Chapter 36: Monthly Assessment

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"Have you grasped how to train Armament Haki?"

"I have some insight, but I haven't mastered it yet," Byakuya recalled the recent battles and the feeling during the match with Zephyr. 

Byakuya was just beginning his training in Haki and could only understand it through practice. Seeing Byakuya deep in thought, Zephyr smiled. 

"Don't pressure yourself too much. You've already surpassed my expectations by mastering the Marine's six styles in just one month."

"However, as someone who's been through it all, I suggest you focus on mastering Iron Body and Paper Art first."

"Iron Body is a weaker version of Armament Haki; when activated, it provides similar defensive properties but you can't move while using it."

"Paper Art is akin to a weaker version of Observation Haki; you can sense incoming attacks and your body instinctively reacts to them. The drawback is its limited range."

"If you can master these two skills, you may soon grasp Armament and Observation Haki." 

It's clear why an experienced person is invaluable; without direct experience, no one would know these two techniques can help in mastering Haki.

Byakuya felt a sense of urgency about Haki, but he wasn't overly anxious. He had only been at the Marine training camp for about a month, and there was still plenty of time. 

Even Luffy took two years to master Haki. So Byakuya was taking it easy.

Once he understands, the system's existence, as long as he has enough world energy, nothing will be a problem. 

Byakuya smiled. "Don't worry, sensei, I know that training like this can't be rushed."

Zephyr nodded. "That's good to hear."

"By the way, today is the monthly assessment for recruits. Do you want to take a look?"

Zephyr suggested this to give Byakuya a day off since he had been training day and night for the past month. 

Byakuya was puzzled. "Monthly assessment? Why didn't I receive any notice about this?"

"Why would we notify you?" Zephyr responded in frustration. "With your strength, you'd just end up bullying the newcomers. What's the point?"

"Hey!, I'm a newcomer too."

"You hardly count as a newcomer—you... wait," Zephyr paused, realizing that Byakuya technically was a newcomer and one of the younger ones in the camp.

Others in his age group excelled mainly due to having Devil Fruit abilities, many of which were quite powerful, enabling them to dominate their peers. 

Physical strength generally peaks in middle age because their bodies aren't as strong as when they were young.

Even Zephyr and Garp at the age of eighteen only showed slightly greater strength than their peers. It was only later that they entered a period of rapid growth. 

But Byakuya, this kid, is this strong at eighteen, making Zephyr want to dissect him and research how someone at eighteen could be this strong.

"Alright, I won't go—no... I must go!" Byakuya initially thought he wouldn't go. 

He knew his strength would only lead to a massacre, which wouldn't be much fun. But halfway through his sentence, Byakuya heard the system prompt in his mind.

[Congratulations, host! You've triggered the task: Each monthly assessment achieve the first place for reward 200 points of world energy.]

"Here we go again." Byakuya couldn't help but complain about the system prompt. 

"You might as well rename yourself 'Overachiever System,' making me always take first place, excel in all areas, and aim to be the top student, the one with the most badges."

But despite his grumbling, Byakuya was happy with the system's task. With his abilities, the 200 points of world energy seemed like a gift. 

Moreover, Byakuya noted that the system's phrasing was "each assessment," meaning Byakuya could potentially earn 2,400 points of world energy every year.

That's a stable income, with a three-year tenure. He almost had a drool on his face before he snapped out of it.

Byakuya walked up to Zephyr and said, "Teacher, I must participate in this month's assessment."

"Give me a good reason why you must participate. Let's see if you can convince me." Zephyr remarked, unimpressed. 

To Zephyr, it seemed that Byakuya simply wanted to showcase his immense strength to his peers, much like a child showing off their favorite toy.

But looking at Byakuya's still somewhat youthful face, Zephyr couldn't help but think to himself that the little monster before him was indeed just a kid.

Byakuya had already prepared his speech, speaking gravely. 

"Teacher, I'm not just participating in the assessment for myself. It's also for you, for my peers, and for the Marines!" Byakuya's grand declaration nearly made Zephyr lose his footing.

Byakuya's desire to go and show off his strength was something Zephyr didn't intend to stop him from doing; after all, the boy was still young, and wanting to show off was normal. 

But Byakuya's grand speech about doing it for Zephyr, the students, and the Marines made it sound like Zephyr was the one trying to prevent Byakuya from participating in the assessment, which would be a great offense in Byakuya's mind.

Zephyr responded gruffly, "Tell me your reasons."

Byakuya took on a serious expression and began, "First, for you, teacher. When I first joined the training camp, you took me under your wing, constantly teaching me." 

"I remember this kindness, and I want to showcase my growth in front of them to prove your exceptional teaching skills."

Zephyr couldn't help but smirk, "That's a stretch, but I'll accept it. What's next?"

"Second, for my peers. By showing them the gap between our abilities, I want to give them a clear target to strive for, motivating them to improve themselves."

Zephyr's smile faded slightly as he listened, but he encouraged Byakuya to go on.

"Third, for the Marines. Those chosen for the elite training camp are among the best in the Marines, and each loss represents a significant blow." 

"By displaying my strength, I hope to instill in them a clear understanding of the power of the strong, fostering a healthy respect for it." 

"This way, when they graduate, they won't make rash decisions that could cost them their lives in the face of greater opponents."

Zephyr felt like he was finally starting to understand Byakuya better. He said with a hint of amusement, 

"Byakuya, have you ever considered a career in the World Government? I feel you're too talented to be just a Marine. Your eloquence overshadows even your remarkable aptitude for politician."

<End Chapter>

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