In the afternoon, a gentle summer breeze stirred through the academy grounds. It was the time for a nap. Since many recruits had exceeded their quotas this morning under Ethan's lead, Zephyr had granted them an extra two hours of rest.
Zephyr understood the balance between work and recovery. After all, not everyone could be a lunatic like Ethan.
Standing beneath a green tree, Zephyr's eyes flickered as he watched the young man sweat under the scorching sun. Ethan seemed tireless. Even as his muscles twitched from exhaustion, his indomitable will had carried him through a full two hours of training.
"What drives you to push this hard? How much determination did your family instill in you?" Zephyr murmured. Though Ethan's current strength was modest, Zephyr was certain that one day, he would carve out his place in the world.
"Since you are so fearless, I will teach you without reservation. Perhaps taking a disciple wouldn't be a bad idea." Zephyr quietly observed the young man in the field, deeply moved. He resolved to take this diligent youth as his student.
He stepped forward, faintly hearing the rapid counting. "Nine hundred seventy… nine hundred eighty… one thousand…"
Ethan was doing push-ups with a heavy slab of refined iron on his back, sweat pouring like rain.
Bang… Ethan collapsed, chest heaving violently, utterly spent.
Weak and aching, his body trembled slightly. Endless training had drained him physically and mentally.
"No, this is not enough. To become stronger, I must push harder. For Lily, for the future, I must accelerate my training."
Ethan's entire body shook as he forced himself upright, determined to continue.
At that moment, a large hand gently grasped him.
Ethan turned his head with difficulty, eyes meeting Zephyr's in confusion.
"Rest for a moment. I have something to say." Zephyr met Ethan's gaze with a slight smile.
Beneath the tree, they sat cross-legged, facing each other.
"Teacher Zephyr, what is your command?" Ethan's face was flushed, likely due to the exertion and elevated blood flow.
"Why do you train with such intensity?" Zephyr asked, exuding a calm aura, the warmth of a normal uncle that made it impossible to feel dislike toward him.
"To become stronger," Ethan replied, brushing stray hair from his forehead, his expression composed.
"To become stronger that is indeed a good reason," Zephyr nodded, then spoke more seriously. "Perhaps because we have not interacted much, I cannot judge whether you are good or bad, but I know one thing: you are not a person content with mediocrity."
"I cannot say whether your future will be good or bad, but I will tell you this: you must always act according to your conscience. As for loyalty to the Marines or the World Government, with your character, I doubt that is possible."
Ethan opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by Zephyr.
"You need not be so guarded. I know much about the World Government, but those matters are distant for you. I only wish to know this: if you had great power, what would you do? Would you become a Marine, a pirate, or an ambitious person seeking your own path?" Zephyr straightened, his expression more serious than ever.
Ethan paused, then lifted his head, eyes shining like stars. "If I have power, I only want to save Lily and protect the people I care about. Any force, whether pirate or Marine if they harm someone I love, I will stop them at any cost."
"As for being a pirate, a Marine, or anything else, I have no interest. I only want a peaceful life with the people I care about. In short, if no one provokes me, I will not provoke them. My only ambition is this: I want the people I care for to live freely and safely in this world."
That is why I become stronger. Perhaps you, as a Marine, share a similar drive. Admirals may not agree, but I have spoken my truth.
Ethan looked Zephyr in the eyes, placing a mental bet. He guessed Zephyr had never truly pledged loyalty to the Marines; eventually, he would betray them.
"Ha… that is an unexpected answer. In your worldview, only those you care about matter. I did not expect that even power could be rejected. So, will you take me as your disciple?"
Ethan's eyes widened in surprise, then a surge of uncontrollable excitement flooded him. His mind focused on one thought: Will you take me as your student?
Bang… Without hesitation, Ethan knelt, trembling, and bowed three times before Zephyr.
Zephyr quickly lifted him up, smiling. "No need for that. You only need to promise me this: never harm the innocent, and never act recklessly again."
"A teacher for a day is a father for life. In my hometown, a mentor is like family. And since you value me so highly, I am truly honored. I, Ethan, swear: if no one offends me, I will never offend them."
His tone was resolute. Ethan swore to the heavens, a man of loyalty and principle, always keeping his word.
"Very well. From now on, your teacher will support you. As long as you do not betray your conscience, I will back you unconditionally. From now on, I will call you Ye." Zephyr's heart swelled with satisfaction; this was truly his first disciple.
"Yes, Master."
"Then come to my home after dinner. I will explain some paths of training to you. The rest will be up to you, as always. What I can do is help you avoid detours."
"Yes…" Ethan bowed respectfully, then said, "I will continue my training."
"Do so," Zephyr said warmly, waving gently.
Thus, the entire afternoon, while others rested, Ethan trained. When others trained, he trained too. Other recruits could always spot the lunatic in the training grounds.
The sun set, night fell, and Ethan, finished with the day's training, ran excitedly toward Zephyr's residence.
"Come in," Zephyr's voice called from the garden.
Ethan pushed open the door without hesitation and entered the hall.
"Take a seat." Zephyr looked at the slightly panting Ethan and smiled. Clearly, Ethan's desire to grow stronger pleased him greatly.
"Tell me, what makes one truly strong?" Zephyr got straight to the point.
"It's oneself, right? After all, the body is the foundation of everything." Ethan thought carefully before answering.
"Exactly. To become strong, first focus on physical training. Do not assume eating a Devil Fruit exempts you from it."
"Any power, if not backed by sufficient strength to wield it, is just an illusion, fleeting like a mirage."
"…"
Time passed as Zephyr continued speaking, and Ethan listened intently. He knew some of the concepts, but hearing them from Zephyr felt entirely different.
"Master, may I begin training the Six Powers now?" Ethan asked excitedly, eyes blazing.
"With your physical condition and your Devil Fruit's incredible recovery, you can begin," Zephyr said, smiling. Seeing Ethan's excitement made him happy.
"Originally, the Six Powers were the Navy's most important martial arts. Those who had not contributed to the Navy or reached the rank of Captain could not learn them. But as my disciple, you have this privilege."
"Thank you, Master. But I have one more question." Ethan struggled to contain his excitement, looking at Zephyr.
"Ask freely." Zephyr was delighted by Ethan's eagerness and ambition.
"What is Haki? I know there are three types: Conqueror's Haki, Observation Haki, and Armament Haki. But I don't know how to understand or train them."
"Oh? You already know quite a bit. Let me explain."
"Conqueror's Haki can only be wielded by those with the heart of a king. It represents will and spirit. Its awakening is extremely rare, one in a million. As for training, that comes from within you must awaken it yourself."
"Observation Haki extends the mind and grants foresight. Once awakened, it can often predict an opponent's next move…"
"Armament Haki exists as energy within the body. It forms an invisible armor. It enhances both defense and attack and can control natural-type Devil Fruit users, preventing them from transforming their elements and allowing you to strike their true body. It is indispensable…"
Ethan absorbed Zephyr's words like a sponge, filled with questions and curiosity.
"Now, return and digest this knowledge. Tomorrow night, we will practice applying it in real combat. Only through experience will you truly understand."
"Thank you, Master. I will take my leave." Ethan bowed and withdrew, ready to process everything he had learned.