Marineford, recruit training camp site.
The place was packed, and instead of recruits sweating it out on the campus, they were now circling it inside and outside.
In the middle, Atlas and Zephyr face each other.
Observing the student he held the highest hopes for in his teaching career, Zephyr felt a mix of emotions.
'Initially, I believed Atlas had more talent than Akainu and the others, but I didn't anticipate his rapid growth, reaching the level of the three formidable Vice Admirals at just twenty-three years old.'
Interestingly, even though Akainu and the three were labeled as monsters in their youth, they were still outmatched by Atlas at the same age. This realization brought joy to Zephyr.
However, what left him somewhat conflicted was...
Being a former Admiral committed to the principle of 'no killing,' it's challenging for Zephyr to witness his students leaning towards a more violent path. While he refrains from intervening in their choices, he can't help but feel a bit isolated and unsettled.
Maybe, all it takes is a chance for Zephyr to entirely reconsider his convictions...
"Mr. Zephyr, today marks the recruits' first day at the camp. I bet you're itching for a friendly competition with me."
Atlas glanced at Zephyr, noticing the wrinkles that time had etched on him, and couldn't help but feel a bit emotional. Time, indeed, is the most potent weapon.
Today, Zephyr initially invited Atlas to the recruit training camp for guidance to the new recruits and to witness the opening ceremony. Surprisingly, Zephyr suddenly felt an urge to engage in a discussion with him.
"Enough with the nonsense, you young rascal."
Zephyr let out a cold snort, "I simply want to witness the outcome of your years of training, showcase the difference between you and the top experts to the recruits, and humble your arrogance!"
"...Alright."
Atlas felt resigned; the challenges were set, and even if he didn't want to agree, there was no other option.
"Who do you reckon will come out on top in this competition?"
"I'm unsure. One is a current Candidate Admiral, and the other is a former Marine Admiral. They possess the highest combat prowess within the Marines."
"I have a hunch it could be Vice Admiral Hakuryu. After all, Teacher Zephyr is getting on in years, and his strength might not be at its peak anymore."
"Despite Instructor Zephyr being a bit older, the gap lies mainly in physical fitness. When it comes to short-term explosive power, he's certainly not weaker than Vice Admiral Hakuryu, right?"
Onlookers chattered, yet no unanimous opinion formed about the strength of the two. While many admired the young Atlas, Zephyr, being a seasoned warrior from the previous era with countless legendary achievements, left them feeling a bit unsettled.
"Hey! Scatter, you rookie recruits might get hurt if you get caught up in this."
Other instructors noticed the recruits getting tightly packed and had to step in, urging them to disperse.
Joking aside, even if Zephyr and Atlas can't engage in a full-fledged fight, the aftermath of their high-level combat is potent enough to seriously harm any recruit in the vicinity.
"Mr. Zephyr, let's get started right away!"
As the crowd around him gradually dispersed, Atlas couldn't wait any longer. The years since his return from the New World, especially the battle with Shiki, marked the period of his most significant progress, and his mastery of Haki became even more profound.
Swish!
His calf muscles bulged, and the ground slightly dented. Atlas' figure vanished instantly without a trace. He materialized above Zephyr's head out of thin air, his clenched fist transformed into a war hammer shape, descending with force onto Zephyr.
It's not just a straightforward Soru; it's a lateral maneuver crafted by Atlas, blending his speed with the force of the Rabbit Talisman. Presently, Atlas can be considered a double threat in both power and speed, nearly flawless. His mastery in strength control is also exceptional.
"This..."
The alarm bells ringing in Zephyr's heart weren't triggered by what he saw or heard but rather by the combat intuition honed over many years of battle.
The figure is compact, arms crossed, and hands shrouded in Haki!
Boom!
Fists and arms collided, a dull thud resonated, and concentric airwaves rippled outward from the point of impact!
Phew~
The recruits observing the match couldn't help but step back continuously. The gusts of air hitting them stung their faces, leaving their hearts in awe.
This is... top-tier combat strength!!!
Bang!
The two locked in a momentary stalemate, and the ground beneath Zephyr's feet cracked as he gradually sank in. Veins bulged in his arms, and his neck turned red. Atlas, shaken by Zephyr's sudden burst, tumbled through the air. Zephyr's feet sank deeper and deeper.
Atlas refrained from using the power of the Rooster Talisman; he simply struck forcefully in mid-air with no leverage point, resulting in an evenly matched struggle!
"You've got quite the power, kid."
Zephyr took a step forward, shaking his numb fist. He had encountered Atlas's unparalleled strength in the training camp. Back then, he could still overpower him.
Now...
Observing Atlas's composed expression, Zephyr couldn't help but wear a bitter smile.
Indeed, he's not as young as he used to be.
"However, consider this just a warm-up, kid. Don't let your guard down!"
Zephyr's eyes narrowed, and his fists, tightly clenched, were swiftly enveloped in Armament Haki. The dark color seeped in gradually, just the right amount.
This demonstrates Zephyr's ability to stand at the pinnacle of the world in mastering Armament Haki. The piercing and devastating force of his Ultimate makes it challenging for anyone to confront him directly!
"It's indeed an exhilarating clash..."
Atlas is a man who doesn't tolerate shortcomings. He excels in both swordsmanship and physical prowess, leaving no room for compromises!
Continuing the same rhythm, Armament Haki surged, arms solidified, and red light meandered in the shadows. The quality of Armament Haki, matching Zephyr in every aspect, streamed forth deliberately.
Boom!
Almost simultaneously, they closed in, and their fists collided. One was agile, the other robust. Their Armament Haki, tinted in two distinct colors, clashed. Both employed the advanced Armament Haki technique – Internal Destruction!
Clang! Clang! Clang!
It resembled two arms of steel entwining and colliding, the continuous clatter of metal and iron resonating and rattling the eardrums of the surrounding recruits.
Between the shadowy fists and trajectory-free evasions, the two clashed in no fewer than a hundred exchanges, leaving the surroundings filled with flying sand and rocks, creating a chaotic scene.
Hahahaha! Your Armament Haki has made significant progress. It looks like you've learned a lot from that old chap Shiki!"
Zephyr's heart brimmed with delight. Simultaneously, he found himself greatly astonished by Atlas's dedication to mastering Armament Haki. Once something like Armament Haki was introduced, the rest was merely a matter of perseverance.
Certainly, battling against the formidable undoubtedly accelerates this process.
The strong will only unsheath their swords against the stronger!
----------
Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari