Starting from One Piece: Multiverse Simulation

"Kid, you look like you're about ten years old, right? Has the Navy become so desperate for recruits that they'll take someone as young as you?"

White hair was rare, and since the boy had introduced himself as Smoker and joined the Navy, Wood was almost certain that the short kid in front of him was the future heavy smoker and enforcer of Loguetown, Smoker.

"I'm already twelve! It's just that I haven't hit my growth spurt yet. When I grow up, I'll definitely be a more muscular man than you!"

Despite his age and height being questioned, the seemingly timid young Smoker stubbornly retorted.

In truth, even at 12 years old, he didn't meet the Navy's minimum age requirement. At 15, Wood had been one of the youngest recruits in his class.

But unlike others, Smoker had gone to the Navy recruiting station in Loguetown on his own. Though young, Smoker had a strong will. Having seen pirates terrorize his island, he had long resolved to become a Navy soldier who upheld justice.

Loguetown was both the birthplace and execution site of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, earning it the nickname "The Town of the Beginning and the End."

The end of the Pirate King had driven countless people to the seas, and this "Town of the Beginning and the End" naturally became a key destination for many pirates.

Born in this town, Smoker had witnessed Gol D. Roger's execution and had seen many pirates flock to Loguetown over the years.

Not every pirate was like Roger, possessing the courage to face death with a smile. Most pirates, dreaming of claiming the title of "Pirate King" and finding the legendary One Piece, were nothing more than thugs who pillaged and plundered.

So Smoker aspired to become a strong Navy soldier, stationed in this "Town of the Beginning and the End," ensuring that no more people like Roger would rise again. Smoker intended to make Loguetown the final stop for all rookie pirates.

Moved by Smoker's determination, the Navy officers in Loguetown reached out to Admiral Zephyr for approval. With his consent, Smoker, despite being underage, was accepted into the Navy.

Of course, Zephyr made it clear that the Navy academy wouldn't give Smoker any special treatment because of his age. If his body couldn't withstand the rigorous training, he would have to go back and return when he was older.

And that was how Smoker found himself at the Navy academy, assigned to Wood's dormitory, room 404.

"The shooting range is over there, and the supply depot is where you get your gear. As a recruit who lacks natural physical advantages, you'll likely be targeted for bullying here. But don't worry too much. Now that you're my junior, if anyone picks on you, just tell them you're under my protection."

As they walked toward the mess hall, Wood confidently introduced various parts of the academy, while Smoker, walking beside him, couldn't help but feel a bit helpless.

He wasn't sure how it had happened, but he suddenly found himself as the junior of this overly enthusiastic senior.

However, as a new recruit, Smoker had heard that anyone who stayed at the Navy academy for a second year was among the best of the best. Despite Wood's eccentric personality, he was likely one of these elites. And since Wood wasn't looking down on him for being short and was even giving him helpful advice, Smoker figured it might not be so bad to be his junior.

If you had asked Smoker what he thought of Wood just a few minutes ago, that would have been his answer. But now, Smoker wanted nothing more than to slap his earlier self a few times.

"Smoker, don't back down! Even if you're shorter than them, you need to use your agility to your advantage. These guys are all bark and no bite. I believe in you!"

Standing in front of a bruised and battered Smoker were three burly Navy recruits, while Wood stood behind him, cheering him on without any intention of stepping in to help.

The three who had ganged up on Smoker were clearly fellow Navy academy students. Though conflicts and grudges were common at the academy, it was unlikely that Smoker, new as he was, could have already offended anyone.

In fact, these three weren't even after Smoker. Their real target was Wood, who was standing behind him!

It all started a few minutes earlier. After Wood had enthusiastically shown Smoker around, lunchtime had rolled around. So Wood brought Smoker to the academy's mess hall.

This helpful senior promptly declared that he'd forgotten his money and asked Smoker to cover their meal, insisting on the most luxurious set meals. Smoker, not suspecting anything, dutifully paid up.

But as soon as they stepped out of the mess hall after eating their fill, they were blocked by the three recruits now standing in front of them.

These recruits made their intentions clear from the start. They were in the same year as Wood and had performed much better than him, but while they had been sent off as cannon fodder, Wood had been allowed to stay.

Feeling resentful, they had agreed among themselves that even if they got in trouble for it, they would confront Wood and see if he was really deserving of his status.

Faced with the challenge, the naive Smoker thought he might finally see the "elite" Navy soldier in action.

But instead of stepping up, the "elite" who Smoker had placed his hopes on pushed him forward and righteously declared that anyone wanting to challenge him would have to go through his junior first.

As he stood there, facing the three towering, muscular men, Smoker's mind went blank. Hadn't Wood promised to protect him as his senior?

So why was he now the one being sent into the fray?

"Smoker, this is your test. If you're afraid of these nobodies, how can you ever be my junior, or an outstanding Navy soldier?"

Hearing Wood's voice behind him, Smoker's face twisted in exasperation. He might have been young, but he wasn't stupid.

If these guys were nobodies, what did that make him? Their arms were thicker than his legs. Fighting them was like throwing himself into a lion's den.

And why was he even involved in this in the first place? What reason did he have to get beaten up?

Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 52 at patreon.com/Betek.