Kuma bent down and, with surprising ease, lifted the unlucky pirate off the ground like a mere chicken. Without hesitation, he tossed him into the meatball of darkness that had emerged from Kizaru's body.
The pirate, barely clinging to life, didn't even manage a scream. The moment he touched the meatball, he was consumed entirely, his body devoured by the Dark-Dark Fruit's shadow, leaving nothing behind.
The onlookers could only stare, frozen, as the scene unfolded with fluid, terrifying precision.
Once the meatball dissolved completely, Kizaru returned to Lloyd's side in a streak of light, a rare grin on his face.
"This method is impressive. I must catch a few more pirates for you in the future," he said cheerfully.
Lloyd closed his holy bible, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Hm? Capturing pirates is tiring work. Aren't you exhausted already?"
Kizaru chuckled, brushing off the concern. "You know me too well. With Kuma's ability, having a few extra pirates waiting isn't such a bad thing."
The two exchanged a glance, their shared amusement subtle yet genuine.
Although Kizaru sometimes seemed unpredictable, he wasn't petty. Defeat didn't breed resentment, and their camaraderie deepened as a result. Lloyd's performance had not only won recognition from Kizaru but also from Sakazuki. They now truly respected him.
The perceived isolation of the Navy School, where even prodigies sometimes kept to themselves, was simply a reflection of how difficult it was for those far ahead to relate to others.
Returning to the ranks, Sakazuki's eyes burned with excitement.
"Lloyd, what you just did was extraordinary! This is exactly how we deal with pirates. I declare you my friend!"
Lloyd blinked, momentarily taken aback. He had assumed Sakazuki's excitement came from his fighting spirit, but it was for something else entirely. Considering Sakazuki's reputation, this was hardly surprising.
Without hesitation, Lloyd extended his hand, smiling faintly.
"What are you talking about? Haven't we already become friends?"
Sakazuki nodded solemnly, gripping Lloyd's hand with unwavering certainty.
"You are right, we are friends."
Kizaru, never one to be left out, raised a hand dramatically.
"Hey, what about me? Sakazuki, have you forgotten about me? We've known each other for ages, and yet I've never heard you say that to me. What exactly is our relationship?"
Lloyd's face darkened slightly at the ambiguous words, a faint heat creeping into his cheeks. He instinctively pulled his hand back.
The other students, sensing the tension, instinctively gave them space, letting Lloyd, Sakazuki, and Kizaru occupy their own sphere.
Just as Lloyd prepared to slip into Kamui, Sakazuki adjusted his Navy hat and spoke, the fire in his eyes still present.
"Borsalino, you are also my friend."
"That's better," Kizaru said, a content smile crossing his face as he clasped his hands behind his head.
Zephyr watched the interaction, relief washing over him. With these three working together, the Navy's future looked unstoppable. If they stayed united, no force on the seas could challenge them.
He swiftly made a decision.
"The three newcomers performed exceptionally today. Lloyd, you and Kuma will share a dormitory with Sakazuki and the others. There happen to be two spots left."
Sakazuki had no objections, and even Kizaru, usually a rebel in the making, nodded in agreement. The empty dorm beds had long been unused; few dared live alongside these prodigies.
Ginny, as the only girl in the group, was assigned to the female dormitory. Her lively and cheerful personality ensured she remained popular, and with her close relationship with Lloyd and Kuma, no one would dare create trouble.
With the arrangements complete, Zephyr noted the time and decided to end the day's training. He intended to celebrate the progress with Sengoku and Garp at the tavern later. Waving his hand, he dismissed the students.
Cheers erupted, yet most students lingered, drawn to Lloyd's presence.
Compared to Kizaru and Sakazuki, Lloyd seemed more approachable. Smart and perceptive, the cadets recognized that his future achievements would be extraordinary. For ambitious students, aligning with someone of his caliber meant better prospects within the Navy.
Kizaru remained nonchalant, one hand in his pocket, offering casual words to anyone who approached. Sakazuki, arms crossed and exuding an aura of untouchability, discouraged most interactions—but a few persistent students dared approach him.
Among the group, Lloyd recognized two cadets destined to become Vice Admirals: Doberman and Onigumo.
Kuma's performance, though formidable, seemed less imposing due to his deferential nature toward Lloyd. Most preferred to engage directly with Lloyd.
As the youngest and most striking among them, Lloyd naturally drew the largest crowd, especially female cadets, leaving him slightly overwhelmed. He maintained a polite, if slightly awkward, smile amidst the throng.
Finally, Ginny pushed through the crowd, flinging herself into Lloyd's arms without hesitation.
"Lloyd Bro, I'm hungry! Let's go eat!" she said sweetly.
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