The establishment of the youth training program was one of the Marine's most significant recent events. After all, it concerned the future cultivation of talent—so much so that they even pulled Zephyr out of retirement for it. Seizing this opportunity, Michael began placing his own people within the Marine. For instance, the sisters Monet and Sugar were sent over to study after Michael notified Ginny, who arranged for their transfer through one of the Four Blues' affiliated nations… After all, this was Zephyr's training class—why pass up such a golden chance? However, Michael hadn't anticipated Tashigi's inclusion. Given that nations across the Four Blues had their own recommendation rights, this wasn't unexpected. Yet, Zoro and Kuina weren't recommended—likely because Koushirou didn't agreed. But that was just as well. For prodigies in swordsmanship, there was arguably no better mentor than Koushirou at the moment. "This year's youth training program… seems to have drawn attention not just from the Marine itself, but also from many nations eager to establish ties by recommending talents," Crocodile remarked, lounging elegantly to the side, her domineering yet graceful figure on full display. "Your performance at the Reverie has certainly stirred those kings into action." "Let them act. Movement brings benefits," Michael chuckled. "I'd be more worried if they stayed dead silent." With Crocodile and Stella's assistance, Michael sorted through the youth program's candidate files. But before long, the door burst open as a reckless figure charged in. "Father! Did you forget about me!? I'm still young too! Why isn't my name on the youth program list!?" The intruder was none other than Michael's self-proclaimed daughter, Angel D. Yamato. The girl barged in, her kanabo "Aken" slung over her shoulder, her face a picture of frantic urgency. Behind her loomed another massive figure— Jack, looking just as aggrieved as her! Clearly, he was here for the same reason. Michael's eye twitched at the sight of these two, who should've been part of the Beast Pirates. "What are you two even doing? What business do you have with the youth program?" Michael massaged his temples at the sheer absurdity. "One of you has mastered all three Haki types, the other excels in two—what's the point of joining a beginner's class!?" "But we're still young! We're only sixteen! That Monet girl is already eighteen, and she got in!" "Age has nothing to do with it, you idiots!" Michael leapt up and delivered a swift chop to Yamato's forehead. "I told you—you're both way too strong! Forget these untrained rookies—even among elite vice admirals, how many could confidently claim they could take you down?" "If it hurts, then use your brain!" Michael rolled his eyes. "That Monet you mentioned might be eighteen, but she's never had formal training. All she has is her Snow-Snow Fruit ability…" Stella and Crocodile exchanged helpless smiles at Yamato and Jack's antics. These two were utterly oblivious to just how overpowered—and ridiculous—they were. Hearing Michael's reasoning, Jack nudged Yamato's head. "Yamato… I think Vice Admiral Michael has a point…" "So what if it makes sense! Do you really want to keep lazing around in the training grounds!?" "Hiss..." Jack sucked in a sharp breath. If he stayed in the training grounds any longer, he'd probably end up wrecking Amazon Lily's facilities again, which would mean another beating from Hancock... Michael shook his head as he watched the two idiots loudly scheming. These two were clearly just bored out of their minds in the Paradise or Marine HQ and wanted something to do. "Alright, enough with the good cop bad cop routine in front of me..." Michael glanced at the list in his hand before placing it on the desk. "Where to!?" Yamato, who had been whining and half-dead just moments ago, immediately sprang back to full energy. "To welcome back our dear Instructor Zephyr, of course." In a remote area of the Grand Line. A Marine warship sailed across the sea. This vessel was significantly larger than standard warships but had almost no artillery placements. It looked more like a transport ship than a battleship. This was the specially customized ship assigned to former Marine Admiral, now Chief Instructor of all forces - Zephyr. It allowed him to take entire elite training squads on expeditions across the seas. "Report, Instructor Zephyr! According to intelligence, there's an isolated island 50 kilometers ahead - the base of the Barrel Pirates! Captain Gragas, bounty 75 million berries!" "Estimated crew size?" "Unclear, they've been actively recruiting... but conservative estimates suggest at least 200 pirates!" "Excellent! This pirate crew's strength is perfect for your current training level... but remember! No matter the opponent, you must give your all. As the saying goes, 'Even a lion must use full strength to catch a rabbit'!" Follow current novels on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝙣𝙚𝙩 "Yes! Instructor Zephyr!" The blue-haired girl at the front responded with particular vigor. Zephyr nodded approvingly at the blue-haired girl. Ain, the top trainee of this elite training squad. Possessing the powers of the Modo-modo Fruit while also being a master swordsman. With both Devil Fruit abilities and physical combat skills developing equally, she was exactly the type Zephyr appreciated. With steady growth, becoming a Vice Admiral would just be a matter of time. But... that would likely be her ceiling. Becoming an Admiral... was far beyond her reach. She couldn't compare to monsters like Sakazuki, Kuzan and Borsalino, nor even the slightly inferior Momousagi and Chaton. Still, Zephyr was satisfied. After decades in education, he knew this was already exceptional talent among ordinary people. Those who could become Admirals or Admiral candidates were once-in-a-generation prodigies - not something you encountered easily. Zephyr considered himself incredibly fortunate to have trained three Admirals and two Admiral candidates under his guidance. "Instructor Zephyr, I'll go prepare the assault plan now." "Good, make sure to prioritize safety." Ain saluted Zephyr and the person behind him before leaving the cabin. Zephyr turned around with a smile, "Well old friend, what do you think of my students?" "Hmph, just average." Garp curled his lips. "My prized disciples are the red-hot 'Songstress' and the Empress of Amazon lily!" "Should I mention my own students then?" "...That would be cheating, wouldn't it?" "So you do know it's cheating!" ----------------------------- Read 40 chapters ahead and support me on . (.)com/Newbietranslator