The Marines also fell under the control of the World Government, and their operational funding came directly from it.
The Five Elders had repeatedly told Sengoku, and later Akainu, "Know your place." That alone said everything.
To those high above, the Marines were a force that required not just strength, but obedience.
Sengoku was not like Garp. From long ago, Garp had always had a rebellious streak, not to mention the "D" in his name.
With Spandine backing his "loyalty," all Rowan needed now was to demonstrate enough strength. Promotions and achievements would naturally be arranged for him.
Even the Vice Admiral position Spandine had bragged about before now seemed too small.
After arriving at Marineford, Rowan's goal was already set on the three Admiral seats.
There was a saying, use someone else's chicken to lay your own eggs.
In the eyes of the World Government, the Marines existed to maintain balance and secure the Heavenly Tribute. But to most Marines, they joined to kill pirates, protect civilians, and survive.
Those people were all potential recruits for the Revolutionary Army.
Reduce the number of enemies, expand your own people across the seas. That was the essence.
Outdoor training ground.
At this moment, recruits were undergoing extreme physical training.
This batch came from all four seas, and not all of them had reached the threshold for Haki.
Haki came from willpower, but using it required a strong body.
Through intense training, breaking limits again and again, the body regenerated stronger, and not just physically. Their willpower grew as well.
Even if they failed to remain at headquarters, as long as their will didn't weaken, they would grow stronger back in their home branches.
Instructor Zephyr stood at the edge of the field, his gaze sharp as he spoke.
"Ask yourselves why you became Marines in the first place."
"Was it to capture pirates and protect civilians, because someone important to you died at the hands of pirates, or simply because you needed to survive?"
"Whatever your reason, you need strength to protect what you have."
"Strengthen your will, because only then can you awaken that power."
"When you feel like you can't move anymore, remember the regret of being powerless."
"This is Marineford, Marine Headquarters, the place that can give you the greatest strength in the world."
"If you fail to seize this opportunity, one day you will regret it enough to want to kill your past self."
His words ignited the young Marines.
He even exposed his own scars without hesitation.
Once known as the Admiral who refused to kill, Zephyr had changed after his family was murdered by pirates.
His beliefs had gradually weakened.
He requested retirement, but Fleet Admiral Kong refused. Though no longer active in duties, he still held the Admiral rank.
Eleven years ago, he became the instructor of the elite training camp.
The future Admirals and countless Vice Admirals had all come from his hands.
Looking at the time, Zephyr turned to a Major.
"The new recruit Rowan was supposed to report by noon. Why hasn't he arrived?"
The Major stood straight. "Because of Vice Admiral Kuzan's situation, it's possible no one reminded him to report here immediately."
A glint flashed across Zephyr's sunglasses.
"Those who lack the resolve to become stronger need their will tempered even more. Send Orl to bring him here, and tell him that if necessary, he can use force."
The Major paused.
The implication was clear.
Orl was a Logia user and admired Kuzan. This was clearly meant to make Rowan suffer a setback.
After all, in the Four Seas, very few Marines awakened Haki. Without Haki, a Logia user was nearly invincible.
Did Zephyr also hold some dissatisfaction toward Rowan because of Kuzan?
Soon, the Major left to find Orl.
But in Zephyr's mind, it was simple.
A recruit who didn't seize the chance to train immediately might have become arrogant due to fame.
Letting him understand his weakness early was the right thing to do.
Dormitory building.
Orl had been unwilling at first. Calling someone was a waste of training time.
But when he learned it was Rowan, he became excited.
A traitor who betrayed his recommender.
Even pirates would despise such a person.
Only the World Government's spies would accept someone like that.
How could a dog like him train alongside elites?
The training camp lasted only a little over a year. After that came further assignments.
If Rowan were injured early and fell behind, returning to the West Blue in disgrace would be inevitable.
Smiling, Orl arrived at Rowan's door.
His body suddenly turned into mud, collapsing into a puddle.
The mud seeped through the gap under the door, then reformed inside.
He looked at Rowan sleeping soundly on the bed and sneered.
No awareness at all.
How could someone like this be called an elite?
Mud spread silently toward the bed.
Cover the mouth and nose to keep him quiet.
Don't restrict movement, so it could later be claimed that Rowan resisted.
A perfect plan.
But the moment the mud approached,
A hand shot out and grabbed Orl by the throat.
His body was forcibly solidified.
No time to disperse.
No time to react.
"I was going to see what you planned, but your ability is disgusting. I just changed these sheets today, and if you dirty them, are you going to wash them?"
Rowan rubbed his eyes, sitting up.
His Haki-coated hand tightened briefly before releasing.
The entire time, Orl didn't dare move.
He could feel it.
The ease in Rowan's grip.
The overwhelming strength.
Even with Haki protecting his neck, it was meaningless.
----------
Patreon Advance 30 Chapters: patreon .com/OneFic