One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

The live combat training for the recruits' boot camp was a significant event, even within Marineford. One could liken it to a university's final group internship before graduation.

Marineford held these training missions in high regard, providing dedicated intelligence support and even having Admiral Zephyr, the Chief Instructor, personally accompany the fleet to minimize unexpected incidents.

The training ship, carrying a full complement of cadets, had set sail. Instructor Shuzo remained at the headquarters, while Instructor Goomir followed Admiral Zephyr aboard the ship to record the cadets' performance. This would be Goomir's final mission before being promoted to Rear Admiral and reassigned to the G-2 Branch on the Grand Line. There, he would face an increasing influx of pirates and uphold his vision of justice.

Several Marine Vice Admirals, former students of Zephyr, came to see the cadets off. These elites had served as assistant instructors for the recruits over the past few months: Vice Admiral "Doberman" taught swordsmanship, Vice Admiral "Dalmatian" taught hand-to-hand combat, and Vice Admiral "Strawberry" taught military strategy.

Wright was familiar with these renowned Vice Admirals, but since Zephyr had personally instructed him in all subjects, he hadn't had much interaction with them. Conversely, the Vice Admirals were highly interested in Wright and held him in great regard. As fellow disciples of Zephyr, they saw Wright as their "junior brother," one with exceptional potential and receiving Zephyr's special attention.

Yet, unlike the other cadets, who were either tense, composed, indifferent, or excited, Wright was feeling... complicated.

As a seasoned player with fifteen years of experience as a Retribution Paladin, his mind wandered to moments that had haunted him during those early gaming days:

"Forming a party! Bring potions, food, and bandages! DPS players, assemble!"

"Retribution Paladin, join!"

[PlayerName] invites you to the party.

"Group up, buff up, ready to roll!"

"Uh... healers are hard to come by. Hmm? Hey, Retribution Paladin, switch to healer!"

Wright snapped out of his reverie as he recalled his conversation with Zephyr before boarding the ship.

...

"Wright, based on my assessment, your combat strength is at least Rear Admiral level. For this training mission, you will have a unique assignment," Zephyr had told him.

"Understood!" Wright had been thrilled. It was only natural. Placing him with his classmates would make their efforts pointless unless he refrained from intervening. In that case, why even bring him along? Clearly, Zephyr had thought this through. Wright silently gave him a thumbs-up.

"The live combat mission will last a month," Zephyr continued. "Your assignment will be issued afterward."

"...?" Wright was puzzled. A task that wouldn't start until after the mission? Did that mean he would just wait at headquarters? That would be dreadfully boring.

"You're thinking that staying at headquarters would be dull, aren't you?"

Zephyr's uncanny perception left Wright speechless. Was he teaching mind-reading now? Wright sighed.

"Don't worry," Zephyr reassured him. "During the mission, you'll be fully engaged. Your healing abilities are extraordinary, and the versatility of your healing methods is unprecedented among the recruits."

Zephyr's sharp gaze met Wright's widening eyes. "As a warrior, I understand your desire to face enemies head-on. Your history as a Pirate Hunter proves your hatred for pirates. But your actions also reveal a different side of you. You spared those who had not committed atrocities and were labeled pirates solely due to circumstance. This shows that you have a conviction to protect."

"To safeguard civilians and the weak, you eliminate the wicked, heal the innocent, and have joined the Marines to grow stronger."

"Aww, come on, Zephyr-sensei, you're making me sound so noble," Wright said, grinning smugly and scratching his head—hardly looking embarrassed at all.

Zephyr frowned, grabbing Wright's face and pinching it into a comical shape. "Is this what embarrassment looks like? Stop ruining the mood!"

Zephyr's tone grew somber. "I'm telling you this for a reason. Live combat missions come with casualties. While I'll do my best to prevent deaths, the chaos of battle means even an Admiral cannot protect everyone. Cadets who suffer severe injuries may never progress further—or worse, leave the battlefield permanently. Every one of them is a potential future pillar of the Marines, and their loss weakens our ability to protect the innocent."

"Over the years, cadets have been lost during these missions. If they had survived, the Marines would be far stronger today, with greater dominance over pirates and more lives saved."

Zephyr released Wright's face, his expression heavy with sorrow. For once, Wright didn't joke.

"That's why, Wright, I'm asking you—no, I'm begging you. Use your abilities to protect these cadets. Reduce casualties as much as possible. Don't let these damn pirates extinguish the bright futures of our comrades this year!"

"Can you promise me this?"

Wright met Zephyr's gaze, seeing not only the resolute will of an Admiral but also the pain and regret of a mentor who had borne too many losses. Zephyr, the "Don't Kill" Admiral, had quietly nurtured countless Marine elites, upholding his own brand of justice. Such a man didn't deserve the fate that awaited him in the canon timeline.

Wright's expression softened into a confident smile. "Don't worry, Sensei. As long as their heads remain attached, I'll patch them up good as new."

"Honestly, I'm kind of a coward. Healing people from the back is way safer and less hassle than clashing swords with pirates…"

Zephyr chuckled at Wright's obvious deflection. "You rascal, always quick with the lip. Haven't changed a bit since coming to Marineford!"

Wright saluted, grinning. "Mission accepted, Sensei. From now on, you can call me 'Gold Medal Support!'"

Zephyr shook his head, smiling despite himself. Patting Wright's shoulder, he said, "On behalf of the cadets, thank you, Wright. Your presence gives them a fighting chance at a brighter future."

"Go board the ship. I'll head off first."

As Zephyr's imposing figure disappeared into the distance, Wright felt a surge of determination.

"With me here, your tragedies end today, Sensei."

"There's still time… I need to become even stronger!"

Then reality hit him like a ton of bricks.

"Still, I'm just a healer now, huh? Is Holy Light destined to be support-only…?"

His grand aspirations deflated, Wright found himself sinking into a bout of despair.

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