Chapter 37: Next Path

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This faint aura was almost invisible, so subtle that it was thinner than a strand of hair. For most people, it would be hard to detect. 

However, thanks to the power of Life Return, Arashi could sense it. 

This signified that his control over his body had reached a new level. 

When one's physical abilities reach a superhuman level, one can begin to train in the Rokushiki techniques. Life Return enables users to gain even more freedom in controlling their bodies.

"Limbs, hair, internal organs—everything moves at the direction of my will," Arashi quickly grasped the full extent of Life Return's power. 

He focused his mind on his hair, commanding it to grow, and in the next second, his hair lengthened visibly, cascading to the ground. 

Then, with a mental command, he covered his hair in the properties of Tekkai, making it as hard as steel, capable of being used as a weapon to attack enemies.

He continued experimenting, directing his thoughts toward his internal organs, like his stomach. 

He found that he could accelerate the secretion of stomach acid and enhance his digestive system, allowing food to be processed quickly to provide energy to his body. 

He tried the same with his fingers, nails, and skin. 

Gradually, a smile spread across his face as he began to enjoy the capabilities of Life Return fully. 

In many ways, this unique skill granted superhuman abilities to his body.

"What happens when someone gains complete control over their body?" Arashi pondered. 

"Every detail of my own body, every bit of talent, is now clear to me!"

"For example, I seem to have a natural gift for Armament Haki and was born with the qualities of a king, which allowed me to awaken Conqueror's Haki."

"But as for Observation Haki..."

Arashi now had a full understanding of himself. He had some talents, primarily in Conqueror's Haki and Armament Haki. 

While he did possess Observation Haki, it wasn't particularly strong. 

This meant mastering Observation Haki would likely take him a lot of time.

"Is this why it took me over two years just to master Kami-e?"

He realized that he lacked the natural aptitude for sensing the outside world, or his talent in that area was weak. 

However, this didn't bother him much. Whether or not he mastered Observation Haki wouldn't greatly affect him.

"Anyway, I've been at the Marine Academy for two years now," Arashi mused. "It's time to graduate."

He had already mastered the necessary knowledge, and staying longer wouldn't benefit him further. 

With that in mind, he headed to the academy to apply for early graduation. 

The graduation exam included written and physical tests, which he easily passed.

"Congratulations, Rear Admiral Arashi. You've completed all the courses at the Marine Academy," a blonde female officer with a sweet smile said as she handed him his graduation certificate. 

"We wish you the best of luck in your Marine career. May your journey be smooth and your sails full."

As she handed him the certificate, her fingers lightly grazed his hand, leaving behind a small note. 

Arashi paused for a moment, then smiled slightly before turning to leave. 

After walking out of the academy, he casually tossed the note in an arc, landing it in a nearby trash can. 

Over his two years at the academy, receiving notes from female teachers and staff had become common. 

His muscular physique had become a strong source of temptation among the academy's women.

However, after graduation, Arashi found himself momentarily uncertain. 

Before entering the academy, he had always followed Garp, but now Garp was nowhere to be found. 

For the first time, Arashi wasn't sure what to do next. After some hesitation, he decided to seek advice from his mentor.

"Kid, if you've got something to say, spit it out," Garp barked. "I'm really busy right now! Roger's about to become the Pirate King!"

Garp's voice came through the line, tinged with a hint of impatience. "Huh?" Arashi was momentarily stunned. 

But he quickly realized that he had spent two years at the Marine Academy, and now it was the year 1499 of the Sea Calendar, precisely when Roger would reach Laugh Tale and become the Pirate King. 

For a moment, Garp's words left him feeling dazed. Was he really about to witness a historic moment? 

Roger becomes the Pirate King, disbanding his crew and choosing to surrender. Then, the Golden Lion Shiki is causing chaos at Marine Headquarters.

Events that had been mere memories in the original story were now unfolding before his eyes.

"Kid, what do you want? If you don't tell me, I'm hanging up!" Garp's voice snapped him back to reality.

"I just graduated from the Marine Academy," Arashi quickly explained. "So I wanted to ask you what I should do next."

"What? You've already graduated?" Garp was surprised at first, then let out a sigh. "Has it really been two years?"

"Normally, after graduation, recruits are assigned to various locations in the Four Seas or the Grand Line to serve," Garp explained. 

"But since you were already a Rear Admiral before entering the academy, you have more freedom."

Garp paused, sounding curious as he asked, "So, kid, do you want to manage a fortress, oversee many Marines, and maintain peace in a region? 

Or do you want to be like me, free to roam as you please?"

The question took aback Arashi. This was a pivotal decision in his Marine career. 

The Marines were spread across the world and were responsible for maintaining peace. 

If an officer were below the rank of Rear Admiral, they would usually be assigned to guard towns or branch bases in the Four Seas or the Grand Line. 

However, those ranked Rear Admiral or higher were considered part of the Marine leadership, possessing significant power and greater freedom.

"You could apply to Kong if you want to be a commander and wield substantial military power," Garp teased, making Arashi smile.

"Or you could be like me, get your own ship, and live freely on the seas, taking on various missions."

Arashi nodded. "I understand."

He quickly made up his mind. "I want to be free, just like you."

On the other end of the line, Garp's hearty laughter echoed before the call abruptly ended. 

Arashi was well aware of the two paths: being a fortress commander, living a safe but monotonous life, or living freely and experiencing the excitement of the world. 

He had heard about them during his time at the academy. 

After doing well in their assignments, some recruits quickly rose to the rank of Rear Admiral and then chose to either serve as a fortress commander or take another path.

Undoubtedly, a fortress commander, much like a regional governor, held immense power. 

Naturally, This position had opportunities for under-the-table dealings, offering wealth and status. 

But unfortunately, this was not Arashi's ambition. "My strength isn't at its peak yet!" 

"I haven't fully mastered all six Rokushiki techniques." 

"Only constant battles on the edge of life and death are truly suited to me!"

As the breeze blew, Arashi stood at a high vantage point, looking down at the magnificent sight of Marineford, taking in the view of the distant inner bay, the Gate of Justice, and the endless sea beyond. 

His calm eyes gradually sparkled, becoming deep and thoughtful.

"If I've come to this world," he thought, "I should make something of it."

With his growing strength, the two years of academy life had allowed certain seeds of ambition to sprout within him gradually.

<End Chapter>

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