Jay's injuries had almost completely healed, even his fractured bones had rejoined as if by some miracle.
Before crossing over into this world, this kind of recovery would have been nothing short of a medical miracle.
Additionally, Jay discovered that his training yielded tremendous positive feedback.
To put it simply: the more he trained, the stronger he became!
For example, if he could only manage 100 push-ups in a single session at first, after resting, he could do 130 the next time.
Then 160. Then 200...
This kind of visible progress was incredibly addictive!
Of course, part of the reason for such rapid improvement was that his original body had been extremely weak.
Anyone involved in sports knows that initial progress is the easiest, breaking past one's limits gets harder the further one advances.
But right now, Jay needed to drastically increase his strength in a short period of time to prepare for the dangers ahead.
Looking at it this way, the value of the [Yujiro Hanma] red card was rising!
Just activating the [Passive Ability: Hanma Blood] had already brought him massive benefits and transformation.
And if he kept this up, the benefits he would gain would only continue to multiply, perhaps even infinitely.
However, there were currently two major factors limiting his rapid power growth:
One was lack of proper nutrition, the daily ration of black bread and water was far from sufficient for his needs.
So, he didn't dare to train recklessly, he was genuinely afraid that his body wouldn't be able to keep up with the nutritional demands, leading to self-destruction.
This wasn't just alarmist talk or a joke.
Another problem was that he only knew some basic fitness exercises, which he had learned at a gym before crossing over.
For now, using them as a temporary training routine was fine.
But if he wanted to fully unleash the potential of [Passive Ability: Hanma Blood], he needed more professional, high-intensity training, perhaps even a regimen specifically tailored to him.
In this dangerous world, combat was inevitable. He didn't want to build bulky, stiff muscles that would slow him down.
So, aspects like flexibility and agility were also crucial considerations.
Take [Yujiro Hanma], for example. Despite his monstrous physique, he had no weaknesses in flexibility or agility, effortlessly performing movements that defied common sense. That's how he defeated one top-tier fighter after another and earned the title of "The Strongest"!
Since Jay had obtained this incredibly promising [Yujiro Hanma] red card, he couldn't afford to fall short.
Besides, the power system in One Piece was far superior to that of Baki.
With the help of his cheat ability, Jay believed it was only a matter of time before he surpassed [Yujiro Hanma].
If he didn't even have that confidence, he might as well retire early and go farm.
The Cell Opens
After enduring one last night in confinement, Jay wasn't greeted with lunch, but with the sound of the iron door unlocking.
"Solitary is over. You're free to go."
The guard who opened the door seemed surprised that Jay had survived. He scrutinized Jay for a moment but found nothing unusual.
He could only chalk it up to the kid being tough as nails!
However, the guard's face soon twisted into a smirk, as if he were anticipating some drama.
A rebellious rookie walking out of solitary alive? Johnson's reaction is going to be priceless!
Jay ignored the man's amused look. Confirming that he was free, he immediately made his way toward the cafeteria.
If nothing else, being in the Marine at least guaranteed food and shelter.
And generally speaking, one could eat as much as they wanted, just without wasting any.
Right now, Jay pushed all other concerns aside. His priority? A feast!
Then he'd figure out how to deal with the 'small problem' named Johnson.
The Cafeteria Scene
Since it was lunchtime, the large cafeteria was bustling.
Groups of Marines sat together, chatting away even with their mouths full.
Dining rules?
Some Marine bases might have strict regulations, but here at the 88th Branch, there were no such "excessive restrictions."
You could even spot people drinking and smoking.
Technically, alcohol was prohibited in the afternoon due to training, but…
If you knew that the entire cigarette and alcohol trade in the base was run by Colonel Hammond, you wouldn't be surprised at all.
Of course, the prices weren't cheap.
That was the cost of breaking the rules.
At first, Jay's arrival at the cafeteria didn't attract much attention.
Before the incident seven days ago, who would have cared about some newbie named Jay or Roy?
Even though people had gossiped about the event, Jay's name had been little more than a vague mention.
But as the stack of trays at his table piled higher and higher, he began to draw eyes.
"JAY?! YOU… YOU MADE IT OUT?!"
A mushroom-haired recruit from Jay's batch suddenly exclaimed in shock.
Jay's name had been thrown around so much recently that many people instinctively paused their conversations and looked around.
Then, someone who had been at the scene that day immediately recognized him.
That's the rookie troublemaker who even made Johnson suffer!
More and more gazes, filled with various emotions, locked onto Jay.
Some were astonished.
Some frowned.
Some looked displeased.
And some were simply enjoying the show.
After all, Jay hadn't just offended Johnson.
Let's not forget, many spectators had been caught up in the incident and fined.
It wasn't a huge amount, but who liked losing money?
Even Johnson, who had been released early from solitary, had been forced to treat everyone to drinks to smooth things over.
So what chance did a rookie like Jay have?
Previously, they hadn't even considered payback because they thought Jay was as good as dead.
No one bothers seeking revenge on a corpse.
But now?
Some people were already itching to act, though they held back upon seeing someone leave to inform Johnson.
Might as well sit back and enjoy the show first.
If things got messy, Johnson would be the one taking the lead.
Once Johnson was done dealing with Jay, then they could collect their 'debts' more easily.
Meanwhile, a few fellow recruits who wanted to warn Jay to leave quickly hesitated under the intimidating glares around them.
They could only grit their teeth, lower their heads, and stay put, lacking the courage to approach him.
As for Jay?
He calmly continued devouring his food, unfazed by the growing number of eyes on him.
In fact, his appetite only seemed to increase.