The next day, Chiga appeared at the training ground looking refreshed. Bridge, standing beside him, leaned over and whispered to Graves,
"Boss Chiga must've found love. Look how happy he is today."
Graves gave Bridge a sideways glance and said nothing. He didn't dare gossip about Chiga. He still remembered Chiga promising to introduce him to that beautiful female officer's sister.
Good heavens, if she looked anything like Miss Gion, how bad could she be? Just the thought made his heart race. Now was the time to draw a clear line between himself and this blabbermouth Bridge.
Seeing Graves wasn't biting, Bridge shut his mouth in frustration. He turned to Binz, giving him a pointed look that screamed:
"Ask me! Come on, ask me what happened last night!"
But as expected, Binz remained silent.
Fine! You guys are amazing, huh? All high and mighty, too good for gossip? Whatever. I'll just savor it by myself!
As usual, Zephyr appeared on the high platform, his gaze sweeping over the assembled cadets before he began to speak.
"Today, I have two announcements. First, congratulations to Chiga for taking first place in this year's annual assessment."
Thunderous applause broke out immediately. Many cadets' faces turned red with excitement, as if they had won first place.
After all, this assessment included not just their class, but many upperclassmen as well—yet the top spot still went to someone from their group. It was a glorious achievement.
At least now, they wouldn't have to hear Zephyr's favorite line: "You are the worst class I have ever taught."
Once the applause died down, Zephyr continued.
"The second announcement—Cadet Chiga will be temporarily leaving the training camp. Headquarters has decided that, given his strength, he will be assigned to a special post for the next year."
After saying that, Zephyr looked directly at Chiga. His eyes held pride, some reluctance, but mostly, relief.
Chiga was his most accomplished student. That student had matured early and was ready to head out to sea. As a teacher, all he could do now was support him.
Chiga's roommates looked visibly reluctant. Bridge outright hugged Chiga, crying with snot and tears streaming down his face.
"Boss Chiga, don't goooo!"
Medis, sitting on Chiga's shoulder, looked disgusted and shoved Bridge's chubby face away with a little paw, as if trying to avoid getting any snot on Chiga's clothes.
Graves didn't care about appearances anymore and quietly lit a cigar. Binz simply stared at Chiga with wordless emotion in his eyes.
Chiga looked a little speechless. He pried Bridge off and spread his arms.
"What's wrong with you guys? We'll meet again soon. Maybe in less than a year, you'll be on my ship. Believe it?"
The other three froze. Bridge was the first to react.
Right! With Boss Chiga's strength, wouldn't it be easy for him to rack up military merit? Then he'd rise through the ranks, and—well, "chickens and dogs ascending to heaven" might be a bit off, but the meaning fit.
The trio quickly calmed down. Chiga patted their shoulders—then suddenly glanced off into the distance. Bridge noticed.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
Chiga just shook his head. "Nothing."
Far off, Ain quietly lowered her gaze. She looked down at her feet—or at least tried to. Thanks to her, uh, development, her view was blocked by two prominent peaks.
"Will we meet again… Chiga-kun?"
After the announcements, Zephyr declared a day of rest to celebrate the camp's outstanding performance. Cheers rang out, and the heavy mood of parting was diluted.
Later, Chiga was summoned to Zephyr's office. This time, the former admiral didn't wear his usual stern expression. As Chiga entered, he saw Zephyr smiling—gently, almost fatherly.
"Teacher Zephyr, is something wrong?"
"No. I just wanted to see you again. You'll probably be very busy from now on."
Seeing Zephyr like this, Chiga felt a pang in his chest. The man looked lonely.
Those damn pirates…
The more he got to know Zephyr, the more Chiga hated pirates. This was once an admiral known as The Unkilling. How could they do that to him?
Suddenly emotional, Chiga asked,
"Teacher Zephyr… what's your view on pirates now?"
Zephyr froze. He stayed quiet for a long time, then instead of answering, he asked in return:
"What's your view on kindness?"
Chiga thought for a while, then answered firmly,
"Kindness must have a sharp edge. Softness without boundaries only lets others take advantage. Benevolence without principles just gives evil room to grow."
Zephyr stared at him, then chuckled quietly and shook his head.
Kindness must have a sharp edge… well said.
He fully agreed. In a way, these words denied the very justice he once stood for.
But what did that matter now? Would his refusal to kill bring back his wife and child? Had it ever made a pirate truly repent?
Chiga's words weren't just for him—they were a warning to the Navy's pacifist faction. Their "too kind" justice was sometimes nothing but weakness in disguise. And though Akainu's version of justice was extreme, the truth was, this sea needed people like him.
Chiga… already had a justice of his own.
You couldn't say whose justice was truly right or wrong.
But Zephyr—he approved of this student. Fully.
This boy wouldn't stop at being an admiral. He'd reach the position of Fleet Admiral. Maybe even beyond.
And Zephyr… he'd live to see it. He had to.
For the first time in a while, he felt full of energy again. No longer an admiral—but he'd use every ounce of his strength to help Chiga reach the peak.
He stood up and placed a firm hand on Chiga's shoulder.
"Go forth with confidence, Chiga. Your teacher will always be your strongest support at Headquarters."
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