Idle Level-Up in One Piece Chapter 2: Comparing Yourself to Others Will Kill You — Monster-Level Talent

"Standard push-ups. Keep going until you drop."

Upon the instructor's order, all the recruits hit the ground and launched into push-ups.

The fundamental exercise of push-ups was something Klein had practiced every single day since childhood—one-armed ones, handstand variations… every type imaginable.

Trainees shouted their counts aloud as the instructor paced between them, observing intently.

Initially—

Hitting hundreds came effortlessly for everyone, no sweat at all. Yet once thousands were done, perspiration poured freely. Limbs ignited in pain, and those with lesser stamina saw their arms flutter like butterfly wings.

"Skinny mutts!"

As collapses echoed around him from failing trainees, Klein recalled that viral meme from his former life: 'Skinny mutt, can you even do it?'

In his old world, thousands of push-ups would count as legendary.

However, within One Piece's realm…

Merely kid stuff!

From the side of his vision, Klein eyed Garp—that brute was a powerhouse. Pounding through thousands of push-ups without a drop of sweat.

On the other hand…

Beads of sweat already formed on Klein's brow. His entire frame grew scorching.

He was aware his max in a single session topped out near ten thousand push-ups.

Among fellow recruits, this ranked just a tad under average. Hours ticked by before Klein hit the deck, soaked through with sweat.

Seeing peers persist relentlessly, he yelled inside: 'These dudes aren't human at all!'

In their midst stood that eye-catching form. Resignation softened his stare. Good thing he knew that girl would rise to Navy Chief Strategist Tsuru. Without that, his self-assurance would shatter completely.

Glancing at fellow dropouts nearby, Klein saw their crushed spirits—some shocked, others pensive, a few refusing to believe it.

Back home in their oceans, many earned "genius" labels. Prime future Marines. Top-tier talents.

Yet here at Marine HQ, they grasped how their "gifts" meant nothing against real beasts.

"The gap between folks can dwarf the divide between human and hound," Klein whispered, struck hard by talent's harsh reality.

Naturally, he held faith in hard work.

'No sense measuring against those abnormals,' Klein mused brightly. 'I'll head to some outpost, climb to colonel, snag seven or eight brides, rule the roost. Haha!'

'Maid costumes, feline maid outfits, yin-yang pair roleplay… all lined up on the calendar.'

The instructor, meantime, noted his assessment:

[Klein — Age: 18 | Physical Ability: C+ | Willpower: B | Potential: Tentative B-]

Grades spanned S down through A, B, C, D to F.

When push-ups reached 100,000, nearly all recruits lay spent. Just a handful endured.

Time flew by unheeded.

Klein now joined the stunned onlookers with a blank look. 'Damn, these maniacs are unreal. Still human?'

Eventually, young 14-year-old Zephyr gave out.

Garp and Sengoku alone pressed on.

Not tens of thousands—hundreds of thousands of push-ups.

They were cut from another cloth.

Now locked in fierce rivalry.

Garp bellowed a hearty laugh. "Hahaha! Hey! You're running outta juice, aren't you, twinkle-toes?"

"Shut it. I'm not losing to a loudmouth like you," Sengoku snarled, brows jerking from the jab.

Garp's further barbs went unanswered. Noticing Sengoku's restraint, Garp saved his breath too.

A sheer endurance battle unfolded.

Sideline instructor buzzed with thrill: 'Never saw such freaks in this group. Garp and Sengoku stand toe-to-toe with veterans. Proper guidance will make them legends.'

Jackpot find!

[Garp — Age: 18 | Physical Ability: S+ | Willpower: S+ | Potential: S…]

[Sengoku — Age: 19 | Physical Ability: S+ | Willpower: S+ | Potential: S…]

Sunset faded into dusk, yet Garp and Sengoku battled on. Recruits gawked in total shock.

Same kind. Same kind! Then why such a massive chasm?

Klein shunned rivalry with such titans. Luckily, the instructor halted them.

"That's enough. Both of you performed exceptionally. It's getting late—everyone, go get your dinner from the mess hall. Rest early tonight."

"Starting tomorrow, we begin specialized physical training."

"And a few other courses."

"..."

Hearing the instructor, Garp and Sengoku rose grudgingly. Garp tilted his head up. "Hey! Fro-man! In combat training soon, I'll flatten you for sure. You alone qualify as Garp's rival here!"

His fist balled, seeming cannonball-shattering.

"Fro-man" made Sengoku's forehead vein pulse. He barked, "Garp! I have a name. It's Sengoku! No one calls me Fro-man!"

"Hahahaha!" Garp exploded in guffaws. "Your hairdo's too signature. Hate Fro-man? Earn it—beat me quiet."

Garp ignored him utterly, darkening Sengoku's expression. "What sort of madman joins this academy?!"

"..."

Their squabble drew Klein's amused grin. 'Yep… that's male camaraderie. Geniuses magnetize each other.'

Simply stated:

Wealthy heirs stick to elite packs.

So, how to infiltrate theirs and forge ties? Boosts odds for outpost colonel post later.

Dinner in the mess hall, Klein pondered mid-bite.

To connect with a dude…

Room together, brave bullets side-by-side, divide spoils, or… procure ladies jointly.

"Yeah, not happening," he grumbled. "Sengoku and Garp? Zero chick appeal from them, obvious at a glance."

"But me? Pure masculine."

Thus...

"I need to get us in the same dorm."

Klein wolfed his meal and schemed discreetly.

Success: he, Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr—all bunkmates.

Ideal.

Click—click—

"Hey! What the hell are you eating?" Garp entered the dorm, spotting Klein crunching away.

"Donuts," Klein replied from his bed, beaming. "You're Garp, right? Want one?"

"They're really good."

Gently, Klein proceeded. Training scheme—er, friendship ploy—kicked off.

Curious as ever, Garp snickered and approached, grabbing the bag readily. "Uh… your name was Klem?"

"..."

"It's Klein."

"Alright then, I'm calling you Prettyboy."

???

Inwardly, Klein swore: 'Now I bet you and Luffy shared the same nutjob upbringing.'