The individuals gathered here were the future backbone of the Navy. They couldn't possibly misunderstand Zephyre's deeper meaning.
Moreover, the Navy headquarters wouldn't send them to their deaths. The mission targets had undoubtedly been carefully selected to match their current abilities.
This meant they stood a fighting chance...
Some of the recruits began to fantasize, even imagining the glory of being the first team to complete the mission.
"..."
Zephyre, however, didn't want the Navy's future to be filled with nothing but brute-force muscleheads.
The seas were teeming with ruthless and dangerous individuals. Those who didn't use their brains wouldn't survive in these waters.
And they didn't just represent themselves—they represented the Navy's interests.
Training a group of promising recruits required immense resources. Letting them die needlessly was something the Navy couldn't afford.
Those who made it to the headquarters for training weren't fools, but due to their youth, many lacked experience and had no idea how treacherous the seas could be.
They believed that sheer passion alone could bring peace and stability to their regions.
This mission would shatter those naive beliefs and force them to face reality.
While there were risks, danger couldn't be an excuse to back down.
They were Navy recruits. With the privileges and status they held came a corresponding responsibility.
Though Zephyre cared deeply for each of his students, he didn't want to outlive them. To ensure their growth, he had to let them face challenges at the right time.
Some birds build their nests on cliffs, forcing their fledglings to leap off the edge once they grow feathers.
Without trials, they would never truly soar...
The recruits stood quietly in the training ground, their eyes scanning the new faces around them, searching for potential teammates.
They all knew that choosing the right teammates was crucial—not just for mission efficiency, but for trusting someone with their lives in critical moments.
Their inner turmoil was evident in their tense shoulders and clenched fists.
Zephyre's words about quitting still echoed in their ears...
But those who had made it this far weren't about to turn tail and run.
Returning to their previous lives after quitting would only invite ridicule.
They would never give up!
Seeing the recruits regain their composure, Zephyre understood their resolve. A rare smile appeared on his usually stern face, and his eyes filled with approval.
"Good! You may now move freely and find your teammates."
"Assemble at the port in half an hour to receive your mission details."
"I hope you all find suitable partners."
Zephyre's voice was firm as he declared, "Dismissed!"
"..."
Ten minutes later.
Renji and his two companions arrived at the port.
They entered the small hut where missions were being assigned.
"Once you've made your decision, it cannot be changed. The three of you will form a team and must capture this pirate within the allotted time," the instructor's voice echoed in their ears. "I can only provide basic information."
In the heavy silence, he handed them a yellowed piece of paper. On it was a sketch of a pirate with a thick beard and menacing eyes.
The pirate's expression was one of arrogance, as if he scoffed at all laws and order, holding nothing in regard.
Renji and his companions exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation.
For them, even basic information was enough. The Navy ship would take them to the island where the pirate was located, and with their Observation Haki, they could easily track him down.
Besides, danger and opportunity went hand in hand. The stronger the enemy, the greater their rewards.
Renji clenched his fist, already strategizing how to capture the target.
Toki, licking her dry lips, whispered, "Isn't this mission a bit too easy?"
The instructor smiled, catching Toki's dismissive tone. For the three of them, this mission was indeed not much of a challenge. Unfortunately, it was already one of the most difficult tasks available.
"Pirates don't stay in one place for long. You'll need to analyze the situation yourselves. With your abilities in reconnaissance and analysis, finding the target shouldn't be difficult."
Meanwhile, Kuzan's thoughts had already drifted to the vast sea. Every wave seemed to hide a clue, every stretch of water and every rumor a potential lead to the pirate.
The mission had begun, and the hunt was on.
Renji took the paper, took a deep breath, and nodded solemnly. "Understood, Instructor. We will not fail."
In that moment, Renji felt a surge of determination. He and his companions were about to embark on an unknown journey...
"..."
Night fell.
The Navy ship sailed across the endless sea.
Though it was supposed to be a time for rest, the cabins were still brightly lit.
Each ship carried about five to six teams. Though their destinations differed, they traveled together for now.
Under the dim light, rough wooden tables were scattered with maps and documents. Every face was etched with seriousness and focus.
The air was thick with silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of paper or the soft clicking of tongues as recruits muttered strategies under their breath.
"..."
"I knew Zephyre wouldn't make it easy for us," Renji grumbled, looking at the revised mission details in his hand.
"Well, it's to be expected. Your abilities are no secret to Zephyre. Changing the mission is only natural," Kuzan said with a smile.
"This guy doesn't seem easy to deal with," Toki remarked, standing behind Renji and frowning at the paper he held.
In Renji's hand was a bounty poster.
Orlumbus.
Bounty: 78,000,000 Berries.
Commander of the Yonta Maria Grand Fleet. Known as the 'Massacre Ruler' and the 'Cunning Adventurer Killer.'
He commanded over 2,000 men and more than 20 pirate ships.
Though still young, he had already made a name for himself in the Grand Line.
While his strength might not be top-tier, his reputation for brutality was well-earned. His bounty reflected the sheer scale of his atrocities.
"With a target like this, we don't need to hold back," Kuzan said, his voice cold. He had heard of Orlumbus's infamy.
There was no need for mercy with someone like him. Sending him to an early grave was the best option.
"The problem is finding him..."
Information traveled slowly across the seas. By the time they reached his last known location, he would likely be long gone.
"This is Zephyre's test for us..."
...
...
(TL/N): If you are intressted you can read up to 30 chapter on patreon.com/Yanet96 search with this link.