One Piece My strange ability

After Dragon left Srili Town, Karen didn't stay there for long either. He simply paid his respects to his grandfather before planning to leave.

Srili Town is located in the East Blue.

The East Blue is the sea where Luffy was born and where the Straw Hat Pirates were established and set sail.

It is also known as the weakest sea among the four seas, but that is in the future. For now, the East Blue is still quite dangerous.

Since Luffy was not born, the Marine hero Garp hasn't been returning to his hometown as frequently.

The Marine branch closest to Srili Town is Branch 198. They only discovered the massacre in Srili Town the day after it happened.

They arrived just as Karen was preparing to leave.

"Was it the Blade Pirates?"

The leading Marine took out a small notebook and began recording.

"Yes."

"How do you know?"

The Marine stared at Karen, scrutinizing him. The boy before him didn't seem ordinary—no boy could remain so calm after such a tragedy.

"He said so himself. His name is Scott, and he's the first mate of the Blade Pirates."

"Oh my god, the Blade Pirates! A notorious pirate group with a bounty of up to 45 million berries."

The soldier beside him exclaimed, looking nervously at the distant sea. His legs trembled slightly, as if worried that the Blade Pirates might return.

The Marine officer recording the information was equally cautious. A pirate group with a bounty of 45 million was not something he could handle.

"You should come back to the Marine branch with us for now."

Karen didn't respond. Instead, he took out a letter left for him by Dragon. Dragon had instructed him to show it to any Marine officer he encountered.

Though Karen didn't know the letter's contents, he trusted that Dragon wouldn't harm him.

"What's this?"

The officer looked at Karen in surprise before taking the letter and reading it.

"Are you a relative of Vice Admiral Garp?"

The officer looked at Karen with disbelief and enthusiasm. Garp was the pride of the East Blue.

"Do you want to go to Marine Headquarters for training?"

Karen understood immediately. It seemed Dragon had written the letter of introduction under Garp's name.

Typically, new recruits trained at branch facilities first. Once they gained enough strength, they could apply to train at Marine Headquarters as elite recruits.

By bypassing branch training, Karen could go straight to the headquarters. This had both advantages and disadvantages.

Branch training was relatively lax, focusing mostly on firearms and basic skills.

Marine Headquarters, on the other hand, emphasized physical training and provided opportunities to learn advanced techniques like the Marine Six Styles. However, the training was notoriously grueling.

Karen remembered in the anime how Koby and Helmeppo joined Marine Headquarters training at his age. The routine included 2,000 push-ups, 100 rope climbs, 200 laps of long-distance running—all within an hour—or risk additional laps as punishment. Combat training sessions continued until recruits fainted.

Few recruits skipped branch training and directly entered Marine Headquarters, and even fewer managed to endure.

Karen didn't believe he was any less capable than Koby, so he nodded firmly.

"Yes, I want to go to Marine Headquarters."

"I heard the training there is extremely rigorous, but since you're related to Vice Admiral Garp, you'll definitely make it."

The officer nodded, gave Karen a serious look, and then called to the soldiers.

"Take him to the branch first. I'll personally escort him to Headquarters tomorrow."

---

Marine Headquarters: Recruit Training Camp

"1996, 1997, 1998, 2000."

Boom!

Karen collapsed to the ground, his sweat-soaked surroundings evidence of his effort. He was panting heavily.

This marked his seventh day at Marine Headquarters. Thanks to Garp's recommendation letter, his entry into Headquarters had been smooth.

For the first time in these seven days, Karen managed to complete 2,000 push-ups.

Although 2,000 push-ups might seem impressive, in the world of One Piece, where people possess monstrous physiques, it was hardly noteworthy.

Karen clenched his fists, frustration evident. He wasn't a monster with the potential to become a Marine Admiral. Reaching 2,000 push-ups had already pushed him to his limits.

But Karen refused to admit defeat or give up.

He carried the haunting memories of the massacre. While he didn't feel deeply connected to the townspeople he had barely known, the blood-soaked night remained etched in his mind.

Hatred is a powerful motivator, constantly driving him to improve and grow stronger.

Beyond his vengeance, Karen refused to settle for mediocrity. He yearned to explore the vast seas and meet legendary figures.

He wanted to encounter Whitebeard, the world's strongest man, Edward Newgate.

He aspired to face Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman.

He dreamed of learning from the "Beast King," Kaido.

He sought to challenge the red-haired pirates.

And he longed to meet the cheerful Straw Hat Luffy.

---

To achieve these dreams and ambitions, Karen knew he needed overwhelming strength.

Fortunately, like many who traveled to this world, Karen had a cheat ability: the Reputation System.

However, the system was useless without power.

His cold progress bar: 17/100.

An unknown, insignificant individual.

Karen resolved to rise. If he couldn't gain fame, he would find another way.

Who says black fame isn't fame?

The most notable figures within his reach were two recruits.

Smoker and hina.

Unlike Karen, Smoker and hina were the rising stars of the Marine recruits.

Both were seen as future pillars of the Marines, with the potential to become Vice Admirals or even Admirals.

Between the brash Smoker and the more approachable hina, Karen knew his best bet lay with hina.

He had already formulated a plan.