One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

Admiral Zephyr, as the commanding officer of the new recruit training camp, is responsible for all camp operations, including the training plan, educational implementation, and practical combat experience. When new recruits arrive, they must meet with Admiral Zephyr for a briefing.

"According to the data, you may be the strongest recruit in this batch. However, as a Devil Fruit user, a large part of your combat strength comes from your abilities," Zephyr said slowly. "I have no objection to using abilities, but if you want to become a top-tier fighter, relying too heavily on Devil Fruit powers is unwise. I'm sure you understand this; you've chosen to use your Devil Fruit ability to assist your swordsmanship, which is indeed a path with broader prospects."

"Swordsmanship, like martial arts, is based on the user's own strength. Even without a Devil Fruit, specializing in swordsmanship or martial arts can make you a top-tier fighter!"

"The sea and Seastone can counter Devil Fruit users, but martial arts and swordsmanship cannot be countered. A truly top-tier fighter, even a powerful Devil Fruit user, will certainly study stronger martial arts or swordsmanship."

Zephyr motioned for Wright to follow and took two steps forward. "Attention! Stop the sparring. All recruits, gather for a briefing!"

Instructors Shuzo and Goomir flanked Zephyr on either side. The recruits quickly assembled. Zephyr continued, "Recruit Wright, last row, fall in!"

"Yes!" Wright swiftly made his way to the back row, finding a spot at the far edge. Next to him was… Donquixote Rosinante!

No one dared to make any moves in front of the three instructors, and Wright was no exception. He didn't even greet anyone, standing at attention and facing the three instructors.

Zephyr looked at the recruits and, seeing that there was no disturbance caused by a new face in the formation, nodded with satisfaction and began the briefing. "After a week of training, you should all have a general understanding of the camp's tasks and the strength of your fellow recruits."

"You've been selected as elite recruits from the headquarters and various branches. You may not be the strongest, but you are the most promising and malleable."

"Among you, some practice martial arts, some practice swordsmanship, and others are Devil Fruit users. I'm sure many of you wonder how the same training will allow you to improve simultaneously."

Zephyr paused, noticing that many recruits were nodding in agreement. He continued, "Martial arts, swordsmanship, and Devil Fruit powers—any one of them can make you a top-tier fighter if taken to the peak. But martial arts and swordsmanship have no obvious weaknesses, while Devil Fruits do—they are countered by the sea and Seastone!"

"Thus, there are many top-tier fighters who specialize in martial arts or swordsmanship, but the top-tier Devil Fruit users must also study martial arts or swordsmanship. In fact, many top-tier fighters use their Devil Fruit powers to assist their martial arts or swordsmanship."

"Devil Fruits are all unique, and how they are developed depends on the user. However, no matter the Devil Fruit, the foundation of its power is physical strength. Only with powerful physical strength can a Devil Fruit's true power be unleashed and its potential developed to greater heights!"

"Martial arts and swordsmanship, as well as essential techniques for movement, evasion, and defense, all rely on strong physical power. So, one prerequisite for becoming a top-tier fighter is having formidable physical strength."

"Therefore, the next phase of training will focus on building physical strength, and Instructor Shuzo will teach you martial arts, while Instructor Goomir will handle swordsmanship."

"In one week, we'll have the 'Elite Test' at the training camp to select the ten strongest recruits for in-depth training!"

Zephyr saw the recruits' breathing quicken upon hearing about the "Elite Test" and gave a cold snort. "The training of elite recruits comes with death quotas. Those who are afraid of dying cannot become top-tier fighters! Prepare well over the next week. New training projects will begin in the afternoon. Dismissed!"

…

At the training camp's exclusive cafeteria, Wright was dining with some newly made friends.

After this morning's briefing, Wright had ended up beside Rosinante in the formation, so it was natural that they would greet each other after the briefing. Admiral Sengoku had clearly not informed Rosinante about Wright being the new recruit, but Rosinante was friendly and easy to get along with.

Wright noticed that Rosinante hadn't mentioned his surname, and he realized that, just like himself, Rosinante had abandoned his surname. They were kindred spirits... However, when Wright was about to introduce his ability, a white-haired, cigar-smoking delinquent-looking young man suddenly interrupted.

"New recruit, you're a Devil Fruit user too? So, this batch of recruits has only three Devil Fruit users."

"Heh..." Rosinante glanced at the young man and introduced him to Wright. "Wright, this is Smoker, a Logia-type 'Smoke-Smoke Fruit' user. And I'm a Paramecia-type 'Calm-Calm Fruit' user. With your 'Holy Light Fruit', the three of us are the only Devil Fruit users in this batch."

Wright "exclaimed" in surprise, "Oh? What a coincidence! Come on, let's go grab a meal today, my treat! We can help each other out with our abilities in the future!"

The three of them headed to the cafeteria.

Smoker grumbled, "You're treating? In the cafeteria?! All meals are free for recruits here!"

Rosinante laughed, "Haha, Wright must be new to the headquarters, he doesn't know yet. But we all have to eat, right?"

Wright scratched his head, "Wait, so the training camp treats us like this? No problem, I'll go ask Bogard for some Sea Kings' meat. That stuff's tasty and nutritious. I'll cook it tonight at my dorm!"

"Bogard, huh? Ah, Wright, you came to the headquarters on one of Captain Garp's ships. But what's this about Sea Kings?" Rosinante, of course, recognized Bogard, Captain Garp's low-key aide.

Wright sighed. "A long story… That old man Garp tricked me. That sly bastard actually fired cannons into the sea when we were in the Calm Belt! The scene… tsk, tsk, tsk…"

…

Rosinante and Smoker were slack-jawed, stunned as they listened to Wright rant about Garp's "crimes."

"If I hadn't had some swordsmanship skills, I wouldn't have made it out of the Calm Belt! There were so many Sea Kings, and the whole crew couldn't finish them all. There was still some left over, so I'm sure I can get some more."

"Is that so strong?!" Smoker's face stiffened. Thinking about his own ability… he could probably just escape from those Sea Kings' mouths, but the Smoke-Smoke Fruit wasn't very good at direct offense.

Rosinante couldn't help but laugh bitterly. His fruit ability worked in combat, but against Sea Kings… at most he could hide to avoid detection.

"Don't be discouraged," Wright said, noticing his two new friends looking awkward. He smiled and added, "Everyone specializes in different areas. Your Devil Fruits may be a little unconventional, but when used well, they're just as powerful as the so-called 'strong' Fruits."

"Thanks…" Rosinante glanced at Smoker, who nodded resolutely. "Then, from now on, we'll be relying on you, Wright!"

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