"Haven't you all eaten? Stop dawdling and get running!"
Under the scorching sun, across the rugged hills behind Marineford, over a hundred young cadets, each carrying massive iron weights larger than their own bodies, pounded the ground, drenched in sweat. Even from a hundred meters away, their ragged breaths echoed through the training grounds.
At the very front, the four strongest still led the pack. Akainu and Kizaru set the pace, followed closely by Aokiji and Atticus.
Yet no one noticed that the iron weight on Atticus' back, though as tall as he was, was far heavier than anyone else's, known only to him and Zephyr. Every step felt like moving through water, leaving a damp trail across the earth.
"If you don't finish these ten kilometers today, none of you will eat. You're all cowards, weaker than women," Zephyr called, his voice sharp, taunting the cadets relentlessly. Female cadets occasionally received his reprimand, though he was far more lenient with them.
His words stung, inflaming pride among the male cadets, who, despite exhaustion, forced their legs to move faster.
By midday, nearly all had completed the run. A few who failed to persevere were mercilessly expelled, a grim reminder that the academy tolerated only the strongest.
In the afternoon, the cadets gathered once more on the training ground, buzzing with anticipation. Today, they would be introduced to the pinnacle of Marine martial arts: the Six Powers.
"I believe you already know what comes next," Zephyr said, his gaze sweeping over the cadets. "With your current level of physical fitness, you can barely begin to grasp the Marine Six Powers. But let me be clear: those of you without sufficient strength should not attempt them. Failure could be catastrophic."
His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, and even the overly confident lowered their gaze. "No one can blame you for laziness except yourselves. Work hard every day."
"The Six Powers consist of Finger Pistol, Iron Body, Soru, Geppo, Rankyaku, and Paper Art," Zephyr continued, demonstrating each with precision.
When he performed Rankyaku, a nearly hundred-meter-long crack split the earth, leaving everyone stunned and filled with awe. The thought of possessing such abilities ignited excitement in every cadet's heart.
"I warn you again, those lacking sufficient physical fitness should not train. If you are confident, choose one technique to start with."
Zephyr concluded and left the training ground, leaving the cadets to digest the knowledge.
Under the shade of a large tree, Atticus sat cross-legged, reviewing Zephyr's instructions. Familiar though they were from his previous observations, he knew that deep comprehension required careful reflection.
"Which techniques are you planning to learn?" A lazy voice broke the silence. Aokiji lay nearby, relaxed and unbothered.
Atticus closed his eyes, replying calmly, "I don't have that much energy for all of them."
Aokiji's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh! That isn't like you, you madman."
"Are you complimenting me or insulting me?" Atticus' gaze met Aokiji's, dark yet calm, radiating the precision of a man who prioritized cultivation above all.
Aokiji chuckled, already accustomed to Atticus' indifference. In Atticus' world, there was nothing but training. Any interruptions were trivial.
A delicate voice approached, breaking the moment. "Atticus, may I sit here?"
Gion, her elegant frame accentuated by her long pants, looked at him softly.
Atticus glanced briefly at her flawless face and graceful figure, then returned his focus to his Devil Fruit training, unperturbed.
Gion's expression tightened in frustration. Ignored by someone she admired, she felt a strange sting of indignation.
"Well, well, that's just how he is," Aokiji said with a shrug, smiling wryly. "Sit if you wish."
Gion snorted coldly and walked away, flustered.
Suddenly, a spear sliced through the air, hurtling toward Atticus' chest with a whistling roar.
In a fluid motion, Atticus' right hand shot up, catching the weapon effortlessly. The ground beneath him cracked from the force of his grip, his eyes locking on Chaton, who sat smirking with Akainu in the distance.
"To treat Gion like that, death is far too mild for you," Chaton said arrogantly, ignoring the consequences.
Atticus dropped the weapon carelessly, giving Gion a cold glance before turning to leave.
To him, both Gion and Chaton were inconsequential. Humans and weeds existed in separate worlds, and cultivation was his only concern.
Gion felt inexplicably unsettled under his detached gaze, and her frustration only grew.
Chaton, emboldened, grabbed another weapon and hurled it at Atticus' back.
Atticus spun smoothly, catching the rapidly flying ice blade in one hand. His eyes, usually calm, now burned with unrestrained fury.
"Not causing trouble doesn't mean I fear it. Three strikes and you're out. Cross that line, and you will face the consequences," he said coldly, each word slicing the air like a blade.
Cadets nearby stared, realizing the usually indifferent Atticus also had a ferocious, untamed side. Even Aokiji shivered, sensing the raw destructive potential radiating from him.
Chaton froze for a moment, caught off guard by Atticus' transformation.
By the time he recovered, Atticus had already turned away, unbothered, leaving the other cadets in awe.
Humiliated, Chaton snatched another weapon, hurling it with renewed vigor…
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