One Piece: My code name is Green Bull

"Jon, if you ever make it to the New World, remember this—don't stick your neck out too far. You're not there yet. Your main focus should be self-preservation. Your time is in the future, not now."

Zephyr solemnly advised Jon.

As both a naval admiral and Jon's teacher, saying something like this felt a little inappropriate. But Zephyr genuinely cared for Jon. He didn't want him to take unnecessary risks in pursuit of glory, which could lead to injury or worse.

Though Jon was impressive in his own right, he was still young and inexperienced compared to the legendary pirates of the New World.

Perhaps a few years down the line, Zephyr might no longer have such concerns. But for now, he couldn't help but worry. Even though Jon was level-headed, he was still a young man. Anything could happen.

"Don't worry, teacher. I understand the principle of avoiding danger. You know I've got extraordinary Observation Haki. Not many people surpass me when it comes to sensing threats or escaping."

Jon spoke with a cheerful smile. He valued his life above all else and would never knowingly put himself in peril.

"As long as you understand."

Looking at Jon, Zephyr's expression suddenly turned complicated. He patted Jon's shoulder and said, "Take care of yourself, kid. I'm looking forward to the day you earn your title as an admiral."

Jon grinned confidently. "That day will come."

He turned his gaze toward the recruits in training.

"Teacher, besides Kuzan, who else among the recruits is promising?"

"There are a few decent ones, like…"

Jon chatted casually with Zephyr. Interestingly, among this batch of recruits, there were two individuals Jon recognized—future naval leaders.

After more than half an hour, Jon finally said goodbye to Zephyr and left the training grounds.

"Teacher Zephyr, who was that just now?"

Not long after Jon left, a man wearing a hat with the navy insignia approached Zephyr, his face full of curiosity. This was none other than Kuzan. With his mischievous personality, Zephyr often felt helpless in dealing with him.

Many didn't realize that the future Admiral Aokiji was, in fact, a bit of a goofball in his early days.

"All you ever do is ask questions instead of training seriously. You want to know who that was? He's your senior, one of my first students, a genius among geniuses. You're nowhere near his level."

Of course, Zephyr wasn't entirely truthful. While Kuzan excelled in physical skills, even more so than Jon, due to focusing solely on combat without the added burden of developing Devil Fruit powers, Zephyr still said this to motivate him.

Kuzan was prideful despite his carefree demeanor. Giving him a goal to surpass could only help him.

"A genius better than me?"

Kuzan, unaware of humility, immediately protested. Since joining the navy, he hadn't encountered a peer who could rival him. Even in Zephyr's elite class, he was in a league of his own.

Hearing there was someone more talented and of a similar age piqued Kuzan's interest.

"Of course. His name is Lynes Jon. A true prodigy. Compared to him, you still have a long way to go."

Kuzan frowned. "That's only because he joined the navy two years before me. If we were in the same class, he might not outshine me."

"Heh. Talk is cheap. If you have the time to argue, spend it training. Jon was far more diligent than you."

"Training, huh? That's nothing to me! Lynes Jon, was it? I'll remember that name. Someday, I'll challenge him and defeat him."

Kuzan vowed confidently before marching off to train with renewed enthusiasm.

Zephyr watched his retreating figure, a rare smile breaking through his usually stern expression. His plan to provoke Kuzan had worked perfectly.

This was a rare stroke of luck. Zephyr had been racking his brain for ways to motivate Kuzan to focus on training. Jon's timely appearance provided the perfect solution.

Zephyr poured so much energy into his students, particularly this batch. While Kuzan stood out among them, the class lacked the competitive environment of Jon's cohort, which included Borsalino, Sakazuki, Dorag, and Jon—all extraordinary talents who pushed each other to greater heights.

Zephyr sighed to himself. "Training fresh blood for the navy—that's my life's greatest passion and purpose."

A few days later, Tsuru summoned Jon to inform him about an upcoming mission to the New World.

"Jon, this mission isn't about combat. It's about holding the line and preventing pirates from wreaking havoc and harming civilians. Are you sure you want to join me?"

"Yes, Vice Admiral. I've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time."

Jon's face lit up with excitement. After nineteen years in this world, he was eager to explore the legendary New World. This was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

"You're certainly motivated. Why are you so eager to go there? Is it to fight pirates?"

Tsuru could easily read Jon's thoughts. It was normal for a young man to crave challenge and glory. Since Jon wanted to see the New World, she decided to grant his wish.

If the chance arose for Jon to fight against a legendary pirate, it would be a valuable lesson.

"Since you've made your decision, we'll depart in two days."

"Yes, Vice Admiral."

Jon was ecstatic. Finally, his long-awaited journey to the New World was about to begin.

"By the way, will your female troops accompany us this time?"

Tsuru raised an eyebrow at Jon's question before chuckling. "It seems you've grown attached to them during training. Don't worry, some of them will join us, but only those who are qualified. The rest aren't ready for the battlefield."

Jon breathed a small sigh of relief. Though the female soldiers often teased him, they had a good relationship. The thought of losing them in the dangerous New World worried him.

"As a strategist, you won't participate in battles unless absolutely necessary. I know you're eager to fight, but once we reach the New World, I'll assign you to the frontline forces under Sengoku and Garp. Don't embarrass the Strategy Department."

"Rest assured, Vice Admiral. I won't let you down."

"Confidence is good. But remember, your life matters more than glory. The navy's future depends on young talents like you."

Tsuru's advice echoed Zephyr's, deepening Jon's gratitude toward the two elders who genuinely cared about him.

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