Chapter 12

The next day, Karl arrived on time for special training with Zephyr. His week-long absence had affected his marine corps techniques, and he had fallen significantly behind. Although he still couldn't master the Moon Step, he could easily use the Shave technique, and with his strong physique, he could effortlessly transfer his left foot to his right and soar into the sky. He just lacked some tips and practical skills in the six styles. Zephyr was evidently a qualified physical training instructor.

"I've already told you all the skills you need to master, but it's better to fight with real swords and guns than to talk further!" Zephyr declared. "Now I will be your sparring partner. Use all your capabilities to attack me!"

Karl nodded, prepared himself, raised his hand, and fired with a finger pistol, then struck with a double blow of the Nine Heavens' Thunder Strike, which was actually a Storm Strike, and finally dashed towards Zephyr using the Shave technique, hitting him on the jaw.

It could be said that the attack was as fierce as a tiger's, and the inflicted damage was obvious—250. Zephyr took all of Karl's attacks without changing his expression, and then, with one movement, disarmed him.

"Such a massive attack! Do you specifically want everyone to know you're about to strike?" Zefa smirked. "That's not how you should use the Storm Strike. Use your blows like whips to maximize power!"

...

In short, Zeohyr was relentless in teaching Karl. He taught him how to do it effectively. After the "military training," Karl's combat skills grew exponentially, and he mastered all the techniques except for the Moon Step.

"Good, that's all for today! We'll continue tomorrow. Once your physique improves a bit, I'll teach you the skills of the Moon Step!" declared Zephyr.

Karl, covered in dust and slightly out of breath, used the Holy Light to relieve the fatigue from the intense fight.

"Ha-ah... Master Zephyr, when will I be able to awaken my haki?" asked Karl.

Zephyr frowned and was about to scold Karl for wanting to run before he could walk, but realizing that this guy couldn't be compared to others, he reconsidered and said:

"Karl, don't worry about the haki. After you master the Six Styles of the marine corps, I'll give you special training for the will."

"Really? Great, thank you, Mr. Zephyr. I'll be off then!"

Zephyr glanced at the clock. Perfect. Less than an hour until lunch...

The days in the training camp were very monotonous. The only motive was hard work and struggle! Sweat!

Time passed day by day, and the 60th day arrived unnoticed, marking the beginning of the end for the recruits' training camp.

Today was the day for assessing the growth and achievements of the recruits, commonly referred to as the "recruits' competition."

In 60 days, Karl had transformed from a small fry into a true elite marine, becoming the leader of the training camp. Ain and Binz barely compared to him.

[Storm Training Camp Stage — Phase II] Karl had already completed the assignment and effortlessly earned ten enhanced attribute boost cards, as well as his most coveted special skill — [Movement Like a Rabbit].

Without the enhanced attribute boost cards, Karl's attributes were as follows:

Host: Karl

Age: 24

Physique: C

Perception: D

Will: D-

( T/N: Will is basically haki)

Special Abilities: [Silence of the Maiden], [Movement Like a Rabbit]

Holy Light Fruit: 5.8% (awakening progress)

Active Skill: Fragile (available)

From the attributes, it was clear that Karl used the attribute boost cards focusing on physique, followed by perception, while completely disregarding will.

Karl found that his will attribute gradually improved as his strength increased, so he was reluctant to spend the boost cards specifically targeting this attribute.

The reason was very simple. Physique influenced Karl's strength, speed, endurance, and recovery… and perception affected his reaction and thinking.

These two attributes greatly influenced Karl's combat power. Undoubtedly, the higher these two attributes were, the stronger Karl's combat power became.

As for will… the system's explanation was very complex, including spirit, courage, and other vague elements. The only important thing to note was that will could automatically awaken the color of will when it reached level S.

"Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong~"

"Karl, wake up, you have a test today, right? Don't sleep!" Monica, dressed in a white camisole nightdress, energetically shook Karl by the shoulder. Karl quickly opened his sleepy eyes, yawned, and muttered:

"Yeah, got it!"

"Damn!"

Suddenly awake, Karl hastily got up from bed, put on his uniform, quickly washed up, kissed Monica goodbye, and rushed to the dining hall. After eating, he headed to the training ground.

"Ha-a… Luckily, I wasn't late; otherwise, Master Zephyr would have torn me apart!"

"Good morning, brother Karl!" "Good morning!"

After a brief greeting with Ain, Zephyr approached the center of the field, and a strong, powerful voice rang out:

"Recruits" Line up!

— Count! — "1, 2, 3..."

Everyone was present.

Zephyr, dressed in a purple suit with a sash bearing the image of justice, looked over the recruits and said:

— Don't be nervous, today is simply an assessment of what you have accomplished over the past two months.

— I have seen all your hard work and sweat. Honestly, I'm very pleased, because you have lived up to your efforts!

— You've all done great! Today, please show the results of your hard work!

— Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!

The excited recruits shouted enthusiastically. Not wanting to be left out, Karl also shouted a few times.

Under the guidance of instructor Charles, all the recruits began warming up, preparing for the upcoming "recruit competition."

Everyone understood that today was their best chance, as their future depended on it.

Zephyr had long mentioned that each year's "recruit competition" was watched by officers of no lower rank than brigadier general, and those officers could select recruits to take under their command.

If you gain the favor of a well-known Rear Admiral or even a General, you could not only enhance your resume but also earn numerous military merits from them, attracting the attention of the higher ranks of the marine corps and quickly advancing your career.

The marine corps is not only about defending justice and fighting but also about human relationships.

It might seem pragmatic, but it's the truth. Ten years of service in the marine corps taught Karl a great deal.

Before he established a good relationship with Charles, it took him seven years to rise to the rank of sergeant. Once he was recognized by Charles, he was promoted every year and quickly attained the rank of Captain.

( There are two Charles, the Charles who was the cammader of the base the Karl was in and the Charles who is the instructor. I think the instructors name is chuzo but the author was using Charles as the name of the instructor, but if it changes I'll come back to change it)

That pink-haired idiot Koby achieved the rank of colonel in just two years. Apart from the factor of strength, Karl did not believe that Garp wasn't helping him behind the scenes.

The same is true for Karl now. Due to the unique nature of his Devil Fruit power, he was acknowledged by the Marshal, Admirals, and Zephyr, who had the strongest connections in the marine corps. Becoming an Admiral is not just a dream!