Chapter 8: Weakness
The fourth day of the training camp, at the training grounds.
"System, check accumulated slacking time!"
"[Training Camp Storm]: Total accumulated slacking time 35/400 hours. Please keep up the good work, Host!"
The training camp ran from 6 AM to 9 PM, with 12 hours of training and only three hours for meals and rest.
The daily task only required 8 hours of slacking, which meant Karl, who skipped class for three days, had exceeded the requirement.
He now had 6 Designated Attribute Enhancement Cards in his system space, along with a large pile of snacks and drinks. He was literally earning while lying down. Unfortunately, as his body and age returned to normal, Karl's good days were officially over.
Karl reluctantly returned to the training grounds, following the main group for basic training. It was said that today they would begin practicing the Rokushiki.
Zephyr stood at the front, his face glowing with health. His physical condition was worlds better than it was on the first day. Zephyr himself felt this deeply.
Ever since being healed by Karl's Holy Light, his chronic old asthma was actually cured! Not only had his breathing been smooth these past few days, but he didn't even get winded when running, as if he'd never had asthma at all.
Without the trouble of asthma, his strength was gradually recovering. Although he couldn't compare to that old monster Garp, he was much stronger than his former self.
"Today, this old man will personally teach you the training method and application of the Rokushiki - Tekkai! I don't care if you've learned it before or not, you will all listen to this old man attentively. If anyone is caught slacking off, all of you will be punished!"
Tekkai? A strange expression flashed across Karl's face. The only Rokushiki techniques he knew how to use were Soru and Kami-e.
One for chasing (running away) and one for saving his life (dodging bullets).
He didn't know any of the others. It wasn't that he didn't want to learn, but his physical fitness was too trash before. Even if he knew the technique, his physique limited him from using it. Now was a good opportunity to learn.
Anyway, there were 12 hours in the day! He wasn't afraid of being unable to complete his daily slacking task.
"Tekkai is the only defensive technique among the Six Powers. The principle is to accelerate blood flow, making the muscles move faster, thus giving the muscles a hardness like iron. The disadvantage is that you cannot move freely when using Tekkai."
"Therefore, we must choose the right moment when using Tekkai. Don't be conceited and think you can defend against any attack with Tekkai."
"Alright, next this old man will explain in detail how to train Tekkai..."
An hour later.
"Ding, detected this world's combat technique - Rokushiki. It has been recorded by the system and added to the random rewards. The draw rate is +50% during the Training Camp Storm mission period."
Karl instantly breathed a sigh of relief. You should have said so earlier! You made me listen so attentively, wasting a whole hour of potential slacking time.
"Alright, this old man has told you all the training techniques for Tekkai. Does anyone still not understand?"
The new recruits all shook their heads. The technique for Tekkai wasn't difficult; as long as your body control was up to standard, you could easily master it. And even if someone really didn't understand, they wouldn't be the one to stick their neck out. They could just ask someone else later! No shame in that.
"Very good. Since you all understand, let's begin training! This old man will only give you three days. If anyone still can't master Tekkai by then, hmph hmph!"
And so, the training ground seemed to turn into a "holding-in-a-poop" competition. Everyone had furrowed brows and red faces, with expressions of straining but being unable to let it out. Karl was the same.
Fortunately, Karl, a ten-year veteran, had already mastered the Kami-e technique. His control over his body was far superior to the other new recruits. After practicing the method Zephyr taught a few times, he easily mastered Tekkai.
It had to be said, after using Tekkai, Karl instantly felt his confidence soar. With this body of steel, no one could touch him!
It was just a pity it didn't have much effect on *that* place. He guessed only Armament Haki could enchant it.
"Huh! This kid... learns pretty fast!" Zephyr, who had been paying close attention to Karl, had his eyes light up. That familiar sheen... it was definitely Tekkai. After a moment's thought, he called Karl over.
"Karl, have you studied the Rokushiki before?"
"Yes, Instructor Zephyr. Commodore Charles taught me, but before, I could only use Soru and Kami-e. I only just mastered Tekkai."
"Charles, huh~"
An image of a youthful face appeared in Zephyr's mind: Charles in his younger days. The reason he remembered him so clearly was that Charles was in his very first class of students.
It was just that his talent wasn't very good. More than twenty years had passed, and he was still just a Branch Commodore. He was more than adequate for guarding a branch, though.
"That's not bad. Your talent is indeed a bit better than that kid Charles's. Remember not to get arrogant. Go on, continue practicing!"
Karl naturally agreed readily. Practice? Not happening! Slacking time was about to begin!
But before that, he had to find an unlucky fool to help him test the effect of [Frail].
Hmm. Scanning the area, Karl's gaze locked onto a strange-looking guy. I choose you, Binz!
Don't be fooled by this guy's skinny arms and legs. He's the user of the Growth-Growth Fruit. He scored a good 451 on the Doriki test, taking second place.
Overall, he was already the strongest new recruit aside from Karl. It really showed how much the Marines' talent pool had dried up.
"Your name is Binz, right? Could you do me a favor and help me test my Tekkai's defensive effect?"
Looking at the grinning Karl, Binz subconsciously frowned. Of all the new recruits, the one he couldn't stand the most was Karl. Why did *he* get to skip training while they worked hard, and still receive Instructor Zephyr's favor? Just because he was some kind of ability user?
Although it wasn't very clear on the first day, most of the new recruits could guess that Karl was a Devil Fruit user.
Otherwise, it would be impossible for a normal person to emit a golden ball of light. They just didn't know what Karl's ability was. Even if they wanted to ask, they could never find the guy.
So, faced with Karl's request, he subconsciously wanted to refuse. But on second thought, testing Tekkai's defensive effect... didn't that just mean getting hit? So Karl was actively asking to be beaten? Was there such a good thing?
"That's great! No, I mean, I'd be happy to help!"
Binz corrected himself quickly, but Karl still caught the slip-up. Combined with the envious looks from the others, Karl didn't find it hard to reach a conclusion: his popularity wasn't very good. But Karl didn't care. Putting himself in their shoes, even he couldn't stand himself.
They were all new recruits. Why should others train their bodies to exhaustion while he lay at home enjoying life? It would be strange if anyone admired him for that!
Karl ripped off his shirt, revealing his sturdy upper body, signaling that Binz could attack at any time. Then he silently thought, "System, use Frail."
"Frail successfully used. Defense -100%, Injury/Illness chance +1000%, and gain Major Injury Exemption. Lasts for three minutes."
"Rokushiki: Tekkai!"
"Binz, just come at me!"