"Is that so…"
With light steps, as if without any effort at all, Orin's expression remained relaxed.
The frost that had spread from his pants up to half his body slowly began to fade away.
The ice that had subdued countless pirates without fail couldn't even leave his clothes dirty.
"If you think you can do it, then by all means, give it a try, Kuzan."
"But like I said before, I've never seen you as a mortal enemy. If you ever change your mind, you're welcome to come have a drink with me anytime."
Kuzan had no response to that. After pausing briefly, he turned and walked away in the opposite direction from Orin.
Perhaps…
Perhaps one day, they really would sit and share a drink.
But that didn't change Kuzan's resolve. He was determined to stop Orin and his uncontrolled ambition to become the one who ruled the world.
...
As Kuzan's figure gradually faded into the distance, Orin didn't try to stop him, though a faint sigh lingered in his heart.
Sometimes, when a strong person sets their mind on something, not even ten bulls could pull them back. Perhaps… this was Kuzan's justice.
After meeting Orin, Kuzan had resolved to restrain the man who sought to toy with the world itself — his form of "justice."
Shaking his head, Orin shifted his gaze toward another part of the training camp.
"Hey, about that VIP card I gave you earlier. How's it working out for you?"
"Borsalino."
In a shaded resting area nearby sat a shady-looking uncle in a white pinstriped suit and hat, lounging leisurely while part of his body shimmered in elemental photon form.
Realizing he'd been spotted, Borsalino's face twisted bitterly, and any thought of sneaking away by turning into light instantly died.
"I don't have any intention of fighting you~ You're getting scarier and scarier, Orin-sama~"
He casually raised his hands in mock surrender, his sleazy expression so ambiguous that Orin couldn't even tell if he was joking or sincere.
"That's not what I asked you, Marine Borsalino."
Orin chuckled.
Among the top forces in the Marines, Borsalino was probably the one he got along with best.
This old guy, who hid his depths behind laziness, was an expert at slacking off. Orin had given him a VIP card for his Sabaody Archipelago business years ago, and Borsalino had certainly made good use of it.
Back when he gave away that card, it had been on a whim. But over the years, it had led to a sort of half-friendship between them.
"Spare me…"
Sensing Orin's cheerful mood, Borsalino finally relaxed, dropping the bit of tension he'd been holding inside.
Soon after, Doll and Borsalino became Orin's companions as he toured the Marine officer training camp.
After the little "Kuzan's resolve" incident, Doll had been unusually quiet along the way, her gaze distant as if lost deep in thought.
Orin didn't disturb her. Instead, he started chatting with Borsalino, who stood next to him at about the same height.
"Looks like all three of the original Marine Monster Vice Admirals are acting as instructors in this session's training camp…"
At the mention, Borsalino shrugged and pinched the cigarette at his lips between two fingers.
"Yeah~ I was actually planning to attend the welcome banquet for Orin-sama's arrival with Admiral Sengoku, you know~"
"But Zephyr-sensei said Sengoku could handle it on his own and dragged me over here instead…"
Welcome banquet for Orin-sama's arrival?
More like trying to slack off and get free food.
Hearing this, Orin couldn't help but laugh.
"So if all three monsters are here, Sakazuki must be around too."
Borsalino rubbed his chin, then glanced into the distance.
"Speak of the devil… there he is…"
As they walked, a towering figure came into view from afar, a rose pinned to his chest, striding toward the training grounds like a dragon among tigers.
"Hmph…"
Perhaps it was his naturally unpleasant expression, or perhaps it was because he'd spotted Orin — but Sakazuki's poker face was as stiff as stone.
"…"
As he passed by Orin, he didn't even pause his steps for a second.
Orin wasn't surprised.
After all, Sakazuki utterly despised pirates. And even though Orin couldn't be categorized or defined now, the fact that he'd once been a pirate was enough for Sakazuki to never show him a friendly face.
Knowing Sakazuki's explosive temper, Orin had only fought him twice before and wasn't close to him at all, so he didn't bother greeting him.
If pushed too far, there was no telling whether Sakazuki would strike on impulse.
Not that Orin feared him — but if they did start fighting, both of them would use devastating techniques with massive destructive range. Half of Marineford might not survive the aftermath.
Among the three monster Marines, Orin had to admit Borsalino was the only one he could deal with comfortably.
"So, Borsalino… what exactly are you teaching at the training camp?"
"That's a military secret…"
Orin handed him an ornate, high-end cigarette — the kind worth several million Belly each.
Orin smoked both cigars and cigarettes, so he lit one for himself and offered another to Borsalino.
"Much appreciated… I'm in charge of swordsmanship~"
Despite being infamous for relying too much on his Devil Fruit, Borsalino's most impressive skill — besides his fruit — was actually his swordsmanship.
At the very least, he could trade blows with an old Rayleigh on equal footing, making him a certified master swordsman.
"Swordsmanship, huh… I'm pretty good at that too. Oh, I know!!! Can I be an instructor here for the Marine officer trainees?"
Orin's thoughts were always spontaneous. Ever since his debut, he'd spent his life learning techniques from various masters. This was the first time he'd ever felt the urge to teach.
"Uh…"
Borsalino froze for a moment, cold sweat dripping down his face as he scratched his head.
Orin's position was far too special. This wasn't covered in any contingency plan.
Yes, contingency plans.
After the Elders informed the Marines that Orin would be visiting Marineford alongside the Shichibukai, Marine Headquarters had held an emergency meeting to prepare countermeasures.
For example:
If you encounter Orin on the road — lower-ranked Marines salute, senior officers have more flexibility, but people like Kuzan and Borsalino are strictly forbidden from engaging him in battle.
They had drawn up a comprehensive list of almost everything Orin might possibly do and issued protocols for handling each scenario.
But… becoming an instructor at the Marine officer training camp?
Orin's free-spirited whims were something the Marines could never keep up with.
"In that case, I'll need to check with Admiral Sengoku first."
With a sigh, Borsalino stepped aside and made a Den Den Mushi call.
A short while later, he returned with orders in hand.
His face relaxed, carrying an "I'm just the messenger" kind of grin, and he said to Orin:
"Admiral Sengoku agreed~ But Marine Headquarters hopes you'll only teach things related to combat~"
Orin wasn't surprised. He simply nodded, then called over the seagull perched on his shoulder and Doll, who was still lost in thought.
"Do you two want to learn Haki?"
"I'll teach you."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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