Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Trials
Chapter 6: Trials
It turned out to be him. Rapanui Pasqua was one of the few named Marines in the story. When he first appears, he holds the rank of Marine Lieutenant Commander . However, it was a Filler episode:139, however he was not a Marine Fleet Admiral, so Karen only knew Rapanui Pasqua by name.
"Thanks for reminding me. Do you know the specific tests conducted in the elite training camp?"
"The elite training camp is also known as the Admiral Training Camp. The evaluation process includes not just physical fitness and abilities but also background checks," Rapanui Pasqua explained as he took a puff of his cigarette, smiling. "However, those background checks that block most applicants won't affect you."
"Is it because of my letter of recommendation?" Karen had already guessed the answer.
"Vice Admiral Garp's letter of recommendation is your ticket into the elite training camp," Rapanui Pasqua replied with a grin.
"While the letter gives you access to the camp, I think you'd be better off waiting. You don't yet have the strength to keep up with the other recruits."
"But if you want, you can give it a try to see the gap between yourself and the others," he added.
"You mentioned that recruits in the elite training camp can learn the Marine Six styles. I recall hearing that Life Return is also an incredibly powerful skill," Karen said.
Rapanui Pasqua looked surprised. "You've done your homework. Not many people know about Life Return. It's indeed a powerful technique, and you'll have access to it if you make it into the elite camp."
"However, Life Return is different from the Marine Six styles. While the Six styles can be mastered through hard work, Life Return requires exceptional talent and years of dedication. Few Marines ever master it," Rapanui Pasqua explained.
"Can you do it?" Karen asked, genuinely curious.
"Uh... haha, I only know the basics..." Rapanui Pasqua replied awkwardly.
"Is it easy to learn?" Karen pressed on, ignoring his discomfort.
"What I meant by basics is that I've... um... understood the theory..." Rapanui Pasqua quickly clarified. "It's good to be eager to learn, but just knowing the basics isn't enough."
Rapanui Pasqua couldn't understand why Karen was so focused on Life Return. While it was powerful, mastering it required immense patience and talent.
"Thank you for the advice. I've decided to apply anyway," Karen said sincerely.
Karen exhaled deeply. For him, it didn't matter if he only knew the basics. As long as he could learn the skill, he believed he could push it to its peak.
The first time he learned about Life Return was during the Enies Lobby arc. Kumadori from CP9 had demonstrated it, a technique developed through years of rigorous practice, allowing one to control their body completely. With Life Return, a user could rapidly consume food to regain energy, manipulate any part of their body at will, and even control their metabolism.
The person who embodied the essence of Life Return best was not Kumadori, but the protagonist, Luffy. His ability to recover energy by eating after every battle was a clear demonstration of Life Return.
For Karen, Life Return was a must-have skill. It would grant him near-unlimited energy and allow him to train relentlessly without fear of exhaustion.
---
Marine Headquarters, Marineford
In the Fleet Admiral's office, Marine Fleet Admiral Kong sat across from Zephyr.
"Any noteworthy candidates in this year's elite selection?" Kong asked with a smile.
"There are a few interesting ones," Zephyr said, handing over a list of applicants.
"Smoker, Hina, Rosinante..." Kong scanned the names carefully, nodding with approval.
"This batch doesn't include prodigies like Sakazuki, Borsalino, or Kuzan, but there are still some promising recruits," Zephyr commented, smiling.
"The trials will be held in seven days. How do you plan to test them?" Marine Admiral Sengoku asked curiously.
"Is that a question you'd usually ask?" Before Zephyr could reply, Garp interjected, grabbing a handful of rice crackers.
Sengoku rarely concerned himself with military academy matters, so his sudden interest puzzled Garp.
"Because his son is on the list," Zephyr said, clearing the air.
"Son? Oh, you mean him," Garp said, recalling Rosinante.
"Yes. He's an outstanding Marine, and I believe he won't let me down," Sengoku said confidently.
"By the way, Garp, the person you recommended is also participating. Aren't you curious about their progress?" Zephyr asked.
"Me? Oh, since I recommended them, they're definitely capable," Garp said, laughing as he stuffed his mouth with more crackers.
"That's not necessarily the case," Zephyr said, handing Sengoku another file.
---
Applicant Details:
Name: Cuculo Karen
Age: 17
Origin: East Blue, Srilly Town
Family Background: Orphan
Physical Fitness: Average
Evaluation: An ordinary person with no foundation. Although hardworking, he's training period has been short, and he's strength is limited.
Recommended By: Marine Vice Admiral Garp
Sengoku frowned as he read the file. "This doesn't look promising, Garp."
"Don't worry," Garp replied with a carefree grin. "If I recommended him, he will rise to the occasion."