Chapter 6

Zephyr's words make sense. In this world, the importance of physical training is undeniable.

— Have you seen Luffy break sea stone shackles with his bare hands and withstand Kaido's thunder bagua attack, only to get a nosebleed?

— His physical strength is incredible! Compared to him, Ashura, also one of the Nine Red Samurai, is just a weakling! He was killed by a bomb and gained a lot of weight for nothing!

— This shows how important physical training is, but the problem is, Karl doesn't need to improve it with exercise at all. He can achieve growth that far surpasses the results of daily workouts simply by lounging around every day thanks to attribute enhancement cards.

— Of course, exercising after work isn't impossible, but it's too boring. Karl is a man, a handsome and fierce man!

— How can you waste precious nighttime life on training?

— Miyamoshi said something very true: "People are beautiful because they are tired, and beautiful people must suffer." Karl firmly believes this.

— Uh, Mr. Zephyr, don't worry!

— What he is worried about, Karl won't tell you, and you shouldn't ask.

Zephyr nodded in satisfaction. A worthy student! He patted Karl on the shoulder and said

— Wait until you recover in two days before going to the training ground! Otherwise, you'll just get in the way of others.

— Great, that is, well, by the way! Mr. Zephyr, if it weren't for Ain today, I might not have gone home to buy fruit, and wouldn't have accidentally eaten a Devil Fruit.

— That's why I'd like to ask you for a favor and not be too hard on Ain.

— Ha-ha-ha, I'm not that unreasonable. By the way, it's better not to show your abilities until the end of the training camp; otherwise, it will cause unnecessary problems!

— Yes, okay, Mr. Zephyr, I'm leaving!

— Karl nodded. If Kizaru hadn't found him, he definitely wouldn't have revealed his abilities so soon.

— Feeling the envious glances around him, Karl hurriedly left the training ground so these envious people wouldn't tear him apart.

...

— Marshal's Office.

— Besides Kizaru, Headquarters Officer Tsuru was also there. If Garp hadn't gone on vacation, he would have joined in on the fun as well.

— "Tsuru, did you bring detailed information about Karl?"

— Headquarters Officer Tsuru nodded:

— "Of course, everything that's happened since he joined the Navy is here. Sengoku, are this guy's abilities really as amazing as you said?"

— Before Sengoku could answer, Kizaru said:

— "O-oh-oh, Headquarters Officer Tsuru, brother Karl is truly remarkable, and I still feel the effects of his abilities!"

— Marshal Sengoku, how about making him your adjutant after Karl's graduation? I'm very optimistic about him!

— Sengoku frowned and adjusted his round glasses:

— You're too impatient! There are still at least three months until Karl graduates!

— But as soon as Karl's abilities become known, he'll become very popular! After all, who wouldn't want to have a comrade like Karl when going on a mission?

— Although Kizaru's tone was still inappropriate, his expression turned somewhat serious, noticeably different from his usual nonchalant demeanor.

— No one, not even Sengoku himself, known as the wise general, could understand what he was thinking.

— But only Kizaru knew that in Karl, he saw a version of his younger self, and they shared some similar traits.

— Besides, this was a marine valued by Zephyr. If he could guide Karl along the right path, much like he himself had been, Zefa would be very pleased!

— Admiral Kizaru, I promise you that I won't announce Karl's abilities before his graduation. Whether he chooses to share them with you or not depends on him. It's entirely Karl's decision.

— Kizaru pouted as if he had thought of some trick. He greeted them and walked straight out of the Marshal's office.

— Meanwhile, Karl, after leaving the training ground, wandered aimlessly around Marineford. He was looking around to better familiarize himself with the area and saw many familiar places.

— For example, the main battleground of the future "Marine War"—Marineford Square, the Crescent Peninsula...

Looking at the bustling community of the marine family, Karl couldn't help but sigh:

— I heard that once you become an officer at the Headquarters school level, you can get housing here. Eh, I wonder when I'll have such an opportunity.

— That should be very easy for you, brother.

Hearing that familiar voice, Karl was shocked. Damn it, Kizaru, this old man walks silently! You know, this could scare people to death!

— Admiral Kizaru!

— Brother Karl, don't be so reserved! I just heard you say you want to get housing here?

Kizaru was still speaking in his slow tone, which made Karl a bit uneasy, but that wasn't the main issue.

He was only sixteen years old, standing at about 1.5 meters, while Kizaru was 3 meters tall, nearly twice Karl's height. This made it significantly difficult for Karl to talk with Kizaru. He was so close that even looking up at a 45-degree angle, Karl couldn't reach his face.

— Uh, yes, Admiral Kizaru.

— It's very simple! As soon as you become my adjutant after graduation, you won't have to worry about housing. The logistics department will arrange everything for you.

Karl was shocked. Was Kizaru recruiting him? No, he was definitely recruiting him!

Typically, recruits who participate in the training camp are assigned to the Four Seas and the Grand Line after graduation, depending on their performance. Only the most outstanding recruits stay at the Marine Headquarters and grow alongside a vice admiral or admiral for a while.

— For example, Aokiji was once a follower of Garp and his little admirer.

— Kizaru showed kindness to him in advance, which undoubtedly indicated that he saw his potential. Karl was sure of it. What adjutant wouldn't want to have a reliable assistant?

— But Zephyr had just told him to keep his distance from Kizaru, and now Kizaru was here recruiting him.

— This made Karl suspect that there was some secret competition between these two rivals. As a newcomer, it was not easy for him to get caught up in this whirlwind!

— But to be fair, if he had to choose whom to follow, he would most likely choose Kizaru. The reason is very simple: Aokiji is currently quite idle, which means Karl wouldn't be able to relax either.

— Although Akainu is devoted to the cause, his stern nature wouldn't allow him to just watch Karl idling; he would definitely raise his demands on him.

— Therefore, Karl doesn't have many options. One is Garp, who is strong and often on leave.

— The other is Kizaru, who is quick and efficient. Even if Karl gives him a boost at the Marine Headquarters, Kizaru could still kill him with a single stroke.

— "Ha-ha-ha, Admiral Kizaru, graduation is still far off! Don't be so impatient, but don't worry, if I have to choose, I'll definitely consider becoming your adjutant first and foremost!"

— Kizaru slightly chuckled, seeming quite pleased with Karl's response, and pulled a set of keys from his pocket, tossing them to Karl.

— "These are the keys to my former residence. If you don't mind, move in; consider it a gift from me!"

— Having said this, Kizaru turned into a golden light and vanished on the spot, leaving Karl no chance to refuse.

— "What a good day, absolutely magical. I have a house, a stable job, and I caught a ton of fish. Pfft!"