Smoker Tries to Be the Protagonist

In a brief moment, Smoker's thoughts cleared. Just as he was about to explain that he wasn't Wood's subordinate and that they had only met today, a fist the size of a sand pot slammed into his face, sending him flying several meters away.

"Wait, let me explain! I've only just met this... this senior. If you have any issues, take it up with him..."

Smoker originally wanted to clarify that he had no connection with Wood, but as the words formed on his lips, he realized he didn't even know Wood's name.

Before he could finish speaking, another fist the size of a sand pot was already hurtling towards him.

Wood had always been an invisible presence in the Naval Academy. He wasn't exactly antisocial, but he always acted alone and never seemed particularly close to anyone.

Smoker had previously eaten with Wood and even generously treated him, so they clearly appeared to be very familiar with each other.

The veteran marines naturally didn't believe Smoker's claim of meeting Wood for the first time.

They were already quite resentful of Wood. Since Wood had just called them extras, they decided to prove they weren't.

They would first take down Wood's new subordinate and then settle the score with Wood himself, proving they were the ones who deserved to be kept.

Facing their misunderstanding, Smoker could only cast a pleading look at Wood, hoping he would clarify the situation and decisively defeat all his challengers.

Unfortunately, Smoker overestimated a certain person's integrity. That shameless individual completely ignored his plea for help and instead taunted their opponents even more arrogantly.

Smoker might become a standout in the Navy in the future, but for now, he was just an ordinary person. Facing the relentless assault of three burly men, his young face quickly became bruised and swollen.

His opponents were quite honorable, stating that they would let him go if he surrendered.

However, Smoker was stubborn. He declared that he could take a beating, but he would not surrender!

Smoker was repeatedly knocked down, only to struggle back to his feet time and again. The three marines beating him were already panting, yet he still swayed unsteadily as he rose.

"What cannot kill me only makes me stronger!" He wiped the blood from his lips and spat a bloody phlegm onto the ground.

Smoker's impressive display, even as he was "showing off," stunned the trio before him.

With his "unkillable" attribute and a classic boastful line, if this were any other shonen anime, Smoker would undoubtedly be the protagonist.

Following the usual plot, Smoker should now be experiencing a flashback montage and then unleash a surge of power to defeat the villains.

However, unfortunately, Smoker wasn't the chosen protagonist, and his current strength was truly lacking. Even a power-up would be completely futile.

Although the trio of veteran marines were initially intimidated by Smoker's aura, they immediately pinned the arrogant brat to the ground and resumed their assault.

"You want to become stronger? Then show me how you've gotten stronger!"

It seems that if you're not the true protagonist, it's best not to boast casually.

Smoker's failed power surge resulted in: Our side's morale +10, Our side's combat power +1, Enemy's rage +100, Self-inflicted injuries +100...

"What are you doing! Do you know the consequences of beating up new recruits like this?"

Seeing that Smoker was about to be disfigured if he continued to be beaten, Wood was about to intervene, but someone else acted before him.

The Naval Academy didn't prohibit students from competing with each other; after all, growth came from competition.

However, competition had to be healthy. The trio of extras, ganging up on Smoker, a single new recruit, was clearly a violation.

The one who intervened to stop the veteran marines was a tall, beautiful young woman.

She left an afterimage in the air, and the three veteran marines, who had been standing still, were all sent flying backward.

As the three looked up, they saw a sheathed katana pressed against their necks.

Faced with the woman, who exuded immense presence and strength, the trio of extras didn't even dare to retort. They were struck on the back of their necks and knocked unconscious.

"I did help you, after all. Even if you don't thank me, leaving without a word is quite rude."

The tall beauty, who had easily subdued the three veteran marines, turned around to see Wood helping Smoker up, preparing to leave. Her tone became somewhat displeased.

"Hahaha, what a coincidence, Gion. I was just passing by and was about to help this newcomer.

But my strength is insufficient, and I was worried I'd get beaten up if I intervened rashly, so I was waiting for the right moment. I didn't expect you to show up.

As expected of the No. 1 of our batch. You're already this strong without any additional training. If you trained for a year at the Naval Academy, you'd probably graduate as a Sergeant or higher."

Wood, who had intended to slip away quietly, let out a sigh of helplessness upon hearing the voice behind him. He then turned to greet her.

"You just stood by and watched this boy get bullied by these three because you were afraid of getting beaten up?

Pathetic. Hina is very angry. Hina thought that the marines selected for additional training were all elites with the best conduct."

Gion showed clear disgust at Wood's flattery, while the pink-haired girl standing beside her spoke bluntly, calling Wood pathetic.

That's right, Gion wasn't alone. A pink-haired girl, who looked about the same age as Smoker, stood beside her.

Judging by her attire, the pink-haired girl was also a new recruit at the Naval Academy, just like Smoker.

"Hina, don't believe his nonsense. This guy is a master of deception.

Don't be fooled by his current timid appearance; his true strength is far greater than you imagine.

Even if I hadn't intervened, that newcomer would have been fine. Those three are no match for him."

Seeing her companion, the pink-haired girl, looking down on Wood and even preparing to teach him a lesson, Gion quickly warned her.

A year had passed, and Wood's disguise was quite perfect. But while Wood could fool others, he couldn't fool Gion.