Kojin knew that, although his subordinates had changed their identities and become Marines, the spirit of their former lives as pirates still lingered within them.
Evans and the other four were fine. Since joining the Marines, they had behaved themselves; above all, they wanted to find a stable place to belong and realize the peace they carried in their hearts.
Crocodile, however, had changed as a result of his experiences after losing his memories. He now had a trace of trust and respect for Kojin in his heart. Even when fragments of the past resurfaced, he suppressed his former ambitions.
Douglas Bullet, on the other hand, was a different matter entirely.
First, he had been overpowered by Kojin's immense strength, and second, he could tell that Kojin was not the kind of person who would be content to stay quiet and obedient.
This was only natural. Powerhouses like Bullet and Crocodile would never submit to someone merely because they were stronger.
More importantly, there had to be something about them that earned their recognition.
The group was arranged to live in Kojin's residential area. The houses were spacious enough to make it easy for everyone to settle in.
That night, after dinner, Crocodile and the others resumed their rigorous training under Bullet's supervision.
Kojin stood quietly beneath a streetlamp, watching them.
Clearly, Bullet, having come from a professional military background, possessed exceptionally refined training experience. Even Kojin had to admit to the man's professionalism.
Evans and the other four, especially the young Rosinante, had all improved noticeably during this period. Their physiques were advancing rapidly towards a superhuman level.
"No matter what you want to do, or what hopes and dreams you carry in your hearts! Strength is the most powerful weapon to realize them!" Bullet shouted with his arms crossed.
"Even if you want to be a worthless salted fish, you still need the strength to turn yourself over!"
As he spoke, his eyes suddenly widened as he glared at Rosinante, who was lagging behind at the rear of the formation.
"Rosinante, move faster! Do you want to die on the battlefield one day?"
"How can a man as powerful as Kojin tolerate such a weak subordinate as you?"
Hearing this, Rosinante took a sharp breath and immediately sped up.
You can insult him if you want, but he would never allow anyone to insult Kojin, the officer he already respected beyond measure!
"Ahhhhhh!"
Roaring at the top of his lungs, Rosinante ran with all his might.
Under the streetlight, Kojin watched the scene with a smile. He nodded slightly and turned to leave.
If this kind of training continued, even Rosinante, who was only around ten or eleven years old, would soon possess a superhuman physique.
Given his age, it was impossible not to marvel at him. As expected of someone carrying the bloodline of the Celestial Dragons.
...
In the blink of an eye, the night passed.
By daybreak the next morning, a solemn, oppressive atmosphere hung over Marineford's Headquarters building.
Two rows of elite Marines, each nearly two meters tall and with icy, severe expressions, stood rigidly on the steps leading to the building, their gazes fixed straight ahead.
The atmosphere today was completely different from normal. Even the field officers in the surrounding crowd felt their hearts tighten and swallowed nervously as sweat seeped down their cheeks.
The highest-level conference at Headquarters was to be held today.
Officers of the rank of Rear Admiral or higher, scattered all over the world, would gather in Marineford to take part in this massive meeting.
Its gravity and solemnity were self-evident. Everyone understood that the outcome would affect not only the entire Marine force but possibly the whole world.
Suddenly, a gust of sea wind blew in, fluttering the capes draped over the backs of the Marines standing in perfect formation on either side of the tower.
The elite Marines all narrowed their eyes at that moment, focusing on the towering figures approaching from the bottom of the steps.
"Marine Headquarters Admiral Sengoku!"
"Marine Headquarters Admiral Zephyr!"
Wearing white Marine uniforms, Sengoku and Zephyr stepped onto the stairs one after the other and advanced towards the building.
The two rows of Marines straightened their chests and fixed their eyes forward as if frozen in that moment.
As the two Admirals entered the Headquarters building and their figures gradually disappeared, wave after wave of officers with an imposing presence marched up the steps behind them.
"Mountain-Slayer, Vice Admiral Berglus!'
"Praying Mantis Blade, Vice Admiral Lüfa!"
"Boxing King, Vice Admiral John Tyson!"
'That is—?! Vice Admiral Zorros, who split ten pirate ships in half with a single strike five years ago!"
"..."
Powerful Vice Admiral ranked officers continued to step onto the stairs, sending tremors through the hearts of all the Headquarters personnel present.
Tension, excitement, and exhilaration surged together.
It could be said that many of these renowned officers were idols whom countless people admired from afar but rarely ever saw. Each and every one of them was a central pillar of Marine Headquarters.
Vice Admirals of the Marine Headquarters were the bedrock of the entire Marine system; they are masters of Haki, each with their own formidable strengths, and all worthy of respect.
As sunlight bathed the steps, a tall, burly man with a square face, short black hair, and a smile walked forward, accompanied by several people behind him.
"The Hero of the Marines!"
"Vice Admiral Garp!"
At that moment, nearly everyone in the area turned their attention to the man, holding their breath.
Garp strode forward, with Bogard following behind him. On his left was another tall figure with a smile on his face.
"A monster among the younger generation... Kuzan!"
Everyone recognized that towering figure and called out his name in their hearts.
Over the past two years, the fame of the three 'monsters' within the Marines had only continued to grow.
Their powerful Logia abilities, combined with their already overwhelming physical strength, made the trio seem almost godlike, inspiring awe in countless young Marines.
"Wait!"
"Who is the figure behind them?"
Suddenly, someone in the crowd exclaimed in shock.
"Kojin!"
"It's Rear Admiral Kojin!"
The Marines' gazes shifted once again, converging on the young Marine not far behind Garp. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with muscles so well-developed that they looked as though they might tear through his uniform at any moment.
Two figures followed him, one on his left and one on his right. They were both wearing Marine caps, their heads slightly lowered so that their faces were indistinct. Yet their auras were unmistakably fierce.
"Kojin, you're late, kid!"
Garp slowed his steps slightly and turned around, a smile instantly spreading across his face.
When he saw the upright, powerfully built figure behind him, he couldn't help but freeze for a moment.
This pair of teacher and student had not seen each other for a long time. The frail youngster he remembered had grown into someone so tall and imposing.
"Garp Sensei!"
Kojin grinned broadly and quickened his pace to catch up and in an instant, the group following Garp grew larger.
"Kojin!" Kuzan also broke into a smile.
Bogard smiled and nodded in greeting.
"Kuzan, Bogard!" Kojin replied with a smile.
"You've changed a lot, kid."
Garp examined him from head to toe, clicking his tongue in amazement. Then he raised his hand and patted Kojin's shoulder heavily, producing a dull thudding sound.
"But this physique… now it suits you perfectly!"
After that, his gaze shifted toward Bullet and Crocodile. After a brief pause of surprise, his expression turned a bit more serious.
"And you've found yourself some fine assistants as well!"
(End of Chapter)
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