"Oh? Another report from the East Blue!"
"Let's see what kind of notorious pirate has emerged this time!"
As Garp's eyes casually swept over the document on Sengoku's desk, they gleamed with curiosity. Without hesitation, he snatched it up and began to read.
"Hah! This time, it's not about a pirate. Seems like a rather remarkable young talent has appeared instead," Sengoku said, leaning back into his chair. "For once, East Blue has brought us some good news."
Garp's grin widened as he skimmed through the report.
"This kid, Shirayama, huh? I've got to meet him. We need to get him into the Navy!" Garp exclaimed. "If someone like him turned to piracy, it wouldn't take long before he became a major threat on the seas."
"A seventeen-year-old who can easily take down pirates with bounties in the tens of millions? He's definitely special," Sengoku agreed with a nod.
"Well then, I'm off! I've got to meet this Shirayamakid in person," Garp declared, standing up abruptly.
"Wait, Garp! Don't forget your senbei, or I'll eat them all myself!" Sengoku barked after him, noticing the bag of snacks Garp had left behind.
"Go ahead, they're all yours!" Garp waved dismissively as he headed out, unfazed by Sengoku's grumbling.
Sengoku sighed heavily as he watched Garp leave. "That guy... no stopping him once he's made up his mind."
Marineford Port
"This ship's mine now!"
Without warning, Garp stormed onto a Navy vessel preparing to set sail. He unceremoniously tossed the officers and soldiers off the ship, leaving only the crew necessary to operate it.
Before anyone could process what was happening, Garp commandeered the vessel, sailing off while the displaced officers stared in stunned silence.
Not a single person dared to protest. Who would?
Perhaps only the Fleet Admiral or Chief of Staff had the authority to question him. Even Admiral Aokiji was Garp's student—none of the others had the courage to defy him.
All they could do was sigh and lament their misfortune.
Kulo Island
When Aki woke, she realized Shirayama was gone. Panic set in as she rushed outside, only to find him training in a clearing.
But what she saw left her speechless.
A massive boulder, easily weighing several tons, rested on Shirayama's back as he performed push-ups. Each movement seemed effortless, yet it engaged every muscle in his body.
The ground beneath him was soaked with sweat, forming a small puddle. His entire body appeared drenched, as if he'd just emerged from a river.
"Incredible…"
Watching him fight hadn't conveyed just how powerful he was. But now, Aki finally understood the monstrous extent of Shirayama's strength.
It defied her understanding of human limits.
"Ha!"
"Ha!"
"Ha!"
Each time Shirayama lowered himself, the ground beneath him trembled and sank slightly. His hands had already sunk deep into the earth, leaving permanent impressions.
His relentless training painted a clear picture: Shirayama was a force to be reckoned with, constantly striving to surpass his limits.
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