Naval Headquarters
"Zephyr Admiral truly exudes an impressive aura," remarked Varen calmly, tightening his grip on the Zanpakutō in his hand as he observed the intimidated individuals around them.
"Zephyr Admiral? Do you know him?" asked a curious-looking companion standing beside Varen.
Judging by his relaxed demeanor, it seemed that Zephyr's overwhelming presence had little effect on him.
"Indeed, not just me. Kizaru here and Sakazuki next to him are also unfazed," Varen replied, acknowledging the resilience of his classmates.
Truly, they were future Admirals—youthful yet fearless in the face of Zephyr's might.
Naturally, there was more to it. Zephyr wouldn't fully reveal his combat prowess against mere students.
"I'm familiar with the name, but we're not acquainted," Varen replied, adjusting his square glasses with a gentle smile on his lips.
"He seems like a decent fellow," remarked Kizaru, finding himself unexpectedly drawn to Varen's amiable nature.
Varen's affable demeanor made it difficult for anyone to harbor ill intentions towards him.
"He certainly has a captivating presence," nodded Sakazuki in agreement.
Varen's radiance made others appear as mere background.
While they conversed, Zephyr's confrontation reached its climax.
Despite some resistance, the gap in power was evident.
Zephyr then turned his attention towards the composed trio by the roadside.
"I'm impressed that you withstood my aura. Not all elite camp students are mere pretenders," Zephyr thought to himself, acknowledging their fortitude.
"It's our turn," Sakazuki said, glancing at his companions. Although they were strangers, they shared an unspoken understanding.
Without warning, drops of lava trickled from Sakazuki's body.
"A Logia user? Quite unexpected," Zephyr remarked, impressed by Sakazuki's ability.
While Devil Fruit abilities weren't everything, formidable Haki was crucial for top-tier fighters.
Sakazuki's power held a distinct advantage in destructive force.
Focus... concentrate!
Zephyr's aura intensified drastically.
"Take this!" Zephyr lunged forward like lightning, his black fist striking Sakazuki's abdomen with thunderous force.
Crack...
Sakazuki was sent flying, crashing into a wall with a resounding boom.
"How ruthless!" Kizaru's composure wavered, witnessing Sakazuki's plight.
Despite his light-based abilities, Kizaru struggled to track Zephyr's movements.
"Expected of a Marine Admiral. It wouldn't befit us to engage in a prolonged struggle," remarked Varen calmly, watching Zephyr attentively.
"Are you ready?" Kizaru inquired, eyeing Varen curiously.
"Of course. Engaging with an Admiral is a rare opportunity to understand the pinnacle of combat. Learning from this experience will accelerate our progress," Varen responded, stepping forward with a confident aura.
Varen's white robe billowed with Reiatsu, accompanied by his gentle demeanor.
Though alluring, there was only one girl in this year's elite camp—and she was already unconscious.
"Zephyr-sensei, please instruct me," Varen said, flashing a smile and extending his hand.
This time, Varen intentionally released his Reiatsu, a potent force that exuded intimidation.
Reiatsu—a fraction of Aizen's terrifying power.
This overwhelming force was capable of subduing Espada effortlessly and toppling the Lingwang Palace with ease, despite its diminished strength.
"What an imposing presence. Is this Conqueror's Haki? No, it's different. This kid is more formidable than the other two," Zephyr thought, elevating his opinion of Varen.