The second Elite Training Camp had been underway for a month.
And today, when they arrived early at the training ground, they saw a familiar figure.
No, more like a figure etched into their very souls.
It was the very man who had knocked them all to the ground on the first day, the scourge Hammer.
"Yo, you're all here early. Good mindset."
"Did you miss me after a whole month, everyone?"
The elite squad led by Gion instantly darkened, their tragic memories surging back. The others, however, watched Hammer on the platform with a mix of curiosity.
"Hahaha, don't look at me like that. Back then, I was just following Teacher Zephyr's orders. No hard feelings, alright?"
"After all… We'll be seeing a lot of each other from now on~"
As soon as he said this, everyone froze.
"Don't get it? I'm now Teacher Zephyr's assistant instructor. I'll be helping with your training from here on out."
"Got it? My dear elites…"
As he said this, a small smile formed on Hammer's face.
This smile would later be dubbed by the second and following generations of trainees as the "Devil's Grin."
"That's right. Hammer will now assist me in your training from now on," Zephyr's voice cut in.
"Hammer, bring out the gear."
*Whoosh!*
Zephyr appeared on the platform in a flash.
It was the pinnacle of the Soru technique in action, something everyone had grown used to.
"Hehehehe…"
With a sinister chuckle, Hammer threw dozens of massive steel plates onto the training ground.
These were the same plates he had previously forged, the same ones previously imbued with properties and hardness rivaling Seastone.
"From today onward, all your training will revolve around these!"
The field fell silent. A hundred elite trainees stared in disbelief at the steel plates kicking up thick dust on the ground.
"You can't see that clearly from there, can you? Get closer. Geez."
Hammer's annoyed voice snapped them out of it, and they rushed forward, poking and knocking on the plates.
"What is this?"
"Steel?"
"YAHHH-…"
Just as they were curiously inspecting the material, a cry of pain came from the crowd.
"Dalmatia, what's wrong?!"
"Th-This… isn't just normal steel. It's mixed with Seastone… I can't move…"
The others were shocked and didn't want to believe it.
Shock spread through the group. They didn't want to believe him, but his weakened, collapsed state was undeniable.
Could these plates really be…?
"Heheheh, I forgot one of you has Devil Fruit powers…"
A chilling laugh cut through the air.
*DUANG—!*
Hammer struck one of the plates, instantly drawing all eyes.
"Hehehe… These aren't ordinary steel plates."
"Allow me to formally introduce myself: I'm Marine HQ Captain Hammer, user of the Paramecia-type Devil Fruit, the Hammer-Hammer Fruit. I can deliver devastating hammer strikes and use my fruit's power to forge objects, with a chance of imbuing them with special abilities."
"Instructor Zephyr, would you demonstrate, please?"
With a hearty laugh, Zephyr raised both arms, revealing the Windbreaker Gauntlets.
"Watch closely, Wind Break!"
Before their stunned eyes, Zephyr threw a powerful punch into the air.
A terrifying gust formed into a whirlwind, bursting out with destructive force.
"These gauntlets produce powerful shockwave winds with each punch. The stronger the user, the stronger the gust. For someone of my level, a punch like this is on par with a swordmaster's slash, though not as sharp."
The explanation left everyone speechless.
They knew, even if Hammer were lying, Zephyr wouldn't.
Which meant the gauntlets were real.
"Hehehe… As for these steel plates in front of you, they're also my creations."
"They've been infused with hardness and properties similar to Seastone. They can suppress Devil Fruit users, but unlike Seastone, they can still be forged."
"I heard from Instructor Zephyr that you've started training in the Six Powers."
"Perfect. As your senior, I know exactly how to speed up your Six Powers progress."
Though his tone was casual, his eerie grin sent chills down everyone's spines.
Only Zephyr, knowing the truth, silently prayed for the hundred trainees before him.
"Now listen up! Those wanting to train in Soru, stand to the left. Tekkai, in the center. Shingan, to the right."
"Move it!"
Even though they didn't understand why, everyone split into three groups quickly, including the still-weak Dalmatian.
Hammer and Zephyr looked over the groups and found that the Soru group had the most trainees.
Among them were Gion, Onigumo, Momonga, and Doberman, and others, totaling 50 people.
Tekkai came second, with Strawberry and Tokikake among the 40.
Only about ten wanted to learn Shingan, with Hammer only recognizing Dalmatian among them.
"Looks like you've all made clear choices."
"Good."
Hammer nodded.
Then he pulled out a set of tools and began working on an empty spot. Before long, he had constructed a giant furnace.
How big?
Big enough to stew ten people in one go.
Satisfied with his work, Hammer carried the steel plates over the furnace, laid them flat, and lit the fire.
Blistering heat swept across the training ground in an instant.
"Alright, it's ready. You lot, groups of ten, take turns getting up there."
"Once you're on, jump, run, do whatever you want."
"Hehehehe…"
That eerie smile returned.
Everyone in the Soru group, including Gion, broke down internally.
What kind of insane training is this? This could kill them!
Some tried to look to Zephyr for help, only to see his eyes filled with anticipation.
Their hearts instantly sank.
"Tch!"
Gritting her teeth, Gion stomped forward and jumped onto the furnace, landing steadily on the steel plates.
So hot. So scalding.
That was all she could think.
To avoid burning her feet, Gion started jogging in place.
Seeing her take the lead, Momonga and the others refused to fall behind and jumped up as well.
Huff...Huff...
Soon, the training ground echoed with heavy breathing.
Meanwhile, those in Tokikake and Dalmatian groups felt a creeping dread in their hearts.
If Soru training was this brutal…
What fresh hell awaited them?
As expected, one second later, that creepy smile turned toward the Tekkai group