73. Target, An'goro

The Magma Fruit user knew that if he wanted to further develop his abilities, he had to choose an uninhabited island and devote himself to training. Deeply developing the Fruit's power would inevitably involve aspects of natural phenomena.

And if the destructive power of the Magma Fruit was not properly controlled, it would be a disaster for the island's intelligent creatures.

"Sakazuki, as far as I know, there aren't many islands with volcanoes, and there are three special volcanic islands in the New World. Although it would take all three lava lakes erupting simultaneously to trigger the overall activity of the New World's geological veins, I don't know whether your Fruit might cause a chain reaction there."

Sengoku held a steaming cup of matcha, pointing at several locations on the world map as he spoke.

"What suggestions do you have?" Sakazuki humbly sought advice. After all, when it came to navigation charts and island distribution, Sengoku, as a strategist, had conducted much deeper research.

"Excluding the three special islands where the ENDPOINT is located, islands with volcanic terrain and little human presence are rare even within the Grand Line. Have you heard of the Primeval Island?" Sengoku moved his finger away from the New World's region and pointed to the first half of the Grand Line instead.

"Are you referring to the island near the World Government affiliate nation, Alabasta?" Sakazuki leaned in closer to the world map, carefully examining the position Sengoku indicated.

"That's correct. Considering the island's uniqueness, I will assign two highly skilled medical officers from headquarters to accompany you." Sengoku recalled past intelligence reports in his mind.

"Thank you very much, Fleet Admiral Sengoku." Sakazuki couldn't help but admire this great Buddha's vast knowledge and meticulous attention to detail.

Sengoku waved his hand dismissively. "Don't be in such a hurry to thank me. This is just an additional part of your mission."

"Mission?"

"Yes. I will also assign ten elite officers to you. In addition to your training, you'll need to train them as well." A deep voice came from outside the door.

"Zephyr-sensei? Weren't you training the new batch of recruits?" Sakazuki was somewhat surprised. It had been a while since he had seen his mentor at headquarters.

His light purple hair was meticulously groomed and neatly combed back. Underneath his pale blue shirt, his sturdy physique made him appear exceptionally upright.

Now in his fifties, Zephyr wore a pair of rimless glasses, adding a refined touch to his otherwise imposing appearance.

Zephyr walked in from the doorway and patted Sakazuki's shoulder with satisfaction. "I've heard that you've been making quite a name for yourself at headquarters lately!"

Sakazuki, however, showed no trace of arrogance. Instead, he lowered his head respectfully. "Sakazuki's thoughts today are all thanks to Zephyr-sensei's guidance and cultivation."

"Hahaha, Sakazuki, don't flatter me like this in front of Sengoku." Zephyr laughed heartily, making a playful remark about his beloved student. As Sakazuki was from his very first batch of students, the bond between them was deep.

Sengoku stood up from his seat, shaking his head as he walked around the table to stand in front of his old friend. "Even if Sakazuki were to praise you to the skies in front of me, I'd still applaud him for it—because this is the honor that Zephyr deserves."

The strategist looked at the slightly aged comrade before him and lightly punched him in the chest. "The reason Sakazuki can say such insightful words is that his teacher is his greatest role model. A soldier's unyielding spirit, a soldier's dedication—Zephyr, my friend, you have given too much to the military and asked for too little in return."

"The military is my family, Sengoku," Zephyr smiled. "I've already lost one beloved family. I don't want to lose another."

Sakazuki's eyes reddened slightly, filled with emotion. The man before him, who spoke of 'giving everything for his family,' would eventually, in the original story, break away from the Marines.

This man, who dedicated his life to the military, would ultimately leave behind a shattered and frozen heart, walking away from the institution that had once meant everything to him.

"We are all your family, Zephyr-sensei." Sakazuki quickly reined in his emotions, reaching out an arm to firmly embrace the aging veteran, who had begun to suffer from asthma due to his advancing age.

There were no excessive words—just a sincere hug and a silent promise.

Zephyr was momentarily taken aback as his student embraced him. Having devoted so much of his effort to training his first batch of students, he felt a surge of pride at how far Sakazuki had come.

"Damn wind is too strong today," the senior instructor of Marine Headquarters wiped his eyes with his thick fingers before giving Sakazuki's increasingly broad shoulders a hearty pat.

"You'll be selecting these ten officers yourself. Consider it helping your teacher share some of the burden," Sengoku reminded them of their previous discussion.

"But my credentials…" Sakazuki felt a little uncertain.

Sengoku, however, remained unconcerned. "You are a symbol of the new generation of Marines. Do you really think you won't be able to command those officers?"

Zephyr chuckled. "Having these recruits follow you was my idea. Beyond just training them in combat, I want you to instill in them what it means to bear the responsibilities of a Marine."

Sakazuki immediately understood. Training was only a small part of it. In terms of actual teaching, Zephyr was still far more capable than he was. But when it came to instilling the right mindset—this was about teaching those officers political and ideological lessons. No wonder the two of them had thought of him.

"Fleet Admiral Kong's intention is…?" Sakazuki began thinking further ahead.

"What are you thinking about? Just focus on training these officers first!" Sengoku retorted, exasperated.

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"I come from the same lineage of training as you, so in a sense, I am your senior. However, in the military, there are no other identities. I am simply your commanding officer. If any of you are thinking of currying favor, get rid of that idea immediately."

Sakazuki stood with his hands behind his back, his expression cold as he faced the ten officers assembled on the deck of the warship.

"Yes, sir!" The ten officers stood at attention and responded in unison.

"Vice Admiral Sakazuki, the supplies have been fully accounted for," reported Lieutenant Commander Lindemann, who was responsible for logistics on this voyage. He ran up to Sakazuki, standing at attention and saluting.

"Commander Lindemann will serve as the ship's executive officer. You will follow his orders," Sakazuki said, glancing sideways at his subordinate. As he squinted slightly at Lindemann's smiling face, he suddenly realized something—he had never paid much attention before, but why did this guy's grin now remind him more and more of a scheming fox with a well-endowed childhood friend?

"The training vessel will set sail for the first half of the Grand Line, heading to Primeval Island for a training expedition. During Vice Admiral Sakazuki's training sessions, I will be responsible for overseeing your progress," Lindemann announced.

He certainly had the qualifications to say so. Although he had recently been beaten senseless by both Gion and Borsalino, among the officers at his level, he was still among the elite few.

Sakazuki issued his final order before departure:

"All units, take note. The operation code for this mission is: 'Discovery, Un'Goro.'"

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