The next morning, the sun shone brightly over Marineford. A light mist hung in the air, and under the sunlight, the entire Marine Headquarters looked like something out of a fairy tale.
"This is truly the world of the Pirate King. The air, the aura it's far better than in my previous life. No wonder people here, if they train properly, can become like superhumans. For some, perhaps Devil Fruits aren't even the only path," Ethan Hale thought, eyes sparkling as he stood in the small courtyard of Vice Admiral Tsuru's residence, his mind racing with possibilities.
"Let's go. I can only get you in the door. Everything after that is up to you," Tsuru said.
"Thank you, truly," Ethan said sincerely. Tsuru had genuinely helped him.
She smiled faintly, her expression unreadable.
The Marine Academy had existed since the Navy's founding, designed solely to train talent for the Marines or more accurately, to select obedient enforcers for the vast World Government.
"The current director of the Academy is Admiral Kong. Also, Vice Admirals Sengoku and Zephyr, as well as Vice Admiral Garp and other Rear Admirals, occasionally come to serve as instructors. Little one, you'll be proud of this decision someday," Tsuru explained as they walked, giving Ethan a brief overview.
"Admiral Kong is still the Fleet Admiral, which means Gol D. Roger hasn't yet become the Pirate King. So the main story hasn't even begun," Ethan analyzed quietly as he listened.
"Hopefully," he said with a faint smile, his expression cool and composed.
Moments later, in the heart of Eastern Marineford, a magnificent academy towered over its surroundings. Bold letters spelling "Marine Academy" stood proudly above the main entrance, a testament to the strength and future of the Marines.
Tsuru continued, "The academy has three tiers: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. It's simple enough you'll figure it out. If you want influence in the Marines, aim for Intermediate or Advanced classes."
Ethan nodded calmly, as always. Here, everything was based on strength. That was an unchangeable truth.
"Yo… is that little Tsuru? What brings you to the Academy today?" a rough voice called out. A man in his fifties or sixties sauntered over, unconcernedly picking his nose as he walked.
"Garp," Ethan said, standing behind Tsuru, eyes alight with anticipation. If he could receive guidance from this legendary figure, he would grow rapidly.
"Green-Axis? Looks like I'll be entering the Academy alongside a future Vice Admiral," Ethan thought as he turned to look at the young man behind Garp, excitement filling his chest.
"You lazy fool, why aren't you out chasing Gol D. Roger?" Tsuru's face darkened. Facing this comrade and the complicated emotions between them, she felt powerless.
"Haha, on this trip I found a remarkable young man, so I brought him along for training," Garp said proudly, his arrogance making Tsuru want to kick him.
"That him?" Tsuru glanced at Green-Axis, nodding slightly.
"He's a Logia-type Ice Fruit user. He's not fully grown yet, but I believe he won't be weaker than Akainu or Kizaru," Garp said with a sly grin. His eyes flicked toward Ethan, almost as if he had discovered a new continent. "When did this kid wake up?" he exclaimed.
"Not long ago," Tsuru rolled her eyes, then said to Ethan, "Your real savior was this old man. He pulled you out from under Gold Lion's hand."
"Thank you for saving my life," Ethan said without hesitation, stepping forward and bowing.
"Not bad, not bad," Garp laughed heartily, his massive hands patting Ethan on the shoulder. For a moment, Ethan's face darkened, his body staggering slightly, but he managed to regain his footing.
Seeing Ethan's reaction, Garp's eyes sparkled as he introduced the two, "Come on, get acquainted. From now on, you're comrades."
"Hello, Green-Axis," a lazy voice called. The Ice Fruit user extended his hand, eyes serious, sensing that this younger boy might pose a threat.
"Hello," Ethan replied, extending his hand as well.
The moment their hands met, Green-Axis' body radiated cold, while Ethan's radiated heat.
Crack… crack… The cold intensified, snow instantly covering the ground.
Fwoosh… fwoosh… A wave of heat surged, rising to meet the cold. For a moment, the air between them became a swirling mist, a clash of two extremes.
One side red, one side white two worlds colliding, one unbearably cold, the other scorching hot.
"Tsuru, where did you find such a freak? He's not even a Logia-type, right?" Garp said excitedly, watching the two youths' powers.
"No, he's a Zoan-type. Ancient Zoan: Phoenix," Tsuru said, eyes fixed on their clash, thinking, "I didn't expect his flames to rival a Logia. I've really uncovered a monster this time."
"Phoenix? Never heard of it," Garp said, clearly confused.
"There are countless Devil Fruits. Who knows which other strange Ancient Zoans still exist?" Tsuru sighed at Garp's naïveté.
"Indeed, haha… but the story's getting exciting. I want to see Akainu, Kizaru, and these two kids spar in the Academy. Too bad my son is out on a mission."
"Has Dragon returned yet?"
"I guess not for a while," Garp frowned, a hint of worry in his eyes. Dragon's recent behavior had been unusual.
"You're strong," Green-Axis said, finally releasing Ethan's hand, his expression serious.
"You're not bad either. If this were a real fight, I wouldn't stand a chance against you," Ethan replied, his eyes burning with determination.
"Perhaps," Green-Axis shrugged.
Perhaps only they knew the truth. Ethan had yet to fully unlock his Devil Fruit powers, such as transforming into the Great Sun Phoenix. Even in that form, he could not completely defeat Green-Axis, yet he believed he could hold his own. It was important to note that Ethan's transformation was still juvenile, and he lacked practical combat experience.
"Haha… you two are impressive. Let's go to the Academy. Let Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Zephyr, and the others see the surprise I brought them," Garp said, clapping his hands. Both boys' faces flushed, their shoulders aching.
The most infuriating thing for Ethan was the prominent black lump on his shoulder.
But Garp's next action drove both Ethan and Green-Axis to anger.
Garp nonchalantly picked his nose again, wiping it on their clothes, leaving two smudges before continuing his conversation with Tsuru as if nothing had happened.
Ethan and Green-Axis exchanged a glance. Almost simultaneously, they activated their abilities.
"Flame. Pulse." Ethan's arms crossed, flames surging, radiating unbearable heat.
"Ice Blade." Green-Axis' hands formed a sharp ice blade, striking with lethal precision.
Boom… boom… Flames and icy air collided, stones scattering. Chaos erupted throughout the area.
"Looks like you two kids want a lesson in love. I'll grant your wish," Garp said with amusement.
In a flash, both Ethan and Green-Axis were battered and lying on the ground, exhausted and bruised.
"Is this the gap? No. I must grow stronger, stronger than Garp, stronger than anyone," Ethan thought, teeth clenched, eyes shut, fully aware of the gap between himself and the truly strong.
"All right, if you're not dead yet, get up. We're going to meet the Admirals. They should know about that fight by now," Garp said, ignoring them and walking toward the Academy with Tsuru.
Ethan shook his head, helping Green-Axis up. Zoan-type Devil Fruit recovery was indeed far superior to normal humans.
Unbeknownst to him, Green-Axis had not fully recovered yet, while Ethan had already cleared his mind.
"This feels terrible," Green-Axis muttered, rubbing his head, giving a helpless laugh.
"Hehe. As long as I can become stronger, I'll pay any price," Ethan said, following Garp.
"What a terrifying man," Green-Axis whispered, watching Ethan's retreating figure.