Chapter 3: The Rising Genius

Varen didn't have time to dwell on Zephyr's expression.

"Hadō no. 4 · White Thunder!"

Dazzling thunder shot from Varen's hand like a shooting star, engulfing the entire field with its berserk power.

Boom!

A deafening roar echoed, causing discomfort in Kizaru's ears.

"Is this guy really younger than me? Such incredible power!" Kizaru was incredulous, witnessing Varen's display of strength.

Varen's speed and prowess far exceeded Kizaru's expectations.

Fixing his gaze on the dense fog, Kizaru awaited the outcome anxiously.

As the smoke cleared, Zephyr's figure emerged, hands crossed over his chest with barely a scratch, except for a small hole.

However!

Kizaru keenly observed a four-to-five-meter-long indentation beneath Zephyr's feet.

"Gulp..."

A heavy gulp disrupted the silence, and Zephyr gazed at Varen with mixed emotions. Though not a full-scale battle, repelling Zephyr was no small feat.

Zephyr recognized talent when he saw it. As a Marine Admiral, he'd encountered few geniuses, but this young man's potential was extraordinary.

Zephyr sensed a rising star within the ranks of the Marines.

With only one visible Marine Admiral at the forefront, and others like Garp in reserve or declining promotion, the sea's safety weighed heavily on Zephyr's mind.

Varen, if properly nurtured, could ascend to Marine Admiral in less than a decade!

"A true prodigy!" Zephyr clenched his fists, eyes gleaming with excitement.

Yet, he restrained his enthusiasm, aware of the impact on future interactions.

"Well done, Varen! What are your aspirations for the future?"

"My future?" Varen paused, then responded with unwavering determination, "I aim to be a hero! To uphold justice and protect the innocent!"

The breeze tousled Varen's white hair, revealing a handsome, resolute face beneath.

His magnetic voice resonated with idealism and conviction, embodying not just words but a young man's dreams.

Zephyr gazed at the determined youth before him.

To be a hero!

How reminiscent of Zephyr's own aspirations in his youth—to join the Marines and champion justice.

After a moment of reflection, Zephyr exhaled deeply, then turned to the two remaining conscious individuals.

"That's all for today. Tomorrow, I'll announce the elite camp roster."

With that, Zephyr departed, leaving without further evaluation of Kizaru's abilities.

Later, as Zephyr entered the Marine Admiral's office, Sengoku inquired, "What happened? Weren't you supposed to assess the newcomers?"

"Sengoku, we have a genius in our midst—a remarkable prodigy!" Zephyr exclaimed, excitement evident in his eyes.

"He's unlike anyone we've seen, with strength that surpasses even our own. At just twenty, he's a formidable force. I believe he'll surpass us all in no time!"

Sengoku grinned, sharing in Zephyr's enthusiasm.

"A prodigy who may surpass us? Now, that's thrilling!"

Zephyr, a renowned Marine Admiral, rarely encountered challengers. For Sengoku, the appearance of such a prodigy was cause for celebration.

While intrigued by Zephyr's appraisal, Sengoku couldn't help but feel buoyed by his old friend's renewed spirit.