Third-Class Soldier! Step Forward!

"Not again? Seriously?"

"Are you monsters growing eyes on your foreheads?"

Facing Kizaru's seemingly pointed words, Leon replied in a steady voice, "Guess it really is fate."

"I also find Vice Admiral Borsalino's face quite familiar!"

"Oh?"

"You look a lot like my second uncle!"

"..."

Hearing Leon's answer, Kizaru couldn't help glancing back at him, then kept stroking his own chin.

In the end, he held back and said nothing more.

Beside them, Rosinante showed no surprise at their exchange, keeping his head down as he walked attentively along the flat path.

He cheered himself on inside.

"Rosinante! You're a real Marine now! From this moment on, you absolutely can't trip yourself up again!"

"Keep it up! You can do this!"

The three of them arrived at the Marine training grounds in a slightly awkward atmosphere.

As they pushed open the training ground doors, a chorus of shouts erupted into the sky.

"Two thousand push-ups! Begin!"

"Climb the rope a hundred rounds!"

"Long-distance run, two hundred laps! Anyone who can't finish in an hour gets an extra hundred laps as punishment!"

"Sparring practice! Don't stop until you pass out!"

A broken bamboo sword flew through the air and lodged itself into the ground by Leon's foot.

"Oh-ho~ Lots of spirit here~"

Rosinante was already fired up by the sight, exclaiming excitedly, "This is Marine Headquarters!"

"My father told me about this—this is just the Marines' daily training!"

"Only the best performers among them get to enter the Elite Training Camp founded by Admiral Zephyr!"

Listening to Rosinante's explanation, Leon nodded lightly.

Backed by the World Government, the Marines were the strongest force on this sea.

Quality recruits selected from the Four Seas and the Grand Line, trained through the Marine system and equipped with standard weapons, could crush any low-tier pirates.

The only problem was in high-end combat power, where the Marines were clearly lacking successors—though for now, it wasn't a serious issue.

Once Akainu became Fleet Admiral, the old generation would step down, plus Aokiji's defection and Kizaru's slacking off...

The only rising star in the entire Marine force would be Koby.

Come to think of it, going from a chore boy to the Marine "hero" who inherited Garp's name in just three years.

Koby's talent even surpassed Monkey D. Luffy's rocket-like rise in strength.

No wonder people said—

The fake protagonist: the child of destiny who ate the Nika Fruit—Monkey D. Luffy!

The real protagonist: no great feats, just two hundred times the effort, and even being a deserter doesn't stop him from becoming the Marine "hero"—Koby!

"Brrr brrr brrr!"

A ringing sound interrupted Leon's thoughts.

Kizaru raised his hand, revealing the black Den Den Mushi on his wrist.

"Moshi moshi~"

Kizaru answered while turning to Leon and Rosinante. "This old man has things to do. You two look around for now."

"Remember to report to the training camp on time tomorrow. It seems Zephyr-sensei has some special arrangements for you."

With that, Kizaru strolled off slowly, the Den Den Mushi on him still ringing.

"How strange~ Why isn't there any sound~?"

"Leon-san! I'm heading back to prepare! See you tomorrow!"

Watching Rosinante's brimming enthusiasm, Leon seriously suspected he'd be too excited to sleep tonight...

After parting ways with Rosinante, Leon returned to Garp's courtyard.

What troubled him now was that, with his current physical condition, the Marines' basic training did nothing to improve his strength.

What he wanted to learn were things like the Six Powers, Haki, and such...

Opening the door, the elusive Garp was lying on a rocking chair in the courtyard, snoring loudly.

Leon, worried about waking Garp, quietly softened his footsteps. But as he passed by Garp, the snot bubble in Garp's nostril instantly popped.

"You bastard Leon! You see me and don't even bother to say hello?"

Leon sighed helplessly.

"Sorry, Mr. Garp, I just didn't want to disturb your rest."

"Hmph!"

"Tomorrow you're joining the Marine training camp. How do you feel?"

"Pretty good..."

"You little brat! Speak properly!"

Garp's right fist struck the top of Leon's head with lightning speed.

"So fast!!!"

The speed of that punch left Leon completely unable to react.

A lump visibly rose on Leon's head, pushing the bandage into a round bulge.

"Tch... No wonder they call you Iron Fist Garp. That punch didn't do much damage, but it hurt like hell!"

"Revenge! This is definitely revenge!"

After disciplining Leon, Garp's mood clearly improved. He grinned wide and said, "You're probably thinking that with your strength, basic training is completely unnecessary."

Leon stared at Garp in silence.

"I'll tell you straight—foundations are important! But..."

Garp shifted his tone.

"But not that important. Training alone won't make you a true strong one!"

"Still, I've got some things to take care of this period, so I won't have time to look after you."