Recruitment Exam

"What you said puts me in a difficult position." Kake frowned slightly, feeling somewhat helpless. He couldn't make this decision, nor did he want to do such troublesome things.

"No need for trouble. Even without my naval affiliation, I could easily deal with that nobleman right now. Besides, there are so many nobles; even if he dies, it's none of your navy's business, and the Affiliated Nation won't find out." Novoya was confident, even though he had already revealed the matter to the navy.

As he said, the navy would not interfere in the Affiliated Nation. Since the Affiliated Nation had not found out, there would naturally be no arrest warrant for Novoya.

"Let headquarters make the decision," Kake thought to himself, waiting for news from headquarters.

Novoya is just mentioning it casually right now; he hasn't explicitly stated his intention to join the Navy, so it's still unknown whether he will join or not.

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, Sengoku had received news from Kake that a Logia Devil Fruit User was someone he needed to take seriously.

Kake has already sent people to investigate Novoya. With his name and background, the investigation is quite convenient. According to the Navy's intelligence, it should take a few days.

The Navy is currently in a critical situation and lacks combat power. No promising seed can be let go, especially since there are three Admiral who are Logia users. With proper training, they can at least become high-ranking combatants in the Navy.

Novoya was unaware that Sengoku had convened a special meeting specifically for him, with a small number of attendees, including many of the navy's high-ranking combatants.

"Tell me, should we invite this ability user?" Sengoku asked, looking at the others.

"For this Novoya, nothing else matters; the main problem is his indifferent attitude towards the Navy," a Marine General said, frowning. He immediately saw the issue Sengoku was concerned about. "Such a person is difficult to control. He does whatever he wants; the Navy is just a title and a convenience to him, and there is no justice in it."

"What's there to be afraid of? There are all sorts of people in the navy, so why can't we tolerate him? Besides, he doesn't have any blemishes in his past. Rather than letting him leave and push him to the opposite side in the future, it's better to bring him right under our noses," another Marine General laughed.

Many people join the navy for various reasons, some perhaps just to make a living or seek refuge.

In his view, Novoya's problem wasn't really a problem; the main issue was that Novoya's future strength might be quite formidable, making it potentially difficult to control.

Moreover, it would undoubtedly be worthwhile to add to the navy's combat strength.

With three Admiral already established as outstanding examples of Logia Devil Fruit User, they still want to cultivate another one, even though there is already a Logia Devil Fruit User in the Marine Elite Training Camp.

However, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. Although they performed well in the elite training camp, given their limited perspective, they were not considered outstanding.

However, it did not demonstrate the monster-like potential to be compared to Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan; it still falls far short.

"That's true." Sengoku nodded. He actually thought the same way. He could tolerate someone like Garp, so why couldn't he tolerate a brat? As long as he could work for the Navy, that was fine.

He didn't say anything about Borsalino, that guy who just clocked in and out all day and didn't take his work seriously; even if he had, Borsalino would have continued to do as he pleased.

Moreover, Borsalino was also invited to join the Navy.

"The information about him hasn't been confirmed yet, but it shouldn't be wrong. Since we've decided to invite him to join, let's have Kake test his abilities and strength first." Sengoku made the decision directly.

The navy is in a bad state. Sengoku had the idea of World Military Draft after the Golden Sea Battle to replenish the missing number of marines. Without enough troops, it is impossible to suppress the sea.

This is the second time since the Great Pirate Era began, with only four years in between. The chaotic seas and the destruction brought by pirates will surely lead to many families being torn apart and many people who hate pirates joining the Navy.

Sengoku's orders quickly reached Kake, and it didn't take long. The final result was exactly what Kake. There were even corrupt elements in the navy, so adding Novoya was no problem at all.

Moreover, Novoya is still young and has great potential. His personality may be due to his early experiences, but it can still be changed.

However, in order to test Novoya, Kake also wanted to see the difference between his future colleague's abilities— the Steam-Steam Fruit and the Smoke-Smoke Fruit.

Now that headquarters had made its decision, he no longer hesitated.

The warship is now approaching an inhabited island, and Novoya is preparing to leave.

He was also a little uneasy. Had he gone too far? Had the Navy just given up on him like this? Although he was very confident, and the Navy was currently lacking in combat power.

His problem isn't even a problem. If they were to really abandon him, he'd think the Marine Headquarters had lost their minds.

"Please wait a moment, Novoya." Kake called out to Novoya, putting Novoya's mind at ease.

Pretending nothing was wrong, she turned around and asked, "What's wrong? Is something the matter? I was just about to leave."

"I would like to invite you to join our Navy." Kake looked at Novoya seriously. He was now representing the Marine Headquarters, so he needed to be formal.

He and Novoya had only known each other for the time it took to eat a meal; they weren't exactly close.

Although Novoya had the idea of joining the navy, it was just a casual remark. There are still many lone wolves on the high seas, most of whom are unwilling to be restricted by the navy.

Novoya is undoubtedly someone who is not bound by rules. Even if they are rejected by Novoya, there is nothing they can do, but they may pay more attention to Novoya.

In fact, the expectations for this Kake were not very high.

"Oh, I agree." Novoya readily accepted Kake's invitation.

This turn of events surprised not only Kake but also the Marine Headquarters, which was secretly monitoring the situation through video broadcasts.

"Can you tell me why?" Kake curiously, a question that also puzzled Sengoku and the others.

In response to Kake's question, Novoya couldn't help but smile. "Since I can act from the high ground of justice, why not?"

These words directly revealed Novoya's thoughts without any attempt at concealment.

For Novoya, justice was a cloak that provided him with great convenience, allowing him to do anything in the name of justice.

In this respect, they seem to be no different from the Shichibukai, except that the Shichibukai have the legal right to plunder granted by the World Government.

Novoya, on the other hand, is able to act based on her status as a naval officer.

These were undoubtedly extremely treasonous words. If Akainu had heard them, he might have obliterated them with a single Magma Fist, causing the other Marine General at Marine Headquarters to frown.

Sengoku felt a sense of relief. Novoya's quick agreement made him feel somewhat unreal, and he suspected that Novoya might have some ulterior motives. What he feared most was that Novoya might have some sinister intentions.

He was relieved that Novoya was so open about it. Once he joined the Navy, he would naturally have to follow the Navy's rules. Novoya was a smart man and wouldn't make things difficult for them.

The Navy's internal inspection department is no pushover these days; although not the most important, it is undoubtedly the most powerful and influential department.

Under Akainu's leadership, even Marine Vice Admiral would not be spared.

Next, we come to the important part. "Novoya, you are considered a special recruit by the Navy. Although you have no merits yet, you can be given a rank based on your abilities. You need to make up for the merits within the specified time," Kake said.

"This is a special treatment for you, which will save you a lot of time."

The subtext is: show your full potential.

"Okay, where shall we fight?" Novoya asked Kake.

He wasn't arrogant; his opponent was likely Kake, and he was no match for Kake. He was aware of Kake's intelligence.

Although he has not yet become Vice Admiral, he possesses the combat strength of a Vice Admiral, a young monster within the Navy.

Very calm; such composure is admirable.

Novoya experienced the destruction of his family, wandering alone, crossing a vast ocean, and almost becoming a slave. Having faced life and death, his temperament was far beyond that of ordinary people.

They are at least far superior to those flowers in the Marine Headquarters Elite Training Camp.

Novoya would naturally not hide his strength. No matter how he displayed it, his strength would not be very high. Novoya was prepared to fight with all his might.

Novoya's mind went blank, his expression resolute. He had completely immersed himself in the identity of "himself," determined to earn everything through his own efforts.

Their two years of training on Dark Night Island consisted mostly of combat and physical training, in addition to learning knowledge. As for martial arts or the Marine Six Styles, they had not learned any of those.

At most, I was taught some basics.

So-called physical skills are actually killing techniques. Many powerful physical skill masters have never studied physical skills; they all learned them through combat and fighting.

Now is the time to demonstrate his strength and potential. Only in this way can he learn the Marine Six Styles sooner. To be precise, the techniques represented by the Marine Six Styles are the Six Styles. The Six Powers are just an integration of techniques, and all physical techniques are like this.

The so-called Six Powers extended techniques are the extension and sublimation of skills.

If one learns it, or even shows any trace of the Six Powers techniques, the Navy might become suspicious.

He already had the learning methods and related knowledge of the Two types of Haki memorized, but it wasn't time for him to learn Two types of Haki yet.

However, it allows one to quickly master Two types of Haki and rapidly improve their proficiency in Two types of Haki.

"Send the warships to an uninhabited sea, and we'll fight on the surface." The first sentence was spoken by Kake to the other marines, and the second sentence was spoken to Novoya.

I don't know Novoya's background, but as a Steam-Steam Devil Fruit User, in Kake's understanding, Novoya should be good at aerial combat.

He didn't have high hopes for Novoya's physical skills.

Even with Geppo, Kake could still easily defeat someone like Novoya.

Soon, the warship left, moving far away from the approaching island, leaving them alone on the sea.

Novoya had already flown into the air, Kake Jiaji was opposite Novoya. Even before the battle began, Novoya already felt some pressure.

Kake also intended to put some pressure on Novoya, so that Novoya could unleash his full potential.

Jiaji Kake Geppo, his body rising and falling, looking at Novoya, seemingly waiting for Novoya to make the first move.

Taking a deep breath, Novoya's eyes narrowed. Without waiting any longer, steam power erupted, and Novoya's figure snaked and spun around the car Kake an extremely fast speed. Then, his body burst out with a strong steam, shooting straight into the sky like a rocket.

The ability to fly using the expansion properties of steam allows for control of speed and direction. The speed of flight powered by steam Kake the attention of the Marine Headquarters commanders watching via Transponder Snail.

If it were on land, it would be fine, but in the air, even Kake couldn't catch up at that speed, making Kake wonder if he had been too arrogant.

Novoya flew high into the sky, then stopped and looked down at the Kake.

Novoya extended his right arm, clenched his fist, and burst forth with scorching steam. He slammed his fist down, and the air itself distorted due to the intense heat.

"Steam Fist!"

Seeing the incoming cloud of energy possessing terrifying power, Kake's expression changed.

Kake felt the scorching heat and burning power; if hit, it would definitely not be pleasant.

The enormous cloud of energy was capable of easily engulfing the entire Marine warship, shocking the marines on the distant ship. They hadn't expected this unknown ability user to be so powerful.

High speed, wide range, great power, and strong impact!

This is an absolutely devastating move, suggested by Teach and borrowed from the future "Fire Fist".

Although the Fire Fist and Steam Fist use different energies, they produce the same effect.

The dense airflow made the air seem to melt.

"Well done!" Although this move was terrifying, Kake was not afraid. The goal of this battle was to see Novoya's strength, not to limit his power.

Besides, he still has his pride, and with a group of high-ranking naval officers watching, why would he want to make a fool of himself? It's good enough that he didn't use his Devil Fruit power.

Now that he represents the Navy, he naturally needs to demonstrate his strength and prevent Novoya from becoming too arrogant.

Faced with the scorching impact, Kagashi Kake Armament Haki, which flowed throughout his body, forming an invisible armor that protected him.

"Boom!"

Kake was enveloped by a huge cloud of air, and his punch visibly slammed into the sea.

In an instant, smoke billowed and white mist filled the air, and the sound of the naval surface boiling due to the intense heat was clearly visible, before disappearing after a few short seconds.

The sea was disturbed, and the waves surged and rolled outwards in all directions.

Novoya's attack was terrifying; the power of the Devil Fruit was undeniable, and the intense heat could be felt even through the images.

However, they were not worried about Kake at all. Novoya's development of his Devil Fruit ability was still insufficient. After all, he only had a month to develop it, and it was impossible for him to injure Kake with his destructive power.

The temperature wasn't high enough, and the impact wasn't strong enough.

Although the momentum was great, the power was not concentrated enough. Novoya was also aware of his shortcomings, which was only a matter of time, as his abilities were not yet fully developed.

However, this is still amazing enough. Against someone without Armament Haki, its destructive power is absolute.

After Novoya finished his move, he rushed towards the smoke and clouds below, Kake was naturally unharmed.

In a short time, the water vapor in the air dissipated, revealing Kake's figure. He was unharmed and looked up to see Novoya rapidly approaching.

Unexpectedly, Novoya didn't keep her distance and instead charged straight at him, seemingly wanting to engage him in close combat.

Novoya raised his fist, and a surge of power erupted as steam power transmitted enormous steam energy through his body, accompanied by scorching steam.

The power of steam generates tremendous explosive force.

Novoya flew swiftly to Kake's side and unleashed a powerful punch, aiming directly at Kake.

Kake his Geppo, Observation Haki had already locked onto Novoya, predicting Novoya's movements and dodging the punch in advance.

Kake did not counterattack. After Novoya noticed this, she used steam power to propel her body in a rapid transformation in mid-air, a transformation so fast that Kake was somewhat surprised.

Novoya's body didn't react immediately, but once his mind did, he used his ability to control his body and change direction.

And taking advantage of the situation, Novoya launched an attack, his foot, wreathed in scorching steam, aimed directly at Kake.

Caught off guard, at such close range, Kake couldn't dodge. The burst of steam power and immense force Kake Kaji to instinctively raise his arm to defend.

With both feet missing their footing and no support, Kake was kicked directly away.

Novoya pressed his advantage, using steam power.

Each punch and kick carried a powerful, explosive force, along with scorching, expanding steam.

Having undergone two years of training, Novoya's basic combat strength is not weak, and when combined with his abilities, the power he unleashes is formidable.

What amazed the naval leaders Kake was Novoya's skill in both long-range and close-range combat, and her combat awareness; she was by no means inferior.

Novoya's potential is definitely visible; he is at least much stronger than the members of this year's Marine Elite Training Camp.

After a fierce battle lasting more than ten minutes, "That's enough," Kake said to Novoya.

He remained in perfect condition, unaffected by the battle. In contrast, Novoya's stamina was rapidly depleting as he continued to attack.

The difference between the two is obvious.

However, Kake his objective, continuing the fight would be pointless.

Novoya did indeed give it his all. Developing Devil Fruit is not so simple, and time is short. Novoya focused on developing hot steam, and being distracted by Cold Steam was somewhat counterproductive.

"Is this alright? There shouldn't be any problems." At Marine Headquarters, discussions about Novoya have already begun.

"In terms of strength, he has barely reached the requirements of Commodore, but he hasn't mastered Haki yet, and his general rank is too high, which will make others dissatisfied," a Marine General said seriously.

"A colonel is the highest rank a graduate of the elite training camp can attain, so we'll give him the rank of lieutenant colonel."

"No problem, lieutenant colonel it is. Geniuses deserve special treatment, and let him experience the Navy's sincerity."

"So what are his plans next?" a Marine General asked.

Others also turned their attention to Sengoku, who, according to the plan, needed to be sent to the Marine Headquarters to receive special training from Zephyr at the elite training camp.

But that won't work now. The Golden Sea Battle isn't over yet, and Zephyr is fighting in the New World. I don't know if the other naval instructors can win Novoya's heart and soul; they definitely can't, and they might not even be Novoya's match.

Sengoku tapped his fingers lightly, then made a decision, "Until the war ends, let him follow Prodi. Prodi can train him, and he can also use this time to accumulate some military merits."

"Perfect timing, that's the sea area guarded by Prodi. We can take him along and see his character."

Vice Admiral Prodi, the current highest-ranking officer of the G7 Branch, is a veteran Vice Admiral of the Navy. He is from the same era as Garp and Sengoku and is an old friend. He is quite strong and is considered one of the strongest vice admirals in the Marine Vice Admiral.

Sengoku still trusted Vice Admiral Prodi.

In the future, he will be the director of the naval forward base on Frun Island, responsible for monitoring Big Mom.