One Piece: Get Stronger by Watching Battles

"how?"

The two glared at each other, and Sengoku slammed his hand on the table. "Enough!"

What are you arguing about?

Zhan Guo picked up the sword Zhou Ze had left on the table. "Take a look at this first."

Only then did the group notice that the blade of the ordinary standard-issue military knife was covered with fine cracks.

Even more surprisingly, these cracks clearly originated from the inside; the blade's surface remained smooth, and the cracks emerged from beneath the thin, remaining metal film.

This makes the knife still look like a single piece.

During the Warring States period, one hand held a knife, while the other extended a finger and flicked it lightly.

The entire blade shattered with a crash.

Chapter 10: Threats from Akainu

"This knife..."

Lieutenant General Tsuru's tone revealed hesitation.

Sengoku hummed in agreement. "This ordinary military knife is not strong enough to withstand such power. The moment that power was injected into the blade, it shattered."

"To be able to unleash such a slash with a sword like that... that's his strength..."

Vice Admiral Tsuru was even more surprised and unconsciously glanced towards Akainu.

Akainu's face darkened further. "Shattering a sword like this doesn't require much strength; many people can do it."

Sengoku nodded, "It certainly doesn't require too much power to shatter it."

"But to be able to do this exactly, it's not something that can be done by sheer strength. I believe there aren't many people like that in this world."

Upon hearing this, Lieutenant General He's expression shifted slightly. "You mean Zhou Ze possesses extremely high swordsmanship?"

“Yes, at least his swordsmanship talent is definitely not low.” Sengoku agreed with Vice Admiral Tsuru’s judgment, and then looked at Garp: “Garp, I’m starting to believe your judgment now.”

"Haha, I knew that kid was a genius."

Karp raised his head and burst into exaggerated laughter.

"In that case, promoting him to lieutenant seems a bit too low..." Lieutenant General Tsuru murmured to himself.

"Then promote him to major. That's what I suggested from the beginning."

Karp said a few things casually.

Sengoku glanced at Akainu, whose face was growing increasingly grim by the window, and said, "Let's promote him to lieutenant for now. We'll talk about the rest after he graduates from training camp."

Now that the admiral had made his conclusion, the three of them said no more and left.

…………

Zhou Ze followed the marines leading him out of the main base. Only when the fresh sea breeze touched his face did he suddenly realize, "Damn it, where are my uniform and sword...?"

“Um, Corporal,” Zhou Ze called out to the marine leading the way, “I left my uniform and sword in Sengoku’s office…”

The marine who was called back turned around, his face flushed. He had been very excited the whole way, because behind him was Lieutenant Zhou Ze, who was known as the "Pride of the Navy" and had the strength of an admiral.

"Are you OK?"

Zhou Ze was startled by his expression and quickly asked what was wrong.

“Zhou, Zhou Ze, I’m fine,” the marine stammered. “I’ll go get a new set and bring it to you later.”

"Oh, that's good." Zhou Ze nodded slightly, then pointed to the marines nearby who were giving him strange looks and asked, "Why have they been looking at us like that all along the way?"

The marine leading the way smirked. "It wasn't us, it was you!"

"Me? Why are you looking at me!"

"Keep pretending," the marine grinned. "It's nothing, they're just curious."

…………

"Look, that's Zhou Ze, the pride of the navy. His composure is truly remarkable."

"Yes, he truly deserves to be called a strongman who went head-to-head with Hawkeye."

"Yes, he can even fight Admiral Akainu to a draw."

"What do you mean a draw? Didn't you see how easily he blocked Admiral Akainu's attack?"

"That's right, his strength is definitely no less than that of Admiral Akainu."

"Yes."

"I think so too."

Upon seeing Zhou Ze emerge, the marines in the square were instantly drawn to him, gathering in small groups to discuss the matter.

…………

Zhou Ze's assigned room in the naval headquarters' soldiers' housing area.

Zhou Ze had just lain down when he heard a knock on the door. He opened the door in confusion. "Vice Admiral Garp, what brings you here?"

Garp was standing outside the door, followed by two Marines. Garp laughed heartily, "Zhou Ze, you really made me proud. You have no idea, Sakazuki's face turned black, hahaha."

Zhou Ze was wondering about this when he asked, "Yeah, Vice Admiral Garp, why did Admiral Akainu attack me?"

Karp waved his hand. "It's nothing, he's just having a relapse. Don't worry about him."

"I'm here to inform you that you'll be going to the training camp for a month starting tomorrow."

"And here's another piece of good news: you got promoted, you're now a lieutenant in the Navy!"

Zhou Ze was stunned. How could he be promoted again? Was it that easy? Or was it because of Garp, and Garp had made some kind of shady deal with the Navy's high command?

"Hmm? You don't seem very happy?" Karp tilted his head, thinking that Zhou Ze felt the position was too low, and comforted him, "A lieutenant may be a bit low, but that's temporary. Start training hard tomorrow, and we'll promote you after you graduate from training camp."

Before Zhou Ze could even speak, Garp turned around, took the lieutenant's uniform and sword from the two marines, and handed them to Zhou Ze.

"Now that I've finished speaking, I'll be leaving. Good luck, I have high hopes for you."

He then burst into laughter and walked away.

Zhou Ze was dumbfounded. Is it really that easy to get promoted in the Navy? It seems like joining the Navy was a good decision.

Not long after I closed the door, there was another knocking sound.

Zhou Ze thought it was Garp returning, but when he opened the door, he found Akainu standing at the door.

Akainu was taller and much more robust than Zhou Ze. When the two stood face to face, Zhou Ze was almost entirely in Akainu's shadow.

Zhou Ze immediately became alert. "What are you doing here?"

"I have something to say to you," Akainu said in a deep voice, "Why don't you invite me in?"

Zhou Ze still remembered Akainu's unprovoked attack on him. He glanced at the guards not far away and said irritably, "Just say what you have to say here. I don't know you."

Two guards not far away trembled involuntarily upon hearing Zhou Ze's words and looked over in surprise.

Akainu's aura suddenly intensified, his imposing presence radiating like a burning flame. He let out a heavy snort, "I'm warning you, if I find out you're colluding with pirates, I will kill you."

Zhou Ze's rebellious spirit was provoked by his aggressive manner. "I haven't even settled the score with you for attacking me, and you're threatening me instead?"

He stared into Akainu's eyes and said calmly, "You're welcome to try."

The two guards' hearts nearly jumped out of their chests. As expected of the pride of the navy, he could still speak such words with such disdain in front of an admiral. The two men looked at Zhou Ze with eyes full of respect.

Upon hearing this, Akainu instantly transformed into rolling magma, radiating intense heat that made Zhou Ze squint.

After staring intently at Zhou Ze for a while, the fiery red magma subsided, and Akainu returned to normal, saying threateningly, "You'd better behave yourself."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Zhou Ze breathed a sigh of relief after Akainu left. His heart had stopped for a moment, fearing he would be blasted into dust on the spot.

Having survived the ordeal, Zhou Ze smiled slightly at the two guards, retreated into the room, and closed the door.

The two guards exchanged a glance, both showing expressions of surprise and delight.

"Big news! Lieutenant Zhou Ze actually made Admiral Akainu back down!"

"Yes, Lieutenant Zhou Ze's aura completely overwhelmed Admiral Akainu!"

"Let's stop standing guard. Right now, there's nothing more important than telling everyone about this."

"That's right, let's hurry up and go."

The two guards abandoned their posts.

Chapter 11 Garp's Departure and the Head Instructor of the Training Camp

The morning sunlight shone through the gap in the curtains onto Zhou Ze's face. Zhou Ze frowned, turned over, and prepared to sleep a little longer.

The knocking on the door made Zhou Ze, who wanted to go back to sleep, reluctantly get out of bed.

A marine was standing outside the door. Just as he was about to knock again, the door opened, revealing Zhou Ze's somewhat gloomy face. "What is it?"

The marine shuddered at Zhou Ze's gloomy expression and hoarse voice. "Lieutenant Zhou, I'm here to take you to the training camp."

Zhou Ze rubbed his face with both hands, clearing his head a bit. "Um, wait a moment, I'll wash up."

"By the way, where's Vice Admiral Garp?"

Zhou Ze asked casually.

"Vice Admiral Garp has a mission today and will be setting sail shortly," the marine replied.

"Oh? Then I'll see him off. It's okay if we go to the training camp later, right?"

"If it's you, of course there's no problem."

…………

Naval Headquarters Dock.

The warship is making final preparations before setting sail, and the soldiers are busy loading various supplies onto the ship.

Lieutenant General Garp was standing in front of the ship, waiting.