Two years passed in the blink of an eye, and under relentless training, Satoru's strength had grown at a monstrous rate. Compared to the other students, his progress was unparalleled. Despite their own steady growth, the gap between them and Satoru was now even more pronounced than it had been two years ago.
If they attempted another group battle today, the result would remain unchanged. Satoru would dismantle them with the same ease—perhaps even faster than before. His punches landed like fate itself, inevitable and overwhelming.
Zefa, watching Satoru's progress over the years, couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and disbelief. His once-promising student had far surpassed expectations. While Satoru hadn't yet reached the strength of an admiral, his combat abilities were terrifying. With his enhanced **Black Flash Finger Gun**, his attack power rivaled that of an experienced vice admiral.
---
On the day of their long-awaited graduation, Zefa stood before the elite students on the training grounds.
"Today marks your graduation," he announced in his commanding voice.
Excitement rippled through the group, lighting up their faces—everyone except Satoru, who remained composed, his arms crossed. These students had spent years in rigorous training and now stood ready to serve as naval officers.
But Zefa's next words wiped away their smiles.
"Before you officially graduate, there's one final test: the graduation assessment."
A heavy silence fell over the group.
"This assessment isn't a mock battle or a staged scenario. It's the real deal. You will engage with actual pirates. There is risk. There is danger. And there is no guarantee of survival. If you're wiped out, no one will hold me responsible. The blame lies with your lack of strength and preparation."
Gasps and whispers spread through the students. Memories of the previous elite class surfaced. They had faced a deadly pirate crew during their assessment—a crew with three members who each had bounties exceeding 100 million berries. Nearly half of that class perished, and Zefa himself had been forced to intervene to save the survivors.
"This year, I won't accompany you," Zefa continued. "You will be sent as an independent naval fleet. If you encounter a foe beyond your ability, you may call for reinforcements. But whether those reinforcements arrive in time is up to your luck... and your ability to survive."
His gaze swept across the group, his sharp eyes daring anyone to falter.
"This assessment will test not only your strength but your resolve as well. Those who cannot handle this are unworthy of graduation."
The students stiffened, some nodding with determination, others visibly nervous.
---
Chris, one of the students, raised his hand.
"Sensei," he began cautiously, "will Satoru be joining us on this mission?"
All eyes turned to Zefa, hoping for the answer they desperately wanted. Satoru, despite being younger than the rest of them, was undeniably the strongest in their group. His presence alone would make the mission feel less like a suicide pact.
Zefa's lips curled into a smirk.
"Of course he will. Even though he's younger, his strength has already surpassed most of you. If not for waiting on you lot, he would've graduated long ago."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the group. If Satoru was coming, there was hope.
"You're the best teacher, Sensei!" one student exclaimed.
Zefa's face darkened.
"Don't flatter yourselves. Just because you have Satoru doesn't mean you can slack off! Weakness is weakness. Don't hide behind him!"
The students grimaced. Zefa's scolding was legendary, and today was no exception.
---
Zefa continued with a sharp tone, "Tomorrow, you will depart on a warship. Your target is the **Evil Skull Pirates**, a notorious group led by a captain with a bounty of 320 million berries. Their vice-captain is no pushover either, with a bounty of 130 million."
The air grew tense. Even the most confident students couldn't help but feel apprehensive. Pirates of this caliber were typically handled by experienced rear admirals or vice admirals—not fresh graduates.
But as their eyes shifted to Satoru, standing calm and unaffected, understanding dawned. This wasn't just their graduation test—it was his too.
Satoru smirked, excitement gleaming in his pale blue eyes. **"Pirates with bounties over 100 million, huh? This might finally be interesting."**
---
Zefa stepped forward, his tone softening slightly.
"Remember, you are my students. You were selected as the best among hundreds of thousands of recruits. Fear has no place here. Others might falter, but you must not."
His words stirred a flicker of courage in their hearts, though for Satoru, it was more of a reminder to stay awake.
---
As the group dispersed to prepare for the mission, Zefa pulled Satoru aside.
"You understand what I'm entrusting you with, don't you?" Zefa asked, his voice low but firm.
Satoru adjusted his sunglasses, his expression turning serious for a moment.
"Don't worry, Master. Unless we run into someone from the New World, no one's stopping us. I'll make sure they all come back."
Zefa nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Despite his gruff demeanor, he couldn't hide the pride he felt for his monstrous apprentice.