Battle Against a Marine Headquarters Major

If it had been an ordinary person, there would have been no way to dodge at such close range. They would have been pierced through in an instant.

However!

With the dual cheats of the Sharingan and Observation Haki stacked together, Rochi had perfectly predicted the trajectory of Kuhn's killing blow the instant the muscles in his shoulder began to bulge!

"Too slow."

Rochi did not even make a large evasive movement. He merely tilted his body slightly at a bizarre angle that defied human anatomy.

Screech!

The sharp Finger Pistol grazed Rochi's uniform, tearing the fabric but failing to injure him in the slightest.

In that suffocating instant as they passed each other.

The muscles in Rochi's right arm swelled explosively, veins twisting like enraged dragons. Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat Mastery unified every ounce of strength in his body. Without the slightest hesitation, he launched a brutal uppercut at Kuhn's jaw with the force of Mount Tai bearing down!

"Not good!"

Feeling the terrifying air pressure powerful enough to shatter rock, every hair on Kuhn's body stood on end.

This brat had predicted his move!

Caught off guard, Kuhn had no time to counterattack and could only force himself to use his strongest defensive technique.

"Iron Body!"

"Bang—!!!"

It was like a heavy hammer of immense weight smashing against the hardest solid steel!

A deafening metallic clash rang through the sky. A terrifying shockwave erupted from the two of them and swept violently outward, directly tossing several nearby recruits off their feet!

Under everyone's horrified gazes.

That arrogant Marine Headquarters major was actually driven back by Rochi's punch, his feet plowing two deep trenches several meters long into the ground!

"Blocked it?"

A red gleam flashed in Rochi's eyes.

"Hiss—" Kuhn shook his numb arm, and a trace of blood even seeped from his chin.

His expression changed completely.

Even with Iron Body, that punch had sent violent tremors through his internal organs.

Had he not endured the devilish training of Marine Headquarters for years, that punch alone would have been enough to make him lose face in public!

On the raised platform, Brigadier General Carl's lazy eyes snapped open, two brilliant lights shooting from them.

"He could actually see through Kuhn's Finger Pistol?! And those terrifying techniques for exerting physical force... Lieutenant, you've unearthed a treasure for me!"

The lieutenant was already dumbfounded, nodding repeatedly in such excitement that he nearly suffered a brain hemorrhage.

"Good kid! I admit I underestimated you!"

At the center of the field, Major Kuhn completely discarded his contempt. The savage ferocity of a strong man showed in his eyes. He suddenly tore open his suit, his muscles bulging in massive knots.

"Shave!"

Whoosh!

Kuhn's figure vanished into thin air. The fastest movement technique among the Six Powers!

The next second, he appeared directly above Rochi's blind spot, his right leg chopping down like a colossal axe splitting the heavens!

"Tempest Kick: Sky Slicer!"

A pale blue vacuum slash, visible to the naked eye, tore through the air and slashed viciously toward Rochi!

Even with Observation Haki and the Sharingan, Rochi knew that his physical limits were still only at the officer level. He simply could not keep up with the extreme speed of a commander-level powerhouse!

Since I can't dodge it, I'll take it head-on!

Rochi frantically pushed his blood and vitality through his body, crossing his arms above his head.

Boom!

The violent Tempest Kick struck Rochi squarely across both arms.

The enormous impact felt like a charging Sea King crashing into his chest. Rochi felt sweetness rise in his throat, then spat out a mouthful of blood with a "wah."

He flew backward more than ten meters like a kite with its string cut, crashing into the training ground's wall with a bang and blasting out a huge crater!

"Rochi!"

In the distance, Bart and Moore screamed in terror.

The entire field fell silent.

Everyone thought this monstrous rising star was about to perish today at the hands of a Marine Headquarters powerhouse.

However.

Crash...

The sound of rubble rolling came from the ruins.

A blood-soaked hand suddenly gripped the edge of the broken wall.

Before the ghostly stares of the entire crowd, Rochi casually spat out a blood-stained wad of saliva, dusted off his uniform, and slowly walked out as though nothing had happened.

A wound so deep that bone was visible ran across the muscles of both his arms!

"So this is the strength of a Marine Headquarters major?"

Rochi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. In his black pupils, where the Sharingan had already faded, an unnerving fervor ignited. "Not bad. But if this is all you've got, then in a few years, you won't even be qualified to serve as my stepping stone!"

The entire field fell silent.

Major Kuhn stared fixedly at Rochi's bloodthirsty eyes. After more than ten seconds, he actually took a deep breath and put away all his combat stances.

"Brigadier General."

Kuhn turned toward the raised platform, his tone filled with deep shock and respect. "There is no need to test him further."

"This kid's fighting instincts and intuition... not only is he qualified to go to Headquarters, he even..."

Kuhn paused, then gritted his teeth. "I think he is qualified to compete for a spot in this year's Elite Camp!"

"Hahaha! Good!"

Brigadier General Carl's laughter boomed like thunder as she looked at Rochi with immense satisfaction.

"Arrogant! But he has the strength to back up that arrogance!"

"Rochi! From this moment on, you are qualified to head to Marine Headquarters at Marineford!"

"I'll give you three days to settle your affairs at this branch. Tomorrow morning, return with my warship!"

The brigadier general turned to glance at the lieutenant, who was practically fainting with happiness.

"You have rendered a meritorious recommendation. From today onward, you are promoted to lieutenant commander!"

"If this kid Rochi earns military merit at Headquarters in the future, your rank can continue to rise!"

The lieutenant dropped to his knees in excitement and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Brigadier General! Thank you, Brigadier General!"

Standing amid the ruins, Rochi looked at the massive warship docked in the harbor and slowly clenched his bleeding fists.

"The Grand Line, Marine Headquarters..."

"Countless high-level pirate experience packs, countless powerful prey..."

A trace of brutality flashed in Rochi's eyes.

"I'm here!"