One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 48 I Want to Be a Round Ball

Because of the loss of his wife and son in middle age, Zephyr's ambition was extinguished, so he wanted to resign from his position as general.

Of course, the Navy would never easily release a general of his caliber, who is in his prime. Not to mention the Navy, the World Government would be the first to disagree.

So after several rounds of negotiations, Zephyr became the head instructor of the training camp, and it was in that year that he met Sakazuki and Borsalino.

The warm moments spent teaching students gradually soothed his inner pain, and perhaps it wouldn't be bad to spend his life like this.

Although Zefa didn't particularly like those who were recruited because of their past experiences, he was persuaded by Kuzan himself, and Roman was a child who was not even as old as the average age of his students.

So Zephyr, who was still hesitant, softened a bit.

If my child were still alive, would he be as healthy and strong as Roman?

After meeting her in person, Zefa was even more determined to take her in.

Putting aside his humble personality, Zephyr's neat and compliant marine uniform alone was enough to make him exude goodwill.

Unlike Kuzan, who joined the Navy at 19 and became a vice admiral at 27, Zephyr joined the Navy at 14 and did not rise to the rank of corporal until he was 28. His ordinary marine uniform was the book of his decades-long struggle.

Even now, as an admiral, he finds it difficult to shake his deep affection for the most basic marine uniform.

Based on Roman's attitude, he was willing to make some concessions for the child.

"If we're really going to talk about it, you've already exceeded the graduation threshold of the training camp. Ordinary things are obviously useless to you, but I don't mind practicing with you personally."

"Teacher, you..." To be honest, Kuzan didn't expect Zephyr to be so easy to talk to this time. You know, the teacher is a stubborn person, the kind that can't be swayed by ten oxen. Of course, saying such things directly would be asking for a beating.

Even if others call him a monster, he doesn't want to be beaten by his teacher again. He suffered enough in the training camp. Now that he thinks about it, it's an incredible miracle that he can still be so enthusiastic every day.

"Really?" Roman's excitement soared.

Unlike his later years when he is old and frail, Zefa is still in his prime now, so his sparring with me must be extraordinary.

"Then am I still your subordinate, Lieutenant General Kuzan?" After all, with the rumors circulating, the hawkish Onigumo had been completely offended. In the end, Kuzan might not want her either.

"Of course, as long as Teacher Zephyr thinks you're qualified, I welcome you back anytime." Kuzan also showed a gentle smile this time.

Great, now I can relax... what a load of rubbish.

So what exactly happened?

The neatly stacked documents, the clean and tidy bookshelves, the steaming tea, the domineering plaque proclaiming justice as the ruler of the world exuding the room's owner's aura, and the quiet and serious atmosphere... as well as the noisy atmosphere.

This is the office of General Sengoku. Roman was actually somewhat mentally prepared to meet Sengoku.

According to the normal procedure, Roman's information should have been sent to Sengoku, but because Sengoku was busy with military affairs, it ended up in Kuzan's hands.

However, since Roman, a pro-co-opter, had already arrived in Marineford, it would be normal for Sengoku to meet with him, give him a warning, or observe him.

What's more, I even took the initiative to talk to Rosinante yesterday.

Don't think that Roman's words yesterday were just a bunch of nonsense. As a self-taught naval officer, the higher-ups certainly can't completely trust her. So what does Roman need to establish? Of course, she needs to establish a glorious and righteous image.

She had already thought of the script: the image of a pitiful girl who had suffered displacement but still harbored goodwill towards the world.

It may feel cliché, but as long as it works, that's fine.

Moreover, she believed that Rosinante wouldn't hide many things from her father, which suited her perfectly, since those words weren't entirely meant for Rosinante; some were also meant for Sengoku.

But the office wasn't just home to Sengoku; it was another miscalculation on her part.

Vice Admiral Borsalino, Vice Admiral Sakazuki, Iron Fist Garp, Staff Officer Tsuru, as well as Zephyr and Kuzan, all came because Roman was summoned by the Sengoku Admiral.

It's fair to say that the future main force of the navy is all in this small room.

Not counting Roman, even the smallest crane is 204 centimeters long, making the originally spacious area seem cramped.

Roman, surrounded by so many big shots, felt a little intimidated and began to wonder what he had done to attract so many powerful figures.

If she wasn't arrested, then it's not a matter of her identity. What could be the reason?

In fact, Roman was overthinking things. The reason why all the big shots came to see her was quite simple.

Sengoku heard about Roman's personality from Rosinante and became curious about her. Garp, who spent his days drinking tea and eating donuts with Sengoku, was also curious about this little girl who had defeated Onigumo. As for Tsuru, she could be said to be the anchor of the female navy, with almost all the women in the navy belonging to her faction. Naturally, she wanted to meet the young girl who had suddenly appeared.

Sakazuki also came because of the rumors, but on the day Onigumo fought Roman, Onigumo had explained Roman's situation to him quite clearly. Although Onigumo's expression was extremely grim when he reported, he still acknowledged Roman's strength. However, Onigumo's failure to defeat Roman was a huge loss of face, and the rumors had spread far and wide in just one day, infuriating Onigumo so much that he smashed several tables.

As for Borsalino, he was just looking for an excuse to slack off. He didn't have to do anything; he could just join in the fun and still get paid. He'd be a fool not to go, especially since he was also a bit curious about this man named Roman. And because he lacked basic information, he was probably the most surprised when he saw Roman's true colors.

"How terrifying! A kid like that can defeat a Rear Admiral from our Marine Headquarters? The dignity of justice is completely tarnished!" Borsalino, clearly enjoying the spectacle, began to fan the flames.

Sure enough, Sakazuki's face immediately darkened: "Onigumo's report to me didn't say he lost. She's just a brat who was recruited. And Borsalino, our dignity won't be allowed to be trampled on like this."

"Sakazuki, you've gone a bit too far. Zeff has already agreed to let her enter the training camp; she'll be just like any other Marine." Kuzan and Sakazuki have always been at odds. The two either don't speak a word to each other normally, or they'll erupt into endless arguments.

"Kuzan, are you lecturing me when you're completely indifferent to military affairs?"

"Sakazuki, do you think your bloody methods are worthy of your justice?"

……

I shouldn't have sat here.

At this moment, Roman wished he could shrink into a ball and leave gracefully.