One Piece Shadow Army - Chapter 8
By noon, the first lesson finally concluded.
During the lesson, some recruits gained clarity, while others had doubts. However, by the end, most of the Marine recruits had a basic understanding of the concept of “protection.”
Next came lunchtime.
…
In the Marine base mess hall, fifty-eight recruits, led by Major Kahn, entered the large dining area.
With over a thousand personnel at the Loguetown Marine base and only one mess hall, meal times were staggered to avoid overcrowding.
At this time, besides the new recruits, only the chefs and kitchen staff were present.
The head chef, Yaf, was nearly sixty years old, with a face as broad as a grindstone but a short stature, creating a striking contrast.
Yaf, serving the recruits their meals, spoke proudly, “You newbies are lucky. On your second day here, you get to try Marine curry. This is my specialty dish.”
Kahn added from the side.
“Head Chef Yaf isn’t exaggerating. He’s been a Marine chef for thirty-six years, and his cooking skills are exceptional. Marine curry is only served for lunch on Sundays once a month. You’re indeed fortunate to have it so soon.”
The recruits, now understanding, eagerly anticipated the Marine curry.
Curls stood in line with the recruits, holding his tray and waiting his turn.
When his turn came, he extended his tray, and a chef placed a large scoop of rice on it, followed by a generous helping of curry from Head Chef Yaf.
A rich aroma immediately filled the air, blending the scent of beef with onions and tomatoes, creating a unique curry fragrance.
Excited to taste Marine curry.
Curls took a seat at a nearby table, picked up his spoon, and scooped a bite of curry-covered rice into his mouth.
The beef was tender and melted in his mouth, with a thick, savory sauce that seemed to go on forever.
Marine curry was indeed delicious.
Around him, other recruits praised the curry as they ate.
“This is amazing!”
“This is the best food I’ve ever had!”
“Marine curry is definitely my new favorite food!”
Yaf, watching the excited recruits, wore a proud smile. “Of course, my Marine curry is naturally delicious.”
One recruit, having finished his curry, asked eagerly, “Chef, can I have another serving?”
Yaf replied proudly, “Of course. The mess hall’s job is to feed Marines. You can eat as much as you want.”
Hearing this, the recruits were overjoyed and lined up for more.
“Great, I’m having another serving!”
“Me too, I’m still not full.”
“I’ll have three servings. I’m going to eat until I’m stuffed with Marine curry today!”
Yaf skillfully served more curry to the eager recruits.
“No rush, there’s plenty of curry for everyone.”
Listening to the head chef.
Curls sighed inwardly, wishing he had his sister’s enormous appetite so he could eat the mess hall out of curry.
…
In the afternoon.
The sun was high, and the temperature was scorching.
Following Major Kahn’s orders, the fifty-eight recruits formed four lines and began running laps around the training ground.
The recruits, energized by their hearty meal of Marine curry, handled the high-intensity physical training with ease.
However, as time passed.
The differences in physical fitness became apparent. After all, everyone had different endurance levels.
Curls, thanks to years of training, had physical fitness far beyond the other recruits.
While others were panting and sweating heavily, he remained calm and composed, leading the pack without showing any signs of fatigue.
“Is he a monster? I’m already exhausted, and he looks like he’s just warming up.”
“No wonder he could take down a pirate with a seven-million-Berry bounty right after joining the Marines.”
“I heard he’s a Devil Fruit user. If I had a Devil Fruit, I could do it too.”
The other recruits envied Curls’ impressive performance.
Kahn observed the recruits quietly, assessing their physical capabilities.
Among them, the most physically capable was undoubtedly the “seed-level” Marine, Charlotte Curls.
As for the others.
Their physical abilities were average at best.
Not far from the training ground was a six-story Marine building painted in a deep blue, giving it a dignified appearance.
At a window on the sixth floor, Captain Smoker watched the recruits’ training while smoking a cigar, white smoke rising and dissipating outside.
The adjutant beside him asked curiously.
“Captain Smoker, why don’t you personally train that ‘seed-level’ recruit?”
“Not that I doubt Major Kahn’s teaching ability, but as a fellow Devil Fruit user, you could help him become stronger more quickly.”
Smoker exhaled a puff of smoke and replied, “Although I am a Devil Fruit user, I’m not good at teaching recruits.
Besides, Major Kahn’s teaching methods are unique. The recruits he trains always become competent Marines, don’t they?”
The adjutant nodded after some thought.
“Indeed, Major Kahn’s success rate is over ninety percent. He’s one of our top instructors at Loguetown.”
“Exactly!”
Smoker stopped watching the training, turned, and grabbed his Marine coat, heading out.
“Regardless of his future achievements, he first needs to become a qualified Marine.”
The adjutant realized the wisdom in Smoker’s approach. “I understand now, Captain Smoker!”
“Where are you going? Should I accompany you?”
Smoker waved dismissively.
“No need, I’m just going to the casino for a bit.”
The adjutant sighed helplessly, knowing that besides hunting pirates, Smoker’s hobbies included pottery and visiting the casino.
…
The second day of recruit training.
Kahn began teaching a new lesson.
“Marines often face the risk of confronting pirates. These pirates roam the seas, committing all sorts of heinous acts.
After your recruit training, you could face such dangers and battles anytime. To survive these fights, you first need to learn self-protection.”
Four Marine soldiers entered the classroom, carrying two large crates.
Kahn opened the crates, revealing their contents to the recruits.
Guns!
The crates were filled with firearms.
One crate contained flintlock pistols, while the other held flintlock rifles.
Kahn first picked up a flintlock pistol and showed it to the recruits, explaining, “This is a flintlock pistol. Its short handle makes it easy to carry, and it’s a favorite among pirates.”
Next, he picked up a flintlock rifle from the other crate.
“Compared to the pistol, the flintlock rifle has a longer barrel and greater power. Its sturdy stock can be used for close combat, making it the standard weapon for Marines.”
“In the coming days, you will learn marksmanship to gain the ability to protect yourselves and fight effectively.”
…
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