NOVEL NEXT Chapter 327: I'm Here for Training
Half an hour later...
The terrain of the mountain stream had been completely transformed.
The stream had run dry, trees lay toppled, and the ground was cracked and torn apart.
Yamakaji and the others were sprawled across the ground, bruised and battered, their faces twisted in pain.
It was a pitiful sight.
"That's all for today's special training."
Daren sat casually on Tokikake's chest, his eyes sweeping over each of them.
Grinning, he exhaled a thick stream of smoke like a dragon, feeling thoroughly relaxed.
Just as he'd thought.
Moderate exercise really did help with recovery.
Even his breathing felt smoother now.
"Go back and get some rest. Same time tomorrow."
The gloating in his tone instantly triggered another round of groans.
...
Night fell.
After a simple meal, Daren carried a bottle of wine and made his way to the island's shore.
A cool breeze drifted in from the sea.
Waves beat rhythmically against the rocky coastline.
A broad-shouldered, one-armed figure stood there, already waiting.
The cigar in his mouth glowed faintly in the darkness.
The familiar white cloak was gone, replaced by a long, somber black one. It gave the former Admiral an air of solemnity.
"Zephyr-sensei."
Daren called out, tossing the bottle of wine over.
Zephyr caught it, glanced at the label, and chuckled.
"Jerez."
Daren stepped up beside him, smiling.
"Yeah. Your favorite... Kuzan loves this stuff. Says it's the coolest beverage."
"Kuzan..."
Zephyr's gaze flickered at the name.
"That hot-blooded brat... Just like me when I was young..."
He licked his cracked lips.
"...He's bound to take a hit one day."
Daren looked over and said calmly,
"Everyone has their own path to follow... That's what you taught us, Zephyr-sensei."
Zephyr fell silent.
He stared at the Jerez in his hand for a long moment, then suddenly asked,
"Daren, do you think my life... was a failure?"
He twisted open the bottle, took a deep swig, and immediately coughed hard.
As he gasped for air, he stared out at the distant sea with a bitter smile.
"I dreamed of being a hero since I was a kid, of protecting justice in this world... But in the end, I couldn't protect anything."
"You protected Toki."
Daren cut in, his voice steady.
"Success or failure isn't something you judge so simply."
"You might not have become a Marine hero, but to countless people, you already are one."
"You may not have protected your own family, but you protected me—and countless others' families."
"You never made it to Fleet Admiral, but your legend still echoes across the seas."
"I could go on and on... But what matters most is this, Zephyr-sensei..."
He looked directly at his weathered mentor, his tone firm and clear.
"Your life isn't over yet."
Zephyr blinked, stunned.
After a long silence, he chuckled dryly.
"You're good with words, kid."
"If Sakazuki were the one answering, he'd probably just say, 'Yes, Zephyr-sensei, your life was a failure.'"
Daren nodded.
"Well... he wouldn't exactly be wrong either."
Zephyr: "..."
He took a deep breath and suppressed the urge to smack the kid.
Slowly, he said,
"Daren, I know you're worried about me. About Tokikake and the others... You want us to join the North Blue Fleet."
"But like you said—everyone's got their own path to walk."
"What true justice is... I didn't understand it before, and I still don't now. But that doesn't mean I'm giving up."
A faint, relieved smile crossed his face.
"When I was in the Marines, I didn't see things so clearly... But now, the answer might be different."
Zephyr turned around.
His slightly hunched frame slowly straightened, and his one remaining fist clenched tight.
"I will lead them to rebuild an army—an army completely free from the control of the World Government!"
"...To pursue true justice!"
The moment he said that, a deep, overwhelming aura erupted from his body and spread outward.
His pitch-black cloak whipped violently in the wind, rustling with force.
In that moment, he looked as sharp and resolute as an unyielding battle spear.
Daren's eyes lost focus for a second, caught off guard.
So that's it…
You've awakened Conqueror's Haki too?
He quickly snapped back to reality, a strange smile creeping onto his face.
Wait, why did I say "too"?
Daren carefully sensed the aura radiating from Zephyr, a flicker of surprise flashing deep in his eyes.
It had only just awakened... and yet the intensity—it was already on par with Sengoku!
Wait, why did I say "already" again...?
...
After parting with Zephyr, Daren walked along the beach back home.
He silently lit a cigar, letting his thoughts drift with the smoke carried by the wind.
Since Zephyr-sensei had made up his mind, there was no point pressing further.
After all, this Zephyr was no longer the same as the one in the original timeline.
Not only had he acquired the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi, but he had also awakened Conqueror's Haki.
It was a full-blown epic power-up.
Once he recovered from his injuries and received that custom mechanical arm, with his powerful Haki and physical prowess, he'd be able to go toe-to-toe with even the likes of Roger and Whitebeard at their peak.
Add in the mobility granted by the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi, and Zephyr-sensei—and everyone else—would have a much better shot at staying safe.
That thought settled Daren's heart quite a bit.
But soon, he let out a bitter chuckle and shook his head.
Once upon a time, he had been a carefree rogue of the Marines.
Who'd have thought he'd end up like this—so sentimental?
This whole "bond" thing... it really was the most annoying part.
As he slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke, Daren suddenly stopped walking.
"Why are you here?"
He looked up.
On the shoreline ahead, a tall figure stood bathed in the moonlight.
Her long black hair was tied in a high ponytail, swaying gently in the sea breeze.
"I didn't come to training during the day, so I'm making up for it now."
Gion bit her lower lip and slowly drew the golden Meito from her waist.
Daren looked at her in silence for a moment, then suddenly smiled.
"I thought you were going to stay mad and ignore me forever."
Under Daren's teasing gaze, a faint blush rose on Gion's cheeks.
She clenched her teeth and said,
"I'm not angry!"
"If you're not angry..."
The man's deep voice suddenly sounded in her ear.
Before Gion could react, a strong hand wrapped around her waist.
Her eyes widened.
"W-What are you doing!?"
Gion yelped, flustered, the tips of her ears flushing red.
"I'm here to train with you!"
"Yeah, that's right—training."
"Y-You bastard..."
"That's right, that's right..."
"Mmh..."
...
For more chapters, feel free to follow me on P@treon.
(100 Chapters Ahead)
[email protected]/PinkSnake