Zephyr stood on deck with a big grin, watching Binz and the others capturing the pirates one by one.
These pirates all deserved it — capturing them not only helped maintain order but also brought in bounty money to support academy expenses.
Ren kept his hands in his pockets, completely uninterested in dealing with these small fry.
"Be careful not to kill them. They're worth money. Cuff them all and lock them in the brig!"
Zephyr hated slaughter and disliked abusing prisoners even more.
He believed killing only bred more hatred, so it was better to turn them in for the bounty.
That's how he earned the nickname "The Admiral Who Doesn't Kill."
"Tch, Zephyr-sensei is way too soft! These guys deserve to die!"
A cadet whose parents had been killed by pirates angrily kicked a captured pirate and grumbled.
"Exactly! These evil pirates deserve death!"
Many Marines had personal grudges against pirates. Among the current batch of cadets, several had lost loved ones to them.
Zephyr knew full well what the cadets whispered in private.
Everyone had their own view of justice. Zephyr only sought to uphold his own version of it with his own hands.
"Ren, what do you think about the word 'justice'?"
Zephyr suddenly turned and asked.
He had never questioned Ren's views on justice before. But now that Ren's strength was enough to influence others, his opinion mattered.
"...You might not like my answer," Ren said hesitantly.
"Oh? So you think the justice I uphold is wrong?"
Ren thought for a moment, then replied, "Let me put it this way — people say the Marines stand for justice, and pirates represent evil."
"But I think… that's just from the Marines' point of view. Justice and evil aren't defined by what side you're on. They're defined by the person."
"There are plenty of scumbags in the Marines. And there are also pirates who act with honor and righteousness."
"So to me? Justice is bullshit. I just do what I believe is right."
"Haha! That's quite a rebellious way to put it. But… if your master heard that, I bet he'd agree."
Zephyr laughed heartily. Ren's perspective really was close to Garp's.
Screw good and evil — if I like you, you're on the side of justice.
As the Marine Academy's warship approached the edge of the Grand Line, the pirate encounters became more frequent — and more dangerous.
Still, after enough exposure, the cadets had gotten used to the capture missions.
There was a training room in the lower decks. Right now, Ren and Ain were sparring blindfolded.
Ever since Ain had awakened her Observation Haki, Ren often trained with her like this.
"Wait — something's happening outside."
Ren's Observation Haki had detected a powerful energy surge several kilometers away. He immediately stopped sparring and rushed to the deck.
Zephyr was already there, eyes locked onto the horizon.
"Sensei, they're not friendly. We should be careful," Ren said quietly.
"Hm. You sensed it too, huh? Your Observation Haki has grown fast."
Zephyr was pleased. For someone who had only awakened it a year ago, Ren's range was terrifying.
Thankfully… he was on their side.
In the distance, pirate ships were rapidly approaching across the sea.
"Sensei, pirates incoming!"
A lookout shouted the warning. The alarm horns began blaring.
"Whoa, so many pirate ships! Are they coming to die?"
"Perfect! We'll capture them all — I'm gonna enjoy this!"
"Hard to starboard! Quickly!"
But then came a surprising order from Zephyr — one that shocked everyone.
"Avoid the ship at the front! Now!"
"Zephyr-sensei? Isn't that one of theirs?"
"Didn't you hear my order?! Do it!"
Zephyr barked angrily.
"Hard starboard! Evade the lead ship!"
"Whitebeard Jr.?"
Ren's eyes narrowed as he recognized the massive silhouette in the distance.
So his long-held suspicion was correct — in the original story, it was Whitebeard Jr. who attacked Zephyr's training vessel.
On the rapidly approaching pirate ship stood two figures.
One was a grotesque old woman, short and hunched, with a vicious gleam in her eyes.
Beside her stood a huge man — or more accurately, a massively overweight one. While his upper body was bloated with muscle and fat, his legs were so thin it was a wonder they could support his frame.
"Mom, are those Marines up ahead our target?"
"That's right. I heard they're cadets from the Marine Academy. Perfect practice for you. This is your chance to make a name for yourself."
The old woman spoke with a sinister grin.
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