In July of the Sea Circle Calendar year 1496, Ortoren stood at the podium of Marineford's Officer Training Camp.
Admiral Zephyr was beside him, smiling with pride, holding a Marine cloak of justice. The epaulets on its shoulders bore the insignia of a Commodore.
"It's been an honor to be your teacher and witness your growth, Benn Ortoren," Zephyr said warmly.
Today was Ortoren's graduation day. He had spent just over a year here, and now he was leaving as the top graduate of his class.
The closest competitor, Gion, was still about a month and a half away from completing her credits. In truth, most of the cadets had already earned enough credits to graduate, but none of them chose to leave early. They were all elite Marines, determined to complete every available course before stepping out.
If not for that, the advantage in service time that Momonga and the others had accumulated might have kept Ortoren from being the first to graduate.
"I'm equally honored to be your student, Zephyr-sensei. Thank you for your care over the past year," Ortoren replied politely.
Over this year, Ortoren had grown genuinely fond of Zephyr. He could clearly feel the man's favoritism and care—whatever the reason, it was real.
Zephyr had a solid character, a strong sense of justice. At first, Ortoren had assumed his insistence on stepping down as Admiral was simply because he wanted to devote himself fully to teaching, perhaps coupled with health concerns.
But after spending a year with him, Ortoren realized that while Zephyr might not be in perfect health, he was far from incapable of serving as Admiral. Which meant there had to be another reason—a deeper one. Most likely, he simply didn't want to keep facing the darkness that came with the upper ranks of the Marines.
Zephyr patted Ortoren's shoulder, then solemnly draped the Commodore's cloak over him. "As your teacher, I still have a few words for you, Ortoren."
"Yes, please," Ortoren said promptly.
"As the top cadet of this class, you are exceptional. Your talent is remarkable, and you're bound for greater achievements. But don't let that make you complacent. As a Marine, your journey is only beginning. Once you leave here, your life won't be as peaceful as it has been. You'll carry the responsibilities of a Commodore. Remember—at all times—that a true Marine must have both responsibility and a sense of justice. Only then can you fulfill your role."
He paused, a faint trace of regret in his eyes. Then he smiled slightly. "Perhaps the future of the Marines is in your hands. Perhaps you can change this imperfect world… Work hard, you brat."
"I won't forget your teachings, Zephyr-sensei," Ortoren said seriously.
The Marines were a quagmire—the higher you climbed, the deeper you sank into its darkness and filth. Ortoren had known this from the start.
But that was exactly why he had joined. Only in a flawed Marine Corps would there be space for him to maneuver, to make his moves. If the Marines had truly been pure and righteous, he wouldn't have had any place to make his mark.
As long as the World Government stays dark, then all my rebellion is justice, Zephyr-sensei, Ortoren thought to himself.
From this day forward, he would be a Marine of justice.
Zephyr couldn't hear those words, but he still believed in Ortoren's potential. He began clapping, setting off the applause.
From below the stage, Momonga, Onigumo, Yamakaji, Gion, and the other cadets joined in enthusiastically, sending off their "school bully."
With that monster no longer looming over them, the pressure on everyone else lightened considerably—they didn't have to work quite so hard anymore.
Still, after more than a year of training together, bonds had been formed. Just like with Momonga and Onigumo, who might otherwise have remained divided by their differing ideals and faction loyalties, this time together had closed the gap.
In the future, even if their philosophies clashed, the camaraderie forged here would remain. At the very least, it would keep their differences from ever reaching the breaking point.
Ortoren was the same. Since he hadn't aligned himself with any faction yet, it was easier for him to build good relationships with his classmates.
That might not seem important now, but give it a few years—once these elites climbed the ranks and became senior commanders in the Marines—those connections would be worth their weight in gold.
"Time really flies…" Momonga muttered from his seat in the back corner, watching Ortoren on stage thanking the crowd.
"What do you mean, 'flies'?" Tokikake asked from beside him.
"The first time I met him was at the training grounds at four in the morning. Back then, Ortoren was just a fresh recruit Garp-san had dragged into the Marines. He didn't even have official military status. And now, in just over a year, he's already a Commodore at Marine Headquarters. He's completely caught up to me…" Momonga said, clicking his tongue.
"Well, that guy's a monster. Why are you even comparing yourself to him? Besides… aren't you about to graduate? Once you do, you'll be a Rear Admiral at headquarters—that's still a rank above him." Tokikake patted Momonga's shoulder.
"Hahahaha, true enough. When I graduate, I'll apply to be Ortoren's superior officer. This might be my one and only chance to outrank him in my whole life!" Momonga said with a grin.
He had plenty of faith in Ortoren. Maybe for now, his seniority would put him above the younger man, but it wouldn't last long. Ortoren would probably make Rear Admiral before long, and at the rate he was going, he could hit Vice Admiral faster than Momonga. Give it time, and he might even become an Admiral. When that happened, there'd be no chance left at all.
In the end, elite graduate or not, a Commodore wasn't going to stir up much trouble at headquarters. Other than Garp—already waiting outside—not many bigwigs even knew today was Ortoren's graduation.
When Ortoren finished saying his farewells to his classmates and Zephyr-sensei, he opened the door and stepped into the corridor, only to find Garp leaning against the wall, munching on senbei.
"Oh, finally done!" Garp laughed, giving Ortoren a hearty pat on the shoulder.
"Hey, watch it. Your hands are covered in senbei crumbs. What if you dirty my Commodore insignia?" Ortoren said, putting on a mock haughty tone.
"You brat, I'm a Marine hero. That's encouragement from your senior—take it with some humility!" Garp shot back with a laugh.
After a bit of banter, the two headed out of the building, Garp leading the way. As they walked, he said, "Graduating top of Zephyr's class is impressive, sure, but in the Marines, you're still a rookie. I've already talked to personnel—you're going to be my subordinate from now on, tagging along with me on missions. You should be grateful, you know. Plenty of people at headquarters beg for the chance to serve under me and never get it…"
And just like that, Momonga's dream of being Ortoren's superior was snatched away before it even started.
Ortoren didn't mind in the slightest. In fact, he was looking forward to it. In the Marines, connections mattered. Now that he was out of the Officer Training Camp, if no one took him under their wing, chances to interact with top brass like Zephyr would become rare—unless he earned another promotion.
But if his superior was a big name like Garp, that was a different story. Garp could bring him along to all kinds of high-level events, making it far easier to meet the top figures of the organization. Then his network wouldn't be limited to Zephyr—he could get face time with people like Chief Staff Officer Tsuru and Admiral Sengoku as well.
Before this, the only times he saw such big names were during the occasional open class.
"Then I'll be counting on you, Garp-san," Ortoren said with a smile.
There was no need for lengthy thanks. He had been living in Garp's courtyard for over a year now, and except for the times Garp was away on missions, they saw each other every day. They were already close.
...
(50 Chapters Ahead)
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