#80 - Chapter 80 Zefa's Teachings
The next morning.
As the mist slowly dissipated, the calm, gray-blue Marine training camp complex gradually revealed its majestic outline.
A flag fluttered in the wind at the center of the training camp, its distinct emblem appearing even more solemn and sacred under the morning light.
Far from the hustle and bustle of the world, the Marine training camp seemed exceptionally tranquil.
Sunlight streamed through the tall windows into the solemn classroom, beams of light seeming to scrutinize every corner.
Historical battle scenes hung on the walls, the dignified sense of history evident in the classroom.
"Why do I have to come here to audit, too..." Jin An complained softly, looking at Kuzan sitting next to him.
He was ordered by Kong to join Zephyr's second term training camp.
A direct order, the kind that couldn't be refused...
For many Marines, entering the Marine training camp was an opportunity to rise quickly, after all, the instructors here were at least Headquarters Vice Admirals.
If appreciated by certain individuals, they could be directly recruited into that person's fleet and receive priority training.
But to be honest, Jin An wasn't very interested in classes, especially since the instructor hadn't even arrived yet, leaving him in a completely idle state.
He had already mastered most of what could be gained from the training camp.
Kuzan nudged Jin An's arm. "Today is the first time Instructor Zephyr will officially meet us. Aren't you curious about what kind of person he is?"
Zephyr, a man who had defeated countless pirates in his lifetime, using his 'Black Arm' to fight across the entire sea, yet never killing a single enemy, known as the 'Non-Killing Admiral'.
"Old man Zephyr is actually pretty good..." Jin An said, touching his conscience.
"I've seen Admiral Zephyr a few times in the cafeteria. He's always been nice to the Marines eating with him," Toki Amatsuki also shared her opinion.
She was also included in the training camp due to her talent, which was a novel experience for her.
"From what I've heard, Admiral Zephyr is very strict when teaching," Kuzan said, sharing the information he had gathered.
Seeing Kuzan and Toki Amatsuki discussing enthusiastically, Jin An sat bored on the side. Although these two hadn't known each other for long, they got along surprisingly well.
But for them, they weren't familiar with the colleagues they would be taking classes with, and could only slowly establish connections.
As long as they stayed in the Marines, everyone would gradually become familiar.
The people who could sit here were all elites among elites, easily reaching the rank of general.
Therefore, the training camp was also a place to build relationships. The bonds established here could last for a very, very long time.
However, everyone here had a sense of pride. They were all top-notch in their original places, and it wasn't easy to leave a mark on their hearts.
The reality was just as Jin An thought.
In the classroom, evenly spaced desks and chairs were neatly arranged in rows, while the students formed a small social circle in this orderly space.
Dressed in neat military uniforms, the stars on their shoulder boards indicated their ranks, their faces full of youth and vigor.
They sat together in groups of three or five, forming small circles, discussing what they considered interesting or important.
At this point, their familiarity with each other remained superficial, their understanding of others limited to the occasional exchange of glances in the classroom and a few words they overheard unintentionally.
After all, to understand and truly impress someone, it required not only the accumulation of time, but also the tacit understanding and trust formed during shared training and challenges.
And now, all of this was just beginning.
"The previous class is about to graduate. Zephyr will put more energy into our class. Be prepared," Jin An said, looking at the sunlight outside the window.
With Kizaru and Akainu as examples, the pressure on their class should be greater.
Toki Amatsuki sat at a desk in the back row of the classroom, her arm resting on the back of the adjacent chair, her blinking eyes reflecting the afterglow of the setting sun outside the window.
Her gaze lightly swept across the faces of her companions, lingering on each person who started a discussion.
"This kind of life will be more interesting, won't it?"
Toki Amatsuki smiled gently, her smile light and bright, adding a different kind of atmosphere to the discussion.
She looked directly at Jin An beside her and said softly, "I remember a saying you once said, 'A strict teacher produces excellent students'."
Jin An leaned back in his chair, looking out the window, he smiled, his voice with a hint of pleasure: "That's right, so we have to perform well and let the next class of students feel what pain is."
Kuzan nodded slightly, the expression on his face like a passing cloud shadow, complex and with a hint of understanding.
Familiar recipe, familiar taste, this guy Jin An is still full of bad ideas.
His voice was low and magnetic, revealing a subtle gloating: "With you as an example, the next class of students will probably remember you for the rest of their lives."
......
Time passed slowly.
Half an hour later.
The thoughts in the minds of the students sitting in the classroom were drawn by the sound coming from the corridor.
They keenly captured that series of rhythmic leather shoes, the sound was exceptionally clear, and each echo rippled through the air.
Suddenly, the classroom door slowly opened, and the eyes of all four sides turned to the door.
The door frame became a sharp silhouette, and Zephyr's figure stepped in from the hazy light outside the door, calm and solemn.
He wore a crisp uniform, the golden stripes on his shoulder boards reflecting the honor and dignity of a soldier under the classroom lights, his brow revealing an unquestionable authority.
As soon as he entered, he looked around, his eyes seeming to penetrate the minds of every student through his black sunglasses.
After seeing that everyone was present, his majestic face relaxed slightly.
"I know that everyone here has a proud heart, but this is a training camp held by me, so I advise you to put away your little thoughts."
"Sitting here, you must regard the people around you as comrades who can entrust their lives to."
"Remember, courage and wisdom are your strongest weapons, and calmness and perseverance are the keys to overcoming obstacles."
He walked through the classroom aisle, his eyes meeting the soldiers one by one like a scan, and everyone who received his gaze could feel a heavy trust and expectation, making their hearts surge.
"Don't forget your comrades, they are your strongest support on the battlefield." Zephyr's exhortation was like a father's teaching, with deep love and serious instruction in his words, "Glory and life go hand in hand, but when you must make a choice, remember that mission is more important than everything."
"Of course, I hope you can take care of both at the same time."
With that, Zephyr turned around, his gaze sweeping across the classroom, leaving these Marines with a back view, that back view as steady as a rock.
...
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