One Year? No Need, A Few Days Is Enough!

Combat Assessment

Facing the Marine Elite...

At first, Finn was feeling cornered by Sengoku's challenge, uncertain of what to do. But hearing this condition now, he felt a surge of relief.

Sengoku, Sengoku... You think you've got me cornered, but you've underestimated me. You didn't count on me playing with a loaded deck.

Tashigi, sensing Finn's predicament, gently pinched his back and whispered, "Master, if it's so difficult, I don't need to attend the Marine Academy. I can still learn plenty right here at Naval Headquarters."

Her voice was soft, but the reality behind her words was stark. Tashigi wasn't a genius. The Marine elites who got recommended for the Academy were the cream of the crop—exceptional talents who could crush her in combat.

Sengoku, too, was playing his hand carefully. He wasn't just giving Finn a hard time; this was about the warship. Finn could see it in his eyes. If he gave up the ship, Tashigi might get her easy entry into the Academy. But how could he do that?

Without missing a beat, Finn turned to Tashigi, gently ruffling her hair. "What are you talking about? I promised I'd get you into the Marine Academy, and I always keep my promises."

Sengoku, watching from the sidelines, was elated. The boy's digging himself deeper. The more he wants her in, the more likely I get my hands on that super warship. The idea tickled him, his eyes twinkling with greed.

Tashigi's heart swelled with emotion. The young master had always been kind, but this... this was beyond what she could have ever asked for. "Master, I really don't want to enter the Academy. It's too much. I don't want you to—"

Sengoku cut her off, knowing that if she backed down, it would ruin his plan. "Finn! I must say, I envy you. A sensible young girlfriend, always thinking of your well-being, never wanting to cause you trouble. Ah, to be young and in love."

The words hit Tashigi like a freight train. Her cheeks flushed, burning red. "I'm not... I mean, I'm just his assistant!" she stammered, flustered beyond belief.

Sengoku chuckled, stroking his beard. "Oh, I understand, of course. At first, you're just an assistant. But then, before you know it, there's a deeper connection. That's how it always starts." He shot Finn a knowing look. "Finn, take good care of her. A girl like that is worth keeping close."

Finn could hardly believe what he was hearing. Old man, you're pulling out all the stops, aren't you? He turned to Sengoku with a smirk. "Seems like you're speaking from experience. So tell me, Grandpa Sengoku, does your assistant have a special connection with you too?"

Sengoku's expression instantly stiffened. "Nonsense! My assistant is a man!"

Finn raised an eyebrow. "A man, huh? That sounds a bit... suspicious."

Sengoku nearly choked on his own words. "You little—! Watch your mouth!" His face flushed with frustration, realizing too late that Finn had once again gotten the better of him. He quickly redirected the conversation.

"Listen, Finn, think about it. Do you really want to reject your little girlfriend's plea for simplicity? Or do you want to make things harder for her?"

Finn didn't hesitate. "Grandpa Sengoku, I've made my decision. Tashigi is coming with me to the Marine Academy."

Tashigi's eyes filled with tears, touched beyond words. She had never expected Finn to be so firm in his resolve, especially for her sake. Sengoku, meanwhile, couldn't hide his glee. That's it, boy. You've sealed your fate. Just hand over the ship, and your girl will get in without breaking a sweat.

"So, Finn," Sengoku said, barely able to hide his excitement, "are you saying you'll...?"

"I'm saying," Finn replied coolly, "that Tashigi will enter the Marine Academy through the competitive examination."

Sengoku's face fell in an instant. "What?! The competition? Against the Marine elite? Are you sure about this?"

"Yes," Finn nodded. "I'm absolutely sure."

Sengoku's mood darkened. This foolish boy doesn't know what he's getting into. He sighed, trying to maintain his composure. "With her current skills, she doesn't stand a chance. It'll take at least a year of hard training. Do you really want to risk that?"

"One year?" Finn chuckled. "She won't need a year. A few days will be plenty."

Sengoku was left speechless, his scheming plan unraveling faster than he could respond. The stakes had just gotten much higher.