2 months later...
To put these past months into one word it would simply be hell, at first Garp spent a week correcting my form on my punches as they were his specialty as well as intensive exercises. However, after that? That old bastard simply just started the day beating me and when I got back up he did it again. I tried my best to fight back but to no avail, he was too fucking strong.
As much as I would like to complain, his training worked like a bitch. My physical abilities soared and my techniques were more refined, having a teacher sure helped. I believe I would beat the previous me in a few moves, as for Garp? Nah, even landing a hit on him seemed unlikely anytime soon. At least before I learn Rokushiki, otherwise there's no way I can surprise him at all.
That wasn't all I did, I spent time on trying to learn Observation Haki, I blindfolded myself and had Ace throw rocks at me. He gladly agreed and laughed as he did so, of course I paid back my suffering through our little spars. I made some good progress though, that sense of intent was a lot more consistent but I couldn't feel presence and emotion yet. Ace also got stronger, seeing me train like a dog seemed to motivate him a bit. He'll probably be a lot stronger when he sets out to sea a few years later.
Garp asked why I was blindfolded and I simply said I felt I can learn to sense danger better that way, he just nodded not bothering to ask me further questions. I doubt he wanted to teach me Haki before I was committed to Marines, it wasn't allowed anyway.
"Hey Garp, can I ask for a favour?" Garp intrigued, nodded his head.
"I know you want me to leave with you for the marines but I want to stay here for a few more years".
"Hmm, why? I'd be better training in the marines".
"Those 6 months of loneliness is still there Garp, I want to spend the next few years being happy and enjoying company around here" I lied partially, another reason I felt I wasn't strong enough if Garp wasn't there to protect me out at sea.
"Well, you're still a brat after all, how old are you anyway?".
"About 15, not to sure my memory is still pretty bad".
"Eh, at least join before you're twenty, the best time to learn is when you're young and they treat the talented youth better in the marines".
"Yeah, no problem but can you teach me some stuff before you leave, I can work on it when you're not here".
"Hah, fine I'll show you a few tricks before I head off, up to you if can figure it out though BWA HAH HAH HAH".
Garp proceeded to showcase the techniques of Rokushiki, not in massive detail but I got the idea anyway, I knew how they worked just needed to visually see them work in real time. He also didn't explain Rokuogan, the technique Rob Lucci liked to used often, again probably not allowed without permission from Sengoku.
After displaying me some of the techniques Garp sternly explained "Brat, never teach these to others who aren't marines, not even Ace, I only showed it to you because I'll be making you one anyway and you got enough talent to learn them eventually. As complex as Rokushiki can be, the main idea is to simply have a strong body, one that goes to the extreme. You're not there yet. but maybe in a few years, perhaps. I'll be visiting every few months or so when I get the time but let me know if you change your mind".
I bowed towards Garp, "Thank you sir, you've been a massive help, I won't forget this" I said truthfully.
"Don't cry now brat, anyway I'm off, take care of Ace for me will ya" his figure blurred as he went off to do his duty as a marine.