"He's only seventeen years old!"
"Yet his Conqueror's Haki is already comparable to the great pirates of this era."
"This makes absolutely no sense!"
Sengoku and Zephyr felt their thoughts wavering. They found it impossible to believe—utterly inconceivable.
Especially after learning from Garp that the boy had only begun formal training seven days ago.
"This is no longer a monster…"
"It's a miracle!"
Sengoku's voice trembled slightly.
He had never seen anyone like this—someone who knew nothing yet could wield Conqueror's Haki, even achieving infusion, a supreme technique possessed only by the world's strongest.
"He only knocked out Sakazuki without harming anyone else nearby."
"His control over Conqueror's Haki is extremely refined."
Zephyr added.
As top-tier fighters themselves, their judgment was precise.
The three monsters of the Marine younger generation were undoubtedly strong, but they were still young and had not served long. Kuzan, in particular, had only been a Marine for two years.
Yet even they could not withstand that level of Conqueror's Haki. Even stronger general-level officers might struggle against it.
After calming the shock and excitement in his heart, Sengoku looked toward Garp, who was currently raising his fist and scolding the black-haired boy in the distance.
A faint smile appeared on his face, tinged with emotion.
Nearby, Kuzan and Borsalino anxiously slapped Sakazuki's cheeks while calling for medical officers.
"Sakazuki, twenty-eight years old."
"Borsalino, thirty-one."
"They joined the Marines in the same year and are both your students."
"Kuzan is younger—twenty-two."
Taking a deep breath, Sengoku's gaze shifted again to the boy clutching his head in pain.
"And Garp's disciple, Alex—seventeen."
"Yet he already stands at a higher starting point than the other three."
"If properly trained and guided…"
A smile suddenly spread across Sengoku's face.
"I can almost see the future of the Marines."
"A future of unprecedented brilliance."
"I can see what the next generation will become—a stronger era for the Marines."
Zephyr stood silently beside him, lost in thought.
"Zephyr, the responsibility of teaching the younger generation will have to fall to you."
"Garp's personality is far too careless for proper instruction. I'm worried Alex might go astray."
Sengoku sighed as he looked ahead.
Medical officers carried Sakazuki away on a stretcher.
"I understand."
Zephyr nodded.
The two then turned and left.
The G5 fortress soon exploded with rumors.
"Sakazuki lost?"
"A newcomer defeated him in one move! They say he's Vice Admiral Garp's disciple!"
"Another monster?"
News of the brief battle spread through the entire base in the shortest time possible. Before long, Alex's name circulated everywhere.
"Truly a terrifying monster, Mr. Alex."
Borsalino clicked his tongue in amazement, eyes filled with astonishment.
He still couldn't understand what that terrifying aura had been. All he knew was that his soul itself had trembled under its pressure.
And Sakazuki—who had joined the Marines alongside him years ago—had collapsed in a single instant.
If that wasn't a monster, what was?
"Mr. Borsalino is the real monster."
Alex replied with a faint smile.
Kuzan sat nearby with one hand covering his forehead, looking utterly speechless.
He glanced sideways at Alex. Two swollen lumps stood out clearly on the boy's head, stacked together like a black gourd growing from his skull.
"By the way, Kuzan, have you heard the news?"
Borsalino asked with a sly smile.
"What news?"
Kuzan asked curiously.
"About a commendation from Headquarters rewarding outstanding Marines."
Borsalino's smile widened.
Kuzan froze.
"It'll probably be aimed at the three of us."
"Though now, Mr. Alex should probably be included as well."
Borsalino added.
Kuzan paused but said nothing.
"It might even be a Devil Fruit."
Borsalino licked his lips slightly.
Only then did Kuzan's expression change.
"That would be shocking news indeed."
Alex listened quietly, but inwardly he was startled.
If the reward truly involved Devil Fruits, it would mean the future Three Admirals would soon obtain their signature abilities.
In his previous life, fans had debated endlessly about when the Three Admirals gained their Devil Fruits.
Some believed they obtained them before joining the Marines through coincidence.
Others believed they ate Logia Fruits during their service and rose to prominence afterward.
There was also a third theory—
That after proving themselves as monsters within the Marines, Headquarters officially granted them three Logia Fruits.
All three possibilities were plausible, but Alex leaned toward the last.
The World Government clearly maintained significant control over Devil Fruits, as evidenced by CP organizations and numerous powerful Marine officers possessing abilities.
It was reasonable to assume the Marines held authority over fruit allocation.
If all those abilities were mere coincidence, it would be far less logical than deliberate assignment.
"So… will it really be three Logia Fruits?"
Alex wondered silently.
Even in his previous world, the creator had never clarified the origin of the Admirals' powers. Fans could only speculate.
But this world was more real—and the butterfly effect caused by his own existence might change events entirely.
"Also, the situation in the New World's Edd War Sea has become extremely turbulent lately."
"A massive pirate conflict seems unavoidable."
Borsalino added seriously.
"The entire world is watching. Fleet Admiral Kong himself is guarding Headquarters, fully prepared."
Kuzan's expression turned solemn as well.
Alex listened quietly.
He knew very well about the coming battle at Edd War—the Roger Pirates' most dangerous crisis, where they nearly fell under Golden Lion Shiki's encirclement.
That battle demonstrated just how terrifying the three legendary pirates of this era truly were.
Their strength was nearly equal.
Golden Lion Shiki was currently at his peak, commanding perhaps the greatest force among the three legends.
In the following days, G5 Fortress appeared calm on the surface.
But Alex could clearly sense the approaching storm.
Marine forces were gathering continuously from Headquarters.
He trained silently in the Six Powers, waiting for the order from Marine high command.
"The three legendary pirates…"
"I'm looking forward to it."
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