The Rust-Rust Fruit User

Leon's training results were far from impressive.

Over three months, Rosinante had climbed from the very bottom to the middle of the pack.

Leon's rank, however, had settled steadily just one spot behind Rosinante.

Though the two of them could be called a pair of late bloomers with remarkable progress, by all logic, their mediocre scores meant their fate would be the same as most other recruits in the camp: assigned to Marine branches across the Four Seas.

Only after earning merits would they have a chance to be recalled to Headquarters for further training.

But...

Leon's gaze drifted to the side, where eager Marine family members were craning their necks.

Many of the new recruits directly enlisted by Marine Headquarters came from Marine bloodlines, living in the family quarters of Marineford.

Today was the final day of boot camp, and the moment that would decide the recruits' futures. As a result, the training ground was already surrounded by families gathered to watch.

With his sharp perception, Leon immediately spotted a tall man with an afro mixed into the crowd.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku had shed his usual attire, swapped his glasses for a casual look, and even stuck on a goatee.

He was craning his neck, peeking toward Leon.

Beside Leon, Rosinante held his head high, eyes gleaming, completely immersed in the thrill of taking the first step toward his dream. He hadn't noticed Sengoku's spying at all...

Anyway, this was in the bag...

The Steely Instructor gave the order to assemble.

The recruits lined up quickly, and after three months of training, they already carried themselves like seasoned Marines.

The Steely Instructor nodded in satisfaction, then barked, "Now begins the final exercise—sparring!"

"For this round, you're allowed to use real weapons. We'll score you based on your performance in combat!"

"Your scores will directly determine your final results!"

"So don't hold back! Use everything you've got to defeat your opponent!"

"Now! Begin!!!"

The sparring pairs had been decided by lottery beforehand, and all matches started at the same time.

Leon looked at the opponent before him.

A white cloth mask covered most of his face, leaving only a pair of fierce-looking eyes visible. His Marine cap bulged oddly, as if something was stretching it from inside, and both arms bore custom armbands...

"What was this guy's name... Hyouen, was it?"

At the referee's signal, the fight began.

Hyouen stared at Leon, who stood motionless, riddled with openings, and a flicker of disdain crossed his eyes.

"What rotten luck, drawing such a weak opponent..."

"Oh well, I'll just crush him and show off my strength."

Hyouen assumed a stance, but Leon's mind wasn't on him at all.

In the center of the field, Rosinante wore a rare serious expression.

His opponent was none other than Smoker, the top-ranked recruit in the entire camp!

Seeing Leon still not attacking, Hyouen's pride flared with anger at such blatant disregard.

"You bastard, are you looking down on me?!"

Hyouen lunged, charging at Leon, who sidestepped the attack with ease.

"Do I even know you? Why are you so worked up?"

Leon found it odd.

It was just a training match—he'd half-ass it and be done. With that in mind, he clashed with Hyouen.

They traded blows, fists and kicks flying, and for a moment, they seemed evenly matched.

Hyouen was dissatisfied with this outcome. Tying with someone like Leon would definitely drag down his score.

If that was the case, he'd have to use his real ability!

Hyouen shifted his offense, launching a furious assault. Leon, still holding back, noticed something off.

Hyouen seemed to be using some strange power...

Leon pulled back, checking the spots on his body where Hyouen had struck.

"Heh, can't move, can you?"

"I was planning to pick a sword-wielding opponent to really show off my power."

"After all, I'm a Rust Man who ate the Rust-Rust Fruit! The bane of all swordsmen!"

"With your skill, there's no way your rank should be this low. You've been hiding your strength, hoping to stun everyone, haven't you?"

"Not a bad idea, but you ran into me!"

"I've already rusted your joints with my ability. Give up—you can't beat me!"

The previously fierce Hyouen now stood in place, muttering to himself.

There was no helping it—after a Devil Fruit user first used their ability on an enemy in their debut appearance, they had to give a detailed explanation to clear up the enemy's confusion.

This might just be a law of the world in Pirate King...

Leon wasn't immobilized by rusted joints as Hyouen had claimed.

He simply lowered his head, looking down at the Silver Fiber Bandage he had bought with everything he owned.

Even after three months of training, the silver bandages on his body, carefully maintained by Leon, showed no sign of damage—they were still as good as new.