Zephyr Sensei arrived unusually early that morning, his footsteps steady as he approached the training grounds. The scene that greeted him made him stop in surprise. Sakazuki, of all people, was speaking to Lloyd. The small interaction was brief, but the mere fact that Sakazuki greeted someone voluntarily was enough to brighten Zephyr's normally stern expression.
Kizaru and Sakazuki were both top students, yet each had their own troubling flaws. Kizaru was troublesome in a mischievous way, giving Zephyr headaches without even trying. Sakazuki, however, was different. Withdrawn, rigid, and extreme in his views, he rarely spoke unless necessary, keeping a cold distance from everyone around him.
As a veteran of the Navy, Zephyr firmly believed the Navy required unity. He had long hoped Sakazuki would open up and learn to work with others, instead of living inside his own emotional shell.
Seeing Sakazuki display even the slightest sign of social interaction thrilled him.
But when Zephyr noticed that the person Sakazuki was speaking to was Lloyd, who came to report in today, he hurried toward them. He lifted a hand to give Lloyd a welcoming pat on the back, but Lloyd sensed his approach instantly, turning with sharp perception.
Lloyd released Sakazuki's hand, bowed his head slightly, and greeted calmly, his tone respectful yet emotionless.
"Zephyr Sensei, I am Lloyd. I am here to report for duty."
Zephyr nodded with satisfaction. Compared to troublemakers like Kizaru and Sakazuki, Lloyd appeared normal, polite, and well-mannered. At least on the surface.
Ginny and Kuma stepped forward as well, giving respectful greetings. Zephyr opened his mouth to respond, but a slow, familiar voice drifted toward them.
"Ah, it's Lloyd. The moment I arrive, you're already in front of me. Looks like today will be a pleasant day."
Everyone turned to find Borsalino walking over casually. One hand was tucked into his pocket, and the other lifted his sunglasses with leisurely flair. His pace was unhurried, as if he floated rather than walked.
Zephyr's earlier good mood evaporated instantly. His expression darkened as though he had swallowed a bug.
He barked sharply.
"Borsalino! Look at the time! Look at what the other cadets are already doing!"
Borsalino finished adjusting his sunglasses and finally noticed Zephyr standing beside Lloyd. His shoulders slumped, and he muttered under his breath.
"Oh dear. So much for it being a pleasant day."
Straightening his posture, he spoke with false enthusiasm.
"Good morning, Zephyr Sensei. The students sure are diligent today. Training even before the official time."
He deliberately stressed the phrase, irritating Zephyr to no end. The vein on Zephyr's forehead pulsed violently.
But with new cadets present, Zephyr forced himself to remain composed. He inhaled, steadied his voice, and announced sternly,
"That's enough. The scheduled training time has arrived. Assemble on the field immediately."
He marched toward the training area without another word.
Borsalino shrugged casually and leaned toward Lloyd.
"The old man's always like this. You'll get used to it."
He cupped a hand over his eyes, looking dramatically into the distance.
"Sakazuki is unbelievable. Why get up so early? Makes the old man's day start rough again."
Lloyd, who had been silently observing their behavior, finally spoke.
"Maybe he's what you would call a diligent overachiever."
"Overachiever? Sounds impressive. What's that supposed to mean?"
"It describes someone who works extremely hard."
Borsalino sighed dramatically.
"Why be so diligent? As long as we train at the scheduled time, it's fine. Don't you agree, Lloyd?"
Lloyd gave him a calm nod and replied dryly,
"You're right."
Borsalino brightened at that. With a grin, he threw an arm around Lloyd's shoulders.
"I knew we'd get along. Come on, before the old man gets angry again."
Ginny watched them walk away, pouting.
"Lloyd won't get dragged down by him, right?"
She imagined Lloyd in sunglasses, smirking like Borsalino, and physically shivered.
Kuma shook his head gently.
"He won't. Lloyd is much more mature than we are. He doesn't get influenced easily. Besides, Senior Borsalino isn't a bad person. His presence is just… unusual."
Ginny puffed her cheeks at the comment.
"Kuma chan, don't act like you understand Lloyd more than I do."
Kuma looked at her with innocence.
"I didn't say that. But Ginny, you think a lot when it comes to Lloyd."
Her face turned bright red. She stomped her foot in embarrassment.
"Kuma chan, what are you even saying? I care about you too. And I care about Ivan as well!"
Kuma looked unconvinced, muttering softly,
"It's different."
Ginny slapped her hands over her ears and dashed off.
"Kuma chan! Lloyd was right, you're such a dense guy. You'll end up single forever!"
Kuma stared after her, a faint smile tugging at his lips as she ran toward Lloyd's group.
Just then, the loud bell sounded, signaling the start of the day. Cadets across the field hurried toward the center, forming orderly lines.
Zephyr stood with his hands behind his back, expression tight. When he saw Borsalino approach with his arm still draped around Lloyd, his eyelid twitched violently, but Borsalino, for once, didn't make the situation worse. He slipped into his place beside Lloyd and Kuma, lining up near Sakazuki.
Ginny joined the female cadets.
Once everyone was assembled, Zephyr's voice rang out firmly.
"Today, we welcome three new cadets. Before training begins, each will introduce themselves."
Polite applause followed, led loudly—too loudly—by Borsalino.
Kuma went up first. His towering size drew gasps from the gathered cadets. When he revealed he was a Devil Fruit user, whispers rose instantly.
Zephyr's expression didn't change. He already knew Kuma's identity and abilities thanks to Sengoku. Having survived God Valley, Zephyr immediately recognized the name Paw Paw Fruit and the significance behind it. But to Zephyr, whatever their pasts were, every cadet sent here was his student.
To teach properly, however, he needed to see Kuma's abilities firsthand.
"Demonstrate your power," Zephyr instructed calmly.
Kuma nodded. Bringing his hands together, he slowly pulled them apart, revealing a transparent paw-shaped pad between his palms.
Some female cadets squealed softly.
"It looks so cute."
Kuma flushed slightly and bowed his head shyly.
Several male cadets sneered, dismissing the ability as flashy and useless, the classic judgment thrown at Paramecia users.
But Zephyr's gaze sharpened. He sensed the dense power radiating from that strange pad.
He raised his voice.
"Everyone, clear some space. Kuma will demonstrate his ability properly."
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