One Piece My strange ability

Chapter 13: Passing the Assessment

Karen didn't know how he had left the medical bay.

He felt a mix of confusion, excitement, and being overwhelmed. When he heard the news that he would be joining the management selection camp in three days, a sudden wave of emotion struck him, and he found himself on the verge of tears.

Standing in front of the mirror, he rubbed his red eyes and studied his slightly exhausted reflection. It had been over two weeks since his transformation, yet every time he saw this unfamiliar version of himself, it felt surreal.

Frowning, he stared into the mirror and pinched his cheek hard. The faint sting reassured him that this was indeed reality.

At the moment, Karen was standing naked in the dormitory bathroom, with cold water cascading down his body. Compared to the emaciated frame he had two weeks ago, his physique now displayed well-defined muscles and a newfound strength. His once pale skin had taken on a healthy, sun-kissed glow.

"Hahaha! I did it! I passed! My efforts weren't in vain!"

Karen couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing. Success had revitalized his spirit despite the physical exhaustion weighing on his body.

After a quick shower, he returned to the training ground without hesitation, ignoring his fatigue. Though his muscles ached, Karen knew he could still manage some light training.

Having passed the assessment, he was determined not to let complacency set in. The journey to this achievement had been grueling, and he wanted to stay prepared for the challenges the next test would bring.

---

Elite Training Camp

General Instructor's Office

Inside the instructor's office, Zephyr was on the phone, discussing something, while Rapanui Pasqua sat nearby, occasionally flipping through files. The room was quiet except for the murmur of Zephyr's voice and the rustling of paper.

"500 recruits—these are the ones who passed the selection this year," Zephyr said, lighting a cigar as he spoke to Sengoku on the other end of the line.

"Got it," Sengoku replied. He didn't question the unusually high number of recruits. Trusting Zephyr's judgment, he focused instead on ensuring resources for the elite training camp.

With a click, Zefa ended the call and turned to Rapanui.

"Teacher Zefa, I really thought only 300 recruits would make it this time," Rapanui remarked, exhaling a puff of smoke.

"Haha, how could that be? All of them have potential. Talent shouldn't be wasted over resource constraints." Zephyr smiled, his voice firm. "If the Marines can't provide for these recruits, then the elite training camp might as well not exist."

He continued, his tone growing more serious: "This test may seem to focus on physical fitness, but what it truly examines is perseverance and endurance. Thankfully, they didn't let me down—over 600 recruits started, and fewer than 100 were eliminated."

Pausing briefly, Zephyr posed a question: "Do you know why there are so many recruits this year?"

Rapanui stopped flipping through the files, his brow furrowing as he ventured a guess: "Is it because of the nationwide conscription?"

Zephyr blew out a puff of smoke and explained, "Yes, but the real reason is the Great Pirate Era. Ever since the Pirate King Roger uttered those infamous words, the Marines' efforts have been undermined."

"Nowadays, kids dream of becoming pirates instead of Marines. To combat this, we've had to ramp up recruitment. Even with so many recruits passing, it's still not enough for this vast ocean."

Rapanui listened intently, his heart heavy with the weight of Zephyr's words. The Age of Pirates and Roger's proclamation—"Do you want my treasure? If you want it, you can have it. I left everything in One Piece!"—had created an era of chaos.

Zephyr extinguished his cigar, his expression clouded. "Even with so many recruits, there are no prodigies like Sakazuki, Borsalino, or Kuzan among them. That's what worries me most."

In this age of lawlessness, pirates waved the banner of freedom while committing unspeakable crimes. Islands burned, families were torn apart, and countless innocent lives were destroyed—all for a chance at treasure.

But was it really Roger's words that caused this? Zephyr forced himself to refocus, shaking off his grim thoughts.

For now, his mission was to nurture capable Marines. The future would have to be entrusted to the next generation.

---

Rapanui flipped through a file and paused at Smoker's name. "Smoker is brash, but his talent is unmatched among this year's recruits."

Zephyr nodded in agreement but added with a faint smile, "Smoker is good, but not the best."

Confused, Rapanui scrutinized the files again. After a moment, realization dawned. "Could you mean Cuculo Karen?"

Zephyr raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You know him?"

"Yes," Rapanui replied with a smile. "I was his instructor during basic training. When he first arrived two weeks ago, he was inexperienced and seemed unlikely to succeed. I didn't think much of him until I saw him training alone at noon one day. Something about his determination caught my eye."

Rapanui chuckled. "I casually mentioned the elite training camp, thinking he wouldn't make it. But he proved me wrong."

Zephyr sighed, his tone filled with admiration. "To pass the elite selection in just two weeks... people who don't know better might think it's easy."

Rapanui suggested, "Should we give him individualized training?"

Zephyr considered the idea but ultimately shook his head. "No. Let him train alongside his peers. He needs to build camaraderie and relationships within the unit. That will be more valuable for his growth."