Zephyr frowned. He sensed the Haki of Carl and Dragon. Just as he was about to speak out to stop them, Carl's fingers moved slightly, and his Haki suddenly surged, instantly suppressing Dragon.
Dragon, standing in the corner, suddenly changed his expression as his body staggered under the pressure of Carl's Haki. When he steadied himself, beads of sweat had already formed on his forehead.
On the other hand, Carl retracted his gaze and continued talking to his juniors with a smile, as if nothing had happened.
Dragon clenched his fists. Ever since Carl had beaten him when he joined the Navy, Carl had become his inner demon. For the past two years, he had trained relentlessly, but the gap between him and Carl had only widened.
Zephyr saw that the time was right and waved his hand to let the students disperse for training. He went back to the office to handle some matters, while Carl stayed at the training ground to supervise the students.
With Carl present, the students were energized, eager to perform well in front of the new Admiral. Carl would occasionally select a few students to guide.
Aokiji approached Dragon and asked, "Dragon, what are you doing here alone? Why don't you go and say a few words to Carl?"
Dragon turned his head away and replied lightly, "No, I have my own way of practicing."
Aokiji, displeased, went to find Aramaki and complained. Hearing this, Aramaki mocked him immediately, saying,
"Aren't you being a masochist? What's there to say to that guy? Forget it. Watching you like this just pisses me off. Let me handle him!"
Aramaki put his hands in his pockets and arrogantly walked up to Dragon, who was lifting a large dumbbell. Dragon glanced at him but continued his training. When Aramaki was ignored, he raised his eyebrows. He knew Carl didn't like Dragon, and neither did he.
Two vines emerged from the ground, wrapped around the ends of the dumbbell, and yanked it down, causing it to fall heavily.
Dragon maintained his stance, looked up coldly at Aramaki, and said, "Are you sick?"
Aramaki picked his nose nonchalantly and responded, "I just don't like you today. What's wrong with that?"
Dragon's face showed a hint of anger. Just as he was about to stand, he remembered that Carl was still there. He suppressed his anger and sneered, "I get it. Your master is here today, so you dare to come and cause trouble, right?"
This had little effect on Aramaki. In his eyes, Carl was his master, and he felt honored. How could Dragon understand how many people were vying to be recognized by Carl?
"I'll deal with you today!"
Boom!
The ground shook as black vines erupted, binding Dragon. Spikes emerged, but Dragon coated his body in Armament Haki, breaking free before rushing at Aramaki. The two clashed immediately.
The students were used to this sight. Aramaki and Dragon rarely got along, and during training, they always quarreled. When they fought, it was always real.
Aokiji was bewildered. He thought, "Is Dragon stupid? Did he forget that Carl is still here?"
He looked over at Carl, who was watching the fight with a smile, arms crossed, much like two years ago.
Although Aramaki was often mocked as the shame, his power was undeniable. He had progressed greatly in the past two years, mastering Fruit and his Haki.
Dragon, with the potential to be an Emperor, was stronger than Aramaki. The two battled from the ground to the sky, then back. Wind blades and vines clashed, and Aramaki's defensive techniques kept Dragon at bay.
As the battle got out of hand, none of the students dared to intervene. Both Aramaki and Dragon were like monsters, even their battle's aftermath could flatten anyone nearby.
Aokiji couldn't bear it any longer. He was about to intervene when Carl appeared beside him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Kuzan, let me handle this."
Carl disappeared and reappeared between Dragon and Aramaki, whispering, "Shinra Tensei."
Buzz!
A repulsive force erupted, pushing Dragon and Aramaki back. The two transformed into a wind and a piece of wood, reforming once the force subsided.
Aramaki stood still, saluting Carl, while Dragon took a deep breath, knowing that it is better not to continue.
New students, seeing Carl's move for the first time, were awestruck. Controlling two monsters effortlessly—this was Carl's power.
Carl smiled, calling Dragon and Aramaki over. "Your strength has improved. It took me some effort to stop you two."
Aramaki quickly apologized, behaving like a model student, while Dragon remained silent. Carl continued,
"With your talents, staying in the Navy Headquarters won't help you grow. Only real combat will make you stronger..."
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+80 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg
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