One Piece : From Slave to Fleet Admiral

After the training session, Zephyr gulped down a large mouthful of alcohol, his face twisted into an extremely fierce and contorted expression.

To be honest, this afternoon had been the most frustrating and bizarre time he'd experienced in his sixty years.

Whether it was the most basic and simple techniques like Soru or Shigan, or the most difficult and obscure Kami-e, that brat Jake mastered them all at once—without even the slightest hint of difficulty.

He learned them as naturally as breathing, executing them with the proficiency of a seasoned veteran!

What made Zephyr even more exasperated was that the moment Jake mastered all the rokushiki technique, just as Zephyr was worrying about him learning too much too quickly and planning to slow things down...

The damn brat had the audacity to perform the ultimate secret technique of Rokushiki—Life Return—right in front of him!

And this time was even worse—Zephyr hadn't even taught it yet, yet the kid somehow just... figured it out?!

Just how freakish is this kid?!

At this thought, Zephyr couldn't help but take another heavy swig of alcohol.

He usually didn't drink much while teaching students, but... after watching Jake's outrageous talent, the old man had downed an entire crate today.

And he insisted on having Monet chill every single bottle before drinking.

If not for Monet—who had spent the entire afternoon struggling without much progress—comforting him on the side, Zephyr might have genuinely started questioning whether he was dreaming.

Remembering Sengoku's earlier words made Zephyr's lips twitch involuntarily.

'Zephyr, Jake's abilities are strong, but I don't think his talent is that exaggerated. At the very least, mastering Observation Haki and Armament Haki in a single day is too unbelievable. I want you to confirm for me—see just how talented Jake really is. Be honest about it. Regardless of his talent level, Jake will remain Marine Headquarters' top priority protection target.'

He took another swig before exhaling deeply.

Even if he reported this level of talent, Sengoku wouldn't believe him.

But whatever—the kid would probably seek Sengoku out with questions later anyway.

Let the Fleet Admiral see for himself then.

Even that bastard Sengoku would probably be rendered speechless with shock.

This thought slightly improved Zephyr's mood.

However, before his spirits could lift properly, Jake's voice rang out again.

"Zephyr-sensei, if possible, please accept another healing session. You've drunk too much—I'm worried your condition might worsen."

Hearing this, Zephyr couldn't help rolling his eyes at Jake.

Kid, have you considered who drove me to drink all this in the first place?

Still, he felt touched by Jake's concern.

Smiling at the boy, he said.

"If you've still got energy to use your ability, this old man won't refuse. But tomorrow's training will be intensified."

"Don't worry, Zephyr-sensei. No matter how much you increase the training load, I have enough stamina to perform healing spells for you."

Hearing this, Zephyr glanced at Jake and then smiled helplessly.

"You stubborn brat. By the way, Monet, remember to have Jake use that healing spell on you a few times when you get back. Today's training was a bit excessive for you. Make sure Jake treats you, otherwise we'll have to adjust your training plan for tomorrow, understand?"

"Don't worry, Zephyr-sensei. When I was learning Armament Haki, it was Jake who kept healing me that allowed me to learn so quickly."

****

Thirty minutes later, as the sunset slowly sank below the horizon, Jake and Monet walked along the streets of the residential area behind Marineford.

The road was paved with cobblestones, with streetlights placed about every five meters.

The entire street was well-greened, with no food stalls on the road—all shops were indoors.

The street was neat and tidy, without a single piece of litter and patrols of soldiers could be seen every few hundred meters.

The public security here was worlds apart compared to Water Seven, though that was understandable.

Using the Berries they got from Sengoku, Jake and Monet bought some vegetables, meat, plenty of fruit, and drinks.

Following the map's markings, they arrived at the two-story house that was given to them.

The moment Jake saw the house, he felt a sense of unreality.

A two-story home with a small garden in front, even a little pond containing some beautiful fish species he'd never seen before.

The windows were spotless and the total floor area was about 300 square meters.

Located within two kilometers behind Marine Headquarters, it was an ocean-view property.

In his previous life, such a house in this location would have cost hundreds of millions.

(not usd mind you, probably yen or yuan)

And now, it was just handed to him, fresh and pristine.

Remembering his past life, where he toiled like an ox every day just for a tiny apartment, Jake felt dazed.

Looking at the house, he felt joy—but was it overwhelming joy? Not really.

He didn't know why he wasn't more excited.

Instead, what occupied his thoughts was...

Would the civilians killed by pirates envy his current life?

And wasn't that envy exactly what he himself had once felt?

He wasn't a saint, but inexplicably, he felt a faint sense of guilt about moving into this house.

Somehow, it felt like he was sucking the blood of others.

Had he really contributed so much?

It seemed like a lot, but the villagers of Gourmet Town wouldn't have suffered those events if not for him.

From beginning to end, he was just cleaning up his own mess.

And yet, for that, he received a house, top-tier connections and a promotion spanning several ranks.

But what had he given in return?

What had he done for the taxpayers?

It seemed like nothing at all.

As these thoughts swirled in Jake's mind, his conscience weighed heavily and his steps towards the house slowed.

Just then, a familiar voice called from a distance, tinged with faint confusion.

"How strange~ Jake, why do you look so gloomy~? Don't you like this little house? I think the location and layout are quite lovely~ How could you not like it?"

The speaker was none other than Kizaru, who had been wandering around when he remembered Jake's place was nearby.

He'd come hoping to mooch a dinner, but upon arrival, he immediately noticed Jake's expression.

Jake was momentarily taken aback before explaining to Kizaru.

"Borsalino-sensei, it's not that I dislike this house. I just feel like I might not deserve to live in such a nice place, so I'm feeling a bit conflicted and hesitant."

Hearing this, the slightly excited smile on Monet's face faded somewhat.

She quietly stepped back from the lawn and stood behind Jake.

Noticing this, Jake said with a faint smile.

"Monet, don't mind my ramblings. Come on, let's go. Today's our first day moving into the new house—we shouldn't let me ruin the mood. Borsalino-sensei, you should join us too. We're about to have dinner."

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