Chapter 82: Reunions and Challenges
"Well done, boy. Akainu couldn't even gain an edge on you."
Fleet Admiral Sengoku looked at Satoru with clear relief. To be honest, Sengoku's regard for Satoru was not deeply personal; it was rooted in profound appreciation for the boy's unprecedented talent and what it meant for the Navy's future.
"That's because I'm strong," Satoru replied matter-of-factly.
"Hahaha! Still not an ounce of humility, I see!" Sengoku laughed, but there was a distinct sense of awe. It felt like just yesterday he'd met a small, unnaturally calm child. Now, that child stood before him as a powerhouse with confirmed Admiral-level strength.
"I've heard Garp and Zephyr sing your praises constantly," Vice Admiral Tsuru said, her keen eyes assessing him. Though she was the least familiar with him, her decades of experience as the Navy's strategic advisor made her an expert at reading people. "Seeing it for myself today, you live up to the reputation."
"Thank you, Vice Admiral Tsuru."
"The competition is still over twenty days away," Sengoku said, his expression turning serious again. "I hope you use that time to prepare. You saw Akainu's attitude. It's not just him. No one in the Navy wants the World Government's hand inside our command structure. So no matter what, you must win. Understood?"
If he'd known applying for a fourth Admiral would cause this much political friction, he might have hesitated. But the die was cast.
"Don't worry, Fleet Admiral," Satoru said, his confidence unwavering. "My answer is the same. No matter the opponent, victory is the only outcome."
Sengoku nodded, satisfied. Satoru knew when to be humble and when to project absolute, unshakeable certainty. It was a necessary quality for the role he was stepping into.
"Good. With that confidence, I can rest easier. Now, go see Zephyr. I'm sure he's eager. That old fool Garp is probably with him. You can see them both at once."
"Yes, sir."
Satoru focused. With his Six Eyes, locking onto Zephyr's distinct, powerful aura across Marineford was effortless. In the blink of an eye, his figure vanished from Sengoku's office.
"Such incredible speed! Is that his spatial ability?" Tsuru asked, genuinely startled.
"It is," Sengoku confirmed. "For him, if he has the strength and can perceive the destination, distance is meaningless. He could likely travel from here to his G-8 base in an instant."
Tsuru shook her head in wonder. "Garp's luck is truly something. To find such a seedling…"
"Tell me about it," Sengoku grumbled good-naturedly. "His own son is a world-shaker, and the child he picks up is a prodigy. It defies all logic." He couldn't help but feel a twinge of paternal comparison. His own son was capable, but he lived in the shadow of legends.
Satoru reappeared in a quiet, sunlit courtyard. The scene before him was almost surreal: two of the Navy's most formidable veterans, both over half a century old, were sitting at a stone table, sipping tea and playing a board game Satoru recognized as Go.
He hadn't imagined Garp having the patience for such a cerebral game. A quick glance at the board told him everything—Garp was on the verge of a crushing defeat.
"Satoru! You're here already!" Garp boomed, spotting him. He immediately swept a hand over the board, scattering the pieces. "Zephyr! This game is a draw! We'll settle it next time!"
Satoru and Zephyr shared an identical, exasperated look. Typical Garp.
"You came quickly," Zephyr said, turning his attention to his apprentice. His single eye held a glint of pride and scrutiny. "Did Admiral Sakazuki not detain you?"
"He tried," Satoru said flatly. He studied their faces. "You both knew he would be there, didn't you? And no one thought to warn me?"
Their expressions gave them away. The 'welcome' from Akainu had been a planned test.
"We needed to gauge your current level," Zephyr stated without apology. "If you couldn't even earn Sakazuki's reluctant acknowledgment, I would have preferred you not take the Admiral's mantle at all."
His tone was stern, but the concern was paternal. "It's not just about defeating the World Government's agent. Even if you win, if you lack the true strength to be an Admiral, accepting the position would be irresponsible to you and to the Marines you'd command."
"I see," Satoru said. Then a playful, challenging smirk spread across his face. "Since Master doesn't fully believe in my strength yet… how about you test it yourself? To be honest, I have a feeling you're no longer my opponent."
The first part Zephyr took as typical apprentice bravado. The second part ignited a familiar, competitive fire in the old legend's chest. He'd been worried for the boy's well-being, and here the boy was looking down on him? Unacceptable.
"It seems your growth has fostered a blind arrogance," Zephyr growled, rising to his full, imposing height. "Very well. Let me see the source of this confidence. And I'll remind you exactly what level of power an Admiral—and your master—truly commands!"
Garp, meanwhile, had retrieved a bag of rice crackers and settled back into his chair, a gleeful spectator's grin on his face. This was going to be good. He was genuinely curious: Could his grandson now defeat the "Black Arm" Zephyr? If he could, then the coming battle was as good as won.
The air in the serene courtyard grew heavy with intent. Student and master faced each other, the bond of training about to be tested by the full force of Satoru's evolved power.
(End of Chapter)
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