Chapter 3: The First Step

The next day, beneath the blazing sun, Marineford stood tall—a colossal fortress emanating undeniable authority. Here, one could feel uprightness, grandeur, and overwhelming might at every moment.

The streets, sprawling like a continent, crisscrossed through the town, lending it vibrant prosperity. The inner district was primarily home to the families of naval personnel, while deeper within resided the upper echelons—commodores, rear admirals, vice admirals, and even admirals and fleet commanders. The outer district accommodated civilians with distant ties to the Navy; it was also a bustling marketplace. Altogether, the enormous fortress housed at least three to four hundred thousand people, including the Navy itself.

Walking along these lively streets, Xuan Ye’s expression flickered with uncertainty. “Fortunately, this is Navy Headquarters. Here, learning the Six Powers should be much easier. If I were at a branch, it would be far more troublesome—and I don't have much time left.”

“First, I’ll seek out Tsuru. I don’t know if she’ll help, but I have to try. No opportunity can be wasted.” Gritting his teeth, Xuan Ye made up his mind. Though the taste of begging was bitter, there was no other option.

As for approaching someone else, such as the bold and generous figures like Garp—forget it. It was simply unrealistic. Why would they help him? Imagination was one thing; reality another. Xuan Ye had always understood this truth. Moreover, even Tsuru, whom he met only once, might not aid him—let alone anyone else.

Truthfully, Xuan Ye could forgo asking for help entirely; he could enlist directly. But that would waste too much time. His aim was the Naval Academy—there, he knew, lay methods for honing the Six Powers or Haki. If he could enter, his own effort would surely yield greater progress.

Most importantly, he lacked any background. To rise, hard work wasn’t enough; he needed to stand out and attract the attention of those above. If they saw him as worth cultivating, the situation would transform—from earth to sky.

Within the inner district—the zone of naval officers—Xuan Ye waited quietly at the gate, awaiting the guard’s announcement.

“You may enter. Vice Admiral Tsuru is in Building A at the center.”

“Thank you.” With a polite nod, Xuan Ye strode straight ahead.

Small bridges crossed streams, verdant foliage abounded, and stone paths branched in all directions. Buildings stood firm at every turn.

“Knock… knock…” Standing at the door, Xuan Ye knocked, signaling his arrival.

“The door isn’t locked—come in.” The voice was calm and harmonious, carrying a sense of wisdom.

Upon hearing it, Xuan Ye slowly pushed open the door. He knew that from the moment he stepped in, every move of his would be under Tsuru’s scrutiny; moments ago, he’d felt several unusual waves. If he guessed right, it was Observation Haki.

Xuan Ye recognized these waves because the Devil Fruit he consumed not only strengthened his body, but heightened his senses and spirit. Devil Fruits are classified into three: Logia, Paramecia, and Zoan. Zoan-type fruits excel in stamina, recovery, endurance, and vitality—surpassing the other types, save for a few exceptions.

Thus, Xuan Ye was no longer ordinary; what he lacked was experience and training.

“Sit down. What brings you here?” Tsuru sat on the sofa, her eyes full of interest as she regarded the singular youth before her.

“I wish to join the Navy.” Xuan Ye spoke his purpose directly. With Tsuru’s keen intellect, lying would be pointless.

“Oh? You’re quite clever.” With only those words, Tsuru deduced Xuan Ye’s intentions. There were many ways to join the Navy—but only shortcuts and roundabout paths. Xuan Ye wisely sought the shortcut.

“But you’re just an ordinary person, and your age is somewhat advanced. Your foundation is lacking.” Tsuru neither refused nor agreed, but instead fixed her gaze on Xuan Ye.

“In this world, there are many ways to strengthen one’s foundation—such as… Devil Fruits.” As he spoke, golden-red flames engulfed Xuan Ye’s body, a wave of heat rushing toward Tsuru.

“Fss… fss…” The sound of all things burning filled the room momentarily. In a flash, everything except the area around Tsuru was reduced to ashes.

“Put it away.” Tsuru’s voice was calm; she stared at Xuan Ye, her interest piqued.

“Apologies—I can’t yet control these flames.” With a thought, the searing golden-red fire surged back into Xuan Ye’s body.

“Flames? Logia?” Tsuru was somewhat excited, paying no mind to the acrid smoke filling the room. For her, discovering a Logia user with such potential outweighed any inconvenience.

Naval Academy currently boasted two Logia monsters: Sakazuki, with Magma-Magma powers, and Kizaru, the Light-Light user. Both would become future admirals, their power unmatched, and both Logia types—so it was easy to see why Tsuru was so thrilled.

“I’m sorry—I’m not a Logia, but an Ancient Zoan, the Flame Bird that manipulates fire.” Xuan Ye’s face remained unchanged as he concealed a part of the truth. Ancient and Mythical Zoans, without the means for self-protection, were best kept discreet.

As for making a splash, now was not the time. If he wanted attention from the upper ranks, opportunities would come later. Right now, entering the Academy was his sole objective.

“Oh.” Tsuru was visibly disappointed, but soon she brightened. “Ancient Zoan is still a rare Devil Fruit. With Zoan recovery and endurance, you can last longer than ordinary people, and injuries will heal faster.”

“But why should I help you? If I’m not mistaken, your eagerness to grow stronger is to find that girl—you have a purpose for joining the Navy. You wish to use us.” Tsuru’s eyes narrowed, fixing Xuan Ye with immense pressure.

“If you had no purpose, you wouldn’t have spent so much time talking to a stranger like me.” Xuan Ye’s face was calm, utterly candid.

“Not bad, not bad…” Tsuru regarded him, speaking at last. “I can help you, but you must agree to two conditions.”

“One.” Xuan Ye’s tone brooked no argument, his brows furrowed in resolve.

“Very well—just one.” Tsuru’s eyes gleamed, nodding in direct agreement.

“Are you wondering why I agreed so quickly and didn’t bargain? After all, you’re here seeking my help.”

“I’m not curious. These things don’t interest me. I only know that whatever promise I make, as long as it’s within my capacity, even if it means death—I’ll fulfill it.”

“You astonish me more and more—not only do you have potential, but your mind is first-rate. Let’s wait and see; I hope you reach your goal.” Tsuru’s eyes remained sharp, for she knew she had uncovered a monster. “Tomorrow morning, come with me to the Academy. There, you will take your first step.”

“Thank you.” With a slight bow, Xuan Ye departed with a calm demeanor.

Tsuru watched his retreating figure and murmured, “What a terrifying youth. Who knows if the choice I made today is right or wrong.”

Drawing a deep breath and stepping out of the inner district, Xuan Ye glanced back at the building behind him, his gaze fierce. “She truly is the Navy’s strategist—the pressure she exerts is not easy to bear.”

It was clear—his back was soaked in sweat.

“But, I’ve finally taken the first step. Xiaoxi, wait for me.”

With resolute strides, he moved farther away, ready to pay any price for this.

…