Chapter 37: Participate

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The monthly assessment at the elite training camp is of paramount importance to the recruits. 

The performance in each assessment is recorded and plays a crucial role in determining their graduation ratings. 

The higher the rating, the better the position they can secure upon graduation. 

Even though Byakuya's dominance makes it clear that no one else can aim for the top spot, the rest of the recruits still aim to fight for the second place.

Before the start of the assessment, one of the recruits asked the instructor, "Instructor, will Byakuya be participating in the monthly assessment?" 

This was a question on everyone's mind, as they were concerned about the possibility of facing Byakuya in the first round, which would affect their overall performance.

The instructor paused for a moment, but given his familiarity with Chief Instructor Zephyr, he believed Byakuya would not participate, so he smiled and told the recruits, 

"You don't have to worry; Byakuya is not expected to participate in this assessment, so it won't affect your scores."

Upon hearing the instructor's words, the recruits collectively breathed a sigh of relief. 

They were glad that the formidable Byakuya wouldn't be participating.

Quake immediately spoke up, "If Byakuya isn't here, the top spot is mine to claim!" 

Quake's physique had significantly improved over the past month, showing just how hard he had trained. His supporters began cheering him on, "Go Quake!"

Another recruit, Fergus, countered, "You're being too quick to speak, Quake. That top spot will be mine!" 

Fergus' followers immediately shouted, "Fergus will be the top recruit!"

The tension between Quake and Fergus heightened as the two sides faced off, looking as though they were about to engage in battle.

Over the past month, the recruits had naturally formed three factions. 

The first was composed of Marine Headquarters recruits, led by the formidable Quake. 

The second faction consisted of a mix of North, South, and West Blue recruits, with Fergus emerging as their leader.

The final faction was made up of East Blue recruits, with Byakuya as their undisputed leader, even though Byakuya himself wasn't aware of this dynamic. 

Although this faction had the fewest recruits and the overall weakest strength, they were bolstered by Byakuya's reputation, so Quake and Fergus avoided provoking them.

The recruits from East Blue also knew better than to cause trouble for Byakuya, so they all lived in relative harmony for the past month. 

Watching the recruits shout challenges at one another, the instructors did not intervene; instead, they smiled knowingly. 

This kind of healthy competition between recruits was something the instructors encouraged. 

After all, these were young, energetic men and women, and a little competitive spirit was a good thing.

Cook, the instructor, saw that it was time to begin the assessment. "I declare the first monthly assessment officially…" 

"Wait, I'll be hosting this monthly assessment." Zephyr and Byakuya suddenly appeared before everyone.

Zephyr ultimately agreed to let Byakuya participate in the monthly assessment after being persuaded by Byakuya's arguments. 

While Zephyr did not fully believe Byakuya's somewhat far-fetched justifications, he couldn't help but be moved by Byakuya's determination to participate. 

He decided to let Byakuya take part, provided he would go easy on the other recruits.

The crowd of over six hundred recruits was stunned to see the two suddenly appear. 

"Chief Instructor Zephyr and... Byakuya!" Cook hesitantly asked, "Chief Instructor, this…"

Zephyr answered calmly, "Isn't this the monthly assessment? So I've brought Byakuya here to participate." 

The six hundred recruits all collectively swallowed a nervous gulp. Byakuya was going to take part in the assessment.

Quake and Fergus, who had been fired up and ready to compete for the top spot, now felt a deep sense of despair. 

Nearly six hundred recruits, had a betrayed eye and all turned to Cook, the instructor. 

He said Byakuya wouldn't be participating in the assessment! Why is he here now? You got us all excited for nothing!

Cook was feeling the pressure from the despair looks and, with a mournful expression, said, 

"Chief Instructor, Byakuya's level of strength doesn't necessitate his participation in the assessment."

Before Zephyr could respond, Byakuya lifted his head and said, "Cook, am I not a recruit?" Cook almost blurts out, "You're not just a recruit; you only look like ..." 

But under Byakuya's intimidating gaze, Cook could only concede, "Yes, you're a recruit."

"Then can I participate in the monthly assessment?" Before Cook could answer, Byakuya made a gesture of flicking his finger at the air in front of Cook. 

Although each flick was aimed at the air and caused no actual harm, Cook felt each flick as though it was hitting him right between the eyes. 

Recalling the fate of the unfortunate punch testing machine, Cook realized this was a clear threat.

Cook was on the verge of tears, his big, watery eyes pleading with Zephyr as if saying, "Help me!"

Zephyr, however, looked up at the sky, remarking, "Oh, today's weather is quite nice. The sun is shining. It's a good day for an assessment." 

But when everyone else looked up, all they could see was cloudy skies, as if a catastrophe were about to strike. 

Oh, wait—no need for "as if"—the catastrophe was before them: Byakuya. Seeing that even Zephyr was letting this slide, Cook could only concede, "Yes, you can."

Byakuya's face lit up with joy. "Good, then." The other recruits wore expressions of despair. 

"How is this even fair anymore? Even the chief instructor is siding with Byakuya—what will these three years be like? Might as well rename this the Byakuya Training Camp!"

Byakuya flashed to the testing stage and confidently declared, "Just a moment ago, I heard you all shouting about fighting and defeating each other. Are you all just competing for second place?"

Quake: "..."

Fergus: "..."

Cook: "..."

Zephyr silently cursed. He knew Byakuya was here to show off and didn't even try hiding it. 

But then again, with Byakuya's current level of strength, it would take someone extraordinary to take him down. 

In other words, as long as Byakuya didn't go out looking for trouble, he could keep up his bravado for a long time. 

Zephyr started to feel grateful he was not in the same era as Byakuya and didn't have to deal with him if he same age as him.

Thinking of this makes Zephyr shudder, having Garp is enough for him.

<End Chapter>

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