This wisp of energy was so faint it was nearly nonexistent; it was so weak that it was thinner than a strand of hair. If it were on anyone else, it would have been almost impossible to sense.
Yet, under the effects of Life Return, Kojin could perceive it clearly.
This meant that his control over his own body had reached a whole new level.
When one's physical abilities reach a superhuman level, one can train in the Rokushiki. Meanwhile, Life Return allows the user to control their body with far greater freedom.
"Wherever the mind reaches, control follows: limbs, hair, internal organs."
Kojin quickly grasped just how powerful Life Return truly was.
He infused his will into his hair and commanded it to grow. The next second, his hair lengthened at a visible speed, instantly spreading across the ground from what had once been a short buzz cut.
Then, with another infusion of intent, he overlaid it with Tekkai. His hair immediately hardened like steel and became capable of being used as a weapon to attack enemies.
Kōjin continued experimenting, channeling his will into his internal organs, such as his stomach and intestines.
Food could be digested in an extremely short time through accelerated gastric acid secretion and enhanced digestive functions, providing his body with energy quickly.
He infused his will into his fingers, fingernails, skin, hair, and lower body.
A smile gradually appeared on his face as he experienced the joy of Life Return.
In a sense, this unique skill practically granted his body superhuman abilities.
Just imagine, what would happen if a person gained complete control over their body?
"My talents and every detail of my body are laid bare before me! For example, I have some talent in Busoshoku (Armament), and I was born with the qualities of a king, which is why I awakened Haoshoku. But when it comes to Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki)…"
Kōjin now had a thorough understanding of himself.
He was undoubtedly talented, but his talent was primarily concentrated in Haoshoku and Busoshoku (Armament). He did have some aptitude for Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki), but not much.
This meant that, if he wanted to master Kenbunshoku Haki, he would need to invest a tremendous amount of time.
"So that's why it took me more than two years to master Kami-e?"
His ability to perceive the outside world was relatively weak, or rather, his talent in that area was not high. But to Kojin, this was not a major issue. Having Kenbunshoku Haki did not greatly affect him either way.
"Besides, I've already spent two years at the Marine Academy. It's time to graduate." Kojin sighed as he muttered to himself.
He had already learned everything he needed to. Staying any longer would not yield any further gains.
After that, he turned and headed to the academy to handle the procedures for early graduation and departure.
The assessments included a written exam and a physical test, both of which he passed with ease.
"Congratulations, Rear Admiral Kōjin. You have completed all the courses at the Marine Academy. We wish you smooth sailing and great success in your future Marine career."
A sweet-smiling female officer with blonde, wavy hair handed him his graduation certificate. With her soft fingertips, she lightly brushed his hand and slipped him a small note.
Kōjin froze for a moment, then smiled faintly and turned to leave.
Once outside the academy, the note traced an arc through the air and landed in a nearby trash bin.
Receiving private notes from female instructors or staff had become a common occurrence during his two years at the academy. His robust physique held an overwhelming allure among the academy's women.
Soon after, however, he felt a brief moment of confusion.
Before entering the Marine Academy, Kojin had always followed Garp. Now that Garp was gone, Kojin was unsure what to do next.
After hesitating slightly, he chose to seek help from this sensei of his.
"Kid, if you've got something to say, say it quickly. "I'm very busy right now! That Roger fellow is probably about to become the Pirate King!" Garp's voice came through, tinged with impatience.
"Huh?" Kōjin was momentarily stunned.
But he quickly recovered. He had spent two years at the Marine Academy, and it was now 1499 in the Sea Circle Calendar, the exact year Roger would reach Laugh Tale and become the Pirate King.
Garp's words left him dazed for a moment.
Without realizing it, was he about to witness a moment of history?
Roger becoming the Pirate King, disbanding the Roger Pirates, choosing to turn himself in, and triggering Golden Lion Shiki's rampage at Marine Headquarters, scenes that had only existed as memories in the original story were about to unfold before his eyes.
"Kid, what is it exactly? If you don't say it, I'm hanging up!" Garp's voice rang out again.
"I just graduated from the Marine Academy, and I wanted to ask you what I should do next." Kōjin replied hurriedly.
"What? You've already graduated?"
Garp was first taken aback, then he quickly understood and let out a sigh.
"Has it already been two years?"
"After graduation, ordinary cadets are distributed from Headquarters to serve in the Four Seas or the Grand Line. But you were already a Rear Admiral before entering the academy, so you have much greater freedom."
After a brief pause, Garp asked with interest.
"Kid, would you rather manage a fortress, command large numbers of Marines, and maintain peace in one region? Or being free and unrestrained like me?"
Kōjin froze upon hearing this.
Clearly, this was a choice of path within the Marines.
Marines were spread across the world and were responsible for maintaining global order. Under normal circumstances, officers below the admiral level would be assigned to garrison branch bases in cities across the Four Seas or the Grand Line.
However, once one reached the general level or above, they were considered a high-ranking Marine. With sufficient strength, they naturally gained greater freedom.
They could become the supreme commander or second-in-command of a regional fortress or roam the seas freely, like Garp.
"If you want to be a commander and get a taste of holding great military power in your hands, just apply to Kong."
Garp's teasing words made Kojin laugh.
"Likewise, you can be like me, get your own battleship, carry out various missions across the seas, and live freely."
Kojin nodded. "I understand."
Then, he quickly made his decision.
"I want to be free, just like you."
Loud laughter came from the other side of the Den Den Mushi, and the call was soon cut off.
'A fortress commander living a safe but monotonous life or a life of freedom and adventure?'
Kōjin understood these two paths clearly. He had heard about them during his time at the Marine Academy.
Some cadets who performed well at branch bases were quickly promoted to general ranks. Then, they could either return to Headquarters or, by their own choice, be appointed as commanders of regional fortresses.
Undoubtedly, a fortress commander was like a feudal governor, possessing absolute authority.
Naturally, this position gave rise to many under-the-table dealings. One could say it came with plenty of benefits and high status.
But unfortunately, Kōjin's ambitions did not lie there.
"My strength has not yet reached the strongest! My Rokushiki is not maxed out yet. Constant battles on the edge of life and death, that's what suits me best!"
A gentle breeze brushed past him as he stood at a high vantage point, looking down upon the magnificent Marineford. Farther away, the inner bay, the Gates of Justice, and the endless sea all came clearly into view.
In his calm eyes, a light gradually began to shine, growing ever deeper.
"Since I've come to this world… I should do something."
As his strength increased, two years of life caused certain vague seeds within him to slowly begin to sprout.
(End of Chapter)
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