One Piece My strange ability

Chapter 14: Marine Six Styles

Three days passed quickly. During this time, Karen spent each day engaging in simple training on the school field.

In a world where everyone possessed monstrous physical abilities, Karen's muscle aches would vanish after just a single night of rest.

Today was the day for registering in the elite training camp, and the school grounds were already bustling with rows of eager and spirited recruits.

Each of them could barely contain their excitement, chatting animatedly.

As Karen arrived at the school grounds, Rosinante appeared out of nowhere, an excited look on his face as he clapped Karen on the shoulder.

"Congratulations," Rosinante said.

Karen nodded and returned a bright smile.

"Rosinante, I honestly thought I was out." At the moment Karen had fainted during the trial, he truly believed his chance was gone.

"When registration's over, dinner's on me," Rosinante added cheerfully.

"Haha, I'll hold you to that—I plan to eat my fill."

Before Karen could respond further, he noticed Zephyr leading a group of instructors toward the group, prompting him to quickly fall silent.

---

"Quiet!"

The instructor, Rapanui Pasqua, stubbed out the cigar he held and barked loudly.

"I'm very disappointed in you. What do you think you're doing, making such a ruckus on the camp field?"

Instantly, the area fell silent, and all eyes turned to the instructors, their gazes filled with anticipation.

Zephyr stepped forward, scanning the crowd with a stern expression, and spoke in a deep voice:

"First, congratulations to all of you for passing the selection process. From today onward, you are members of the elite training camp."

"But don't get too comfortable. This is an elite training camp, which means it will be far stricter and more grueling than any training you've endured so far."

"Now is your last chance to quit. If you think you won't be able to handle the methods here, you can leave. But if you decide to quit later, it won't simply be the training camp you leave behind."

Zephyr paused, scanning the silent crowd for reactions. Seeing none, he nodded in approval.

"Good. Since no one has chosen to leave, I take it you all agree."

Karen rolled his eyes and thought to himself, Of course no one's leaving. We've made it this far—who'd quit now?

Zephyr continued, "I know many of you consider yourselves the cream of the crop. If I were to assign you tasks right away, you might feel dissatisfied."

"So, here's your opportunity: you'll have a chance to challenge an instructor."

Karen suppressed a sigh. Of course. This isn't an opportunity—it's just a demonstration to show us how far we still have to go. Let's not kid ourselves.

Sure enough, the silent crowd started murmuring once more, discussing the implications of Zephyr's statement.

"Quiet! Stop discussing among yourselves! You are soldiers, and a soldier's duty is to follow orders. A soldier does not chatter idly without hearing instructions from their commander!"

Zephyr's voice grew colder as his gaze swept over the recruits.

"You are the worst batch I've ever led."

The tension thickened as a chilling aura emanated from Zephyr, silencing the recruits once more.

"You think this is a marketplace?" he bellowed. "If you have something to say, report it properly!"

Seeing the recruits subdued, Zephyr's voice softened slightly. "Of course, I won't have you go up against me. The instructor you'll be challenging today is a senior from the previous elite training camp—Dominic. Step forward."

A tall instructor wearing a Marine cap stepped out of the group. After saluting Zephyr, he turned to the recruits with a warm, slightly goofy smile.

Zephyr nodded and explained, "Your task is simple: try to defeat him. If you succeed, I'll grant you one request—anything within reason."

Karen's mind raced. A request? That's tempting...

But as Zephyr's words sunk in, no one immediately volunteered.

Zephyr sighed and gestured to the recruits. "Very well. Discuss among yourselves. Anyone confident in their abilities may step forward."

Almost immediately, Smoker stepped forward, his voice booming. "I'll do it."

As murmurs broke out in the crowd, some recognized Smoker's reputation.

"That's Smoker! They say his power level is over 9000!"

Smoker approached Dominic, cracking his knuckles with a grin. "Let's see what you've got."

Dominic's friendly smile faded as he removed his Marine cloak and slowly took his stance.

---

Smoker wasted no time, launching himself at Dominic with a powerful punch.

Bang!

Dominic didn't budge, his body absorbing the full force of Smoker's attack.

"Iron Body," someone murmured in the crowd.

Smoker's eyes widened in disbelief. His full-strength attack hadn't even scratched Dominic.

Frustrated, Smoker unleashed a flurry of punches, his fists raining down in a blur.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Yet Dominic remained unmoving, his body like unyielding steel.

"That's... Iron Body from the Marine Six Styles!" a recruit exclaimed.

"It's said to be the strongest defensive technique, making one's body as hard as steel—even swords can't cut through!"

Smoker gritted his teeth and readied himself for another attack, but Dominic moved first.

With a single, lightning-fast kick, Dominic sent Smoker flying.

As Smoker adjusted his body mid-air, a powerful vacuum slash from Dominic shot toward him—Rankyaku!

The slash missed its mark, landing harmlessly.

Before Smoker could react, Dominic leapt into the air and caught him with ease, using Moonwalk to glide them both back to the ground.

"You held back," Smoker growled angrily, glaring at Dominic.

Dominic scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. "It's just a test, isn't it?"

******

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