Chapter 25: Finale
After Zephyr finished speaking, everyone gathered behind Kuma. Kuma pushed forward with both hands, and the transparent energy of the Paw-Paw Fruit slowly floated above an open space.
Kuma looked back at Carl, who smiled and nodded in encouragement.
As everyone focused on the floating energy, Kuma softly declared:
**"Bear Paw Impact!"**
**Boom!**
The energy suddenly exploded, a dazzling white light bursting forth. A terrifying shockwave followed, sweeping across the training ground.
When the dust settled, the once-grassy field had been reduced to bare, scorched earth.
The students behind Kuma were stunned. Zephyr, arms crossed, had a look of pure shock.
Paramecia-type Devil Fruits always varied in strength, but the Paw-Paw Fruit—chosen by the Celestial Dragons—was something else entirely. Even with high expectations, Zephyr hadn't anticipated this level of power.
**"This fruit… is on a top-tier level,"** he thought, his eyes flashing with interest. Kuma's sheer size and the destructive force of his fruit made him an incredible prospect.
At the back of the crowd, Borsalino exaggeratedly opened his mouth into an "O" shape.
**"How terrifying! Is there really such an exaggerated Paramecia?"**
Meanwhile, Akainu frowned in thought. His eyes shifted to Carl, who stood calm and composed.
**"Kuma calls him 'big brother'… If Kuma is this strong, then just how powerful is Carl?"**
Among the female students, those who had initially found Kuma's abilities "cute" were left speechless. Only Ginny reacted, clapping excitedly.
**"Kuma-boy is awesome!"**
Zephyr, finally regaining his composure, stepped forward and patted Kuma's waist.
**"Very good! Your ability development has already reached this stage. If you train hard, I expect great things from you."**
Kuma, blushing slightly, gave Zephyr a respectful bow before retreating to the group under the admiring gazes of his peers.
---
Next, Ginny stepped forward eagerly. Her lively presence and striking features immediately drew the attention of the male students.
Seeing her enthusiasm, Zephyr's stern expression softened slightly. He reached into his coat and pulled out a standard military flintlock, handing it to her.
**"Ginny, I've read your file. It says you're skilled in marksmanship. Let's see your skills."**
But instead of taking the pistol, Ginny quickly turned and retrieved a sleek golden gun from inside her Marine vest. With a bright smile, she held it up.
**"Sorry, Teacher Zephyr, but I prefer the gun Brother Carl gave me!"**
A golden pistol gleamed in the sunlight, making Zephyr pause. He glanced down at the simple military gun in his own hand, coughed twice, then shook his head.
**"That gun is too flashy. It'll make you an easy target on the battlefield."**
Ginny didn't hesitate. She shot a glance toward Carl and waved dismissively.
**"Teacher Zephyr, that doesn't matter! Brother Carl will protect me!"**
The crowd erupted. Cheers and groans mixed together as several male students clutched their chests in heartbreak.
Carl, seeing this, simply spread his hands helplessly.
Zephyr, choosing to ignore the commotion, nodded for her to proceed.
Ginny took a deep breath, refocused, and swiftly raised her pistol. She fired several shots in rapid succession at the distant targets.
Zephyr, with his keen eyesight, immediately spotted the results—**every shot was a perfect bullseye.**
When her performance was announced, the training ground filled with applause. Even Zephyr gave an approving nod.
Beaming, Ginny turned toward Carl, seeking his reaction. When she saw him clapping, she lifted her chin proudly and strutted back to her place in the lineup.
Carl smiled to himself. Ginny had taken his advice about marksmanship seriously. While swords dominated the world of pirates, there were still legendary snipers like Beckman and Yasopp.
For most women—except monstrous outliers like Big Mom—competing in physical strength was nearly impossible. But with a firearm and the right training, Ginny could carve her own path.
**"A Devil Fruit might complement her marksmanship perfectly,"** Carl mused, already thinking of ways to further enhance her skills.
Before he could get lost in thought, a familiar voice drawled beside him.
**"It's your turn, Carl. Time to show us what you've got."**
Carl blinked, then realized all eyes were now on him. He nodded slightly and strode forward to Zephyr.
---
Zephyr motioned for him to introduce himself. With a small smile, Carl spoke:
**"Hello everyone. My name is Carl. I'm fifteen years old… and I'm a user of the Logia Dark-Dark Fruit."**
Silence.
Before Carl could even demonstrate, **his words alone** had the entire field frozen.
The name **"Logia"** carried weight. Kizaru and Akainu had already made sure of that.
Despite Carl's calm demeanor, the students mentally categorized him as **a monster.**
At the back, Borsalino squinted at Carl, a strange feeling settling in his gut.
**"No wonder I felt uneasy when I first met him… Darkness is the opposite of light?"**
Meanwhile, Carl glanced at Zephyr.
**"Teacher Zephyr, should I still demonstrate my ability?"**
But instead of answering, Zephyr's gaze shifted toward Borsalino.
The yellow-clad Marine **visibly tensed.**
**"Oh no… old man, why are you looking at me? This isn't good…"**
Zephyr ignored his muttering and spoke aloud:
**"Borsalino, you are the light, and Carl is the darkness.**
**You will cooperate with Carl to demonstrate the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit!"**
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