Chapter 53: Contribution? Exchange! Chuir Ze's Conditions

At these words, a solemn expression instantly emerged on Zephyr's face.

Originally, based on Shuzo's description, Zephyr had simply assumed that Choze's "Breathing Technique" was a temporary physical burst technique incapable of being sustained for very long.

Yet now, Choze was telling him something else.

Once this "Breathing Technique" ability was studied to a profound level, it could actually be maintained all day long without any gaps?!

The implications of this were entirely different!

Especially since the "Breathing Technique" had a low barrier to entry, required far lower individual physical fitness than the "Six Powers," and yet provided a remarkably good boost to physical stats.

Once this ability was rolled out across the board, what the Marines were about to welcome was very likely a massive, overall leap in the strength of grassroots Marine soldiers!

Conjuring up such a magnificent vision, even a seasoned veteran like Zephyr could not help but feel his breath quicken slightly.

Steadily regaining his composure, Zephyr asked with utmost seriousness, "Choze, what level of strength do you think someone could reach if they cultivated your 'Breathing Technique' to its highest, most profound level?"

"The highest level?"

Choze furrowed his brow slightly.

His mind instantly leaped to the peerless genius of the Demon Slayer universe who had left the "Progenitor of Demons" Muzan with centuries of psychological trauma—Yoriichi Tsugikuni!

Judging by Yoriichi Tsugikuni's strength, if placed in the world of One Piece, he could probably manage to become a Headquarters Vice Admiral?

(Yoriichi's abilities—Sun Breathing, Transparent World, Demon Slayer Marks, Bright Red Nichirin Blade—with his absolute limit being "over 1,500 continuous slashes," and the target he struck being none other than "Muzan.")

Yet, the moment this thought popped up, Choze dismissed it himself.

'No! Headquarters Vice Admirals have very high requirements for the Two-Color Haki... In Yoriichi's case, a Major General or Commodore would probably be more fitting...'

Just as Choze was about to voice his deduction, he suddenly realized something.

Yoriichi was Yoriichi.

What Zephyr knew about right now was the [Beast Breathing]!

"Purely in terms of 'Beast Breathing,' cultivating it to its absolute limit might allow someone to reach the level of a commissioned officer at the company or field grade."

Choze carefully weighed his words.

"After all, I haven't rigorously tested the limits of 'Beast Breathing,' so this result is merely my personal guess."

"That is more than enough! Even if it were a full grade lower among junior officers, the effect would still be sufficient!"

Zephyr made no attempt to hide his joyful expression.

"Now let's talk about your 'Breathing Technique'!"

Before Zephyr could continue, Choze, wearing a calm expression, asked first.

"Does Instructor Zephyr mean to have me voluntarily contribute 'Beast Breathing' to the Marines?"

"Ahem! Pretty much, yes..."

Zephyr gave a light cough and offered a serious explanation.

"Perhaps you yourself haven't fully realized the powerful utility of 'Beast Breathing.' For veteran Marines like us, this ability might indeed not serve much purpose.

"However, for those grassroots Marines whose current strength is lacking, 'Beast Breathing' can provide immense assistance!"

So I realize it now!

Choze chanted inwardly while maintaining a calm outward demeanor.

"I personally don't have any aversion to contributing 'Beast Breathing'..."

Zephyr said joyfully, "In that case, that would be wonderful!"

"However!"

Choze changed the subject.

"May I ask, General Zephyr, am I expected to contribute my own exclusive ability 'gratuitously'?"

Zephyr immediately noticed the shift in Choze's form of address and attitude.

Yet he had always been a man who strictly separated public and private matters, and he felt no displeasure at this.

"Not at all. The Marines naturally have the Marines' rules of conduct!"

Zephyr shook his head and explained.

"A 'gratuitous contribution'—wouldn't that simply be 'forcible plunder'? In that case, how would we Marines be any different from pirates!"

Hearing this rhetoric, Choze inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

It was simply a case of others being the knife and he being the fish.

If Zephyr had genuinely wanted to use his status as an Admiral to wrest Beast Breathing away from him...

Choze truly would have had very little room for refusal.

Fortunately...

This old man was a veteran Marine who adhered strictly to his own bottom line!

At least for now, he did!

Choze probed tentatively, "In other words, if I contribute 'Beast Breathing,' the Marines will also pay a certain price?"

"Pretty much!" Zephyr nodded slightly.

Choze asked curiously, "About what kind of things can I trade it for? Promotion and a raise? Or something else entirely?"

Zephyr replied, "Any of those are fine, but it will be judged based on the actual utility that 'Beast Breathing' can provide."

"Instructor Zephyr, you aren't showing the slightest bit of sincerity by putting it that way."

Choze mustered his courage and shook his head.

"You just said that 'Beast Breathing' can provide a massive boost in strength to grassroots Marines, and I am well aware of that as well!

"If the overall strength of the Marine grassroots expands significantly, not only will it make the order of the seas much more stable, but it could even allow us to free up our hands to deal with those truly major troubles that have plagued the Marines for so long—yes, I'm talking about those great pirates in the New World!

"If calculated that way, the strategic significance of 'Beast Breathing' is immensely heavy!"

A flash of admiration crossed Zephyr's eyes—admiration for Choze's grand perspective.

For some reason, Zephyr instantly grew even more confident regarding the upcoming implementation of the "Undercover Warlord Plan."

"I suppose I forgot that you used to be a royal prince after all... Not everyone possesses such a keen global perspective."

Zephyr sighed with emotion.

"In that case, what price do you want the Marines to pay?"

"Promotion and a raise! That's just the baseline."

Choze flashed a set of brilliant white teeth, his expression resembling someone who had just spotted a prime, fattened lamb waiting to be slaughtered.

"Ideally... I hope to acquire a Devil Fruit!"

Zephyr's expression darkened by a fraction immediately.

Everyone in the upper echelons of the Elite Training Camp knew that this Chief Instructor detested nothing more in life than people who relied on Devil Fruit abilities while neglecting their own physical training!

Hmm...

He was talking about Borsalino!

"What kind of Devil Fruit?"

Zephyr sneered.

"Don't tell me it's the Glint-Glint Fruit?"

"Actually, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit is pretty great too..."

Choze muttered under his breath.

Yet he also knew that the Rumble-Rumble Fruit had likely already been eaten by Enel by this point.

Still, he would eventually need to carve out time to make a trip to Skypiea.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to rest easy...

"What did you say?!" Zephyr widened his eyes.

"Ahem, ahem!"

Choze coughed hastily.

"Actually, my demands aren't high. I'm not demanding a Logia, nor am I coveting a Mythical Zoan. A regular Paramecia or Zoan will do!"

Considering Zephyr's personality, coupled with his own [Wild Body] trait, Choze ultimately added a supplementary remark.

"Of course, an ordinary Zoan would be best!"

Zephyr's expression improved slightly, but only just.

"As far as I know, the Marine Headquarters' reserves of Devil Fruits are very sparse. The vast majority of Devil Fruits are exchanged for by meritorious personnel the moment they are handed over to Headquarters.

"As for the rest, they are either turned over to the World Government or thrown into Punk Hazard for experiments... Ahem!"

Realizing he had spoken out of turn, Zephyr abruptly stopped himself.

"I will consider your request. But keep one thing firmly in mind: the 'reward' you receive will be judged strictly according to the actual effects that Beast Breathing can deliver!"

"As for that, of course I understand!"

Choze smiled brightly.

Trading an F-rank [Beast Breathing] for an EX-rank Devil Fruit—what bargain could possibly be better than this?!

Naturally, his smile was brilliantly radiant.

"Instructor Zephyr, I wonder when you plan to send people over to learn 'Beast Breathing'?"

Umm...

A teensy bit late today...

Still, three chapters delivered.

This is a bonus chapter, and also a debt repayment.

Currently still owing [37] chapters.

(End of this chapter)