Chapter 50 Vice Admiral

Seeing many students lying on the ground, groaning in pain, Zephyr didn't say anything.

Although he didn't feel embarrassed by being defeated by Aizen, there was a part of him that felt somewhat concerned. He had taken the following battles more seriously, and as a result, nearly half of the students were left lying on the ground.

"Everyone, assemble!" Zephyr's voice rang out.

At his command, those who were still able to move quickly stood up and helped those who had been knocked out by Zephyr, bringing them to the front.

Aizen, too, helped a fellow cadet, a man with a cigar and a grin on his face—Shao Huan, the future Marine Vice Admiral "Burning Volcano." He was always cheerful, much like Aizen, and the two shared a good friendship.

However, where Aizen exuded a calm, dignified presence, Shao Huan appeared more carefree, even somewhat naive.

"Sorry to trouble you, Aizen," Shao Huan said with a sheepish smile.

"We're comrades in arms. It's only natural that we support one another," Aizen replied, his steady confidence putting those around him at ease.

"Aizen..." Shao Huan trailed off, gazing at him with a strange look in his eyes, though he didn't speak any further.

"Let's go," Aizen said with a chuckle. "After today, we won't have many more chances to be together like this."

His gaze turned toward Zephyr, a thoughtful expression settling on his face.

Zephyr, witnessing this, couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. For these students, this would be their last time working together. It was a bittersweet moment for Zephyr, particularly because this elite camp had produced some of the most extraordinary talents he had ever seen.

Aizen, already showing the strength of an Admiral, and the others, such as Sakazuki and Kizaru, were destined to rise to the ranks of Marine Admirals. As for the rest, they were all set to achieve Marine Vice Admiral positions.

"Alright, the test is over," Zephyr announced, pulling out a roster. "I will assign your military ranks based on your performance. As for any position transfers, those will be determined by the headquarters in due time."

Zephyr had long been given the authority to assign ranks for these elite cadets below the level of Commodore, though positions at the rank of General or above required approval from higher-ups. He was able to assign lower ranks freely, and his new assignments reflected their impressive performances.

"Dauberman, Mole, Burning Volcano..." Zephyr read off the names of the cadets, assigning them the rank of Marine Colonel, with positions tentative and awaiting future orders from headquarters.

The cadets, some of whom had been pummeled and barely able to stand, forced themselves to salute, their voices loud and firm, "Understood!"

Zephyr nodded, pleased with their response, before turning his attention to Sakazuki, Kizaru, and Aizen.

"Sakazuki, Kizaru, you two are now promoted to the rank of Marine Commodore," Zephyr said, though it was clear from the casual way he read off their names that he expected no surprise from them. "Your positions are still tentative, awaiting further assignment from headquarters."

"Understood," Sakazuki and Kizaru said with barely a hint of ceremony, their casual salutes a reflection of their typical rebellious attitude.

Zephyr couldn't help but smile at their carefree nature. Despite being such powerful individuals, they still managed to keep things light.

"As for Aizen..."

The moment Zephyr mentioned Aizen, all the cadets stood straighter, including Sakazuki and Kizaru. It was obvious that Aizen's position would be above theirs.

"Before you arrived at headquarters, the New World Marine branch sent a joint letter to Marshal Kong," Zephyr began, drawing everyone's attention. "So, the military rank awarded to you was determined by Marshal Kong himself."

The cadets, who had been murmuring amongst themselves, quieted at the mention of the joint letter. Aizen's position was clearly going to be something extraordinary.

"A joint letter?" Aizen thought, though his expression remained calm.

"Yes, as I expected, you've already guessed what this means," Zephyr continued. "Aizen, you have been awarded the rank of Vice Admiral of the New World Marine branch. You will also serve as the branch chief staff."

The moment the words left Zephyr's mouth, the entire field erupted in shock and surprise.