Chapter 11: The Hunt

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Rhodes and the others arrived at their destination without any incidents during their journey. After a peaceful night of rest aboard the ship, they reached the designated island early the next morning.

The large sailboat anchored near the island, and as they approached, the roars of fierce beasts could be heard echoing from within. Occasionally, massive winged creatures, with wingspans spanning three to four meters, would take to the skies, casting intimidating shadows over the forest.

Witnessing this, Reiz and the other rookies couldn't help but tense up. Having grown up in Baltigo, they had never encountered such terrifying creatures—except when they appeared as exquisite dishes on their dining tables.

But now…

A sense of dread akin to divine retribution began to sink in.

Reiz gulped and exchanged nervous glances with another rookie, seeing the same unease mirrored in each other's eyes.

"Relax," a teammate reassured them, though their own shaky tone betrayed their nerves. Even some of the more seasoned members seemed apprehensive about this mission, knowing their skills wouldn't guarantee survival against these beasts.

It was evident that only captains like Nia could maintain their composure.

---

At this moment, Fishman Hack stepped forward to explain the rules of the mission:

"Your task is simple: survive on this island for three days and kill as many beasts as possible. You're allowed to team up, but only in groups of up to three."

He added gravely, "There are surveillance systems around the island. If we detect a life-threatening situation, we will intervene. Deaths are rare, but injuries and even permanent disabilities are not uncommon."

Without giving them time to ponder further, Hack ushered the group off the ship and into the forest. No rations were provided—everything they needed would have to be scavenged or hunted.

The recruits scrambled to form teams. Reiz invited Rhodes to join him, but Rhodes declined. Instead, he picked a random direction and ventured deep into the jungle alone.

---

The lush greenery exuded an intense vitality, its aroma triggering a primal sense of awareness in Rhodes. He could feel a stirring deep within him—a latent hunger for battle he had not realized existed.

"So, even I yearn for combat," he mused with a grin.

---

Elsewhere, Koala and Hack arrived at the ship's monitoring room, filled with screens displaying various areas of the island. This jungle was clearly a specially designed training ground, meticulously prepared by the Revolutionary Army to temper its recruits.

Hack's gaze shifted across the monitors, closely observing the rookies' movements.

While physical strength and combat skills were important, how recruits reacted to bloodshed and danger often determined their potential as soldiers.

"Watch carefully—no slip-ups," Hack ordered sternly.

Koala chuckled, though her words were chilling. "Relax. The really dangerous beasts have long since been turned into food. There shouldn't be any real threats here."

Hack, however, shook his head. "They're still too green. Take Rhodes and Reiz, for example—they have potential, but potential doesn't win battles."

"Let's see if your young swordsman can surprise us," Koala replied with a smirk.

---

Meanwhile, Rhodes moved through the dense forest, a simple longsword in hand.

"This island has definitely been curated. The beasts here won't be too formidable," he muttered.

Even so, he remained cautious. The creatures of this world could be absurdly powerful—some required even Luffy in Gear Fourth to defeat. If he encountered one of those monsters now, there would be no escape.

Suddenly, Rhodes spotted movement in the underbrush ahead. Squinting, he discerned a large shadow—it was a wild boar, its fur bristling like spikes. The creature stood about 1.5 meters tall, with enormous tusks glinting menacingly in the dappled sunlight.

In Rhodes' past life, he'd seen large domestic pigs, but they were nothing compared to this. The beast was easily twice the size of any hog he'd ever encountered, resembling a small car in stature.

"You'll do nicely as my first prey," Rhodes murmured, stepping forward with a grin.

---

The boar noticed him immediately, its beady eyes locking onto the strange creature standing before it. With a guttural snarl, it stomped its hooves and charged, creating a small dust storm in its wake.

Its razor-sharp tusks glinted like twin scimitars as it barreled toward Rhodes.

---

The attack was fast, but Rhodes was faster. He sidestepped at the last second, allowing the boar to rush past him. Then, channeling his full strength, he swung his sword upward in a single fluid motion.

*Swish!*

The blade cut cleanly through the boar's neck, severing its head. Blood sprayed from the wound as the creature's decapitated body stumbled forward a few more meters before collapsing to the ground.

---

"Too easy," Rhodes remarked as he observed the lifeless beast.

Bloodshed didn't faze him—he'd seen far worse in his time as a doctor.

Satisfied with his kill, Rhodes set to work preparing a meal. With practiced efficiency, he skinned and butchered the boar, built a fire, and roasted the meat over the flames. The rich aroma of cooking pork soon filled the air.

Adding a sprinkle of salt and a glaze of honey, Rhodes declared, "Perfect. Time to eat."

---

Back at the surveillance room, the sight of Rhodes' impromptu barbecue left Koala, Hack, and the Revolutionary soldiers speechless.

"What is this guy doing?" one soldier muttered, wiping drool from his mouth.

Koala chuckled, shaking her head. "He's definitely something else."

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**Author's Note:**

Don't forget to vote!

*(End of Chapter)*

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