Chapter 16: The Agreement

In the office of the Chief Instructor, Zephyr also learned about Uchiha Chika's score. He looked at the number displayed on the document on his desk and then raised his head, looking puzzled at the soldier who delivered the document, wearing an expression that said, "Are you kidding me?"

The soldier swallowed and reaffirmed that he was serious.

Only then did Zephyr reluctantly accept the news.

"I see. You may leave now." Waving his hand, he dismissed the soldier. Zephyr rubbed his temples and tried to recall the information on the document.

New Marine recruit, 16 years old, Uchiha Chika, no Devil Fruit abilities, physical strength score of 7200... The combination of all this information left Zephyr feeling a bit dazed.

"So this is the talented new recruit that Sengoku told me about? You call this 'talented'? This guy is already a monster!"

Zephyr believed that Sengoku must be joking with him. Ever since his wife and child were killed by pirates, the quality of new recruits in recent years had been mediocre. Zephyr had already been considering retiring from the Marines entirely. When Sengoku found out about it, he naturally strongly advised against it. Additionally, Sengoku knew about the difficult situation the Marines had faced in recent years, so Zephyr temporarily put aside the idea of retirement.

"What a twisted sense of humor!" Zephyr dissed Sengoku in his heart with a fierce tone.

To be honest, Sengoku had misunderstood. At that time, he only wanted to let Zephyr know about this person and guide Chika properly in the training camp, not wanting to waste his talent. He was afraid that his words would sound like using connections, so he expressed it in a more tactful way. Who knew Chika would be so abnormal?!

"I never expected that we would have such a talented newcomer since Sakazuki and the others graduated. It seems there is hope for the future of the Marines."

Looking at Chika's photo on the document, Zephyr made up his mind to focus on guiding this Uchiha Chika in the training camp. He must not waste his talent, especially his character. There should never be a second Borsalino!

With that in mind, Zephyr got up and headed straight to the training camp, ready to take a good look at this abnormal newcomer named Uchiha Chika.

At this moment, Chika had already entered the elite training camp with the top score. He was unaware that he had caught the attention of a purple-haired old man.

Now he was being discussed by a group of new recruits on the way.

"Look, that's Uchiha Chika, the monster with a physical strength score of 7200!"

"What unique eyes! Is he from some special race?"

"So handsome..."

"Don't daydream. Look at the beauty next to him and then look at yourself. Do you really think anyone would be interested in you?"

"Get lost!"

Various comments reached Chika's ears, and he shook his head helplessly. Whether in the world of Shinobi or pirates, there was always an atmosphere of gossip and infatuation everywhere.

"What's wrong? With so many people liking and admiring you, you must feel quite pleased with yourself, you tsundere introverted guy."

It was Gion who spoke. She had also come along with Chika. She claimed it was to see him off to the final stop, but it definitely wasn't to prevent some infatuated girls from making a move on Chika. No, definitely not.

"Alright, stop teasing me. It's all because of you that I'm in the spotlight now. Can't even keep a low profile anymore."

"Gold will always shine. Talent cannot be concealed. Stop complaining."

As they spoke, the two arrived at the dormitory of the training camp. Gion stopped and said,

"This is where I'll leave you. I have to go now, and we won't see each other for some time. Don't miss me too much, little brother Chika~"

"Okay, okay, it's not like we won't see each other. When I come out, let's have a good meal together."

Suddenly, Gion's expression changed, and she said fiercely,

"Have you forgotten something?"

"Hmm?" Chika expressed confusion.

"You squeezed really hard during the test, didn't you?"

"Uh..." Chika felt a bit embarrassed. At that time, his mind was heated, and he used too much strength.

Pfft. Seeing Chika standing there with a face full of embarrassment, Gion couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.

"Alright, look how scared you are. I won't do anything to you," she said and even reached out to pinch Chika's face.

Chika didn't notice it for a moment and Gion succeeded, but he quickly dodged to the side, causing Gion to burst into laughter again.

"You're quick to dodge. I thought you wouldn't care about such things."

Gion stopped laughing, adjusted her mood, and tidied Chika's clothes, just like she did during the test. This time, Chika didn't say anything. He knew that Gion wanted to face the upcoming separation with a happy state of mind.

"When you graduate from the training camp, if you become a vice admiral, I'll promise you a condition. How about that?" Gion suddenly said.

Chika looked at Gion silently, and everything was understood without words.

"Haha, that's almost impossible, right, Chika?"

As if talking to herself, Gion stopped adjusting Chika's clothes.

Chika walked forward and hugged Gion, gently speaking in her ear,

"Just that? Isn't it a bit lacking in challenge?"

Gion's face turned red, and she hurriedly pushed Chika away, leaving with a remark that sounded like escaping from boasting.

Chika watched Gion's departing figure with a smile forming on his lips.

"Then I'll wait and see, Sister Gion."