"What… is this?"
Zefa's usually calm demeanor faltered as he felt an invisible gap between himself and Satoru. This sensation was entirely foreign—utterly beyond his experience, even after years of encountering Devil Fruit users on the seas.
"It's the concept of infinity between you and me," Satoru explained calmly. "Though I doubt you'd understand even if I elaborated."
Zefa furrowed his brow. "Infinity?" He tilted his head in confusion, feeling as though Satoru were speaking a foreign language. The abstract explanation only frustrated Zefa further, whose straightforward mind preferred action over cryptic riddles.
Satoru smirked. "To put it simply, Master Zefa, as long as I choose, you will never touch me. The only way to bypass this is with the advanced application of Conqueror's Haki—something very few in this world possess."
Zefa's eyes narrowed at the revelation, his expression shifting from confusion to amazement. "You're telling me that unless someone is capable of *wrapping their Conqueror's Haki*, they can't even scratch you?"
"Exactly," Satoru confirmed with a nod.
For a moment, Zefa stood in stunned silence, then burst into laughter. "You brat, that's ridiculous! It's almost unfair!"
The more Zefa observed Satoru, the more satisfied he felt. His ability wasn't just a quirk; it was revolutionary—a power that could shape the tides of war itself. The idea of pirates being unable to land a single hit on Satoru brought a grin to Zefa's face.
Nearby, Sengoku, who had been silently observing the exchange, felt a surge of realization. No wonder there's no historical record of the Satoru clan. A power like this… it must have threatened the balance of the world. Perhaps they were eliminated for being too dangerous.
Zefa's gaze returned to Satoru, and his expression grew serious. "Kid, I've decided—I want you as my apprentice. Will you become my disciple?"
Satoru looked up at the towering instructor, his gaze steady. "You… want me as your apprentice?"
"That's right!" Zefa nodded, his tone firm. "With your talent, you'll surpass even Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan. But don't just take my word for it—will you accept?"
Without hesitation, Satoru responded, "I do."
Zefa's booming laugh echoed through the training ground. "Good, good! You're my first disciple, so you better live up to it! If you don't surpass those three, I'll lose face!"
"Don't worry, Master," Satoru replied confidently. "I'll become the strongest."
Zefa smiled, clapping Satoru on the shoulder—only to find his hand stopping midair. He laughed awkwardly. "Right… your ability. Guess I'll have to ask for permission to touch my own student!"
Satoru chuckled and deactivated his infinite barrier. "It's fine now."
Zefa tested it by patting Satoru on the shoulder. This time, his hand made contact. Satisfied, he gave Satoru a series of enthusiastic slaps, causing the younger man to flinch.
"Instructor, if you keep this up, my shoulder's going to fall off!" Satoru protested, quickly reactivating his ability.
Zefa paused mid-pat, his hand meeting the invisible barrier once more. "Hahaha! My bad, I got carried away. You've got an interesting way of keeping people in check, I'll give you that."
As the laughter settled, Zefa's expression turned serious again. "Satoru, from now on, you'll follow my guidance. You'll attend the Naval Academy to learn the basics, but after that, I'll give you private training. If you want to reach your potential, you'll need to endure hardships far beyond what others face."
Satoru nodded, his resolve unwavering. "Understood, Master. But I'll also need time to hone my abilities each day."
Zefa stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Fair enough. Your power is unique, and mastering it should take priority. We'll balance it with your physical training."
For someone who had always criticized Devil Fruit users for relying too much on their powers, Zefa found himself making an exception for Satoru. Unlike other abilities, Satoru's infinity was a fundamental game-changer, and Zefa knew it.
As they walked off the training grounds together, Zefa couldn't help but grin. The future was bright, and with Satoru by his side, he felt a renewed sense of hope for the Navy.
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For every 10,50,100,150,200 so one I'll release 1 extra chapter (^^)
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