What about covering your little brother?

"Kid, judging by your age, you must be around ten, right? Has the Navy become so desperate for recruits that they're taking even little brats like you?"

White hair was rare enough, and since the other party was named Smoker and had joined the Navy, Wood could basically confirm that this short young man in front of him was the future "Smoker" who would be stationed in Loguetown.

"I'm twelve, I just developed late. When I grow up, I'll definitely be a muscular man even stronger than you!"

His age and height were questioned, and even the seemingly timid young Smoker, at this moment, retorted with a stubborn expression.

In fact, even at twelve years old, he didn't meet the Navy's minimum age requirement. For someone like Wood, who was fifteen, it was already rare among new recruits.

But unlike others, Smoker went to enlist himself when the Navy arrived in Loguetown.

Although he was young, Smoker's will was quite firm. Having seen too many pirates ravage his small island, Smoker had long ago decided to become a Navy officer who upheld justice.

Loguetown was the birthplace and execution site of Roger, also known as the "Town of Beginning and End."

The end of Roger's era spurred a large number of people to head out to sea, and this "Town of Beginning and End" naturally became a must-visit spot for most pirates.

Smoker, also born here, had seen Roger executed and had also witnessed the many pirates who had come to Loguetown over the years.

Not all pirates were like Roger; not everyone could possess that demeanor of welcoming death with a smile.

Most pirates fantasized about taking over Roger's title of "Pirate King" and finding the legendary treasure, but in reality, they were just engaging in arson, murder, and looting.

Therefore, Smoker wanted to become a powerful Navy officer and be stationed in this "Town of Beginning and End" in the future. There was only one person like Roger needed in history.

From now on, any pirate who came to Loguetown would find that this "Town of Beginning and End" would become the final destination for all new pirates!

Hearing Smoker's determination and ambition, the Navy general heading to Loguetown couldn't help but show a moved expression.

Finally, after obtaining Zephyr's approval via Den Den Mushi, Smoker, who was younger than the others, was exceptionally admitted.

Of course, Zephyr's words were also clear: the Naval Academy would not give Smoker any special treatment due to his age.

If Smoker's body could not withstand the harsh training there, he would have to go back and report back in two years.

It was for this reason that Smoker came to the Naval Academy and was assigned to Wood's dormitory, room 404.

"That's the shooting range over there, and the supply department is there. For new recruits like you with insufficient innate advantages, it's easy to become a target for bullying here.

But you don't need to worry too much. After all, you're my little brother now. If anyone bullies you, just say my name."

Walking towards the mess hall, looking at Wood who was talking animatedly in front, Smoker showed a look of helplessness.

He didn't know why, but he had inexplicably become the little brother of this enthusiastic senior.

However, as a newcomer, Smoker had heard after arriving at the Naval Academy that anyone who could stay for a second year were the cream of the crop among new recruits.

Although this senior had a slightly eccentric personality, he should be one of those elite members. And he didn't mind that Smoker was a short new recruit and gave him so many tips. He seemed like a good person, and being his little brother didn't seem so bad.

If this was Smoker's impression of Wood a few minutes ago, then the current Smoker only wished he could slap himself a few times.

"Smoker, don't you dare back down! Although your height can't compare to them, you need to leverage your agility.

These guys are all bark and no bite. I believe you can do it!"

At this moment, Smoker, with a bruised and swollen face, stood facing three tall and burly new Navy recruits, while Wood stood behind Smoker, cheering him on, showing no intention of stepping forward to help.

The three people surrounding Smoker, judging by their attire, were also students of the Naval Academy.

Although disputes and grudges were common in the Naval Academy, Smoker, being new, obviously couldn't have offended anyone so quickly.

In fact, these people weren't here for Smoker from the beginning; they were after Wood, who was hiding behind Smoker!

The incident began a few minutes ago. After Wood's enthusiastic introduction, seeing that it was almost mealtime, Wood took Smoker to the Naval Academy's public mess hall.

As soon as this enthusiastic senior arrived at the mess hall, he used the excuse of forgetting his money to have Smoker pay for two deluxe meals. Smoker, not suspecting anything, obediently took out his wallet to pay.

After they had eaten their fill, as they were leaving the mess hall, they were blocked by these people.

The other party clearly stated their intentions from the beginning. They were in the same cohort as Wood, and their grades were far superior to Wood's, but they were now being dispatched to various units as cannon fodder, while Wood was kept behind.

Therefore, feeling indignant, they agreed to find Wood to clarify things, or even to test Wood's capabilities, to see if he truly deserved to stay, even if it meant facing punishment.

Facing the challenge from the others, the naive Smoker still believed that he might soon witness the strength of the so-called "Navy elite."

However, the "Navy elite" he had placed his hopes on actually pushed him forward when facing the challengers and righteously declared that anyone who wanted to challenge him had to defeat his little brother first.

Pushed forward, Smoker looked at the three tall and muscular men in front of him, his expression instantly blank. Didn't they agree that the big brother would protect the little brother?

Why was he, the little brother, being sent to take the hit the moment danger arose!

"Smoker, this is a test for you. If you're afraid of even these minor characters, how can you be my little brother, and how can you become an excellent Navy officer in the future!"

Hearing Wood's voice from behind, Smoker's face immediately showed a look of exasperation. He might be young, but he wasn't stupid!

If those guys were minor characters, then what was he? Their arms were thicker than his thighs. There was no way he could fight them, even if he gave it his all.

Besides, this matter originally had nothing to do with him. What reason did he, Smoker, have to go up and get beaten?