One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

Drake gazed at Vice Admiral Wright on the stage with eager anticipation.

Years ago, on Minion Island in the North Blue, Doflamingo killed his father, Barrels. Drake had barely managed to escape, finding refuge under the Navy's protection.

The Donquixote Pirates ceased their pursuit of Trafalgar Law partly due to rumors that "the Navy was sheltering a young boy."

In a way, Drake was a significant benefactor to Law.

On the naval surveillance ship, Drake witnessed an extraordinary scene that was forever seared into his memory—a radiant golden pillar of light descended from the heavens, almost divine in its magnificence.

Drake wasn't alone in his astonishment. The Marines aboard the surveillance ship were equally dumbfounded, especially since they had no knowledge that Vice Admiral Wright had already arrived on Minion Island at the time.

That day left an indelible impression on Drake—what was the origin of that incredible light?

It wasn't until years later, after joining the Navy, that Drake learned the truth. The golden light belonged to then-Rear Admiral Wright, a man of miraculous deeds and remarkable character.

"This… this is what a true Marine should be. Father… he was nothing more than a traitor who failed to uphold his convictions!"

When Wright was promoted to Vice Admiral, Drake harbored a fervent hope of serving under him. But upon hearing that Wright would personally recruit from the current training camp, Drake couldn't help but feel apprehensive.

"You're… X Drake?"

Wright addressed the brown-haired young man below, who appeared momentarily lost in thought. This was the same boy who had once been one of Trafalgar Law's saviors.

Another who had abandoned his former name.

"Huh? Ah! Reporting, Vice Admiral Wright! I am Drake!"

"Hmm, you'll do. Come with me."

"...What?"

"What, is there a problem?"

"No… uh, no, sir! Yes, sir!"

At the graduation ceremony of the elite training camp, Wright selected only one individual: X Drake, a member of the elite squad and a user of the Zoan-type Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Model: Allosaurus, an ancient Zoan ability.

"It's him? Is it because he's a Devil Fruit user?"

"He wasn't even the top graduate… Does Vice Admiral Wright not base his selections on scores?"

"That's Vice Admiral Wright for you! Back when he was in training camp, he dominated everyone with overwhelming strength. He's not someone who'd make such shallow decisions!"

"But Drake isn't the only Devil Fruit user this year…"

The trainees whispered among themselves, speculating about Wright's standards. Selecting only one person—did this mean that Drake possessed some untapped potential?

Drake left the venue under Wright's guidance, feeling utterly bewildered.

Though a member of the elite squad, Drake wasn't the top graduate. His personality likely played a role—despite his immense strength, Drake lacked decisiveness in combat.

This hesitation sometimes hindered his performance. On the battlefield, where situations evolved in an instant, any indecision or mercy could endanger oneself, comrades, or even the outcome of the mission.

During basic training, possessing a Devil Fruit was a significant advantage—especially a rare Zoan-type ancient model that greatly enhanced physical abilities. Even so, Drake hadn't expected to be selected, especially when Wright chose only one person.

Yet fate worked in mysterious ways. Drake happened to be in the same graduating class when Wright, newly promoted to Vice Admiral, made his first selection. Being recognized by Wright felt like a twist of destiny.

Since Wright had only chosen one recruit, he brought Drake to the guest seating area, instructing him to stand behind him until the other vice admirals finished their selections.

Drake had never been this close to so many high-ranking officers. His naturally introverted personality made him feel nervous, but he was determined to keep his composure.

At 23 years old, he wasn't much younger than Wright. Realizing the rarity of this opportunity, Drake tried his best to control his emotions and avoid making a fool of himself.

"You only picked one recruit?" Garp sauntered over, plopping down in the seat beside Wright. The old man looked as nonchalant as ever.

"And what about you, Garp? Did you come all the way from your branch just to watch the show?"

"Of course! You think I need to fight over recruits with these youngsters? For these vice admirals who frequently patrol and hunt pirates, talented subordinates are always in demand!"

Heh… Funny coming from the guy who handpicked all the best trainees back in my day.

Wright smirked. "I don't have a base to manage, nor do I oversee a patrol area. I only have one warship, so I can't afford to train too many subordinates. I'm just here for the novelty—freshly promoted and all."

"With so many senior officers showing me such generosity, I thought I'd be polite and just pick one. It'd be rude to snatch too many from them!"

Heh, though honestly, I'd probably leave them all in the dust if I took this seriously.

"Wow, didn't know you were so considerate," Garp said, eyeing Wright's earnest expression with mock surprise. "When are you going to show me such courtesy?"

"Hey! I've been nothing but respectful! Don't forget all those recruits I sent to G-3. Who do you think brought them in?" Wright retorted indignantly.

Garp winced, rubbing his temples. "Those guys? Don't remind me. Most of them were leftovers from your picks! I don't care how you do it, but you're taking half of them back now that you're a vice admiral!"

"Pfft. No way. I've only got one warship—where would I even put them?"

"Then give Rosinante and Smoker their own ships and let them take over! You're taking those recruits back, understand?"

Garp cracked his knuckles ominously. "I want peace and quiet, got it? G-3 is already overcrowded!"

"...Fine, fine. I'll bring Rosinante and Smoker over and take some off your hands," Wright muttered reluctantly.

"But you better give me fully staffed ships! Don't even think about handing me empty vessels…"

"Oh? You're getting bold, eh? Feeling on equal footing now that you're a vice admiral?" Garp grinned wickedly, flashing his sharp teeth.

"Ahaha… N-no way! You're still the hero here!" Wright quickly backpedaled. "But heroes don't break promises, right? Fully stocked ships, remember!"

"..."

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