I Fucking Eat, Eat, Eat!

"Very good!"

Hearing Xia Luo's answer, Whiteman nodded in satisfaction. The appreciation in his eyes for Xia Luo grew even stronger. He also loathed pirates to the bone, because his parents had been killed by pirates as well.

Colonel Whiteman's favor had long been within Xia Luo's expectations, so his heart remained perfectly calm, though he put on an excited expression.

In fact, before joining the 15th Branch, Xia Luo had already investigated the relevant information, especially intelligence concerning the base commander, Colonel Whiteman.

After learning of Colonel Whiteman's past, Xia Luo had deliberately crafted such a tragic backstory and the persona of someone who "hated pirates as bitterly as enemies."

Outstanding talent, a similar past, a righteous heart, and hatred for pirates—what a perfect persona. Once the Marine Elite Training Camp was established, if Colonel Whiteman did not recommend him, who else would he recommend?

Colonel Whiteman and Zephyr were friends from the same generation. With his recommendation, getting into the Marine Elite Training Camp was practically guaranteed, wasn't it?

Now, it seemed the results were outstanding!

Immediately afterward, Colonel Whiteman looked around and said:

"While there's still time, all of you, one hundred push-ups. Don't stop until you're done. Start now!"

After saying that, he turned to Xia Luo. "As for you, Xia Luo: one thousand push-ups, one thousand sit-ups, and one thousand frog jumps. Three thousand in total. Finish before sunset. Can you do it?"

"Yes!"

Xia Luo answered without hesitation. This amount would probably only be enough for a warm-up. He would still need to add extra training tonight.

What?

The recruits who had been groaning in misery suddenly fell silent. Compared to Xia Luo, one hundred push-ups did not seem like much anymore...

And so, by the time everyone else had just finished one hundred push-ups, Xia Luo had already completed one thousand. By the time they finished their sit-ups, Xia Luo had finished his as well.

Then came the frog jumps...

Although Xia Luo's assigned workload was ten times that of the others, his speed was also ten times theirs.

By the time everyone had finished, the sun had already set. Whiteman immediately announced dismissal, and everyone cheered loudly before swarming toward the cafeteria like starving ghosts reincarnated.

Xia Luo smiled faintly. Another benefit of joining the Marines was that meals were free, so he could eat as much as he wanted.

At dusk.

The Marine main cafeteria.

Under everyone's dumbfounded gaze, Xia Luo transformed into a starving ghost reincarnated and frantically swept through the food on the tables.

Like a whirlwind tearing through fallen leaves, Xia Luo's hands became afterimages as he worked from both sides.

The mountain-like piles of food were vanishing at a visible rate.

Over the past few days, Xia Luo had been relatively restrained and low-key, eating only enough for ten people per meal. It was not a small amount, but at least it was still within the bounds of normality.

But today was different. Since he had already made a name for himself, there was no need to hide his appetite anymore. He directly switched into binge-eating mode.

After eating roughly twenty portions of food, Xia Luo was already full. He converted all the rest into nutrients and stored them away.

If he did not take advantage of the Marines, it would be a waste. One word: go for it!

Ever since gaining the Marines as a long-term meal ticket, Xia Luo had planned to gradually increase his appetite along with his training volume.

How could he call himself a monster after eating a mere hundred portions? I want five hundred... no, a thousand portions!

I fucking eat, eat, eat! I'll eat the Marines into poverty. The more I eat, the stronger I get!

"What a monster!"

"No wonder he's so freakish. The bastard can really eat!"

"We can't beat him in stamina, and now we can't even beat him at eating!"

"So that's it. It's not that we're too weak, it's that we don't eat enough... Hmm, I feel like I can still eat another ten bowls!"

"Stop talking and hurry up. As long as we don't eat ourselves to death, eat like we're trying to die."

"Damn it, don't eat so fast! The cafeteria ladies have collapsed from exhaustion!"

"Medic!"

In the midst of the chaos, Xia Luo raised his head, looked at the cafeteria in complete disarray, and scratched his head. "This probably has nothing to do with me, right?"

"Whatever. Keep eating. After I'm done, I'll head to the back mountain for extra training!"

With that, Xia Luo began wolfing down food again.

The next day.

At eight in the morning, the recruits threw themselves into training again. According to regulations, recruit training would last three months.

During that time, some people who loafed around or lacked determination would be eliminated.

Once the training ended, those who remained would be classified based on their performance as first-class, second-class, or third-class soldiers, along with the lowest rank of general-service soldiers.

In addition, those with outstanding performance could be awarded noncommissioned officer ranks as appropriate.

On the training field.

Colonel Whiteman, standing two and a half meters tall with a bear-like physique, stood with his hands behind his back. His gaze swept across the group, imposing without anger.

"Very good. No one was late today at last. Keep it up!"

Colonel Whiteman nodded in satisfaction, then continued:

"Xia Luo, step forward."

"The rest of you, same old rules. Start with twenty laps to warm up."

As soon as he spoke, everyone began moving, running through the cold wind.

February mornings were still somewhat chilly, and each breath came out in a puff of white mist.

"Instructor."

"Come, put this on. I had someone find it in the warehouse overnight. It's not heavy, just a little over a hundred pounds." Colonel Whiteman said with a smile.

"All right!"

Xia Luo then calmly put on the set of weighted equipment Colonel Whiteman had prepared for him: a weighted vest, wrist weights, a belt, and leg weights. Four pieces in total, weighing roughly one hundred and twenty pounds.

Colonel Whiteman nodded slightly. "Your target today is the same as yesterday, but there's one condition: you are not allowed to take off that equipment before training ends."

"Yes!"

"Mm, go on."

Xia Luo suddenly spoke up. "Instructor, there's something I'd like to ask you for help with."

Colonel Whiteman raised a brow. "What is it?"

"I want a weapon. Well, more precisely, a spiked club."

Xia Luo grinned broadly. Since he had already intercepted the Azure Dragon Fruit, wasn't it only natural to copy Teacher Kaido's weapon and moves as well?

Basic stuff. Don't be shocked.

Besides, Teacher Kaido had always loved teaching others. How could he possibly mind?

Right, Teacher Kaido?

"You want to learn club techniques?" Colonel Whiteman asked doubtfully. "I can't teach you that. I only know martial arts."

"That's fine. I can teach myself. As long as I can hit people with it, it'll do."

"All right, then I'll get it to you tomorrow." As he spoke, Colonel Whiteman suddenly changed his tone. "But I have to remind you that martial arts are the most important thing. Just practice club techniques casually. Don't waste too much time on them. Trying to learn too much will only leave you mastering nothing."

"Mm, I understand."

"Good. Don't waste your talent. Go train." Whiteman waved him off.

In the blink of an eye, another three months passed.

After training ended, Xia Luo earned the rank of sergeant through his outstanding performance.

In truth, based on the strength Xia Luo had displayed, even a commissioned officer rank would have been more than deserved. However, Colonel Whiteman's authority was limited. Officers above the noncommissioned ranks had to be reported to headquarters, and could only be appointed with headquarters' approval.

After all, above the officer ranks came the field officer ranks. A branch colonel did not have the authority to appoint commissioned officers.