The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

Regarding Huang Mu's arrogant and even slightly insulting remarks

Zephyr, a former general who has weathered countless storms, is no longer easily provoked by such superficial provocations.

This semi-retired old man is no longer concerned with personal honor or loss, but with something much deeper...

Zefa then raised the document board he had been holding, which contained two newly compiled documents.

This is not an ordinary resume, but a record of the preliminary "personality and sense of justice test" conducted on Ichisho and Aramaki.

Of course, considering that Yi Xiao cannot see, his test was conducted by Zephyr dictating the questions and Ain recording them.

“Completely different kinds of justice! These two guys.”

Zefa's gaze first fell on the record belonging to Yixiao, and his serious face couldn't help but show sincere appreciation and satisfaction.

In answering core questions such as "What is justice?", "How should civilians and pirates be treated?", and "Under what circumstances will force be used?"

A smile reveals a generous and humanistic philosophy.

They all emphasize the restraint of power, the protection of the innocent, and the human touch and compassion that exist outside of law and order.

"Justice based on benevolence and righteousness."

Zefa silently recited his summary of Yixiao's philosophy.

This aligns perfectly with his personal belief in "justice without killing," which he developed after undergoing a painful transformation.

Especially after Kuzan, whose ideals were imbued with a unique blend of humanity and confusion, left the Navy.

Zephyr hadn't felt such a gentle yet firm sense of "justice" among the Navy's high command for a long time.

The appearance of Yixiao might inject a rare touch of gentleness and humanity into the increasingly hardened and utilitarian atmosphere of the Navy.

This gave Zefa a long-lost sense of comfort.

“Very good…” Zefa looked at Yixiao’s information, nodded slightly, and muttered to himself.

In his view, while strength is important, having a righteous heart that matches that strength is even more crucial.

This is the foundation for becoming a qualified naval commander, especially a high-ranking one.

In comparison, Huang Mu's test record seems...

Well... to put it bluntly, they are more aggressive and have more potential to be dogs.

His answer was filled with a belief in the law of the jungle and a worship of "absolute power" and "world aristocracy".

While they agree on combating pirates and maintaining order, their core philosophy leans more towards a cold, results-oriented pragmatism.

It even has a bit of a jungle law feel to it, especially its attitude toward non-member countries, which basically doesn't treat ordinary people as human beings!

"Tsk, no need to look, he must be the kind of guy the World Government likes."

Zefa turned his gaze to the arrogant green-haired man in the training ground, his eyes filled with scrutiny and disgust.

.......

At the same time, seeing that Yixiao was silent and ignoring him, Huang Mu's desire to show off and seek recognition resurfaced.

So, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, he continued in a slightly boastful tone, "Hey, blind man, let me tell you the truth."

"In the Navy, my most admired person is Admiral Sakazuki! 'Absolute Justice'—how pure and powerful!"

"Just thinking about burning all those damned pirates and scum to ashes with lava makes me feel so cool!"

Yi Xiao still leaned on his staff and sword, his head slightly bowed, as if listening or deep in thought, and replied in a calm tone.

"In that case, Mr. Aramaki would be a good fit for G-2 Division, where General Sakazuki is in charge."

"Hey! I may like it, but I don't want to go to the front lines and risk my life!"

Huang Mu immediately waved his hand, his face showing an expression that said, "You simply don't understand."

Then, lowering his voice, he said almost obsequiously, "The place I most want to go, the position I most want to hold..."

The mission is to go to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise to directly protect those esteemed Celestial Dragons!

That's a truly safe, prestigious location that reflects real value!

Upon hearing the words "Celestial Dragons," Issho's usually calm and composed face showed a barely perceptible furrow in his brow.

Beneath his tightly closed eyelids, some emotion seemed to be surging, and he was just about to say something...

Sudden.

An extremely powerful sense swept through his heart like ripples on water!

His Observation Haki, far surpassing that of ordinary people and even exceeding that of Huang Mu, was of a top-tier level.

At this moment, they keenly sensed four incredibly powerful auras rapidly approaching from afar!

Three of them are definitely no less powerful than him!

The last one... completely overwhelmed the other three, carrying an absolute majesty that made even the soul tremble!

"!!!" Yi Xiao's expression changed drastically, and his previously steady figure sprang up from the bench.

He instantly turned towards the direction from which the domineering aura emanated, and his tightly closed eyes opened at that moment.

His eyes were revealed to be unfocused, with only a cloudy white portion of their whites showing!

Huang Mu, standing nearby, was startled by Yi Xiao's sudden and violent reaction and the way he opened his eyes. He subconsciously asked...

"You...you can open your eyes?!"

But Yixiao completely ignored him.

Because at this moment, his entire mind was occupied by the four rapidly approaching domineering auras.

Just then, a unique voice, tinged with a hint of languor and a touch of mockery, answered Huang Mu's question in place of Yi Xiao.

"Oh my, how scary!" The voice grew louder as it approached. "Young people these days really have lofty ambitions!"

"You actually want to go to the Holy Land? That's your senior's livelihood! You can't do that!"

It's Kizaru! Borsalino!

Upon hearing the sound, Huang Mu felt a sudden chill and belatedly looked up in the direction Yi Xiao was facing!

On a high platform at the edge of the training ground, Admiral Kizaru was already standing there.

He casually placed one foot on the next step, raised his right hand as if checking his watch, his posture relaxed.

Behind Kizaru, an even more imposing and undeniable figure stood out clearly, just like the center of the image.

It was Gern!

He wore a navy righteous coat, with the Eight Directions symbol at his waist, his expression calm, and his gaze swept across the entire training ground.

And on his left and right sides were...

"A great swordsman?!" Jorah Mihawk crossed his arms, his black sword "Night" slung silently behind his back, his golden eagle eyes scrutinizing him with a smile.

"Not bad!" Douglas Barrett grinned, a sneer spreading across his face. "These two guys..."

Four people appeared!

An invisible pressure instantly swept across the entire temporary training ground!

Chapter 523 Just the two of you, wanting to become Navy Admirals?

Gern appeared alongside Kizaru (Marine Admiral), Hawkeye (World's Greatest Swordsman), and Barrett (Former Legendary Villain).

This combination itself represents power, authority, and unparalleled deterrence!

Faced with this spectacle, Yixiao, being blind, was unable to directly experience the extremely impactful scene.

However, his Observation Haki allowed him to perceive the "texture" of the four auras with unparalleled clarity, so he gripped his staff and sword tightly, his expression solemn.

Huang Mu, who witnessed this scene firsthand, showed little panic on his face after the initial shock.

Instead, the corners of his mouth slowly curled up, revealing an excited smile.

"Phew." He exhaled a smoke ring, his gaze fixed intently on Gern, who was surrounded by three top-tier experts in the center, and muttered to himself.

"Heh, this sense of oppression is really quite nice."

Power... truly is the best tonic!

At the same time, Gern's gaze did not linger on Huang Mu's face, nor did it even glance at Yan Zhenzhi's ready-to-fight smile; his gaze passed over the two of them.

It landed directly on the purple-haired old man wearing sunglasses not far away, and a gentle smile appeared on his face.

“Professor Zephyr,” Gern said calmly.

"You've arrived? It seems Sengoku still has some tricks up his sleeve! Haha." Zefa smiled and nodded slightly upon seeing Gern's arrival.

“Don’t even mention it, Professor Zephyr. This is the first time I’ve ever been threatened with a strike…” Gern pursed his lips.

"As long as you put your knowledge into practice, you can handle your own work."

"That won't work."

Zephyr: "..."

After teasing Zephyr, Gern turned his gaze to the capable-looking woman with short blue hair standing next to Zephyr.

She winked at Ain, her tone becoming relaxed and familiar: "Ain, Lipo has been talking about you a lot lately."

"It's been so long since we went on a mission together, I'm getting really bored." He smiled, a hint of encouragement in his voice.

"That girl loves to play. If you have time, take her out to stretch her muscles. She'll definitely be happy."

For a moment, it seemed as if Gern wasn't there to assess newcomers, but rather to drop by and visit his teachers and friends.

But this seemingly casual attitude precisely demonstrates his absolute confidence and control at this moment.

He doesn't need to put on a show; his very existence is the greatest deterrent.

Upon hearing Gern's words, especially the mention of Libo, Ain couldn't help but smile and nodded vigorously.

"Yes, General Gern, I will contact Lipo when I have time!"

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Gern finally remembered the important matter and turned his attention to the two people in the center of the training ground.

His gaze first swept over Xiao, whose expression was solemn and who was gripping his staff and knife tightly, and lingered for a moment.

Then, the focus finally settled on Huang Mu, whose arrogant smile still lingered on his lips and whose eyes were filled with aggression.

Gern's face remained expressionless; he simply spoke, his calm voice echoing across the silent training ground.

"So……"

"So it's you two who want to become Navy Admirals?"

In response to Gern's question, Yixiao was the first to react.

He bowed slightly, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant, his tone polite.

"I do indeed have this intention, and I hope Your Excellency Gern will not hesitate to correct me."

"Oh?" Gern narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly showing a hint of interest in Yi Xiao's composure and directness.

After all, Fujitora is a champion of justice, and he intends to stay at Marine Headquarters, while Aramaki is probably favored by the World Government.

Otherwise, with only one general vacancy in the current timeline, how could two candidates be selected?

There's nothing they can do but fortify the area above...

At the same time, Aramaki, who was also about to say something, swallowed back his words when he saw Ikko speak first.

He stood to the side with his arms crossed, completely at ease, a smug smile still playing on his lips.

There was no other reason than that I also wanted to see for myself just how powerful this "Tianzhen," who was rumored to be so miraculous, really was.

After all, seeing is believing.

"Mr. Gern, thank you for your trouble," Yixiao said again.

At the same time, he raised the cane and sword in his hands to the front of him, and opened his unfocused eyes again, staring at the blade.

With a deep voice, the staff-sword was slowly drawn out an inch, its cold blade reflecting a dazzling light in the sunlight, and a condensed and heavy sword aura began to emanate from him.

By taking the initiative to demonstrate his swordsmanship, Yixiao was also extending a silent invitation to Geen.

Please examine my magnanimity and strength.