One Piece: The Thunder God

The island Zed and the others had chosen for the Elite Training Program (ETP) was situated right in the middle of the Calm Belt. Reaching this remote location would have been a nightmare for the new trainees, if not for the combined efforts of Zed and Sengoku. They managed to navigate the treacherous waters where Sea Kings lurked, threatening to swallow any vessel daring to cross.

The Marines had yet to find a proper method for traversing the Calm Belt, but they could power through it well enough when necessary.

Once the trainees arrived on the island, they were shown to their quarters by the on-staff personnel. The first day was a free day to allow everyone to settle in and prepare for the grueling training that awaited them.

Before the day was over, each trainee received a map highlighting important landmarks across the island. At midnight, a curfew was established, marking the beginning of their disciplined regimen.

-

~Triiiiiiiing~

Early the next morning, a loud alarm echoed across the island, rousing the new trainees from their slumber. The sharp sound jolted them awake, and confusion swept over them as they scrambled to figure out what to do. Fortunately, Instructor Zed's voice soon followed through the speakers.

"{I want every one of you at Ground A within 10 minutes. Anyone who fails to arrive on time will face severe punishment.}"

His stern words sent everyone rushing toward the training ground, except for Borsalino, who took his time. He spent 9 leisurely minutes washing up and getting ready before transforming into light and beelining straight to the assembly point.

Most of the new recruits, including Cain, were already gathered when Borsalino arrived. The expressions on many faces revealed a mix of displeasure at the early morning assembly, but no one dared to voice complaints. Zed was the highest-ranking officer on the island, and his word was effectively law.

As the final seconds ticked away, the last of the trainees managed to arrive just in time to hear Zed's next instructions.

"Now that you're all here, you'll be sticking to a strict routine and completing whatever tasks I or the assistant instructors assign to you," Zed announced, his voice carrying an unmistakable authority. "Each task will earn you points based on its difficulty. These tasks could involve anything from exercises on this island to missions around it—even field jobs where you'll hunt down pirates. Your assignments will depend on your ranking."

He continued, "You'll be ranked according to your progress, and your milestones will determine those rankings. Don't think you can find any shortcuts. While we may not stop you from trying, it will reflect poorly at the end of each month."

With a stern expression, Zed gave their first task. "Today, we'll be repeating what you did yesterday. Pick up the weights with your names on them and run around the island. There are booths along the route where you can drink and eat, but doing so will cost you points next month. Good luck."

He stepped aside and motioned toward the pile of bags as the trainees exchanged wary glances. Sakazuki, ever eager to set the pace, stepped forward first and hefted his weight. He noticed it felt considerably heavier than the previous day's load but didn't complain.

Following his lead, others walked towards their bags, "Ugh, it's heavier," someone groaned after lifting their own bag.

"Yes," Zed explained. "Yesterday's weights were calculated to be manageable for you. Today, and from now on, the weights are designed for training, pushing you toward growth."

One by one, the trainees picked up their bags, some grumbling, others remaining stoically silent. Cain was reminded of his days in the army, where lugging heavy gear for kilometers at a time had been a daily expectation.

-

The training route featured booths at one-kilometer intervals, offering food and water, though few dared to stop. Those who did were driven by exhaustion after hours of running. Cain, however, had come prepared, having brought dry rations from Marineford. As a seasoned soldier, it was a habit to carry sustenance on long excursions.

Observers, including Zed and some of the other instructors, noted Cain's preparedness with a mix of admiration and regret, as many of the other trainees hadn't thought to bring their own provisions.

The first half of the day focused on building stamina and leg strength, while the latter half allowed for personal training. The island air was soon filled with the smell of sweat, and the trainees' legs trembled from fatigue. Brief rest periods were allowed, but they lasted no more than five minutes. If a trainee exceeded that time, they would be promptly reminded that their break was over. Ignoring three consecutive warnings—issued within 30-second intervals—resulted in being sidelined for the remainder of the day.

By midday, only 88 trainees, including Cain, managed to complete the course. They were then sent to clean up and eat, their bodies aching from the exertion.

-

Inside the cafeteria, Zed and his assistants awaited the group's arrival. Among the assistants Cain saw a familiar face: Hasu. He stood nearby, reviewing a notepad. When he felt someone's gaze, he looked up to find Cain watching him. Hasu returned a small smile but said nothing.

Zed addressed the group once everyone had gathered. "Eighty-eight of you finished today's task. For the next month, your morning routine won't change unless you deliver outstanding results, which can earn you extra points. Your afternoons, however, will be yours to use as you wish—rest or train, it's up to you. Dismissed."

With that, the trainees dispersed, each pursuing their chosen activities.

-

The same grueling routine continued for two weeks, during which several individuals began to stand out. Among them, three names consistently rose to the top: Issho, Sakazuki, and Cain. The trio tackled each day's increased weight with relative ease, making their efforts look effortless.

For Devil Fruit users, a rule enforced by Zed required them to wear Sea-Prism Stone restraints daily to limit their powers. Cain had been wearing one for some time now, which gave him a slight advantage over the others.

During their free time, duels became a popular pastime, with trainees testing their skills against each other. Only blunt weapons were allowed in these sparring matches, ensuring that no one was seriously injured. Cain maintained a perfect record, remaining undefeated. His background as a soldier and the experience it granted had clearly paid off, cementing his position at the top of his class.