At The Peak of One Piece

Gion didn't push Victor to fight right away. As a rear admiral, she knew better than to force the issue. If she did, Victor might just show her what he was really capable of in battle. 

So she simply stood beside him and waited. 

Soon, the agreed-upon time passed, and people began gathering on the deck. Seeing Barnett seated next to Victor, they walked over and took their places. Barnett didn't rush to introduce everyone—some already knew each other, and not everyone had arrived yet. 

Wendy, the sniper team leader, also arrived and sat on Victor's other side. 

Once everyone he had called for was present, Barnett looked up at the crow's nest and shouted: 

"Kevin, hand off lookout duty to someone else and come down for a meeting!" 

The crow's nest was manned by the lookout team Barnett had assigned, with Kevin as their leader. Since Victor was already on deck, Barnett had decided to hold the meeting there instead of inside the ship. Conveniently, Kevin was already in the crow's nest—just a quick call away. 

"Got it, coming down!" 

Kevin leaped out of the crow's nest, transforming midair into a large eagle before landing and shifting back to human form, taking a seat on the deck. 

"This is Kevin, leader of our lookout team. He's in charge of scouting for sudden threats at sea," Barnett began, using Kevin as the first introduction. Jessica sat nearby, taking notes, while another evaluator also recorded details. 

"He's a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user—Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Eagle. He can fly, and his eyesight is ten times sharper than a normal person's, making him perfect for reconnaissance." 

"This is Jessica. She'll be my secretary and record-keeper from now on. If you need anything, you can also go to her..." 

"Phoebe, our head navigator. Anything related to sailing falls under her expertise..." 

"Wendy, the best sniper on board and leader of the sniper team. She'll handle long-range engagements..." 

"...And Victor. I think everyone knows him—an absolute powerhouse, someone who's even defeated a vice admiral. He'll be leading the combat team, which also includes hunting. With him in charge, our safety is guaranteed. Frankly, I think we might be the safest training crew in recent history." 

"Later, I'll pick a deputy leader for the combat team. Unless it's something critical, take routine matters to them. For anything major, go straight to Team Leader Victor." 

Barnett introduced everyone, with Gion listening nearby. Each team leader was among the best in their field for this year's recruits. Victor paid close attention—he might need to rely on them later. 

"Now that everyone's acquainted, let's go over our tasks." 

"First issue: food. Abel just informed me the kitchen only has enough for one more day. I'm sure this is the instructors' way of testing us. I've already sent people to fish, but that won't be enough. So we'll need to find an island soon to restock supplies and hunt for more food." 

"That's where you come in, Angie. Your intel team needs to work with Phoebe's navigation team to map out islands along our route. Gather as much intel as possible—we need to plan long-term." 

Barnett glanced at the two women, who nodded in confirmation. 

"Food is priority one. Next is security." 

"Kevin, as lookout team leader, you're our first line of defense. I need someone in the crow's nest at all times. Split your team into three shifts so everyone gets rest. Three people per shift—space is limited up there, and this way, no one falls asleep on duty without backup." 

Kevin nodded, and Barnett continued. 

"Second line of defense falls to you, Wendy. Your snipers need to neutralize threats at range whenever possible. Cannons and sniper fire will be crucial, so keep a rotation on deck. You don't need many, since the cannons will alert everyone, but we must have eyes ready. Any problems?" 

"None," Wendy replied. 

"Then there's the third line—if enemies break through and get close, or if the first two lines fail, that's when the combat team steps in. This is our last resort." 

"With Victor leading, I'm not worried. I'll brief the deputy leader on night watch duties later." 

Barnett looked at Victor, as did everyone else. Victor nodded—the arrangements were thorough and well-organized. 

Gion observed Barnett with admiration. 'This kid's sharp. For someone so young, he's got everything mapped out. With more experience, he could make a fine strategist.' 

"Until we reach Peace Island, these are our two main priorities. But the crew's health matters too. Daisy, schedule regular check-ups for everyone. We can't afford any surprises." 

"Since this is an assessment, we should prepare for the worst. Armory team leader—inspect all weapons. We can't afford malfunctions when we need them most." 

"Same for the shipwrights. Give this warship a full inspection, top to bottom. I'd rather not wake up to a sinking ship." 

"That's the gist of it. Anyone have something to add?" 

Victor's eyes gleamed as he watched Barnett. 'This guy's the real deal. Sharp, meticulous—a true gem.'

Victor couldn't help but wonder about Barnett's true nature. 'If he fits what I'm looking for, I'm absolutely recruiting him for my crew.' 

Even Gion seemed impressed. 'This guy's captain material—he's got the same presence as Vice Admiral Jonathan.' 

The only question was his strength. If he was too weak, he'd either have to join the strategy division or settle for a managerial role. In this world, the strongest usually took command. 

No one spoke up—Barnett's arrangements were already thorough, leaving little room for additions. Victor knew a few things he could mention, but none seemed necessary right now. 

"Alright, if there are no objections, let's get these tasks assigned and handled properly. No slip-ups—our grades depend on this." 

With that final note, Barnett dismissed the meeting. The others dispersed, leaving only Victor and Gion behind. 

"You admire him, don't you?" Gion asked, a knowing smile on her lips. 

Victor's pulse jumped. 'Is she trying to snipe him from me?' 

'This woman's no saint,' he thought warily. 

"The thought crossed my mind, but he hasn't fully met my standards yet. I want to observe him a bit longer." 

He spoke frankly. At the end of the day, Barnett was just one person—not irreplaceable. If Gion wanted him, Victor could let it go. 

"Heh. That guy's sharper than you think," Gion said, still smiling. "Why do you think he held the meeting here? 

"At the very least, you and I are future vice admiral material. If he latches onto either of us, his career's set. He played us both. Still want him?" 

Victor hadn't considered that angle, but now that she mentioned it, it made sense. Barnett had deliberately showcased his competence in front of them, banking on their potential. 

"With my potential, even Fleet Admiral isn't out of reach. And you're a future Admiral candidate—top of the hierarchy. The fact that he recognized that speaks volumes about his insight." 

Victor mulled it over. 

"Doesn't matter. He's just seizing an opportunity. If his character checks out, why not give him a shot? It's not like he could ever outmaneuver me." 

Gion stared at him in surprise. 'This isn't the same Victor who does nothing but train and laze around.' She almost didn't recognize him. 

'This guy's more complex than he lets on,' she realized. 'He's got layers beneath that carefree façade.'