When I finished, I stood before Garp, waiting for his feedback. He came over, looking surprised and proud. "Kid, you've done better than I expected," Garp said, sounding pleased.
"Thanks, Garp sensei," I replied, feeling grateful.
Garp then looked at Kuzan, another new Marine under his wing, and then back at me.
"From now on, you'll train with Kuzan," Garp announced. "He'll be your partner, helping each other improve."
Kuzan, now nineteen years old, looked hesitant when Garp ordered us to train together. He was worried that his strength might be too much for me, considering he was a decade older. However, Garp simply smiled, took off his Marine coat, and asked the other Marines to clear the space on the deck. I understood what was happening, so I quickly walked to the opposite side of Kuzan and took a guard stance, ready for the fight.
"Ice brat, no using your ice powers," Garp commanded sternly. "This will be hand-to-hand combat only. If you resort to elementalization, you lose."
Garp's declaration made it clear he wanted to assess my true strength. I wasn't sure if I could win against Kuzan, as my only advantage was Observation Haki. I didn't even know if Kuzan had learned Haki yet, given his recent entry into the Marines.
Despite his initial skepticism, Kuzan got into a fighting stance, ready to begin our training session.
As Kuzan and I squared off on the cleared deck, tension filled the air. Garp's eyes flickered with anticipation as he watched us, ready to gauge our abilities. Kuzan lunged forward with a swift jab, aiming for my midsection. With a quick sidestep, I evaded his attack, feeling the rush of air as his fist whizzed past me. His movements were aggressive, reminiscent of a street brawl, lacking finesse but brimming with raw power.
I maintained my focus, relying on my Observation Haki to anticipate his next move. As Kuzan pressed on, throwing a flurry of punches and kicks, I weaved through his attacks with precision, each movement calculated to avoid his strikes. Despite his lack of refinement, Kuzan's strikes carried significant force. I could feel the impact of each blow as they grazed past me, testing my agility and reflexes. His determination was evident; his eyes locked on me with unwavering intensity.
But I remained steadfast, utilizing my superior Observation Haki to stay one step ahead. With each dodge, I analyzed his movements, noting the patterns and openings in his attacks. As Kuzan unleashed a series of rapid kicks, I ducked and weaved, narrowly avoiding each strike. Sensing an opportunity, I countered with a swift jab to his exposed side, landing a solid blow before darting away to evade his retaliatory strike.
Garp watched intently, nodding in approval at my display of skill. He could see the potential in my abilities—the keen observation and quick reflexes that set me apart. Meanwhile, Kuzan adjusted his tactics, recognizing the need to adapt. With a focused expression, he tapped into his newfound knowledge of Armament Haki, infusing his strikes with a subtle layer of hardened energy. As his punches gained newfound strength, I felt the impact reverberate through my body, each blow hitting with greater force than before. But I refused to falter, channeling my own determination into swift, evasive maneuvers. Kuzan's attacks became more relentless; his movements were fueled by a growing determination to overcome the little me.
But even as he pushed forward, I remained elusive, using my Observation Haki to predict his every move. With a sudden burst of speed, Kuzan unleashed a powerful roundhouse kick, aiming for my head. But in the split second before impact, I ducked beneath his attack, feeling the rush of wind as his leg sailed overhead. Taking advantage of his momentary imbalance, I launched a rapid flurry of strikes, landing blows with precision and speed. Kuzan staggered back, momentarily stunned by the onslaught.
Kuzan realized that he had underestimated me. If he didn't take this fight seriously, there was a chance he might lose to a nine-year-old. With a renewed determination, he jumped back into the fight with vigor.
After half an hour of intense sparring, I lay exhausted on the deck, feeling drained from the continuous use of Observation Haki. Kuzan stood opposite me, hands on his knees, panting heavily. Sweat dripped from his brow, his shirt clinging to his skin. The kid had given him a run for his money, dodging every attack he threw until the very end, where Kuzan managed to land a decisive blow.
As I lay there, defeated but not discouraged, Garp couldn't resist a comment. "Hey, Ice Brat, if you keep this up, forget about your dream of becoming an Admiral. This kid will catch up to you in no time," he chuckled. Garp was more than pleased with his new protege. What had started as a whim had turned into something more. He saw the potential in me, a potential that could surpass even Kuzan's if I continued to grow at the same pace.
After Garp dismissed me, I returned to my assigned berth, and my daily routine continued unchanged. Each morning, I woke up early to begin my chores as a choreboy, then reported to Garp for training. I had also approached Garp about swordsmanship training, but he simply directed me to Bogard. As a result, my days were filled with a cycle of work, training, and more training.
A month passed swiftly as the warship patrolled the East Blue Seas and visited various Marine bases. Eventually, we found ourselves in front of the Calm Belt.
I have been regularly in touch with Doffy, and like promised, the Marines have not monitored any of my transmissions. Even I kept my word regarding the things that I had promised Garp, as I was a villain with principles. Diamante had already reached Down's Island, and the establishment of our new weapons factory has been progressing smoothly.
"Kid, are you sure about this? Even I would not assign such harsh training to a mere beginner. This is no joke, kid. It's the Calm Belt; the sea kings here are of a different league compared to the ones in the four seas," Garp questioned me as I had shared my intention of swimming alongside the ship as they traversed through the Calm Belt. The marine ships already use the technology of seastone developed by Vegapunk, so they could cross the Calm Belt with relative safety, but that doesn't mean absolute safety. That is why only Marine ships with officers who could handle sea kings were allowed to traverse the treacherous water.
"I'm sure about this, Garp sensei," I replied confidently, meeting his concerned gaze with determination. "I understand the risks, but I believe it's a necessary challenge for my training."
Garp regarded me for a moment, his expression serious yet contemplative. "Very well, Kid. If that's what you want, I won't stop you," he conceded finally. "But remember, the Calm Belt is unforgiving. You'll need to be on high alert at all times."
With a nod of understanding, I thanked Garp for his approval. Despite his reservations, I knew he trusted my judgment and respected my determination to push myself to the limit.
As the Marine ship traversed through the Calm Belt, I swam alongside it with Kitetsu strapped to my back, serving as an additional safety measure. Quite a few Marines watched my actions with awe.
"Is the kid mad? Why would someone swim in the Calm Belt? Does he have a death wish?" A group of Marine soldiers animatedly discussed, puzzled by the sight of me swimming in the open sea at the same pace as the Marine warship.
"Ahem." Everyone's attention was drawn to a man sitting on the rails of the ship. It was none other than Bogard, who had been assigned by Garp to keep an eye on me.
Garp was resting in his cabin while Dragon worked on a few documents. Suddenly, the transponder snail started ringing. Dragon picked up the call, and a sturdy voice from the other side called out.
"Dragon, where is Garp? Put him on the call." Dragon turned to where Garp was resting, who had now opened his eyes and stood up. The man speaking on the other side was none other than current Marine Fleet Admiral Kong.
As Garp took over the transponder snail, he listened intently as Kong relayed the mission details. "Garp, I have a mission for you. I need you to travel to Kano country in the West Blue and deal with the Happo Navy. Chinjao has recently started attacking and plundering nearby countries affiliated with the World Government. These attacks include the heavenly tribute meant for the Celestial Dragons. I want you to go there and put an end to this menace."
"Tch, so they only pass down an order when Chinjao reaches into their own pockets? Damn bastards!" Garp did not hold back his evident dislike for Celestial Dragons.
Chinjao, a pirate of the Happo Navy, had been active for quite some time. However, the World Government had not bothered to restrict him because the Chinjao family, who ruled Kano country, was affiliated with the World Government. Until recent days, they only attacked countries not affiliated with the World Government. But now, it seemed Chinjao had grown arrogant enough to set his sights on World Government-affiliated countries.
"Garp, you better not show such disrespect when you talk to people from the World Government. I know you dislike them, but at least hold your tongue rather than speaking out. And the higher-ups have informed us that as long as you teach Chinjao a good lesson, there's no need to capture him, because Kano country, end of the day, is someone who pays the tribute regularly."
Kong knew Garp's character and his dislike for Celestial dragons, but he knew he could rely on the man when it counted.
As Garp listened to Kong's instructions, a strong sense of duty welled up inside him. Even though he couldn't stand the Celestial Dragons, he knew it was his responsibility to keep the peace and safeguard those under the World Government's rule.
"I've got it covered, Kong " Garp replied firmly, his determination clear in his voice. "Chinjao's been getting away with too much for too long. It's time he faces the consequences."
Dragon observed quietly, understanding that once his father had made a decision, nothing could sway him. He admired Garp's commitment to justice, even when it meant going against the usual rules.
"Garp, be careful out there," Kong cautioned. "Chinjao's no pushover, and dealing with him in Kano country adds an extra challenge."
"I'll be ready for anything," Garp assured him. "And don't worry about me mouthing off to the Celestial Dragons. I'll keep it in check."
With their conversation over, Garp turned to Dragon. "Get the crew ready. We're heading to Kano country."
Dragon nodded, fully aware of the seriousness of the situation. As they set sail for their destination, Garp's mind was already busy devising a plan to confront Chinjao and restore peace to the troubled waters of the West Blue.
As the orders were passed down, the entire warship buzzed with activity. A marine soldier approached Bogard, who was monitoring my situation as I swam alongside the ship. I had already dispatched more than two dozen Sea Kings, either fending off their attempts to devour me or protecting the warship from their attacks. Bogard's method of training involved leaving me to deal with the smaller and medium-sized Sea Kings on my own, helping me hone my swordsmanship skills under pressure.
Every swing of my blade sent a jolt of pain through my exhausted muscles, exacerbated by the resistance of the water and the relentless assault of the sea beasts. But I pushed through, determined to prove myself worthy of Garp's tutelage.
After the marine soldier relayed the new orders, he returned to Bogard's side. With a firm command, Bogard signaled for me to return on board. "Kid, it's time to get back on board. We have new orders. We're setting sail for Kano country."