From within the ranks, a tall, muscular man with red hair stepped forward.
He glared at Creed. "Why is it that we've had to work for years, fighting our way from the recruit camp to the basic training camp, then from the basic camp to the intermediate camp, and finally from there to the advanced camp…
"We've endured countless trials, endless selections, shed sweat and tears you can't imagine.
"And yet you get to waltz into the advanced camp without lifting a finger just because of your connections? How is that fair?!"
Instructor Gest frowned. "Eugene, shut your mouth. Who gave you permission to speak? Give me 100 laps around the training field."
"Hold on, Instructor." Creed stopped him.
"Why?" Eugene asked.
Creed stepped forward, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Because my grandfather is the Hero of the Marines, Vice Admiral Garp. Because he's contributed countless feats to the Marines, saving countless civilians!
"So as his grandson, I enjoy that honor and that privilege. If you're not happy, tell your grandfather to become a Hero of the Marines too—have him chase the Pirate King across the world and see if you can do it!"
The words drew glares from all sides. Even Gest's face showed displeasure.
But Creed went on, unfazed. "If a man's achievements can't benefit his descendants, then what's the point of building them in the first place?
"Don't tell me you joined the Marines purely for the sake of killing pirates. You've never thought about giving your future children a better starting point, to live in wealth and stability as part of the upper class?"
He sneered. "If you bled and fought countless battles, rose to a high rank in the Marines, only for your children to return to the slums and struggle for survival after you retire—tell me, would you still join the Marines? Would you still risk your life for it?"
The words stunned everyone. It was like a thunderclap in their hearts, leaving their faces pale.
The children of nobles never joined the Marines. Those who did rarely came from wealth. So why join?
To rise above, to secure a safe and prosperous future for their descendants.
If after all the battles, after watching comrades die, after walking the edge of death time and time again, they still couldn't change their children's fate—would they truly still fight so hard?
The answer was already in their hearts.
Creed looked straight at Eugene. "And as for fairness…
"You're not kids anymore, so stop saying such laughable things.
"The Celestial Dragons are born at the top of the world, worshipped by countless people. Is that fair?
"In impoverished nations, countless people die from hunger and disease every day. Is that fair to them?
"And you talk to me about fairness? This world has no such thing!"
Each sentence struck like another thunderbolt, tearing away every pretense and laying the truth bare.
For youths of fifteen or sixteen, the shock was overwhelming.
Even Gest was stunned.
The truth was plain—Creed had heard such sentiments in his past life, in comments under news stories about the rich, filled with envy and resentment.
If those same people were given the chance to be born into wealth, they'd be the first to grab it and flaunt it.
"So yeah, you're just jealous—jealous that my grandfather is Garp, jealous that I'm handsome. So work hard. Reach my grandfather's level. Have a handsome grandson. Then maybe one day your grandson can act as cocky as I do now."
Creed shrugged, feigning helplessness.
The crowd twitched at his words.
"Do I annoy you? Do you want to hit me? I'll give you a chance—let's spar!"
Eyes lit up. "You mean it?"
"Of course."
"Fine, I'll go first. I admit your speech was right, but I still can't stand you. I'll show you the advanced camp isn't a place you can just walk into. Strength isn't something you get through connections!" Eugene cracked his neck.
Creed shrugged. "Come on, then."
The crowd cleared a space.
The two faced each other.
"You use a sword too?" Eugene asked, eyeing the Reincarnation at Creed's waist.
"That's right."
Eugene's eyes brightened. "Perfect. I use a sword too. I'll show you how it's really done."
He slowly drew the blade from his back.
"Oh? Is that so?" Creed's smile turned playful.
He had already scanned Eugene's stats earlier.
[Abilities]: B-Rank Swordsmanship (Extractable), C-Rank Tekkai (Iron Body) (Extractable), C-Rank Shigan (Finger Gun) (Extractable), Advanced Martial Arts (Extractable)
[Overall Strength]: C-Rank
The advanced camp truly lived up to its name—far beyond the recruit camp. These trainees were already learning the Marine Rokushiki.
"You attack first. Let me see your swordsmanship," Eugene said.
"Alright. Just don't get one-shotted by me."
Eugene smirked at the remark—until his expression suddenly shifted.
…
(End of Chapter)
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