One Piece My strange ability

Chapter 8: Roger Is Coming

"It's really a thorn in the side," Sengoku said, holding a file.

"If you're not afraid of being stabbed in the head, you're afraid of being incompetent," Zephyr replied nonchalantly.

"How old was Sakazuki back then?" Sengoku asked.

"You're so confused. There was no such thing back then," Zephyr mocked.

Sengoku chuckled and turned his attention back to the testing machine. The test continued.

---

"Steinbeck! Power value: 538, qualified."

"Rosinante! Power value: 766, qualified."

"How is it? Feeling better now?" Zephyr glanced at Sengoku, who looked calm and composed.

"Haha, there's nothing to worry about. I trust he'll be able to do it." Sengoku stroked the lamb beside him, his expression betraying his excitement.

Zephyr looked at Sengoku amusedly and suddenly felt a pang of envy. Sengoku had someone he was looking forward to, but what about him?

"If my child had grown up, he'd probably be his age by now... What am I even thinking? I may not have a family, but all the Marines here are my family."

The melancholy lasted only a moment before Zephyr shook himself free of his memories. He was not one to show his vulnerable side.

"Next, Cuculo Karen."

For some reason, while everyone else was addressed by their first name, Karen's full name was always called.

Hearing the familiar name, Zephyr turned his attention back to the test.

Sengoku glanced at Garp, who was sitting with his eyes closed, then at Karen, who was stepping forward.

Short blond hair, handsome features, and a tall, confident posture.

At first glance, Sengoku had to admit that Karen was striking and full of energy. However, he knew Garp wouldn't recommend someone based solely on their appearance. There had to be more to Karen than met the eye, even if Sengoku hadn't noticed it yet.

He also realized he wasn't the only one staring. The moment Karen's name was called, many recruit instructors turned their attention to him.

"It seems my hunch was right. This kid is quite famous at the training camp."

---

"He's Cuculo Karen, the one who confessed in the cafeteria."

"Yeah, and after he was rejected, he couldn't even walk straight!"

The soldiers around murmured. They had heard stories about Karen but had never seen him in person.

Hina glanced over at the name. As the other protagonist in Karen's story, she'd become the talk of the camp for days.

However, since Karen's bold confession and subsequent rejection, the other suitors had backed off, giving her some peace.

Karen felt the weight of everyone's eyes but kept his composure as he walked to the testing machine. He nodded at the instructor and said firmly, "I'm ready."

"Alright. You have two attempts. Begin."

Karen felt a wave of nervousness. This test could determine his future.

He clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and gathered his strength.

"Raimei Hakke!"

"Pfft!" Sengoku, who had been sipping tea, couldn't hold it back and burst out laughing.

What did he just hear?

"Raimei Hakke?

Wasn't that Kaido's signature move?

Could this kid be Kaido's disciple?

Was he a mole planted by Kaido?

The suspicion didn't last long. Sengoku quickly realized how ridiculous the idea was.

"Power value: 467, unqualified."

Are you kidding me? Kaido's Raimei Hakke with such a low score? If Kaido ever found out...

"Hahaha, interesting," Sengoku laughed.

Zephyr shook his head, stifling a smile. "The name is grand, but the training is too short."

Ever since Zephyr had stumbled upon Karen's bold proclamation of independence, he'd been curious and had reviewed Karen's file.

He knew Karen was a complete rookie, with less than a month of training under his belt. The only thing notable about him was Garp's recommendation.

"He's actually pretty impressive. Reaching this level of power after just a few days of training shows great potential," Zephyr remarked.

"Indeed," Sengoku agreed. "But this test may have come too soon for him."

---

"Power value: 467, unqualified. Do you want to try again?" the instructor asked.

"Yes, I'll try again."

Karen steadied himself. This was his last chance.

He focused on the machine, took a deep breath, and gathered his energy before shouting:

"Divine Departure!"

"Pfft!" Once again, Sengoku couldn't keep it together. First Kaido's move, now Roger's?

How many surprises did this recruit have up his sleeve?

"What? Roger's here?" Garp suddenly opened his eyes, scanning the room for Roger.

"Idiot! Roger's been dead for years!" Zephyr shot him an exasperated look.

"Nonsense! I heard someone shout 'Divine Departure!'" Garp retorted, looking around suspiciously.

"Power value: 512, qualified."

The machine's cold announcement broke the tension.

Karen exhaled in relief. He'd passed.

Before the instructor could hand over the certificate, Garp appeared in front of Karen in an instant.

"If I heard correctly, 'Divine Departure' came from this spot," Garp said, eyeing Karen intently.

Karen inwardly panicked, realizing Garp was here. Despite his admiration for Roger, Garp was still a Marine.

"I shouted it..." Karen admitted reluctantly.

"You? Do you know Roger?"

"No."

"Then why shout that?"

"I just thought it sounded cool," Karen replied quickly. There was no way he'd reveal he knew Roger's history.

"You think it sounds cool?" Garp looked suspicious.

"Yeah, wouldn't it be amazing to have a move even gods avoid?"

"Spirit aside, shouting it like that feels a bit disrespectful," Garp said, glancing at the machine's result: 512.

"Idiot! Why do you have so little power for such a dramatic move?"

Garp, annoyed, slapped the machine.

Boom!

"Power value: 9000, qualified."