Even while training, Yamato maintained a touch of femininity. She wore a light blue off-shoulder printed top paired with beige shorts, her usual style blending strength and grace.
"Alright, let me know when the child arrives. I want to meet her in person."
After giving his instructions to Ain, Luffy hung up the Den Den Mushi.
Nearby, Yamato, who had been practicing with her kanabo mace, immediately stopped when she saw Luffy put down the receiver. She trotted over excitedly.
As she moved, something about her presence stirred an indescribable feeling in Luffy, making him slightly dizzy.
After more than half a year of Luffy's persistent scolding, Yamato had finally come to terms with her identity as a woman. At this point, Luffy no longer forced her to change her style of dress, but Yamato had already grown accustomed to a mix of bold and practical attire.
She wore sky-blue, open-toed, thick-heeled sandals that complemented her look. But what stood out most was the Marine coat draped over her shoulders—a gradient of white to blue that matched her hair perfectly.
As Luffy and Ain were speaking, Yamato had been eavesdropping from a distance, her curiosity piqued.
Now that the conversation was over, she rushed over impatiently.
Despite being half a head taller than Luffy, that didn't stop her from throwing her arms around him and acting playfully.
"Hey, Luffy! Are new students coming? How many? What do you need me to do?"
Luffy, nearly suffocated under the pressure of her enthusiastic hug, shoved her away in exasperation.
"Why are you in such a hurry? It's just a three-year-old child.
Even if she comes, she won't be able to train with you."
"Ehh~? Why does it have to be like that?" Yamato whined, her face falling as she suddenly became dejected.
Originally, she'd been thrilled when Luffy appointed her as the Chief Instructor of the Marine Academy. But ever since the academy was established, it hadn't welcomed any serious students.
As the chief instructor, Yamato's only role had been training the Marines stationed in the Flower Capital and teaching them how to harness their Haki.
But these guys were too stiff. They followed her instructions to the letter, leaving no room for the kind of fun and excitement Yamato craved in a teaching environment.
Back when she was a student, she'd constantly challenged her teachers, King and Queen. That kind of rebellious interaction had been exhilarating.
Later, using her not-so-brilliant little brain, Yamato came to a conclusion.
It must be an age thing, she thought. The people I've been teaching are all adults. They're definitely not as lively and easy to handle as kids.
So, after this realization, Yamato started pestering Luffy every few days, begging him to recruit students as soon as possible.
But back then, Wano Country had only just stabilized. The citizens across the regions were still settling down, and most children didn't even know how to read, let alone qualify for military training.
How could Luffy recruit students under those circumstances?
It wasn't until today, with the recruitment process underway, that Luffy finally felt the time was right. He began reaching out to schools across the country, asking them to recommend students for admission.
"Alright, alright," Luffy said, trying to calm Yamato down. "I've asked Kalifa to sort through the lists sent in by the schools.
This time, at least 3,400 children will be recruited. Even if only a portion of them enter the practical courses, you'll still have around 1,200 energetic, hormone-fueled kids to handle.
When the time comes, don't come crying to me, begging for mercy."
"Hey, how could that happen?" Yamato grinned, pointing proudly at herself with her thumb. "Don't underestimate me. I took care of Jack the Drought when he was a kid!"
Luffy didn't believe a word of it.
Sure, Yamato and Jack were technically the same age, but if he recalled correctly, Jack was a few months older.
Plus, Yamato had been a crybaby when she was younger—a poor little thing always getting into trouble. The credibility of her claim was practically zero.
Of course, despite his doubts, Luffy knew how to offer the necessary encouragement.
He hooked a finger, motioning for Yamato to lean down. Once she was at his level, he patted her shoulder with a sly grin.
"Do a good job. Those kids are the future of the Marines."
"I'm entrusting my future to you, Teacher Yamato."
The words "Teacher Yamato" struck a chord deep in Yamato's heart.
Her eyes sparkled with pride. She immediately stood at attention, saluted with perfect form, and declared excitedly:
"Just leave it to me! I won't let you down!"
Without another word, she waved goodbye and dashed off, her kanabo mace swinging at her side. Who knew what kind of chaos she was planning?
Yamato looked like an overjoyed deer, bounding away until she disappeared from sight.
Luffy, amused by her enthusiasm, turned and walked away with his hands clasped behind his back, a satisfied smile on his face.
Yamato may be a little foolish sometimes, he thought, but her strength is beyond question.
Not only had she mastered all three forms of Haki, but she'd also learned the Six Powers over the past six months. She'd even developed her own unique techniques.
Among Luffy's subordinates, aside from special cases like Gion and Hancock—who also mastered all three types of Haki—few could compete with Yamato.
But as for who was stronger, that was harder to say.
Yamato's strength came from her natural talents and the powerful physique she inherited from Kaido, combined with the abilities of her Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit.
In terms of raw physical combat, Hancock wouldn't be able to match her.
But Hancock was no fool. She'd never engage in a straightforward brawl if she could avoid it.
With her Mero Mero no Mi (Love-Love Fruit), as long as her opponent had even the slightest desire in their heart, she could easily incapacitate them without lifting a finger.
Of course, Luffy saw no need to force them into a contest of strength.
After all, they were both his trusted wings.
And in the end, it didn't matter who was stronger—what mattered was that they were his.
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