One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

After chatting about the gossip surrounding two of the future "Admiral Candidates," the trio decided to visit the newly-promoted "Aokiji" Kuzan—who also happened to be their senior disciple. Of course, this included Yellow Monkey and Red Dog as well.

As Wright reminisced, he recalled his encounter with Senior Brother Yellow Monkey—Borsalino—during the Reverie. Borsalino had personally shared strategies with him, offering advice on how to deal with the eccentricities of World Nobles and delegates from affiliated nations.

Garp, though unimpressed by the so-called "social skills" imparted by Yellow Monkey, begrudgingly held his tongue once Borsalino invoked Sengoku's authority.

"Mr. Garp~ If Junior Brother Wright continues to welcome these diplomatic delegations the same way you do~" Borsalino said lazily, "do you believe~ that by the next day, CP will invite him for tea?"

"Speaking of CP—ah, they're so frightening~"

"Sengoku is truly wise~ letting a reliable senior like me~ teach our junior~"

"That damn Sengoku! He clearly doesn't trust me!" Garp grumbled indignantly.

"And so, Junior Brother~ if you want to be as free and unrestrained as Mr. Garp here~ you'll need to become stronger," Borsalino concluded meaningfully before vanishing in a flash of light.

The meeting with Red Dog Sakazuki was a far more serious affair.

As the Navy's most renowned Rear Admiral, Wright had long since entered the radar of many Vice Admirals. However, since graduating from the training camp, he had served under Garp's command, leaving other Vice Admirals somewhat disappointed at missing the chance to mentor him.

"Rear Admiral Wright," greeted Sakazuki, whose towering figure and stern expression radiated an almost volcanic pressure as he met Wright during his escort duties.

"Vice Admiral Sakazuki!" Wright snapped to attention, saluting quickly.

"I've heard of your exploits in the East Blue, cutting down pirates left and right in your early years. Such actions embody the very essence of justice," Sakazuki said, his expression softening for a fleeting moment before returning to its usual severity. His presence exuded the oppressive heat of a live volcano.

"This time, I must thank you. As a personal disciple of Teacher Zephyr, you may address me as Senior Brother from now on." Sakazuki's words left both Wright and the nearby eavesdropping Marines in stunned silence.

"Uh... Sakazuki—Senior Brother, I'm flattered," Wright replied, bewildered.

"Your proposal to Teacher Zephyr about the coordinated assault formations, along with your subsequent development of the Lightforged Crystals, has significantly enhanced the Navy's overall strength. The value it brings to our mission of executing justice and eradicating pirates is immeasurable!" Sakazuki said earnestly.

As the Navy's emblematic iron-blooded soldier, Sakazuki placed immense importance on strength, discipline, and justice.

"With strength, we can strike down evil. With discipline, the weak can overcome the strong. And with a steadfast heart for justice, we can drive out wickedness!" Sakazuki declared. He was a staunch advocate of "Absolute Justice," known for his ruthless methods in eliminating pirates.

"The power of justice must be fully realized! Witnessing the impact of the coordinated assault formations, I finally understand Teacher Zephyr's teachings—that every Marine soldier is part of justice!"

"When the flickers of justice come together, they unleash a force capable of shattering evil. I once underestimated ordinary soldiers—that was my mistake."

Sakazuki's admission of fault shocked the surrounding Marines, who began sweating nervously.

"And your Lightforged Crystals..." Sakazuki continued, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic warmth. "They've been a monumental surprise to me, Junior Brother—they've saved countless lives among our troops!"

Sakazuki's current verbosity likely exceeded what he'd spoken in the past month.

This can't be the real Sakazuki, can it? Wright and the nearby Marines thought, their worldviews on the verge of collapse.

"It's no small feat to utilize one's abilities so effectively, Junior Brother. Your talent is undeniable... The lives of our soldiers are the foundation of justice!"

"Executing justice—I and my subordinates are prepared to sacrifice our lives. But if that life can serve to execute even more justice, I'd gladly pay that price!"

"Junior Brother, serving under Mr. Garp may seem relaxed, but do not grow complacent! Justice always welcomes the strong!"

"Yes, Senior Brother Sakazuki!" Wright replied resolutely.

As Sakazuki turned to leave, he left Wright and the Marines behind in stunned silence. A moment later, they began looking at Wright with newfound reverence.

"Ahem… Did you not hear Vice Admiral Sakazuki's words?" Wright said, attempting to maintain his composure. "Relaxed doesn't mean lax! Get back to your duties—I have matters to attend to."

No, Rear Admiral Wright, those were clearly words of encouragement directed specifically at you!

Reflecting on his encounters with Sakazuki, Wright couldn't help but feel a headache coming on. There was no doubt about Red Dog's extremism; in some ways, the Lightforged Crystals even enabled his more aggressive strategies.

With the Crystals mitigating soldier casualties, Sakazuki could afford to execute more reckless and destructive tactics. Yet his unwavering dedication to justice was undeniable.

Wright sighed. "Sakazuki's sense of justice is thorough to a fault. My own actions have often aligned closely with that principle, which is likely why he's publicly and privately praised my methods on several occasions."

Thinking back to Sakazuki's actions as Fleet Admiral in the later parts of the original timeline, Wright mused, His justice is so absolute that he even dared to directly oppose the Five Elders to preserve the Navy's image!

As they neared Kuzan's office, Smoker's voice interrupted Wright's train of thought.

"Wright, we're almost there."

"Have you been zoning out, Wright?" Rosinante asked, noticing his silence.

"Yeah," Wright replied, massaging his temples. "I've been thinking about my encounters with the other two Senior Brothers..."

Before Smoker could knock, Wright turned to him and Rosinante with a grin. "By the way, the two of you should join my ship! I've already got a dedicated warship, but I'm short on officers."

"Oh?" A lazy voice interrupted. The door opened, revealing Kuzan.

"Ara ara… Wright, or should I say Junior Brother," Kuzan said with a wry smile, "plotting to poach people right in front of your Senior Brother's office? Not even Mr. Garp would do something like that."

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