Starting with One Piece, a Multiverse Simulation

Wood wanted to be an inconspicuous supporting character, and he didn't care about being an ordinary cannon fodder naval officer, since he would have opportunities to be promoted later anyway.

As for the Navy's Type 6, he had already obtained it from Kake. The Navy's petty officer training courses held little appeal for Wood.

What he wants to do now is simply to change the status quo, to change the future, and to avoid ending up in Shiki's hands again in a year or two.

"Anyway, I'm just following the rules and regulations. Your superior specifically instructed you to stay and receive an extra year of training."

Seeing Wood's stubborn insistence on graduating and leaving, the naval captain shrugged helplessly, indicating that he was powerless to help.

However, upon hearing the other party's words, Wood froze on the spot and secretly began to ponder who the so-called "commander" was.

Wood and his basic course instructors were already Navy Headquarters Captains, and the only officers who could be called superiors were generals.

Wood only knew two such people: Lieutenant General Garp and General Zephyr.

Since Garp wasn't very familiar with him, the one who insisted on keeping him must be Admiral Zeff.

But this shouldn't be the case. Wood has only seen General Zephyr a handful of times in the past year. Wood had even thought that the other party had forgotten about a nobody like him. Why would he suddenly appear at this critical moment?

Unable to fight city hall, and knowing he was powerless to change anything, Wood could only slink away, preparing to ask Zephyr for his reasons if he ever met him again.

As the naval captain watched Wood leave, he was quite puzzled. After spending a year with him, he realized that Wood was indeed shrewd and clever, but he didn't have any other notable characteristics. Why did he win the favor of both Admiral Zephyr and Vice Admiral Tsuru?

Yes, you heard right. Not only is Zephyr keen to groom Wood, but even Vice Admiral Tsuru, the foremost female naval commander, has spoken up for Wood.

If Wood knew about this, he would definitely be extremely surprised, because Zephyr's words were one thing, but he and Crane should have never met before, so why would the other party know him and speak up for him?

In Wood's former dormitory, several of the extra recruits who used to live with him are now packing their bags.

When they saw Wood come in, they assumed he was also there to pack his luggage and asked him with great interest which unit he had been assigned to.

"I can't leave. The colonel just informed me that I have to stay here for another year..."

Upon hearing Wood's words, the former extras' roommates immediately showed an envious expression. At the same time, they were quite puzzled. Wood's grades in all subjects were mediocre, so how could he be considered an elite?

After seeing off his roommate, a minor character he'd spent a year with, Wood sat on his bed, questioning his existence. Meanwhile, a somewhat timid-looking white-haired kid was furtively peeking into the room from the doorway.

"Hello, senior. I'm Smoker, a new Navy recruit who reported here today. Is this dormitory room 404?"

Looking at the young, white-haired boy in front of him, and hearing the name the boy gave, Wood was stunned for a moment, and unconsciously replied, "Smoker? That big smoker Smoker?"

"My name is indeed Smoker, but I don't smoke. Do you know anyone else named Smoker?"

The white-haired boy in front of him was very polite and not very tall. He was even a little shy. Wood couldn't reconcile him with the image of the rough-looking old smoker he had in mind.

Chapter 26 What happened to the promise to protect his little brother?

"Kid, you look to be around ten years old, right? Is the Navy so desperate for recruits that they even want a kid like you?"

White hair is rare to begin with, and given that the other person is named Smoker and has joined the Navy, Wood can be fairly certain that the short boy in front of him is none other than the old smoker Smoker who will later be stationed in Loguetown.

"I'm already twelve years old, it's just that my body developed a little late. When I grow up, I'll definitely be a muscular man even stronger than you!"

When his age and height were questioned, even the seemingly timid young Smoker stubbornly spoke up to refute them.

In fact, even at the age of 12, he still did not meet the Navy's minimum age standard. At the age of 15, like Wood had been before, it was extremely rare among new recruits.

However, unlike the others, Smoker went to register himself when the Navy arrived in Loguetown.

Despite his young age, Smoker possesses an exceptionally strong will. Having witnessed countless pirates wreaking havoc on the island, Smoker has long been determined to become a Marine who upholds justice.

Loguetown is the birthplace of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, and also the place where he was executed, so it is also known as the "town of beginning and end".

The end of One Piece prompted a large number of people to head to the sea, and this "town of beginning and end" naturally became a popular destination for most pirates.

Smoker, who was also born here, witnessed the execution of the Pirate King Roger, and also saw many pirates who have come to Loguetown over the years.

Not all pirates are Roger; the magnanimity to face death with a smile is not something everyone can possess.

Most pirates dream of succeeding Roger as the "Pirate King" and finding the legendary One Piece, but in reality, they are just burning, killing, and plundering everywhere.

Therefore, Smoker wants to become a powerful Marine and then settle in this "town of beginnings and endings." History only needs one figure like Roger.

From now on, any pirate who comes to Loguetown will have this "town of beginnings and endings" become the final destination for all rookie pirates!

Hearing Smoker's determination and ambition, the naval commanders heading to Loguetown couldn't help but show their emotions.

After obtaining Zephyr's permission through a Den Den Mushi, Smoker, being younger than the others, was admitted despite not meeting the minimum age requirement.

Of course, Zephyr also made it very clear that the Naval Academy would not give Smoker any special treatment because of his age.

If Smoker's body cannot withstand the rigorous training here, then he will have no choice but to go back and return in two years.

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

"Over there is the shooting range where you practice shooting, and over there is the supply depot where you collect supplies. As a new recruit with inherent disadvantages, you are likely to be bullied here."

But don't worry too much. You're my underling now, so if anyone bullies you, just say my name.

Walking towards the cafeteria, Smoker watched Wood chatting away ahead of him and could only sigh helplessly.

He didn't know why he had inexplicably become the younger brother of this enthusiastic senior in front of him.

However, as a newbie, Smoker had heard that anyone who could stay in the naval academy for a second year was one of the best recruits.

Although the senior in front of me had a somewhat eccentric personality, he should be considered an elite. Moreover, he didn't mind that I was a short recruit and even gave me so many things to pay attention to. He seemed to be a good person, and becoming his subordinate didn't seem so bad.

If this was Smoker's impression of Wood a few minutes ago, then now Smoker just wants to slap his past self a few times.

"Smoker, don't be a coward. Although you are not as tall as him, you should know how to make use of your agility."

These guys are all bark and no bite; I'm sure you'll be fine!

Standing before Smoker, whose face was bruised and swollen, were three tall and burly naval recruits, while Wood stood behind Smoker, cheering him on without showing any intention of helping him.

Judging from their attire, the three men who surrounded Smoker were also naval academy students.

Although grudges and disputes are common in naval academies, Smoker is new to the school and obviously cannot offend anyone so quickly.

In fact, these people didn't come because of Smoker from the beginning, but because of Wood, who was hiding behind Smoker!

The story begins a few minutes earlier. After Wood's enthusiastic introduction, and seeing that it was almost lunchtime, Wood took Smoker to the Naval Academy's mess hall.

This kind senior colleague, upon arriving at the cafeteria, claimed he had forgotten his money and asked Smoker to pay for two of the most luxurious meals. Smoker, unsuspecting, obediently took out his wallet to pay him back.

After they had finished their meal and drinks, they were blocked by these people as soon as they stepped out of the cafeteria.

The other side also expressed their purpose from the beginning. They were students in the same year as Wood and their grades were far better than Wood's, but they were now being sent to various units as cannon fodder, while Wood was left behind.

So, feeling resentful, they made a pact that even if they faced punishment, they would find Wood and ask him for clarification, or rather, directly test Wood's mettle to see if he truly deserved to be kept.

Faced with the challenge from the group, the naive Smoker thought that he might soon witness the strength of the so-called "naval elites".

However, the "naval elite" he had placed high hopes on actually pushed him forward when faced with a challenger who came to his door, and declared with a righteous and stern face that if anyone wanted to challenge him, they had to defeat his underlings first.

Smoker, who was pushed forward, was stunned when he saw the three tall and muscular men in front of him. Wasn't it agreed that the older brother would protect the younger brother?

Why is it that whenever there's danger, we always send his underling to take the hits?

"Smoker, this is a test for you. If you're afraid of even a minor character like this, how can you be my subordinate, and how can you become an excellent Marine in the future!"

Upon hearing Wood's voice behind him, Smoker immediately wore a disgusted expression. Although he was young, he wasn't stupid.

If the other person is just a background character, then what is he? The other person's arm is thicker than his thigh. Even if he fought to the death, he wouldn't be a match for him in a game of ball.

Besides, this whole thing seems to have nothing to do with him, so why would Smoker go up there and get beaten up?

Chapter 27 Smoker's Attempt to Become the Protagonist

In a short time, Smoker quickly sorted out his thoughts and was about to explain that he was not Wood's underling and that they had only just met that day when a fist the size of a cooking pot landed directly on his face, sending him flying several meters away...

"Wait a minute, let me explain. I really only just met this... this senior. If you have any conflicts, go find him yourselves..."

Smoker wanted to explain that he had nothing to do with Wood, but when the words were on the tip of his tongue, he realized that he didn't even know Wood's name.

Before he could finish speaking, a fist the size of a clay pot came hurtling towards him again.

Wood was always a nobody at the naval academy. He wasn't exactly a loner, but he always acted alone, and he was never seen to have a close relationship with anyone.

Smoker had previously dined with Wood and even generously treated him, indicating that the two were clearly very familiar with each other.

When Smoker claimed it was his first meeting with Wood, these seasoned naval veterans naturally didn't believe him.

They were already quite dissatisfied with Wood, and now that Wood had just said they were just extras, they were going to prove whether they were really just extras or not.

First, take down Wood, this rookie's underling, and then settle accounts with Wood himself to prove that you are the recruit who should be kept.

Faced with the other party's misunderstanding, Smoker could only look to Wood for help, hoping that Wood could explain things clearly and defeat all the challengers in front of him in a fair and square manner.

Unfortunately, Smoker overestimated the character of a certain guy. The shameless fellow completely ignored his pleading eyes and instead became even more arrogant, mocking him...

Smoker may become one of the best in the Navy in the future, but for now, he is obviously still an ordinary person. Facing the gang of three big men, who took turns beating him, his tender face quickly became bruised and swollen.

The other side was a fairly ethical bunch, saying they would let him go as long as Smoker surrendered.

However, Smoker was stubborn and said that he was willing to take a beating, but he would not admit defeat!

Smoker was repeatedly beaten to the ground, only to struggle to his feet again and again. The three marines who were beating him were panting heavily, but he still managed to get up unsteadily.

"What cannot defeat me will only make me stronger!" He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and spat a mouthful of bloody phlegm onto the ground.

Smoker, in his swagger, exuded such an aura that even the trio in front of him were stunned.

With his invincible nature and standard boastful lines, Smoker would be the perfect protagonist template in any other shonen anime.