Chapter 4 : Challenge

On the other side, many students from the elite camp gathered around Varen.

"Varen, what was it like facing Admiral just now?"

"Yes! Tell us! Admiral knocked us out in an instant, and we didn't even see what happened!"

"I heard from Kizaru that you weren't knocked out like the others when you fought against Admiral, and you actually had an advantage. Is that true?"

The voices around Varen in the elite camp were quite lively.

Apart from Varen's inherent appeal, the battle with Admiral alone was enough to attract everyone's attention.

That's why so many gathered around him at this moment, like curious children eager for answers.

"No, Admiral was just holding back. If I were on par with Admiral, I wouldn't be here at the elite camp as a student," Varen replied with a smile.

"As expected!"

"It's as we thought."

"If we could fight Admiral now, could we become Admirals too?"

After hearing Varen's words, the students around him smiled warmly, looking happy. Despite Varen's modest answer, no one mocked him or showed any unfriendly expressions. They didn't belittle him because of it.

"Wait, I'm not convinced! Varen, let's spar!" At that moment, a man in a red suit approached with a fierce look in his eyes.

It was Sakazuki.

During their earlier conversation, Sakazuki had already considered Varen and Kizaru as equals. But being swiftly defeated by Admiral's fist left Sakazuki feeling unconvinced. He wanted to test the true gap between them.

"Sakazuki, if it's for sparring, I'm happy to oblige. But if it's just out of frustration, there's no need," Varen replied, pushing up his glasses with a smile.

Of course, as a genius who commanded attention, as a freshman in the training camp, and as part of a small group of three, Sakazuki's thoughts were natural.

If Varen had lost to Admiral after a tough fight, Sakazuki might not have said anything. But seeing Admiral lose to Varen made Sakazuki skeptical, thinking Admiral must have held back.

"Since you put it that way, let's settle this." Ignoring Varen's reservations, Sakazuki was eager.

"Alright." Seeing Sakazuki's strong determination, Varen couldn't help but smile.

With his hands in his robe pockets, Varen followed Sakazuki without hesitation.

Soon, most members of the elite camp had gathered around the training ground. Everyone was chatting animatedly, eagerly watching Varen and Sakazuki.

"Their battle will be interesting."

"Although Sakazuki was defeated by Admiral, he has the power of the Logia Devil Fruit. It's hard to say who will win."

"I think Sakazuki will win. Logia users like him can handle someone like Admiral, which we can't do."

"Not necessarily. Varen gained an advantage against Admiral. Maybe he has a strategy against Logia users."

The atmosphere was lively with anticipation.

"I don't expect this fight to be as restrained as others," Sakazuki said, staring fiercely at Varen.

With others, Sakazuki had to be cautious to avoid causing fatal harm. The destructive power of his molten fruit was immense and could cause permanent damage.

"Of course. Use your strength to your heart's content," Varen replied, ready for the challenge.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the crowd.

Marine Admirals Kong and Sengoku emerged, along with many Vice Admirals.

"Marshal Kong!"

"What luck to witness these two young talents duel!"

The other Marine generals laughed, having heard about the elite camp from Admiral.

Especially Varen, whom Admiral admired, piqued everyone's curiosity. Admiral's standards were high.

To earn Admiral's respect, becoming a Marine Marshal wasn't out of the question.

Kong observed the two figures in the training ground, then turned to Admiral. "Which one is Varen?"

"Obviously, the one who emerged victorious," Admiral replied with a smile.

This showed Admiral's confidence in Varen. Even without teaching Haki yet, Admiral believed Varen would prevail.

"Garp, who was eating senbei, also showed interest, watching closely as he munched on senbei.

One brimmed with explosive power, akin to a volcano.