Over the years, Sengoku and Zephyr, the prominent figures of the headquarters, had constantly been concerned about the new generation of the Marines.
Although the overall strength of the Marines had not declined, and in fact, continued to grow.
This was due to Akainu and the other three Admirals being in their prime, at the peak of their combat abilities.
However, Sengoku and Zephyr were forced to admit that after Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji, no new generation of exceptional geniuses on the level of "monsters" had appeared in the Marines.
While individuals like Gion, Jacket, Smoker, and Drake were considered excellent talents, they were still far from the level of these "monsters."
If the peak power of Akainu and the others began to decline, and the new generation of Marines couldn't keep up, the Navy might face a severe crisis, gradually descending into weakness.
In contrast, the pirates were continuously flourishing.
Over the years, many new, exceptionally strong talents had appeared among them. Recently, the landscape of the New World had changed drastically.
Shanks, the former trainee under Roger, now the leader of the Red-Haired Pirates, had officially become the new Sea Emperor, the fourth after Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom.
These four were now referred to as the 'Yonko (Four Emperors)', the rulers of the seas!
Sengoku, with excitement, said, "Good, good, good!" Then, announcing before all the new recruits, "New soldier, Rorschach, listen to your orders. Starting today, your military rank is promoted to Major of the Headquarters!"
"From tomorrow, you will begin special training under Zephyr's supervision!"
"Major... Major?"
Rorschach blinked, staring at the enthusiastic Sengoku, wondering if he had misheard.
When Sengoku and Zephyr saw the puzzled expression on his face, they exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.
"Boy, you didn't mishear. You are now a Major of the Headquarters."
"This year, you apprehended over three thousand pirates causing chaos in the North Blue." "You killed Meg Jones, who committed numerous massacres."
"And during the Prince Kingdom incident, you led from the front, fearless of sacrifice, bravely fighting, and performing excellently."
"Moreover, your outstanding performance today and your personal strength, which surpasses most of the new recruits, have led us, after consulting with Zephyr and Garp, to promote your rank to officer level."
Sengoku smiled, his tone turning serious as he looked at Rorschach, "But don't get too caught up in the rank. The most important thing now is developing your strength. You still have a long way to go, and focusing on administrative matters now could slow your progress."
"When you graduate from Zephyr's training, you'll be assigned missions that match your military capabilities and character."
Sengoku then turned toward Akainu and asked, "Sakazuki, what do you think?"
Akainu responded calmly, "I have no objections."
Zephyr stepped forward, taking the double-edged weapon from Rorschach's hand, saying, "This weapon looks somewhat familiar."
As Garp scratched his nose, he said, "Yeah, it's familiar... Isn't that the national treasure of the Flower Kingdom?"
"National treasure of the Flower Kingdom?" Rorschach asked in surprise, "Didn't Uncle Adela say this weapon was taken from the hands of great pirates? How is it now the Flower Kingdom's treasure?"
Zephyr replied, "While it's true that this weapon belonged to great pirates, it's also the national treasure of the Flower Kingdom. It's one of the ancient weapons classified among the 21 Great Swords and is called Tenryū no Yari (Heavenly Dragon Spear). Even though the great pirates never revealed their origins, we believe they had significant connections to the Flower Kingdom due to their ongoing relationship with Chinjao."
Garp laughed, saying, "Chinjao? I crushed his head with my fist, hahaha. He's probably retired at home now."
Zephyr smiled, adding, "This weapon seems perfect for you, Rorschach."
Sengoku took the spear and examined it carefully for a moment, noting the intricate black sheen on the blade and couldn't help but express his admiration.
"This spear isn't just any weapon; it's likely close to becoming a black blade, given the powerful aura it contains."
"A black blade?!" Rorschach exclaimed in shock, "Was Wang Zhi that powerful? His weapon is almost like a black blade?"
A black blade is a weapon formed through the infusion of strong Armament Haki over many years. It is usually endowed with extremely unique and powerful characteristics. For example, the national treasure of Wano Country, the black sword Shusui.
It is known for its exceptional hardness and durability. Even if a dinosaur were to step on its blade, it wouldn't bend even a millimeter.
And also the black sword Yoru, wielded by the world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk. Though its properties are unknown, it is considered one of the 12 Supreme Grade Blades, which says enough.
"This spear wasn't just used by Wang Zhi alone. Over hundreds of years, it has been wielded by many powerful warriors from the Flower Kingdom. Its power has been nourished through these fighters," Sengoku said with a smile as he returned the spear to Rorschach.
"And now, it's your turn to wield this weapon. I hope it witnesses its final transformation in your hands, becoming a black blade."
"That's too soon. I haven't even mastered Armament Haki yet," Rorschach hesitated.
"Three days," Zephyr said, holding up three fingers. "I'll awaken your Armament Haki in three days."
"Th-three days?!" Rorschach said, bewildered.
"Why so surprised? I am Zephyr the Black Arm! Sakazuki, you have some free time in the next two days, don't you? I'll need your help," Zephyr said, looking at Akainu.
"Agreed," Akainu replied briefly.
"But... Uncle Kuzan told me I couldn't awaken Armament Haki because my body hasn't reached the breaking point yet," Rorschach hesitated again.
"Kuzan? He knows nothing about Haki." Before Rorschach could finish speaking, Zephyr laughed, raising his exposed arm, which instantly turned a dark, inky color.
"I've spent my life studying martial arts and aura. I even gave up the chance to gain several exceptional Devil Fruit abilities to refine my immense strength."
"Boy, let me tell you something: don't rely too much on Devil Fruit abilities. In this world, Haki is the force that surpasses everything!"
Rorschach looked at Zephyr's steel-like mechanical arm, feeling the immense power within it, and knew deep down that the strength contained in that arm was something he couldn't match with even a single blow.
Garp laughed loudly, saying, "That's right! Haki is the fundamental power every fighter needs!"
Rorschach whispered shyly, "But I think some Devil Fruit abilities are strong too..."
"What?" Zephyr and Garp glared at him sharply, causing Rorschach to tremble.
Garp stepped forward, grabbed his shoulder, and dragged him to the training grounds. "Boy, experience is the only proof. Since you don't believe it, I'll let you experience the power of Haki firsthand."
Zephyr followed, chewing on a piece of moss, his mechanical arm swinging behind him.
"Sir, I was just joking. I never said Haki wasn't important."
Rorschach was on the verge of tears.
"My God! Why did I say that in front of these two men who don't rely on Devil Fruit powers?"
They had spent their entire lives mastering martial arts and Haki, and despite not having Devil Fruit abilities, they had defeated the most renowned warriors of the seas.
(End of Chapter)
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