The establishment of the youth class could be considered one of the Navy's biggest recent events.
After all, this concerned the training of the Navy's future talent—and they even brought in Zephyr specifically for it.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Michael also began placing his own people into the Navy.
For example, the sisters Monet and Sugar were sent to study here after Michael informed Ginny, who then arranged for them to be brought over through nations across the Four Seas...
After all, this was Zephyr's class. It would be a waste not to join.
As for the extra addition of Tashigi, Michael hadn't expected that.
After all, the nations across the Four Seas also had the right to recommend candidates, which was understandable.
But surprisingly, Zoro and Kuina weren't recommended. It was probably because Shimotsuki Koshiro didn't agree.
Still, that might not be a bad thing. For a kendo genius, there was no better teacher than Shimotsuki Koshiro at the moment.
"This youth class… it seems not only the Navy itself values it, but many countries want to use the opportunity to recommend talent and build ties with the current Navy," Crocodile said, leaning elegantly to the side, showing off her graceful yet imposing figure. "After all, your performance at the World Conference has made those kings restless."
"Let them move then. Movement brings benefits," Michael said with a grin. "I just don't want them to start playing dead."
With Crocodile and Stella's help, Michael sorted through the youth class personnel files.
Before long, the door suddenly burst open with a loud bang.
"Father! Did you forget about me!? I'm clearly still young! Why isn't my name on the youth class list!?"
The one who barged in was, of course, Michael's troublesome daughter, Maria D. Yamato.
She charged in clumsily with her spiked club, face full of anxiety.
Behind her followed a massive figure…
It was the sulking Jack!
It was obvious he'd come for the same reason.
Michael looked at the two who were originally members of the Beasts Pirates, and the corner of his mouth twitched.
"What are you two doing? Does this youth class even need you to participate?" Michael's head started to ache the moment he saw these two hotheads.
"One of you has mastered all three types of Haki, and the other's an expert in both Armament and Observation Haki—what the hell are you doing joining a youth class!?"
"But we're still young! We're only sixteen! That Monet girl is already eighteen, and she can still join the youth class!"
"What the hell does age have to do with this, damn it!" Michael jumped up and chopped Yamato on the forehead with a hand strike.
"I've already told you two—you're way too strong for this! Forget about these kids who've never gone through real training! Even among Elite Vice Admirals, how many can say with confidence they could definitely take you down?"
"Hiss! That hurts!"
"If it hurts, then start using your brain!" Michael rolled his eyes and continued, "That Monet you're talking about may be eighteen, but she hasn't undergone systematic training. She only has the Snow Snow Fruit ability and nothing else..."
Stella and Crocodile exchanged helpless smiles as they looked at Yamato and Jack.
These two idiots really had no concept of how absurdly strong they were.
Hearing Michael's words, Jack poked Yamato in the head.
"Yamato, I think Michael-sama makes sense..."
"So what if it makes sense! Do you really want to keep wasting away in the training ground!?"
"Hiss..." Jack sucked in a cold breath. If he stayed at the Amazon Lily training grounds any longer, he'd probably end up smashing it apart one day—and then he'd have to face Hancock's wrath again...
Michael shook his head at the two idiots whispering loudly.
These two were just too bored at Paradise or Navy Headquarters and were looking for something to do.
"Enough. Don't try to play your little duet in front of me..." Michael glanced at the list in his hand, then placed it on the desk. "You two are coming with me."
"Where!?" Yamato, who had just been whining, instantly sprang back to life.
"Of course, we're going to welcome our dear Instructor Zephyr back."
...
A remote stretch of sea on the Grand Line.
A Navy warship was sailing across the ocean.
This warship was much larger than a regular one, but it barely had any cannons.
Though called a warship, it looked more like a transport vessel.
This ship was specially prepared by Navy Headquarters for former Admiral and current Chief Instructor Zephyr.
It allowed him to lead the entire Elite Training Camp across the seas for combat drills.
"Report, Instructor Zephyr! According to the latest intel, there's a deserted island fifty kilometers ahead—it's the base of the Barrel Pirates! Their captain, Gulagas, has a bounty of seventy-five million Belly!"
"How many of them?"
"Unclear. They seem to keep recruiting... but conservatively, there should be over two hundred pirates!"
"Good. Their strength is just right to give you all some real combat experience. But remember this—no matter what kind of opponent you face, always go all out. "
"Yes, Instructor Zephyr!"
The blue-haired girl in the lead answered loudly and clearly.
Zephyr nodded in satisfaction as he looked at her.
Ain—the strongest recruit of this Elite Training Camp.
She possessed the ability of the Retro Retro Fruit and was also a swordswoman.
Both her Devil Fruit and physical combat abilities were outstanding. She was exactly the type of talent Zephyr valued. If she continued to develop steadily, becoming a Vice Admiral was only a matter of time.
But... that would likely be her limit.
Compared to monsters like Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino, she was far behind.
Even slightly weaker ones like Momousagi and Chaton were probably out of her reach.
Still, Zephyr was satisfied.
After all, he'd spent decades teaching and knew how rare such talents were.
Those who could become Admirals or Admiral candidates were freakish prodigies that didn't appear often.
Zephyr considered himself lucky to have trained three Admirals and two Admiral candidates in his lifetime.
"Then, Instructor Zephyr, I'll go arrange the attack plan."
"Mm. Be careful."
"Yes, sir!"
Ain saluted Zephyr and the people behind him, then turned and left the cabin.
Zephyr turned around, smiling.
"My students aren't bad, right?"
"Hmph, just average." Garp curled his lips. "My disciples are the hotshot 'Songstress' and 'Empress,' you know!"
"You want me to start listing my disciples?"
"...That would be cheating, wouldn't it?"
"So you do know it's cheating!"
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