In the blink of an eye, three years had passed. Satoru, once a helpless infant, had grown into a lively child who could climb trees, dive into the sea, and even fish on his own. His energy and abilities set him apart from any other child in Windmill Village.
"This little guy really doesn't stop for a moment," the village chief muttered as he sat at the door, puffing on a dry cigarette. His eyes followed Satoru, perched casually on a tree branch, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Makino, the young bartender of the village bar, chuckled as she stood nearby. "Isn't that what kids are supposed to do? Be full of energy?"
The chief shook his head with a sigh. "There's energetic, and then there's Satoru. Which three-year-old climbs trees like a monkey, dives into the sea, and fishes as if he's been doing it for decades? He's like a little monster."
Makino laughed. "He's unique, I'll give you that."
Their conversation was interrupted by a piercing cry from inside. The unmistakable wail of a baby filled the air.
"Ah, Luffy's at it again," the chief groaned. He got up slowly, trudging inside to tend to the latest troublemaker in his care.
A year after adopting Satoru, Garp had sent another child to the village—his own grandson, Luffy. Initially, the chief was skeptical about Garp's claim, thinking it was just another orphan he'd taken pity on. However, after months of chaotic, relentless crying and mischief, the chief was forced to admit: Luffy carried the same wild energy as Garp himself.
If Satoru was lively but disciplined, Luffy was a whirlwind of chaos. He didn't listen, wandered off constantly, and often needed the entire village to band together just to find him.
Hearing Luffy's cries, Satoru leapt down from the tree, landing effortlessly on the ground. The chief barely batted an eye. At first, he had worried about Satoru's daredevil antics, but over time, he realized the boy was simply built differently.
"Satoru, why can't Luffy be even half as easy as you?" the chief asked with a sigh.
Satoru glanced at the wailing Luffy, now in a half-asleep daze, and muttered, "He won't be, Never."
Makino gave Satoru a playful smirk. "You know, for a kid with such a handsome face, you sure are cold. You need to smile more, Satoru."
Satoru remained silent. In his three years in this world, he had grown accustomed to the villagers' playful teasing. Despite their kindness, he knew the world wasn't as innocent as Windmill Village. Beyond its borders lay countless dangers—vicious pirates, corrupt marines, and untold threats.
For Satoru, each day was an opportunity to train. His memories and knowledge from his past life as Gojo Satoru were invaluable. Using his advanced techniques and innate talent, he honed his body, preparing himself for the challenges ahead.
One day, I'll be strong enough to protect myself—and anyone else I care about, he thought.
As Satoru reflected, a familiar booming voice shattered the calm of the village.
"Luffy! Grandpa's back! Come greet me like a man!"
Everyone in the village recognized the voice of Garp. The man's arrival was as loud and chaotic as ever.
Luffy, startled awake, began crying loudly again. Before anyone could react, Garp appeared next to him, as if out of thin air.
"Stop crying, you brat!" Garp roared, delivering a light (for him) punch to Luffy's head. "A man doesn't cry!"
Satoru, standing a few feet away, watched in stunned silence. Despite his advanced senses and the abilities granted by his Six Eyes, he hadn't been able to track Garp's movement. It was a humbling realization.
*The gap between us is immense,* Satoru thought. *I still have a long way to go.*
"Oi, Satoru!" Garp called out, snapping him out of his thoughts. "You've grown! Good. Soon, I'll train you to be the strongest marine in the world."
Satoru narrowed his eyes. "...We'll see about that."
Garp burst into laughter. "That's the spirit! Let's make a marine hero out of you yet!"
In his heart, Satoru had no intention of joining the marines, but he kept that to himself. For now, he'd play along. After all, he had his own plans—and no one, not even Garp, would sway him from his path.