during the war, known for being both strong and kind. A role model for young Marines, and one of the five Vice Admirals in the Enies Lobby Buster Call. He would take part in two such missions in total.
The one with messy reddish-brown hair and a sinister look was Onigumo. Another future elite Vice Admiral, known for his ruthless personality. He wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice his own subordinates during missions. A hawkish enforcer and participant in the Buster Call initiative.
The man with the scarred face was Doberman. A hardliner and elite Vice Admiral who, during the latter stages of the Marineford War, would help Sakazuki pursue the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates. He was infamous for directly berating the Red-Haired Yonkō when Shanks requested they stop dishonoring the dead—Whitebeard and Ace.
As for the others, Daren didn't recognize them.
After all, the original plot didn't delve too deeply into Marine personnel. But one thing was certain—anyone who passed Headquarters' selection process and entered this training camp was bound to become a pillar of the Marines in the future.
Unlike the mass recruitment drives of later generations, the early Officer Training Camp only accepted the cream of the crop—rightfully known as the "cradle of Admirals."
"Hey, hey, hey, Daren, Kuzan... They're looking at us kinda weird..."
Tokikake shifted uneasily under the weight of the surrounding stares.
"The fire in their eyes... It's getting me pumped!!"
Kuzan adjusted his sunglasses and grinned, full of spirit.
Tokikake rolled his eyes and ignored the overly excited youth, turning to Daren instead.
Daren waved him off and chuckled, "Tokikake, take two steps to the side."
"Huh? Okay... How's this?"
"Two more."
"Alright."
"Still uncomfortable?"
"No... actually, I feel fine now!"
Tokikake looked surprised.
"What changed?"
Daren said flatly,
"Because they're only looking at me and Kuzan. Not you."
Tokikake: ...
"Hahahaha!! So, everyone's here, huh!?"
A booming, hearty laugh echoed from the training grounds' entrance.
Everyone stood at once, straightening their caps, sheathing their weapons, and turning toward the voice with solemn expressions.
The wind kicked up yellow sand as a towering, broad-shouldered figure strode in with steady, powerful steps.
Short purple hair, bronze skin, and bulging muscles straining against his uniform. He wore black sunglasses, and a gold-fringed Admiral's cape flared dramatically behind him.
A heavy, awe-inspiring presence swept over the entire field.
Former Marine Admiral of Headquarters—Zephyr. Marine codename: "Black Arm."
...
(50 Chapters Ahead)
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