007 Apprenticeship, A Step Closer

In the afternoon, the summer breeze gently stirred. It was the hour of midday rest. Since morning, under Xuan Ye's leadership, many cadets had over-fulfilled their assignments, so Zephyr had specially granted them two extra hours of respite after lunch.

Zephyr understood well that training must balance exertion and relaxation; after all, not everyone could be a madman like Xuan Ye.

Standing beneath verdant trees, Zephyr’s sharp gaze lingered on the youth sweating beneath the scorching sun. The boy seemed inexhaustible; though his muscles twitched with fatigue, his formidable will kept him going for two full hours without pause.

“What drives you to such lengths? What kind of strength have your loved ones given you?” Zephyr murmured to himself. Though Xuan Ye's abilities at this moment were still ordinary, Zephyr believed that one day, Xuan Ye would carve out a place for himself in the world.

“With such courage, I will teach you without reservation. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to take on a disciple.” Watching the boy persist on the field, Zephyr was deeply moved. He resolved to accept this determined young man as his student.

He walked forward, catching the sound of ragged breaths: “Nine hundred and seven... nine hundred and eight... one thousand...”

Xuan Ye was doing push-ups, a massive slab of refined iron strapped to his back, sweat pouring like rain.

With a thud, Xuan Ye collapsed, unable to support himself any longer, his chest heaving violently.

Pain and weakness wracked his body; the unending training had left him exhausted in both body and spirit.

“No, it’s still not enough. If I want to become strong, I must push harder. For Xiao Xi, for the future, I have to quicken my pace.”

Trembling, Xuan Ye tried to push himself up to continue.

At that moment, a large hand gently seized his arm.

Turning his head with difficulty, Xuan Ye looked at Zephyr in confusion.

"Rest a while. I have something to discuss with you," said Zephyr, meeting his gaze with a gentle smile.

Beneath the green trees, Xuan Ye and Zephyr sat face to face, legs crossed.

"Teacher Zephyr, what are your instructions?" Xuan Ye's face was flushed, likely from the exertion; his blood had yet to settle from the training.

"Why do you train so desperately?" Zephyr’s presence radiated serenity, like that of an ordinary uncle, impossible to dislike.

"To become strong." Xuan Ye brushed his bangs from his forehead, his expression calm.

"To become strong is, indeed, a good reason," Zephyr nodded, then his tone grew solemn. "Perhaps I haven't known you long enough to judge your character, but I can tell you are not content with mediocrity.

“I don't know whether you’ll turn out good or bad, but let me say this: whatever you do in the future, never go against your conscience. As for loyalty to the Navy or the government, given your disposition, I doubt that’s possible."

Xuan Ye opened his mouth to speak, but Zephyr stopped him.

"There's no need to be so guarded. I know a great deal about the World Government, but that’s beyond you for now. I just want to know—if you had great power, what would you do? Would you become a Marine? A pirate? Or something else entirely?" Zephyr straightened, his expression more earnest than ever.

Xuan Ye pondered for a moment, then looked up. His bright eyes blazed like stars. "If I possessed power, I would only wish to save Xiao Xi, to protect those I love. No matter who it is—pirate or Marine—if anyone harms those I care for, I will stop at nothing to destroy them.

"As for being a pirate, a Marine, or anything else, I have no interest. I only want to live a quiet life with those dear to me. In short, if others leave me be, I will not trouble them. As for ambition, if I have one, it's simply this: that those I care for may live peacefully in this world."

"That is my purpose for becoming strong. Perhaps as a Marine Admiral you may disagree, but I say it all the same."

He looked earnestly at Zephyr, gambling that Zephyr was never fully loyal to the Navy; after all, in the future, he would defect.

“Ha! What an unexpected answer. So in your worldview, only those you care about matter. I never thought someone could spurn the lure of power. Tell me, would you be willing to take me as your master?”

The words struck like thunder from a clear sky. Xuan Ye was momentarily stunned, then overcome with excitement. In his mind, only one sentence echoed: “Would you be willing to take me as your master?”

With no hesitation, Xuan Ye dropped to his knees, trembling, and kowtowed three times.

Zephyr quickly helped him up, smiling. “There’s no need for all that. Just promise me you won’t slaughter innocents or act recklessly in the future.”

“A teacher for a day, a father for life. In my homeland, a mentor is like a parent. What’s more, to be chosen by you is a great honor. I, Xuan Ye, swear: if others do not offend me, I will not offend them.”

His voice was resolute; Xuan Ye was a man of loyalty and would keep his word.

“Good, very good. From now on, you have your master at your back. As long as you do not betray your conscience, I will support you unconditionally. From now on, I will call you Ye.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Since that’s settled, come to me after supper and I’ll share with you my insights on training. The rest is up to you; all I can do is help you avoid some wrong turns.”

“Yes…” Xuan Ye bowed respectfully, then said, “I’ll return to training now.”

“Go on,” Zephyr replied warmly, waving his hand.

And so, while others rested in the afternoon, Xuan Ye trained. While others trained, he trained still. No matter the hour, the other cadets could always find that madman at the training grounds.

As dusk fell and night descended, after finishing his day’s training, Xuan Ye ran excitedly toward Zephyr’s residence.

“Come in,” came Zephyr’s voice as soon as Xuan Ye entered the garden.

Without hesitation, Xuan Ye opened the door and stepped into the hall.

“Master.”

“Sit,” Zephyr smiled at the breathless Xuan Ye. Clearly, Xuan Ye’s eager desire for strength pleased him greatly.

“Ye, what do you think is the key to becoming strong?” Zephyr wasted no time and went straight to the point.

“It’s the body, I suppose; the body is the foundation of everything,” Xuan Ye replied after a moment’s thought.

“Correct. The first thing is physical strength. Don’t think you can slack off just because you have a Devil Fruit.

“All power is a mirage, fleeting as a flower, without a strong enough body to wield it.”

Time passed as Zephyr spoke at length while Xuan Ye listened intently. Even if some things he already knew, hearing them from Zephyr’s mouth was a valuable review.

“Master, may I begin training in the Six Powers now?” Xuan Ye asked, barely able to contain his excitement.

“With your physical strength, coupled with that remarkable regeneration from your Devil Fruit, you’re ready,” Zephyr replied with a satisfied smile. He was happy to see Xuan Ye’s enthusiasm.

“Ordinarily, the Six Powers are the Navy’s most advanced body techniques, reserved only for those who have contributed greatly or reached the rank of Commodore. But as my disciple, you have that privilege.”

“Thank you, Master. But I have another question.” Xuan Ye did his best to suppress his excitement and looked at Zephyr.

“Ask away.” Zephyr was gratified by his student’s thirst for knowledge.

“What is Haki, truly? I know there are three types: Conqueror’s, Observation, and Armament, but I don’t know how to understand or train in them.”

“Oh? You know quite a bit. Let me explain.

“Conqueror’s Haki is said to belong only to those with the spirit of a king. It is a manifestation of will and spirit, one in a million. This Haki can only awaken naturally; as for training it, I have no method.

“Observation Haki is an extension of the mind and senses. Once awakened, it allows you in battle to foresee your opponent’s next move.

“Armament Haki is an energy within the body, able to form an invisible armor. It enhances both defense and attack, but most importantly, it can strike the true body of Logia users, preventing them from turning into their element. It is an indispensable power…”

Many questions and doubts were addressed; Xuan Ye absorbed Zephyr’s teachings like a sponge.

“All right, go digest this knowledge. Tomorrow night we’ll put it into practice; only through battle can you truly understand.”

“Thank you, Master. I’ll take my leave.” Bowing low, Xuan Ye left, eager to reflect on all he had learned.

…