NIHM: Ch. 13

A Logia-type Rumble-Rumble Fruit and a Human-Human Fruit in its common form were placed in front of you, which one would you choose?

A Paramecia-type Tremor-Tremor Fruit and a Zoan-type Mutt-Mutt Fruit Dachshund Model, which one would you pick?

Kazuha believed that any rational person would know the right choice. Therefore, before he fully understood the nature of this fruit, he had no intention of consuming it.

In fact, apart from being curious about Devil Fruits in general, he had never seriously considered eating one.

His cheat still had untapped potential. There was absolutely no need to create a fatal weakness for himself just for a quick power boost.

Calming his thoughts, his attention was soon drawn to another item. The pendant was made of an unknown material, with a gemstone embedded in its hollow interior, glittering brilliantly.

Although he didn't know what the pendant was, based on its craftsmanship, it was not only exquisite but seamlessly integrated. It didn't look mass-produced and seemed difficult to replicate. Something like this most likely held special significance.

He didn't investigate it further. He simply put the pendant on, hid it under his clothes, and treated it as a keepsake.

As for looking into his origins?

He didn't need to.

No matter what his identity in this world might be, his soul and spirit would always remain loyal to his ideals.

And that was enough.

---

Half a month later, Kazuha crossed the seas with Z and finally arrived at Marine Headquarters.

Under Z's arrangement, he was enrolled in the Marine recruit training camp.

During those two weeks, he had more or less figured out the current timeline he was in.

The Pirate King had already been executed a few years ago. Because of his final words, the Great Pirate Era began, and the Grand Line surged with chaos. To respond to this age of upheaval ignited by Roger, the Marines began implementing various measures.

One of them was Z's plan to select and train a new batch of recruits, injecting fresh blood into the Marine's future.

That was why he took notice of Kazuha.

Despite being raised by pirates, he had trained himself to develop techniques comparable to the Rokushiki, some of which were even more practical. Of course, what truly made Z break protocol and make a special exception was the fact that he sensed a strong sense of justice in Kazuha.

And so, he entered the Marine Headquarters training camp as a new recruit. To him, the Marine training wasn't all that different from his usual self-training. If there was one major difference, it was that he no longer had to cook, meals were provided, and in abundance, so he had more time to focus on his training.

Under the structured guidance of the Marine instructors, he quickly caught up with the rest of the training unit, despite joining late.

Of course, he also encountered a rival.

Smoker, the man who would one day suppress Luffy in Loguetown; Also the man who, after leaving Loguetown, would be overwhelmed by almost everyone he fought.

At this time, he was about the same age as Kazuha, but he carried himself with an "I'm the best in the world" attitude. And to be fair, he was indeed very talented.

Under the same training, his growth rate was far quicker than Kazuha's. His stamina, physical strength, and willpower all exceeded that of ordinary people. Barring any surprises, he was the undisputed top recruit of this class.

The only one who could challenge him was a girl named Hina. However, this would not last much longer.

At this stage of life, boys' physical development would soon outpace that of girls. Although in terms of technique, the hardworking and diligent Hina was no weaker than anyone, his strength was gradually leaving her behind.

In their matches, she often ran out of stamina first, which frustrated her deeply. She refused to accept defeat.

Smoker, for his part, never offered any explanation.

Victory was his, that was all that mattered.

As for fairness?

What a joke.

Where in this world did fairness even exist?

If fairness did exist, that would be the greatest injustice to him. This had always been Smoker's belief, until he met Kazuha.

"Hey. I heard Z personally brought you here?"

"Yeah? What about it?"

"Are you related to him?"

"No."

"Then you must be some kind of genius."

"Being a genius means nothing. My goal is to become strong."

"Oh? Then, how about sparring with me?"

"Are we allowed to? I thought new recruits weren't permitted to fight each other."

"Rules are made by people, so they can be broken by people too, right?"

"Is that so?" Kazuha looked at Smoker, his eyes also showing a glint of excitement. Before he could even say anything more, Smoker had already launched an attack.

Having spent years living among beasts in the Little Garden, he didn't even have to think, he instinctively dodged Smoker's surprise strike and immediately countered with a punch.

He was incredibly fast, and his punch carried heavy force, skills honed through years of jungle survival, built on instinct and designed to repel ambush predators.

That was why whenever he struck, he always went all out. He never held back.

Looking down at the unconscious Smoker lying on the ground, he glanced around and saw that no one else had witnessed the scene. He was very tempted to just walk away. But he was also worried that he might have killed Smoker with that unrestrained punch, which could bring him unnecessary trouble.

After some hesitation, he decided to carry Smoker to the Marine medical ward.

Smoker ended up bedridden for three days. When he finally came out, he looked full of energy, like he hadn't been injured at all, but the way he looked at Kazuha had completely changed.

This time, there was no trace of his previous arrogance.

In the past, he always held back in fights.

Not only did he hold back, others did too. The battles never felt real to him, more like playing around, and that deeply frustrated him.

But that last fight with Kazuha, the way his opponent reacted, the way he struck back, Smoker had truly felt the taste of death.

When he woke up, the medic in the infirmary told him something very specific: Kazuha's punch had struck directly at his heart, causing it to stop.

Fortunately, he had been brought in just in time. With electric pulses and CPR, they managed to revive him. A couple days of rest, and he was fine.

But if Kazuha had not carried him to the medical ward, or had arrived even a little later, he might never have woken up again.