The Assessment That Shocked Marine Headquarters!

Once Feng Lei's status as a [Special Recruit] was confirmed, it immediately caused a massive uproar at Marine Headquarters.

No one had received the [Special Recruit] designation in over twenty years, so it naturally drew a great deal of attention now that someone had obtained it again.

However.

When everyone learned that this [Special Recruit] was just a sixteen-year-old brat, they were all astonished.

What was more.

A rumor spread through Marine Headquarters that Feng Lei was Garp's disciple. Could Garp be paving the way for him?

Such talk gradually drowned out the doubts and seemed to be gaining traction!

That lasted until Zephyr announced the content of the [Special Recruit] assessment—capture a pirate with a bounty of over 100 million Beli.

In an instant, the whole of Marine Headquarters erupted.

"No way! This assessment is to capture a pirate with a bounty over 100 million? Isn't that too hard?"

"Not just hard, it's extremely dangerous!"

"Even the Three Admirals didn't face an assessment this difficult back then!"

"Can that brat Feng Lei really pull it off?"

"Does he have that kind of strength? He'd better not lose his life over an assessment!"

Many Marines were shocked.

Those who had thought Garp was paving the way for his disciple fell silent at once.

If he were paving the way, he would never have set such a difficult and dangerous assessment.

But now, even more people doubted whether Feng Lei could complete it.

Inside the Marine recruit training camp.

Koby and Helmeppo had officially joined the Marines and were undergoing training in the camp.

By now, both had also learned what Feng Lei's assessment involved, and they were stunned.

"A major pirate with a bounty over 100 million! Can Feng Lei really do it?"

Koby's mouth hung open, his words full of doubt.

After joining the Marines, Koby had gained a clear understanding of bounties.

Once a bounty passed 100 million, the pirate's ferocity and danger increased exponentially, far beyond what pirates with bounties of a few tens of millions could match.

And the highest-bounty pirate Feng Lei had captured was Don Krieg, at just 17 million Beli.

A pirate of that level was like an ant before one with a bounty over 100 million.

"Perhaps... maybe... it might be difficult!"

Helmeppo looked doubtful as well.

But ever since Feng Lei had slapped his face last time, he didn't dare speak so confidently.

At the Marine Academy.

Smoker had just finished training when Tashigi and Hina hurried over.

"Smoker, the assessment for that [Special Recruit] has been announced!"

Hina spoke slowly, a trace of shock still in her eyes.

"Oh?"

"Don't tell me it's something like meeting a training target?"

Smoker didn't notice the change in Hina's expression. He simply thought that someone like Feng Lei, who had connections, couldn't possibly pass a difficult assessment.

He was already prepared to make a scene if the assessment turned out to be a joke.

Even if it meant being demoted, he wouldn't hesitate.

However.

Hina shook her head. "No, you're wrong. This assessment is the hardest and most dangerous one yet!"

"What?"

Smoker froze and asked in disbelief, "What is the assessment?"

"Capture a pirate with a bounty over 100 million!"

Even though she already knew, Hina still found it hard to believe as she said it again.

That was a pirate with a bounty over 100 million. How could a sixteen-year-old child deal with one?

Even they wouldn't dare provoke one lightly.

This was already beyond the capabilities of a [Special Recruit].

Smoker was stunned, but seeing the serious expressions on Hina's and Tashigi's faces, he finally calmed himself.

"How is that possible? Why would Instructor Zephyr set such a difficult assessment?"

At that moment.

Smoker felt aggrieved.

He had thought the assessment would be a joke, but it had turned out to be so difficult.

Even he wouldn't dare take on a pirate with a bounty over 100 million lightly!

His earlier prejudice against Feng Lei made him look like a clown now.

Then.

He turned and left.

"Smoker, where are you going?"

Seeing this, Hina hurried after him.

On the training ground.

Feng Lei was training, and the gazes around him converged on him one after another.

Some of those gazes showed surprise, while others showed admiration.

A round of whispering followed.

"He actually accepted such a difficult assessment?"

"Is he crazy? Does he have a death wish?"

"I'm not so sure. Look at him—he's been training there all day. Is his body made of iron?"

"Hiss... I hadn't noticed until you mentioned it. Could he really be strong enough to capture a pirate with a bounty over 100 million?"

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Huh? What's that mad dog Smoker doing here? He's walking over to that kid!"

Under the gazes of the Marine elites, Smoker came to a stop in front of Feng Lei.

"Need something?"

Feng Lei raised an eyebrow and looked at Smoker.

He wasn't surprised at all to see Smoker at Marine Headquarters.

Most likely, after Luffy defeated the Shichibukai Crocodile, the Marines had given Smoker and the others credit for it to quell public opinion and limit the impact.

With that credit, Smoker had been transferred to Marine Headquarters. Not only had he joined the Marine Academy, but he had also been promoted one rank, becoming a Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral.

But Feng Lei had heard Smoker's opinion of him yesterday, so naturally he wouldn't treat Smoker kindly.

"Kid, if you want to keep your life, I advise you not to take the assessment!"

Smoker spoke slowly.

Feng Lei hadn't expected Smoker to come and advise him against taking the assessment.

What is this guy thinking?

Smoker continued, "That assessment is already beyond the standard for a [Special Recruit]. Even I might not be able to complete it. As long as you refuse it, I'll speak to Instructor Zephyr and have him set a new standard!"

"So... you think I can't pass the assessment?"

Hearing that, Feng Lei was speechless.

Smoker is as conceited as ever!

If you can't do it, that's because you're not good enough!

And you're trying to tell me what to do?

"I'm thinking of your safety," Smoker said solemnly, a cigar clenched in his teeth.

Feng Lei chuckled. "Then don't trouble yourself!"

"You..."

Smoker froze.

He hadn't expected that after coming to warn Feng Lei out of kindness and offering to tell the instructor the assessment was too difficult, Feng Lei wouldn't appreciate it!

"Fine, if you're set on this, don't blame me for not warning you when you lose your life!"

The people around them overheard their conversation.

It immediately sparked a round of discussion.

"So Smoker came to persuade that kid to give up the assessment!"

"Tsk, tsk, his kindness was thrown back in his face!"

"Isn't that kid too arrogant? Does he really think he's stronger than the Three Admirals?"

"Young people always think they can do anything. Once he takes a fall someday, he'll understand!"

"Let's hope the fall doesn't cost him his life!"

Feng Lei paid no attention to what they were saying and continued training.

[Eight Gates: learning progress 62.8% (Gate of Limit)]

"Soon. I can feel it—I'm close to opening the sixth gate!"