Chapter 52 Joins The Elite Camp

At this moment, Zephyr seemed to remember something, leaning slightly toward Aizen with a mysterious smile.

"Oh, you might not know this yet, Aizen! Crane Vice Admiral mentioned to me that she plans to have her little sister, Neo, join the elite camp."

Aizen raised an eyebrow at this revelation, his calm demeanor giving way to faint curiosity.

"Neo? Crane Vice Admiral's younger sister?" He seemed puzzled. "Wouldn't it make more sense for her to be personally guided by Vice Admiral Crane? With her strength and experience, she'd be a far better mentor than the elite camp could offer."

Zephyr chuckled, scratching the back of his head as if trying to avoid a more direct answer. "You'd think so, wouldn't you? Crane did guide her for some time, but… let's just say something came up that made this arrangement more suitable."

Aizen studied Zephyr's expression closely. There was a flicker of hesitation, as though the instructor was deliberately keeping some detail from him.

"An accident?" Aizen inquired, his tone even but probing.

"Haha! Nothing to worry about," Zephyr laughed, deflecting. "We'll talk about it another time. It's not the right moment to delve into such matters."

Aizen remained silent, his sharp mind already piecing together potential reasons behind the change. However, he didn't press Zephyr further. He had other matters occupying his thoughts.

"In any case, I'll only be at the headquarters for two more days to complete the formalities. After that, I'll return to the New World. There's much to handle there."

Zephyr nodded approvingly. "Good. New World isn't a place that allows much rest, but I believe you're more than ready for the challenges ahead."

---

The following days passed quickly.

Aizen completed his formalities at Marineford, officially solidifying his position as Vice Admiral and Chief of Staff for the G3 branch in the New World. Unlike the others from the elite camp, who were stationed at safer Grand Line outposts to gain experience, Aizen was returning directly to the harsh and unpredictable New World.

As he approached the branch, his reception was humble yet warm. There were no grand festivities, only a meal in the Marine cafeteria shared with familiar faces, including Keton Vice Admiral, the former Chief of Staff of the G3 branch.

"Haha! I told you, Aizen, you were destined to take over!" Keton said with a hearty laugh, raising his glass of water.

"Replacing you won't be easy, Vice Admiral Keton," Aizen replied modestly, though his confident tone hinted at his readiness.

"Don't sell yourself short, boy!" Keton retorted, pointing at Aizen with a grin. "Nineteen years old, already a Marine Admiral candidate, wielding Paramecia Devil Fruit powers, and mastering two-color Haki! I'd wager you're already leagues ahead of what I was at your age."

He waved the employment notice in his hand, emphasizing the glowing remarks it contained about Aizen's potential and achievements.

"Zephyr trained you well, and you've made your mark here in the New World already. The joint letter we sent wasn't just flattery—it was based on the countless times you proved yourself indispensable. You've got the brains, strength, and charisma to lead. Mark my words, Aizen, your rise in the Marines is just beginning!"

Aizen smiled slightly, his expression composed but with a glint of ambition in his eyes. He understood the weight of his new position. G3 wasn't just another branch—it was a crucial foothold in the New World, responsible for supporting G5 and keeping the peace in a chaotic sea.

The path ahead was treacherous, but Aizen was no stranger to challenges. His plans, carefully crafted and already set in motion, were beginning to take shape.

As the conversation in the cafeteria continued, his thoughts drifted momentarily, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips.

*"Perfect character, potential, strength… Let's see how far this perfection can carry me."*