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The grassy field was silent. The atmosphere was somewhat solidified as the officers inspected Law's gun, their brows furrowed.
"Admiral Zephyr, this is rather strange." The officers approached Zephyr with the gun's parts. Everyone's attention was fixed on them.
"Is it truly a non-regulation firearm?" Zephyr sighed helplessly. What a pity. Such a promising young man, and he cheated.
"No, the firearm is indeed one issued by our recruit camp, but many of its structures have been altered. It has many added parts, but these parts are also from discarded firearms. This is a modified firearm. Not many modifications, but the range and accuracy have indeed increased severalfold." The officers explained all this in shock. They couldn't help but look at Law in astonishment.
Simply adding a few parts and changing some structures can increase a gun's power several times over? How is that possible? If it weren't for the undeniable facts before their eyes, they would never believe such an outlandish claim. Every single gun had been tested and verified over decades, even centuries. Especially the firearms used by the Marines, which could be said to be the most perfect among guns of the same class. Even a top-tier weapons master would find it difficult to change anything significant on such a firearm.
"Really?" Zephyr's pupils also dilated.
"Absolutely true."
Zephyr looked at Law in shock. He thought Law had given him enough surprises already, but it turned out to be far from over.
"Can it be mass-produced?" Zephyr asked excitedly. If all this was true, if all Marine firearms were modified to increase their power and accuracy severalfold, then the Marines' combat strength would increase many times over. After all, apart from a small number of top-tier powerhouses, most Marine and pirate engagements at sea relied on firearms. If this could be achieved, casualties in battles between Marines and pirates would be fewer, and it would better protect the sea. This was a matter of great significance that would benefit generations.
"The modifications don't seem difficult. Yes." The officer nodded, equally excited.
"Good." Zephyr clapped his hands in approval. In his excitement, he no longer had the composure to maintain his chief instructor's dignity.
...
"Uh? What's going on?" Drake looked at the excited officers and Admiral Zephyr in confusion. Shouldn't they be angrily denouncing Law?
"Thanks for nothing." Law looked at Drake with a sneer. Modifying the firearm and letting the Marines know about it was part of Law's plan all along. A multi-fold increase in gun power was something Law didn't particularly value, as his goal was to become a top-tier powerhouse. And ordinary firearms, no matter how many, were useless against top-tier powerhouses. But for ordinary Marines, it was of great use. Using such outdated Earth technology to increase his standing and leverage in the Marines was a win-win situation.
"With today's performance, Zephyr should be willing to take me as a disciple, right? Becoming Zephyr's disciple would lead to faster strength growth, wouldn't it? And it would be easy to obtain Haki, right?" Law was a realist; for any matter, he considered what he could gain.
"Admiral Zephyr, according to regulations, exam cheaters should be subjected to..." Drake couldn't help but interject.
"Law didn't cheat. He accomplished an incredible feat. He merely modified a firearm, increasing its power and range several times over. This isn't a fault; it's a great merit." Zephyr said excitedly, "I can now award you a First Class Merit, Law. But a First Class Merit alone is far from enough to demonstrate its true value. For more, I need to discuss it with Sengoku."
"First Class Merit?"
All the recruits gasped, even the officers looked at Law with envy. A First Class Merit was not easily earned. To get one, it was usually only possible by capturing a notorious great pirate. And great pirates were all abnormally strong individuals, not easily captured. And a First Class Merit was not just about honor; with it, one could at least be promoted to Colonel, or even directly to a General-ranked officer.
"What First Class Merit?" Drake was bewildered. The plot was completely wrong. Shouldn't he be punished? Why was he being given such great honor and benefits, and it was only just beginning? Perhaps there would be even greater honors later.
"No, impossible. How could he possibly modify a firearm? How could he do that?" Drake roared. So young, was he a weapons expert too?
"The facts are right before your eyes. Would this old man lie?" Zephyr was even more displeased with Drake, and his tone became unfriendly. A terrifying aura faintly emanated from his body. Now, Drake lacked Law's formidable presence, and facing the Admiral's aura, he couldn't help but retreat.
"Good talent, but unfortunately, lacking in other areas." Zephyr glanced at Drake, shook his head, then looked at Law with a smile: "This boy, he truly is a treasure."
"Law, you're amazing." Ain's small eyes were fixed on Law, not even blinking. Most of the new recruits were older than Law, but now, that didn't stop them from looking at Law with respect.
"Practical combat concluded. Return to base."
Zephyr led the team onto the ship, a smile he couldn't hide gracing his lips: "I never expected one practical combat session to give this old man so many surprises. Not only did I get such a perfect firearm, but also a young man with astonishing potential. It's well worth it."