Chapter 7 Swing A Knife!
Satisfied, Ron wiped the corner of his mouth.
He had lost track of how much he had eaten.
Regardless, he had been eating from noon until night and felt he had consumed at least seven or eight large Sea Kings.
The results were certainly significant; his physical strength had skyrocketed by at least 30%.
Doesn't that sound exaggerated?
But this was only for one day. If he maintained this level of eating throughout the year, it wouldn't be impossible for him to reach Admiral level.
The only requirement is that there needs to be enough food for him to eat.
The stronger his physique, the higher his life level becomes, and the effect of the same food on him will gradually diminish.
Now, consuming seven or eight large Sea Kings can increase his physical strength by 30%.
However, next time it might only be 20%, or even as low as 10%.
If he reached Admiral level, the energy provided by one Sea King might not even be enough to increase his body by one ten-thousandth.
Unless the Sea Kings he consumed were exceptionally strong, the energy contained in their flesh could propel his strength to new heights.
At least for now, the meat of the Sea Kings still has a significant effect on him.
As Ron stepped out of the cafeteria, a group of chefs who were nearly exhausted wept with joy.
Suddenly, Ron turned around and said, "The food in the cafeteria tastes great. I will return tomorrow. Remember to prepare more ingredients."
Ignoring the chefs' reactions, Ron swaggered out.
After all, they were merely chefs, and if they couldn't handle the pressure of cooking, they should leave as soon as possible.
The Marine does not tolerate waste.
With all the benefits the Marine provides, those outside would scramble to get in.
"Ron!"
As soon as he left the cafeteria, a voice called out from behind.
"Vice Admiral Garp, Admiral Sengoku!"
Ron glanced back.
Upon seeing Garp and Sengoku approaching, his expression turned serious.
These two figures represent the pinnacle of power in the Marine and even in the world.
Though Garp is only a Vice Admiral, to treat him as just that would be foolish.
During the Battle of the Valley of the Gods, Ron witnessed this man defeat Rocks with his bare hands using Haki, sealing the battle's victory.
Do people really think the title "Marine Hero" is awarded casually?
That honor was bestowed upon Garp by the World Government and the Marine. In terms of prestige, Garp's status is even higher than that of an Admiral.
If he didn't wish to be bound by the Admiral's position and had rejected transfer orders from the World Government several times, he would have long ago become a Marine Admiral.
Even now, as a Marine Colonel, he is still subordinate to these two men, even if he were promoted to Vice Admiral of Naval Headquarters.
"Boy Ron, congratulations on becoming the Rear Admiral of the headquarters!"
Garp placed his hands on his hips and smiled broadly, looking very familiar with Ron.
In fact, when Ron first joined the Marine, he was assigned as a sailor under Garp.
Though it's only been a year, Ron has certainly learned a lot from Garp.
Although he was later transferred elsewhere and became a Colonel at headquarters, that camaraderie still exists.
Of course, it is limited to the relationship between a mentor and a mentee.
After all, with his strength, whether before or now, it is challenging to form a true bond with Garp.
Moreover, Garp isn't the kind of person who enjoys forming cliques.
He simply recognizes potential in juniors and casually supports them.
"Rear Admiral?"
Ron looked at Garp suspiciously, wondering when he had become a Rear Admiral.
Why didn't he know?
"Almost forgot, the awarding ceremony will be in a few days. Kong probably hasn't told you yet."
Garp scratched his head, suddenly recalling that the appointment letter from the World Government had just arrived and that this kid probably didn't know about it yet.
"It doesn't matter if I tell you in advance. The World Government has specifically rewarded you with a promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral. The military rank conferring ceremony is only three days away, so Kong should be notifying you soon to prepare."
Rear Admiral?
Although he had guessed the result, Ron couldn't help but feel a little excited.
After spending several years as a Marine Colonel, he was finally being promoted to Rear Admiral.
This meant he was becoming more of a protagonist.
If he were the protagonist in other novels, he would have punched Garp, kicked Sengoku, and ascended to the position of Marine Marshal within ten years.
However, it's not too late now.
He is only thirty years old and gradually entering the peak of his life.
If nothing unexpected happens, he will have nearly two decades of peak performance to reach Admiral.
In twenty years, his Devil Fruit should develop to its ultimate form.
At that point, it wouldn't be impossible for him to surpass Garp and challenge the Five Elders.
"Just a little hungry. Would you like to join us in the cafeteria for something to eat?"
Garp pinched his nose and asked without his usual strong demeanor.
Ron was aware of his unreliable nature, so this didn't surprise him.
Whenever Garp suddenly becomes reliable and serious, it usually means something significant is about to happen.
"I just finished eating in the cafeteria, and I'm planning to head to the Training Arena to practice."
He shook his head, declining Garp's invitation.
If he followed Garp to the cafeteria, the tired and half-dead chefs might just resign on the spot.
"It's good to be young, energetic, and hard-working, don't you think, Sengoku?"
Garp looked curiously at Sengoku, who was frowning beside him.
"What's wrong, Sengoku?"
"Nothing."
Sengoku glanced at Ron's back and sighed slightly.
The speed at which Ron's strength has improved is unbelievable. In just a few months, he has already attained Rear Admiral-level combat power.
Now that he's displaying his potential, it's clear that his rise is inevitable.
Add in a stronger Sakazuki, who is also a hardliner, and it becomes uncertain what chaos they might cause in the Grand Line.
Sengoku can only hope these two can temper their enthusiasm in the future.
The two approached the cafeteria and raised their eyebrows slightly as they surveyed the chefs slumped on the ground.
What happened here?
Did pirates attack the Marine cafeteria?
"Ron, boy, he really likes me more and more."
Garp, understanding the situation, laughed heartily.
"You know, young man, if you can eat like this, how can you catch pirates without eating more?"
"Sengoku, tell Kong later to catch more Sea Kings tomorrow and find more cooks. Such a large Marine shouldn't leave people hungry!"
Sengoku nodded.
This matter was minor.
In the Calm Belt, the number of Sea Kings is simply overwhelming, and it wouldn't take much effort to catch a few more.
A dignified Marine shouldn't be in a position where they cannot afford food.
In the Training Arena, Ron, drenched in sweat, was expending excess energy.
With simple knife swings, violent gusts of wind swept through.
Since joining the Marine, swinging a knife thousands of times a day has become his routine.
He understands he isn't talented enough, so he must contemplate daily to grasp what others can learn easily.
If he wants to become stronger and not remain cannon fodder, he can only barely keep pace with others by working hard and doubling his efforts.
Initially, it was uncomfortable, and his arms were sore.
However, over the past ten years, he has ingrained this habit into his bones and developed an almost instinctive reaction.
Now, he can effortlessly swing the knife one hundred thousand times!
Each swing of the knife, without distraction, serves as a tempering of his will and state of mind.
He slices through fear, despair, and other distracting thoughts in his heart, becoming more focused in the process.
All distracting thoughts become nutrients for his strength.
His knife skills may not be the most exquisite or impressive.
However, they are undoubtedly the most practical and effective killing techniques.
His knife speed surpasses that of anyone else.