As per routine, Zephyr began the day's training by outlining the objectives. Today's focus was the Six Styles.
Before Lloyd and the others arrived, Zephyr had already introduced the Six Styles to the other students. However, mastering even a single style was no easy feat. Among the students, very few could skillfully perform even one technique.
Future Vice Admirals like Squirrel and Onigumo had learned only two or three styles at most, and even elite figures like Akainu and Kizaru hadn't fully mastered them all.
With new recruits joining, Zephyr seized the opportunity to revisit the Six Styles, though mastery of all was unnecessary—it depended on each individual. For instance, Kizaru had little need to learn "Moonwalk," as his Glint-Glint Fruit already granted superior aerial mobility. His proficiency was strongest with Finger Pistol, which amplified the power of the lasers he fired from his fingers.
Lloyd observed Zephyr's demonstrations with a focused intensity, immediately dismissing Iron Body and Paper Drawing as unnecessary. Paper Drawing held no value for him, as his Observation Haki allowed him to predict and counter attacks effortlessly. As for Iron Body, he regarded it as irrelevant.
The remaining four styles, however, promised practical benefits. Finger Pistol and Tempest Kick would offset Lloyd's current limitations in single-target strikes, while Shave and Moonwalk would significantly enhance his mobility.
When Zephyr concluded his explanation, he dismissed the rest of the students to practice while he stayed behind with Lloyd and the others for personal instruction.
"Did you all understand the techniques I demonstrated? Do you need me to go over them again?" he asked.
Ginny and Kuma nodded eagerly, but Lloyd remained silent. Zephyr assumed he was absorbing the material internally and began instructing Ginny and Kuma first.
Halfway through explaining Shave, Lloyd's body shifted. His feet tapped the ground in a blur, almost invisible to the naked eye, and then he instantly moved several meters away.
Zephyr froze mid-motion, while several students watching were equally stunned.
Akainu, intercepting a fist from Kizaru, remarked sideways, "Is that Shave? Lloyd has already learned it?"
Yet Akainu was not surprised. Mastery of the Six Styles relied heavily on physical conditioning. The stronger the body, the faster one could assimilate even "simple" techniques like Shave.
Lloyd felt no special excitement; he repeated the technique, increasing his speed until he produced afterimages. Observing students could only lament their own progress, overwhelmed by the disparity.
Ginny tilted her head. "Zephyr, why don't we just learn from Lloyd directly? We can skip to the next style."
"Uh, alright," Zephyr replied. "Shave is foundational. Once mastered, your leg strength is sufficient to proceed to Moonwalk and Tempest Kick…"
"Swish!"
A cyan slash cut across half the training ground, embedding itself into a wall and leaving a deep crack.
Seeing Lloyd levitate mid-air, Zephyr was at a loss for words. In less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea, most students had not even finished warming up, yet Lloyd had already mastered three of the Six Styles. Such talent was monstrous, almost unparalleled.
Some students knelt in silent despair, questioning their purpose.
Lloyd, mid-air, muttered to himself, "Power is slightly lacking. Let's adjust…"
"Crack!"
He stomped with force, soaring upward. His left foot erupted with electric energy, and then he descended with a crescent-shaped Tempest Kick, lightning arcing across it. The ground below shattered in a violent explosion, leaving everyone stunned.
Landing smoothly, Lloyd examined the scorched pit with satisfaction.
Zephyr, now overwhelmed, waved a hand weakly. "You two should learn from Lloyd. Mastery of these three techniques is sufficient for now."
Ginny beamed, pulling Kuma toward Lloyd for one-on-one instruction. Soon, a crowd gathered around him. Squirrel muttered to himself, "Zephyr didn't teach this move…"
Ginny, unconcerned, stood beside Lloyd. "Lloyd, Zephyr-sensei said we should learn from you today. We'll be counting on you!"
Kuma, observing the situation, said, "Ginny, you go first. I'll train on my own."
Lloyd nodded and found a quiet corner to instruct Ginny. She worked diligently, her long, fair legs swinging before him, causing a surge of blood to Lloyd's head.
Shaking it off, he focused on explaining key techniques, though Ginny's attention seemed elsewhere, as if she were deliberately drawing his eye.
When Lloyd adjusted her posture, she bit her lip coyly and delivered a high kick. She lost her balance, her calf landing on Lloyd's shoulder, while her upper body tilted. Reflexively, Lloyd wrapped an arm around her waist, steadying her.
The two froze in an awkward position, Ginny pressed against Lloyd's chest. Her rapid heartbeat and heavy breathing made the moment intensely personal. Lloyd, equally affected, reminded himself to maintain control.
He cautiously shifted, attempting to lower her leg, but Ginny's playful smirk suggested she had no intention of cooperating. As he relaxed, she pressed again, causing the two to topple backward, tangled in an intimate embrace…