Marineford
Since Zephyr retired and became the chief instructor of the naval academy, the academy has been surrounded by a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
Even the grass, trees, flowers, and stones, nurtured by this strong academic atmosphere, exude a sense of vigor and vitality, as if soldiers were standing at attention.
However,
Today's military academy has changed from its former solemnity and has become more festive and relaxed, like a holiday.
Whether it's the military academy gate or the teaching building, banners filled with graduation messages are hanging everywhere.
Yes.
The naval academy has once again ushered in its annual graduation day.
For Zephyr, witnessing a class of freshmen go from enrollment to graduation and becoming naval officers is the happiest day of the year.
That's why.
Zephyr, known for his rigorous academic standards, no longer wore a stern face today. Instead, his facial features became extremely gentle, and he greeted everyone with a smile, whether they were graduating students or naval personnel attending the ceremony.
"Teacher Zephyr."
"here."
"Come take a picture with us!"
At this moment.
Gion waved, and behind her, besides Kake, were Smoker, Hina, and other members of Gion's team.
"Taking photos, right?"
"etc!"
"I'm coming right now."
Upon hearing this, Zephyr quickly responded and then jogged over.
On graduation day, he not only takes photos with the students in his Zephyr class, but also collaborates with students from every other class.
He even showed no impatience when students from different classes asked for individual group photos.
I would spend the whole day at school, doing nothing but taking photos with each class and each student until the graduation ceremony ended.
"I'm ready."
"Everyone."
"I'm going to take the picture!"
Yamakaji, who had already been promoted to lieutenant general, was now acting like an ordinary teacher, chewing on a cigar, squinting his eyes, and showing a bright smile.
Holding a camera Den Den Mushi, he directed Zephyr and other students from Gion to stand in line, then raised the camera Den Den Mushi.
3.
2.
1.
As soon as the words fell.
Yamakaji then pressed the shutter of the camera Den Den Mushi.
snap
A graduation photo will forever record the most beautiful moment belonging to the Zephyr class.
After taking the group photo, Zephyr couldn't help but look towards the entrance of the military academy, as if hoping to see someone appear.
This is the tenth time he has done this today.
"Don't worry, Professor Zephyr."
"Rosen, he never breaks his promise."
"Since he promised to come back for the graduation ceremony, he will definitely come."
Gion noticed Zephyr's frequent glances towards the military academy gate and guessed what he was thinking.
"yes!"
"He has never broken his promise."
"Not once."
Seeing that Gion had exposed his thoughts, Zephyr didn't deny it; instead, he smiled and nodded.
Yes.
Although Zephyr had personally taught all of his students, and had even attended Rosen's graduation ceremony, he still wanted to see his most outstanding and proudest disciple attend the naval academy's graduation ceremony on this day.
"They're here."
Suddenly, Kake looked toward the entrance of the naval academy.
Upon hearing this, Zephyr and Gion immediately turned their heads and followed Kake's gaze.
He wore a coat of justice, hands in his pockets, black leather shoes, and a seagull perched on his head.
Seeing the figure dressed like that approaching from afar, Zephyr's expectant and happy gaze immediately changed.
"Hello, hello, hello."
"Zephyr, what kind of look is that?"
Are you disappointed to see me?
Sengoku saw the change in Zephyr's eyes and immediately felt offended.
He, a dignified naval admiral, is extremely busy. Today, he specially put aside many affairs to come to the naval academy to attend the graduation ceremony, and what was the result?
He was met with a disappointed look from Zephyr.
"No."
"It's just that it's the same face year after year, and I'm getting a little tired of it."
Zephyr pursed his lips.
"Yeah?"
"I was originally going to share some good news with you so you could be happy too."
"Since you're tired of my face, shall I leave?"
After finishing his sentence, Sengoku turned around and made it as if he was about to leave.
"Cough cough!"
"If you have something to say, say it. If you have something to fart, fart it."
"You're almost retired, why are you still acting like a child?"
Zephyr's mind raced, and he stopped being stubborn, immediately pulling Sengoku back.
In previous years, if Sengoku wanted to leave, he would only reply with "Goodbye and don't bother to see me off," but this year he was truly being manipulated by the other party.
"Aren't you tired of this face of mine?"
Sengoku then stopped, but still kept his back to Zephyr.
"I'm not tired of it anymore, so tell me!"
Zephyr said irritably.
"What's the rush?"
Sengoku then turned around and looked at Zephyr with great interest.
"Will you tell me or not?"
Seeing that Sengoku was deliberately making fun of him, Zephyr didn't hold back and directly revealed his black wrist.
"See, you're getting impatient again."
After Sengoku finished speaking, seeing that Zephyr was about to grab the black wrist and blast him, he stopped teasing the old man:
"Okay, okay, I'll tell you, alright?"
"To tell you the truth, I contacted Rosen about two weeks ago, and he hasn't forgotten about the graduation ceremony."
"Of course, that's not what you really want to hear. The next sentence is."
He remembers your birthday.
Sengoku looked at Zephyr, who was much older than himself, and sighed as he thought of the medical report about Zephyr given by the naval hospital.
In order to ensure that the body does not suffer from hidden injuries from years of fighting, and also to extend the peak of combat power as much as possible.
All senior naval officers must undergo a comprehensive medical examination at the naval hospital at headquarters at least once a year.
If there are hidden injuries, treat them.
If there are no hidden injuries, then focus on recuperating.
It is because of the advanced medical system of the Marine Hospital, coupled with the advanced technology provided by Vegapunk, that the Marine Headquarters' top combat power can often maintain its peak period for a longer time than the top powerhouses on the pirate side.
Although Zephyr has retired from the military academy, he still maintains the habit of going to the naval hospital for a physical examination every six months.
The inspection report was read not only by Zephyr, but also by Sengoku.
Although Zephyr's combat strength has gradually declined since the battle at God Valley, his physical condition is still good.
As long as you don't engage in high-intensity battles with opponents of the same level, you won't need to take any medication, nor will it trigger asthma-like symptoms.
But starting six months ago, the pain finally began to worsen.
Or rather...
As the general aged and his body weakened, his strength was no longer sufficient to suppress the pain.
Zephyr, even when you're not fighting, you still need to take your medicine regularly.
Fighting or intense exercise can trigger asthma.
He became breathless, coughed violently, and had difficulty breathing.
Does he remember?
Zephyr didn't possess the highest level of Observation Haki and was unaware of Sengoku's sigh. Instead, he was preoccupied with what the other was saying.
Upon learning that Rosen remembered his birthday, the smile on his face was so wide that even Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit couldn't suppress it.
"Mr. Zephyr, is today your birthday?"
Upon hearing Sengoku's words, not only the students from the Zephyr class, such as Gion and Kake, but also the students from other classes who were attending the graduation ceremony together in the military academy square, looked at Zephyr with surprise.
"Yes."
Facing the gazes of the crowd, Zephyr nodded.
"Teacher Zephyr."
Why didn't you say anything?
"I wasn't prepared at all."
Upon hearing this, Gion became somewhat anxious.
At that moment, she couldn't find a suitable birthday gift.
Hina and the others nodded in agreement.
"You were already prepared."
Seeing this, Zephyr raised his hands to signal everyone to be quiet before he spoke.
"What?"
Kake, Gion, and the others all looked completely bewildered upon hearing this.
Zephyr shook his head without speaking, but instead swept his gaze, filled with satisfaction and anticipation, over every student in the military academy square.
"Don't you understand?"
"Zephyr, the reason he set the graduation ceremony on his birthday is because each and every one of you here is the best birthday gift for him."
"Being able to witness you enroll as freshmen and watch you graduate and become naval officers is the birthday gift he looks forward to the most and wants the most every year."
At this moment.
Sengoku spoke, revealing Zephyr's true feelings.
As soon as he said that...
Gion, Kake, Smoker, Hina, and all the other graduates were deeply shaken and their faces showed emotion.
Even Yamakaji, who had graduated many years ago, and many other headquarters officers who had served as teachers to Zephyr, had slightly moist eyes.
The once bustling and festive military academy square fell silent because of Sengoku's words.
...
Advance chapters (30+ stockpiled) are waiting on P@treon/Ren_Saga
Join the exclusive chat group for daily discussions, spoilers, memes, and direct talk with me!