However, thanks to the system's modifications, Ren's body proved to be impressively resilient.
Before it was even time for dinner, he was fully recovered.
The ointment Ain had brought over didn't even get a chance to be applied.
Taking advantage of the situation, Ren dragged Ain out of the Marine Academy.
Now was the perfect time to build their relationship. Why would he miss that for saving a few bucks?
This special training only lasted for seven days, but what shocked Zephyr was that Ren actually managed to sense and dodge his whip within that short time.
When he did it, Ren was stunned.
"So this is Observation Haki?! That easy?"
"It's just Observation Haki. You've still got a long way to go, brat! Back in my day—"
Zephyr grumbled half-heartedly.
But in truth, he was floored.
This kid's talent was terrifying.
Seven days.
He couldn't even remember how long it took him to awaken his own Observation Haki — but definitely longer than that!
"Ha! I finally did it!"
Ren was so moved, he felt like crying.
This old man Zephyr really lived up to the title "Demon Instructor."
He truly earned the name Black Arm Zephyr.
Now that he'd mastered Observation Haki, Ren's daily sparring partners switched to Gion or other assistant instructors at the Academy — a special arrangement by Zephyr himself.
When he wasn't training or studying, Ren was enjoying sweet dates with Ain, occasionally teasing Gion for fun.
As Zephyr's assistant, Gion taught the cadets cultural subjects and occasionally helped organize special training drills.
It had been ten days since his fight with Rob Lucci, and Zephyr had already punished Ren.
Citing "violation of Marine discipline," he stripped Ren of his qualification for the Marine Academy's graduation exam.
But anyone with a brain could see through Zephyr's real motive.
Everyone knew what kind of shady plans the World Government had.
This graduation ceremony was just an excuse to recruit elite cadets into their own ranks.
Zephyr was trying to protect his top students from getting contaminated by that filth.
Many cadets had been "punished" for various reasons — Ain, Binz, and even others weren't spared.
Ren's "charges" were even more complete.
He had "engaged Rob Lucci in unauthorized combat," "destroyed civilian housing," "damaged public infrastructure," and "caused severe reputational harm to the Marines."
Verdict?
Stripped of graduation eligibility. Put under probation for a year.
Honestly, it looked more like a protective move than a punishment.
That's exactly why Zephyr was so beloved by his students.
With a teacher like him who always stood up for them — who wouldn't admire him?
However, the Marine Academy soon received a new official mandate — signed by the World Government.
Due to "the need to replenish personnel in the Marine Academy's elite division," all students and graduates under the age of 26 were allowed to register for a new entrance examination.
They were clearly trying to net every promising cadet in one sweep.
It was laughable.
Since when did the Marines — a military force under the World Government — get undermined like this by its own superiors?
Zephyr was clearly trying to prevent his students from getting dragged into the Government's dirty politics.
But that mandate seriously pissed off one particular woman.
"Vice Admiral, when did the elite division's recruitment exam get taken over by the World Government?"
Gion's beautiful face was full of anger as she confronted Vice Admiral Onigumo.
"Ahem... Gion, I'm your senior, after all. I'm a Vice Admiral. Isn't it a bit inappropriate to question me like this?"
Onigumo looked helpless.
This girl was way too blunt.
He was her upperclassman, and a Vice Admiral no less.
"Oh? So I shouldn't be questioning you, is that it?"
Gion raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp.
"Then tell me, dear respected senior, Vice Admiral Onigumo — why wasn't this elite recruitment exam reviewed by Instructor Zephyr?"
"Uh... Gion, no need to be so formal! Just call me senior! Titles like Vice Admiral are meaningless — all just fluff!"
Seeing Gion's worsening expression, Onigumo wanted to slap himself.
Why couldn't he just keep his mouth shut?
Seeing she was clearly not buying it, he quickly explained, "It wasn't my decision! Gion, I swear.
These things were approved by Vice Admiral Tsuru and Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Their signatures are on it!"
As he spoke, he even pulled out the confidential document and showed it to her — confidentiality be damned.
"Hm? Vice Admiral Tsuru signed this too?"
Gion looked closely and confirmed the signature.
After all, Tsuru was her idol.
"Yeah!"
"Then why didn't you say so earlier?"
Onigumo felt a wave of injustice hit him.
Good grief, woman — this is a classified document!
If you hadn't pressured me, I would never have dared show it!
Now I'm going to get chewed out for this, I just know it...
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