One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

After a good night's rest to recover from the mental exhaustion of fighting Sea Kings, Wright arrived at the Recruit Training Camp punctually the next morning, carrying his transfer orders.

Knock, knock, knock.

Standing outside the instructor's office, Wright knocked on the door.

Having gone through the Recruit Manual several times, he understood perfectly well the importance of showing the right attitude in the right setting—maturity demanded it.

"Come in!"

A warm voice sounded from within. Pushing open the door, Wright stepped inside and was greeted by the sight of a plump, balding—almost bald—man sitting behind a desk, engrossed in processing a mountain of documents.

"Reporting! Ensign Wright, reporting for duty at the Recruit Training Camp! Awaiting your orders, sir!"

"Oh?"

The man behind the desk raised his head and gave Wright a scrutinizing look. Wright stepped forward, placing his transfer order on the desk, and stood at attention, awaiting further instructions.

"So, you're this year's specially approved transfer student—Wright, correct?" the balding instructor remarked, picking up a cup of coffee.

Taking a sip, his face instantly twisted into a grimace. "Ugh, so bitter…" The instructor froze for a moment, his expression resembling a crumpled gourd.

Wright: "...Yes, Instructor!"

Seriously? If it's so bitter, just add some sugar! What kind of balding instructor enjoys torturing himself with unsweetened coffee…

"I'm Brigadier General Goomir, currently serving as an instructor at the Recruit Training Camp." Goomir set the coffee cup aside and adjusted his posture, his tone suddenly serious. "Since you've joined a week later than the others, you'll need to work even harder to catch up. Don't slack off—this camp is the cradle of countless outstanding officers of Marine Headquarters!"

"Yes, Instructor! Awaiting your orders!" Wright replied firmly. Knowing the camp's significance in Marineford, he fully intended to make the most of this rare opportunity.

"Hmm…" Goomir seemed pleased with Wright's attitude as he reviewed the file in his hands. "Already promoted to Ensign right after joining the Marines? Dual mastery of Haki, a Devil Fruit ability, and Swordsmanship at the level of a Swordmaster. No wonder… A truly exceptional recruit."

"A combat ability on par with a Marine Captain—or perhaps even stronger…" Goomir muttered thoughtfully. "It seems the daily training here might not be enough for you. The elite test scheduled in a week should provide you with a suitable challenge."

"For now, Ensign Wright, come with me to meet your fellow recruits," Goomir said, rising from his seat. "You are the future backbone of the Marines, so make sure to get along! Hahaha!"

This baldy… He's probably destined to become a Vice Admiral someday. A man with hidden depths who once served as an instructor at the Recruit Training Camp must have terrifying connections within Marineford.

Following Goomir, Wright mused silently, I might even encounter future Marine legends here. It would be fascinating to beat them to a pulp now and watch them rise later!

Arriving at the campgrounds, Wright was greeted by an impressive sight: recruits engaging in intense sparring sessions under the supervision of an instructor—a tall, long-limbed man with braided hair and a dark face. The massive training field was filled with shouts and the clash of weapons.

"What a chaotic display… Like chickens pecking at each other," Wright thought with a faint smile, his eyes quickly picking out a few interesting individuals.

"Isn't that Smoker, the 'White Chase'? And over there… Donquixote Rosinante? They're in the same class?"

"Wait, is that…"

Wright's attention shifted to a towering figure at the edge of the field—a man with short purple hair, a resolute face, rimless glasses, and a Justice cloak. Though he appeared older, his explosive muscles nearly tore through his suit.

Marine Admiral. Head Instructor of the Recruit Training Camp. Black Arm Zephyr.

Holding his breath, Wright gazed at the legendary figure. Zephyr, known as the "Non-Killing Admiral," had joined the Marines in the same era as Admiral Sengoku, Vice Admiral Garp, and Vice Admiral Tsuru. Despite lacking a Devil Fruit ability, he had reached the rank of Admiral through his unmatched Armament Haki and extraordinary physical prowess.

He had defeated countless pirates in his career without ever taking a life. As the head instructor of the Recruit Training Camp, he had trained countless Marine officers, becoming the foundation of Marineford itself.

Yet, for someone who upheld such a steadfast sense of justice, fate had been cruel…

Instructor Goomir approached the long-limbed instructor, greeting him warmly. "Shuzo, it seems the tests here are going well. I'm here to bring this transfer student to meet Teacher Zephyr."

"Hahaha, a transfer student this year too? They're always exceptional—without exception! Looks like we've got another remarkable recruit on our hands," Shuzo, a Marine Brigadier General and member of the longarm tribe, remarked cheerfully.

"Teacher Zephyr is over there. Goomir-senpai, I heard you've applied for a posting at a branch base after this class graduates? That's impressive," Shuzo continued.

Goomir chuckled. "Yes, Shuzo. Dalmatian was promoted to Rear Admiral ages ago, and as his senior, I can't lag too far behind. The pressure in the New World has only grown in this Great Pirate Era. It's time to enact my own justice outside of Headquarters. But you…"

Goomir glanced at Zephyr and said, "You had a bright future ahead of you. With your strength, a promotion to Rear Admiral would have been more than achievable. Even Teacher Zephyr hoped you'd forge your own path."

Shuzo waved dismissively. "Senpai, Teacher Zephyr has been a father figure to me. I swore long ago that wherever Teacher Zephyr goes, I'll follow. My rank as Brigadier General is just to support him as an instructor. What need do I have for promotions?"

"Well, let's leave the catching up for later," Shuzo said with a grin. "Don't keep Teacher waiting. I'm curious to see what kind of young man earned this year's transfer slot!"

With a sigh, Goomir patted Shuzo on the shoulder and led Wright toward Zephyr.

"Chief Instructor!" Goomir saluted. "Recruit Ensign Wright reporting! Awaiting your instructions, sir!"

Zephyr withdrew his gaze from the training field, nodding at Goomir. "Well done, Goomir. Sengoku has already briefed me. I was curious about what kind of talent could catch Sengoku's attention like this—something I haven't seen since Kuzan…"

"He won't disappoint, sir. Admiral Sengoku's wisdom and judgment are always impeccable," Goomir said with a smile.

At Goomir's beckoning, Wright stepped forward and saluted. "Instructor! Chief Instructor!"

Zephyr and Goomir returned the salute.

"This is Ensign Wright," Goomir introduced. "A Paramecia-type Devil Fruit user with the power of the Holy Light Fruit. He's a Swordmaster skilled in 'Flying Slash' techniques and has awakened both Observation and Armament Haki."

"Wright, this is Admiral Zephyr, Chief Instructor of the Recruit Training Camp. Nearly all Marine Headquarters officers, including myself and Instructor Shuzo over there, were trained under him."

"A pleasure to meet you, Admiral!" Wright saluted again. As a long-time fan of the Marines, Wright held deep admiration for Zephyr.

"Just call me Chief Instructor from now on," Zephyr replied. "You're about to embark on an unforgettable journey here at the camp."

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