After the meeting ended, Zephyr, Sengoku, and Garp walked side by side through the long corridor of Marine Headquarters.
"Garp… Sengoku…"Zephyr suddenly stopped walking. "Is there a way to use Conqueror's Haki that can… well—directly lock onto a distant target and suppress them?"
"Huh?" Garp dug a finger into his nose, looking completely baffled."Conqueror's Haki can do that?! Isn't it just for scaring fodder and coating attacks?"
"It seems Gern really has awakened Conqueror's Haki," Sengoku said thoughtfully, pushing up his glasses as his sharp gaze turned toward Zephyr."Well, that makes sense. The photos in the paper clearly show Conqueror's coating."
The two of them tacitly avoided mentioning the black blade Eight Desolations, as if it were an unspoken taboo.
"But what you're describing, Zephyr… we honestly don't know either," Sengoku continued."Even among those who awaken Conqueror's Haki, its nature differs from person to person."
"I was just curious," Zephyr sighed."Because when Gern awakened it and struck Golden Lion, his state was… strange.It was clearly his first awakening, yet he displayed a level of mastery that shouldn't have been possible.And now… he can't even release basic intimidation."
"Alright, alright!" Garp laughed loudly, slapping Zephyr on the shoulder."Didn't I tell you? Conqueror's Haki manifests differently in everyone!I'll talk to the kid when I get the chance, but at the end of the day, it's something he has to understand on his own.At best, I can teach him the basics of intimidation."
"Garp's right," Sengoku nodded."The essence of Conqueror's Haki is the will of a king.It's not just pressure—it's the manifestation of one's resolve.If Gern awakened it, then he possesses that qualification.How far he can take it depends entirely on him."
"Hey, Sengoku," Garp suddenly blurted out, completely deadpan,"Do you want to be the Pirate King?"
Sengoku stiffened instantly."What kind of nonsense are you spouting, Garp?!"
"Well, you said 'kingly qualities,' didn't you?" Garp grinned."I've got Conqueror's Haki too, but I don't wanna be king."
He leaned in with a mischievous grin and nudged Sengoku with his elbow."Hey, tell me—are you planning to take out Fleet Admiral Kong and take his seat or what—"
Before he could finish, Sengoku clamped a hand over his mouth.
"Are you insane?! How can you say something like that?!"
"You really don't want to be Fleet Admiral?" Garp asked after breaking free.
"That is my dream," Sengoku replied firmly."If I want to carry out my justice, I have to become Fleet Admiral."
"Then it's settled!" Garp laughed."We'll just beat up Kong and put you in charge! Hahahaha!"
And with that, he bolted off down the hallway.
"That idiot…" Sengoku muttered through clenched teeth.
Zephyr chuckled softly."He's always been like that."Then, after a pause, he added quietly,"But still… 'Ruling Justice' really does require that position."
"Enough about that fool," Sengoku said, rubbing his temples before turning serious."What about you, Zephyr? Are you really going through with it? The request you submitted to the Fleet Admiral…"
Zephyr's expression darkened as memories of his battle with Golden Lion surfaced.He touched the scar on his chest, his voice turning hoarse.
"My strength won't keep up much longer.Rather than clinging to this position, I'd rather step down with dignity."
He paused.
"And… Lina is pregnant."
Sengoku froze.
"In a few years, once the timing is right, I'll resign as an Admiral and take on the role of Chief Instructor for the Marines."His gaze drifted toward the training grounds in the distance."But before that… those four still need time to grow."
"Your plan from three years ago—after what happened with Gern—the Fleet Admiral will likely approve it," Sengoku said, placing a hand on Zephyr's shoulder."The future of the Marines depends on you."
He met Zephyr's gaze firmly.
"They don't understand it yet, but I do.Your 'non-killing' philosophy isn't mercy toward pirates—it's mercy toward yourself.So please… pass that compassion on to the next generation of Marines."
"Because without that compassion, justice ceases to be justice at all."
Just as Sengoku had predicted, several days later—
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office.
Kong sat behind his massive desk, a long-forgotten proposal laid open before him.
"Marine Elite Training Program Proposal"
It was a plan Zephyr had submitted long ago—one designed to cultivate a new generation of elite Marines and promote exceptional talents directly into mid-level command positions.
Kong had rejected it back then.
Such a system would disrupt the existing hierarchy and promotion pathways.
But now… things were different.
Especially with someone like Gern emerging from the Four Blues.
His existence alone proved that relying solely on the Marine Academy would cause countless talents to be overlooked—or worse, wasted.
Kong's fingers tapped rhythmically against the desk as his gaze deepened.
"Sengoku will eventually take over as Fleet Admiral…Garp and Zephyr will remain as the pillars of our strength…"
He sighed.
"Zephyr's strength may wane with time… but at least he has the vision to nurture the next generation."
His gaze shifted to another document—one listing the most promising young Marines:
Kuzan. Borsalino. Sakazuki. And… Gern.
Originally, Gern's background—coming from the Four Blues and lacking formal academy training—would have placed him below the others.
But now?
A single strike that severely wounded Golden Lion had earned him a place among monsters.
"Four young monsters…" Kong murmured, a faint smile forming.
"Then let these four become the foundation of the new era."
"And the future seas… shouldn't be ruled by pirates alone."
After a brief hesitation, Kong picked up his pen and signed the document.
The Marine Elite Training Program was officially launched.
This marked a turning point for Marine Headquarters.
The traditional training system remained—but alongside it, a new path was opened for Marines from all four seas.
From now on, any Marine with exceptional talent and strength could rise through this system, regardless of origin.
No longer would one need to slowly accumulate merit over decades—or be dismissed simply for lacking academy credentials.
Zephyr's philosophy of merit above all else shattered the barriers between headquarters and the branches.
For the first time, the Marines of the Four Seas truly stood on equal ground with the elite of Marineford.
Standing by the window, Kong gazed out over the harbor of Marineford.
"The future of the seas," he murmured,"will be shaped by the Marines."