Raizer Phoenix stood in the golden light of the Phoenix estate's training courtyard, his mind racing as he stared up at Monkey D. Garp, the towering figure of legend who now stood before him.
The Hero of the Marines was every bit as imposing as Raizer had imagined from his past life. Garp's broad chest and easy confidence exuded a raw, primal power, and his booming laughter carried an unshakable aura of invincibility. The sheer reality of seeing this man—this force of nature—was almost overwhelming.
Yet Raizer couldn't afford to be overwhelmed. He had a goal, and this was his chance to achieve it.
"Monkey D. Garp," Raizer said, steadying his voice. "I summoned you because I need a teacher."
Garp scratched his head, his grin never fading. "BAHAHA! A teacher, huh? And you think I'm the guy for the job?"
"Yes," Raizer replied without hesitation. "You're one of the strongest men I've ever seen, and I want to learn from you."
Garp's sharp eyes studied him for a moment, and Raizer could feel the weight of his judgment. Then, the marine hero burst into laughter again, his voice echoing across the courtyard.
"You've got guts, kid," Garp said. "I'll give you that. Alright, I'll train you. But don't think for a second that I'll go easy on you."
Raizer's lips twitched into a small smile. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
Convincing the Family
The real challenge, however, lay ahead. Summoning Garp was one thing, but explaining his presence to the Phoenix Clan would be another entirely.
Raizer had spent his entire life navigating the expectations and scrutiny of his family, and he knew how they would react to a human—no matter how strong—being brought into their world. The Phoenix Clan prided themselves on their devil heritage, and humans were little more than tools or entertainment in their eyes.
Raizer, however, had never shared that perspective. He valued strength, discipline, and realism above all else. Garp embodied those traits, and Raizer wouldn't let his family's prejudice get in the way of his growth.
"Follow me," Raizer said, gesturing to Garp as he began walking toward the main hall of the estate.
Garp's grin widened. "Leading me into the lion's den, huh? I like it. Let's see what kind of family you've got, kid."
The two made their way through the estate's opulent halls, their footsteps echoing against the polished stone floors. Servants stopped and stared as they passed, their eyes widening at the sight of Garp. Some whispered among themselves, their confusion and unease palpable.
Raizer ignored them. He had more important things to focus on.
When they reached the main hall, the entire family was gathered. Lord Phoenix and Lady Phoenix sat at the head of a long table, their expressions calm but curious. Ruval and Ravel were seated nearby, while Riseria stood by the window, gazing out at the gardens.
All eyes turned to Raizer and Garp as they entered the room.
"Raizer," Lord Phoenix said, his deep voice carrying authority. "Who is this… guest you've brought to our home?"
Raizer stepped forward, his tone steady. "This is Monkey D. Garp. I found him during a visit to the human world. He's a strong warrior, and I've asked him to be my teacher."
The room fell silent.
Ravel was the first to speak, her tone incredulous. "A human? You want a human to train you?"
Ruval smirked, leaning back in his chair. "This is a new low, even for you, Raizer."
Raizer ignored them, keeping his gaze fixed on his father. "I've seen his strength with my own eyes. He's the teacher I need to grow stronger."
Lord Phoenix's eyes narrowed as he studied Garp. "A human warrior, you say? And what makes you think he's qualified to train a devil?"
Before Raizer could answer, Garp stepped forward, his grin as wide as ever. "BAHAHAHA! Don't worry, old man—I'll show you what I'm made of. Let me spar with one of your kids, and you'll see for yourself."
The challenge hung in the air like a thundercloud.
Lord Phoenix's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Very well. Ruval, test this man's strength."
Ruval rose from his seat, his golden flames flickering to life around him. "This won't take long."
The Sparring Match
The sparring match took place in the estate's open-air arena, with the entire family watching from the sidelines.
Ruval stood confidently on one side of the arena, his flames blazing like a golden inferno. Garp stood on the other, his stance relaxed but unshakable.
"Don't hold back," Garp said, cracking his knuckles.
Ruval smirked. "You'll regret those words, human."
The match began with Ruval launching a wave of flames toward Garp, the heat so intense that the air shimmered. Garp didn't flinch. With a single punch, he dispersed the flames, the shockwave from his fist shaking the ground.
Ruval's eyes widened, but he quickly recovered, charging forward with a series of rapid attacks. His flames danced around him, each strike aiming to overwhelm Garp's defenses.
But Garp was faster. He dodged each attack with ease, his movements deceptively casual.
"You're good, kid," Garp said, his grin never fading. "But you're not good enough."
With that, Garp closed the distance in an instant, his fist slamming into the ground beside Ruval and sending him sprawling.
The fight ended as quickly as it began, with Garp standing victorious.
The audience was stunned into silence.
Lord Phoenix rose from his seat, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. "Impressive. Perhaps there is merit in this arrangement after all."
Raizer allowed himself a small smile. Garp had proven his worth, and for the first time, Raizer felt like he had taken a step toward his goal.
A Proposal
Later that evening, Raizer and Garp sat in the gardens, the flames of the phoenix statue casting long shadows over the grass.
"You handled yourself well," Raizer said, breaking the silence.
Garp chuckled, leaning back against the statue. "BAHAHAHA! That was nothing. Your brother's got some fire in him, though. I like that."
Raizer nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I want to learn everything you can teach me. But staying here won't be enough."
Garp raised an eyebrow. "What are you getting at, kid?"
"I want to travel with you," Raizer said. "The underworld is vast, and there's more to learn out there than I could ever learn here. If I stay in this estate, I'll never grow strong enough to achieve my goals."
Garp studied him for a moment, his sharp eyes searching. Then, he grinned. "You've got guts, kid. I'll take you with me—but only if you're ready to put in the work. No shortcuts."
Raizer's lips twitched into a determined smile. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Convincing the Clan
The next morning, Raizer stood before his family once again, his expression calm but resolute.
"I've decided to leave the estate," he said. "I'll be traveling with Garp to train and grow stronger."
The room erupted into chaos.
"Leave the estate?" Ravel said, her voice rising. "Are you insane?"
"You'll embarrass the family," Ruval added, his tone sharp.
Even Lord Phoenix frowned, his golden eyes narrowing. "Explain yourself, Raizer."
Raizer met his father's gaze without flinching. "If I stay here, I'll never reach my full potential. I need to see the world, to experience challenges beyond these walls. Garp can give me that."
Lady Phoenix, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "And what makes you think we'll allow this?"
Raizer took a deep breath. "Because you value strength above all else. If I come back stronger than any of my siblings, it will benefit the family. Isn't that what matters most?"
Lord Phoenix leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. After a long moment, he nodded. "Very well. But know this, Raizer—if you fail to prove yourself, you'll bring shame upon this family. Do not return unless you have something worth showing."
Raizer nodded. "I won't disappoint you."
The Journey Begins
As Raizer and Garp left the estate, the young Phoenix couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. For the first time in his life, he was free—free to pursue his goals, free to forge his own path.
Garp clapped him on the back, his grin as wide as ever. "Alright, kid. Let's see what you're made of."
Raizer smirked. "You won't regret this."
The two set off into the vast expanse of the underworld, their journey just beginning.
For Raizer, this was more than a chance to grow stronger—it was the start of a new chapter, one where he could prove that hard work, discipline, and determination could surpass even the mightiest of bloodlines.
And with Monkey D. Garp by his side, Raizer knew there was no limit to what he could achieve.
This concludes Chapter 3, focusing on Raizer introducing Garp to his family, convincing them of his plan, and setting off to travel the underworld as Garp's student. Let me know if you'd like further expansions or adjustments!