"Hiss..."
"Roy... lost!"
"How is this possible? That Roy actually..."
"And you're telling me this is a new recruit?"
Witnessing this scene, all the Senior Recruits felt their scalps go numb. What kind of monster was this new recruit, that even Roy couldn't beat him?
On the new recruits' side, everyone felt their blood boil, as if injected with adrenaline:
"Yun Ye is so strong!"
"Even a Zoan Devil Fruit User can't beat him!"
In the distance, several instructors exchanged glances, speechless for a moment.
Maynard gave a wry smile. "We really misjudged him! I never thought even Roy would lose..."
Lydon rubbed his nose, recalling his earlier words, and flushed slightly. The hell with lasting ten minutes—it was Roy who couldn't last ten minutes!
Mandel also shook his head, lamenting how they'd all misjudged him.
Suddenly, as if struck by the same thought, the instructors turned in unison to look at Kage, who showed no surprise, remembering what he'd said earlier.
They figured Kage must know something about this new recruit.
Maynard looked at Kage and asked curiously, "Rear Admiral Kage, do you know this new recruit?"
Mandel was also curious. "Rear Admiral Kage, what's the deal with that new recruit?"
Kage spread his hands and gave a strange smile. "I'm their instructor, so naturally I know a bit more than you. Don't let his age fool you—this kid's strength is formidable. And it seems even Instructor Zephyr has taken an interest in him."
"Hiss..."
The three of them sucked in a breath. His strength was obvious from his defeat of Roy.
But more importantly—he had Instructor Zephyr's attention?
Was this kid that monstrous?
Was another freak like those few about to emerge?
They knew Zephyr's eye for talent—he could see what abilities a person lacked and focus their training accordingly.
Judging from the fact that several current monster Admirals had once been his students, Zephyr's teaching ability was undoubtedly top-tier!
"After today, that kid should be able to break into the Elite Camp."
Kage also sighed. Anyone who could break into the Elite Camp through special recommendation would, after graduation, inevitably become a heavyweight with a pivotal position in the Marines!
Yun Ye looked at Roy, who was struggling to get up, and shook his head calmly. "Senior, admit defeat. In your current state, you can't beat me."
Roy stared at Yun Ye. This time, he didn't argue, just kept his eyes locked on Yun Ye. Finally, he lowered his head. "I lost."
But soon he lifted it again, his tone firm. "But next time we meet, I'll surpass you!"
The Zoan Devil Fruit gave him incredible recovery; he'd already regained his composure, struggled to his feet, and walked off in the other direction.
His steps were steady enough.
'Surpass me? Not in this lifetime!' Yun Ye watched Roy's retreating figure and smiled, not taking his words to heart.
As someone who cheated, how could he ever be overtaken by anyone else?
The gap between them would only grow wider, until Roy was crushed into doubting his own existence—there was no other outcome!
After Roy was defeated by Yun Ye, the rest of the Senior Recruits hung their heads in dejection. None came forward to pick a fight again; some left, others dispersed.
They were intimidated by Yun Ye's strength.
No one dared to provoke him anymore.
On the new recruits' side, they gathered around Yun Ye, cheering. They had beaten the seniors!
Yun Ye smiled and responded a few times. Once everyone had calmed down, Instructor Kage appeared.
Acting as if nothing had happened, he strolled over, swept his gaze across everyone present, paused briefly on Yun Ye, then shifted his focus and barked at the crowd, "What are you all crowding around for? Get started on today's training!"
"Yes, sir!"
The new recruits jumped at the sudden shout. Seeing it was Instructor Kage, they quickly acknowledged and began their training for the day.
The next day, Yun Ye was called over by Instructor Kage.
Kage looked at Yun Ye, his eyes full of appreciation. "You're Patino Yun Ye, right?"
Yun Ye nodded. "Yes, Instructor."
Kage said, "We saw your performance yesterday. With your strength, staying in the Recruit Camp won't give you much more training, so I've recommended you for a spot in the Elite Camp."
There were two ways to enter the Elite Camp: one was to be in the top ten of the year-end assessment and compete for a slot.
The other was through an instructor's recommendation, also known as a special admission slot.
Yun Ye glanced at him and said, "Instructor, wouldn't this break the rules?"
Kage laughed. "The Marines are ultimately a place where strength speaks. As long as you're strong enough, you get privileges others don't!"
In this world of the strong preying on the weak, whoever was stronger undeniably got more resources.
And the world of pirates drove that truth home with brutal clarity.
"Instructor, I understand." Yun Ye nodded, showing no surprise.
Kage continued, "I've already explained everything to the instructor over there. You can head straight over."
After a few brief exchanges, Instructor Kage left.
Yun Ye thought to himself: Faster than I expected to enter the Elite Camp. Is it because I defeated that Zoan user yesterday?
Yun Ye had originally assumed he'd spend some time in the Recruit Camp, but here he was entering the Elite Camp on only the third day...
Truth be told, Yun Ye had wanted to train in the Recruit Camp for a while. Though his strength was enough to crush all the new recruits, that was solely due to his superb combat techniques.
In terms of physique, Yun Ye was probably only mid-tier right now, inferior to even many of the new recruits.
Still, joining the Elite Camp had plenty of benefits. The gap in teaching quality alone would save Yun Ye a lot of detours.
In the Recruit Camp, the highest-ranking instructor was at most a Rear Admiral.
But in the Elite Camp, a retired Admiral gave online instruction, and Vice Admirals guided combat training.
With that kind of expert teaching, as long as one wasn't exceptionally dull, their strength would grow very quickly.
For that reason alone, Yun Ye felt entering the Elite Camp early was a good move.
Thinking this over, Yun Ye returned to his dormitory, packed up simply, and prepared to leave.
Nearby, Lun Jin'er spoke with an envious tone: "As expected of you. Only three days into the Training Camp, and you're already being fast-tracked into the Elite Camp. But don't worry, I'll be joining the Elite Camp soon too!"
Yun Ye waved a hand and said, "Then keep at it. I'll head over first and wait for you there."
Hearing this, Lun Jin'er's enthusiasm surged. He thumped his chest and declared, "I'll work hard!"
Yun Ye waved back over his shoulder, signaling he understood.
He looked at the gate ahead. On the other side of that single door lay the Elite Camp!
On the other side, another figure was also approaching. Upon seeing Yun Ye, he paused slightly.
Yun Ye looked over and smiled. "It's you, Senior Roy."
That figure was none other than the one Yun Ye had defeated—the owner of the Zoan Antelope Devil Fruit, Kokel Roy!
Seeing Yun Ye, Roy's expression turned serious. It had only been a day, and he hadn't forgotten the fact that Yun Ye had beaten him. His voice was low as he said, "You're also being fast-tracked into the Elite Camp?"
Yun Ye nodded. "Mm."
Hearing Yun Ye's reply, Roy wasn't too surprised. If he himself could be fast-tracked into the Elite Camp, then Yun Ye, who had defeated him, naturally could too.
Roy looked at Yun Ye, fighting spirit surging in his eyes once more. "Once I've learned the Rokushiki, the next time we fight, I won't lose to you!"
With that, Roy strode forward.
Yun Ye smiled and followed close behind. The two of them stepped through that gate one after the other!
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