Chapter 98: Chapter 97
(this is author note: I slightly modified the conversation between Mondo and his aunt at the beginning of Chapter 95 to better shape the protagonist's character. Sorry for the inappropriate arrangement! However, the protagonist will continue to be ruthless and decisive in his actions, but I will make it more reasonable. Also, regarding the use of telekinesis, the protagonist is still a novice and can only use basic abilities. As the protagonist's strength grows, he will be able to control basic particles and disintegrate enemies at the molecular level. Thank you all for your suggestions!)
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Fleet Admiral Sengoku took the stage to deliver a speech aimed at encouraging the new recruits.
He was an excellent speaker!
However, Chen Ye, who had heard countless motivational speeches before, found himself almost dozing off.
The naive new recruits, on the other hand, were filled with passion and excitement.
Even Smoker, standing next to Chen Ye, looked thrilled, as if he couldn't wait to dedicate his life to the Navy...
"...Now, the assessment begins!"
With Sengoku's words, the assessment officially commenced!!
Due to the large number of recruits, the assessment had to be conducted in batches.
There were ten arenas in total.
Based on the assigned areas, Chen Ye and Smoker were both placed in Arena Seven.
After the areas were divided, the recruits began drawing lots to determine their opponents!
Half of the recruits drew lots, while the other half held numbers.
When a recruit drew a number, the two matched recruits would automatically become opponents.
"Senior Mondo, I'll go first!"
Smoker, eager and enthusiastic, was the first to draw a lot.
He drew number 30!
The commanding captain immediately shouted, "Who has tag number 30? Step forward!"
Chen Ye looked at the tag in his hand, stunned.
What the hell...
What a coincidence?
Reluctantly, Chen Ye stood up and walked to the arena.
When Smoker saw that his first opponent was Senior Mondo, his determined face fell apart.
If he could avoid it, he didn't want to fight Senior Mondo!
But once the lot was drawn, there was no turning back. They had to fight!
"Senior Mondo, I swear I didn't do this on purpose!"
The young Smoker said with a mournful expression.
Chen Ye was speechless and was about to comfort Smoker when he heard Smoker say, "Senior Mondo, please don't hold a grudge. I really don't want to eliminate you right away..."
Chen Ye: "..."
What the hell!
Kid, where does your confidence come from?
You took my line, you know that?
"Are you two done talking? Start now!" the nearby captain said impatiently.
The other arenas had already started their matches, and they were still dawdling...
Hearing this, Smoker didn't dare waste any more time and immediately took an attacking stance.
However, seeing that Chen Ye remained unmoved, he couldn't help but remind, "Senior Mondo, I won't hold back. Be careful!"
"Go ahead," Chen Ye said calmly.
As soon as he spoke, Smoker charged at Chen Ye.
The two finally started fighting...
...
On the high platform.
"Snore! Snore—"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku suddenly heard snoring beside him, his face darkened.
Without looking back, he knew that the only person who could sleep in such an important setting was that old fart Garp!
"Garp! Pay attention and be serious!!" Fleet Admiral Sengoku said angrily.
Garp, awakened by the noise, nonchalantly picked his nose, looking bored.
It wasn't that he disrespected these new recruits, but their performance was indeed disappointing.
Some didn't know how to fight for a long time, while others threw random punches like turtles. None of them seemed promising.
Not only Garp, but most people on the high platform shared the same sentiment.
Admiral Kizaru, with his usual laid-back demeanor, watched the ten arenas in boredom.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Kizaru perked up.
The match in Arena Seven caught his interest.
...
"Senior Mondo, surrender! I don't want to hurt you!"
On Arena Seven, Smoker shouted loudly.
Chen Ye: "..."
He decided to teach this naive Smoker a lesson, to show him there are always people stronger than you.
So...
Telekinesis activated.
Smoker suddenly felt his body uncontrollably moving towards Senior Mondo's fist.
"An ability user?"
Smoker was shocked and quickly used his Devil Fruit ability, turning his body into smoke.
Poof!
Chen Ye's punch dispersed the smoke, as if he had hit nothing, causing no harm to Smoker.
"Interesting!" Chen Ye smiled slightly.
This was his first time facing a Devil Fruit ability.
The next moment.
The smoke condensed, and Smoker's figure reappeared where he had been.
This time, he no longer underestimated Chen Ye, his expression serious. "Senior Mondo, I didn't expect you to be an ability user too!"
Chen Ye shrugged at his words.
Since Smoker thought he was a Devil Fruit user, Chen Ye didn't bother to explain.
"So, Smoker, if you want to eliminate me, you'll have to use your real strength!" Chen Ye said calmly.
"Senior Mondo, I'm going all out now. Be careful..."
After speaking, Smoker shouted, "White Blow!"
The next moment.
Both his arms turned into smoke, and his fists flew off like missiles, trailing long smoke tails, aiming at Chen Ye.
Such an attack couldn't possibly defeat Chen Ye.
With a wave of his hand, Chen Ye's telekinesis deflected the smoke fists instantly.
However, this didn't stop Smoker's assault.
His move had follow-up changes!
The deflected smoke fists suddenly turned in mid-air, once again attacking Chen Ye like homing missiles!!
The recruits around were stunned by such an amazing ability.
The big shots on the high platform also showed interest, their attention now on the match.
Facing Smoker's follow-up attack, Chen Ye remained calm.
When Smoker's fists approached the back of Chen Ye's head, he used telekinesis again.
This time, he didn't deflect them but immobilized them, stopping Smoker's fists in mid-air, unable to move further!
"Smoker, if this is your full strength, I'm afraid you'll be the one eliminated!"
Chen Ye reminded coolly.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone