Over the next few weeks, Garp and Shiro traveled together, heading toward the Marine Headquarters. Along the way, Garp trained Shiro in various fields, teaching him both physical combat and the finer aspects of Marine life. The intense training was grueling, but Shiro's resolve only grew stronger.
Every day, Garp put Shiro through a series of challenges. In the morning, they would start with basic physical exercises—strengthening Shiro's body to prepare for combat. Garp would make him spar with him using nothing but their fists.
"Keep your guard up, kid!" Garp would shout as he punched Shiro in the chest, sending him flying back. "You've got to be fast, strong, and durable. There's no room for hesitation in the Marine world."
In the evenings, Garp would focus on teaching Shiro how to use his Devil Fruit abilities more effectively. They practiced transforming and shifting between human and pegasus forms, working on precision and control. Shiro struggled at first, often transforming only partially, but as the days passed, he grew more adept at mastering his abilities. He learned how to turn into a pegasus for short bursts, using his wings to fly at high speeds, and then quickly revert to his human form mid-air to strike.
Garp also introduced him to the basics of swordsmanship. Shiro had grown up with a katana, but Garp made sure to refine his technique. "A Marine needs to know how to fight with everything," Garp would say, "whether it's fists, blades, or the very powers of nature."
At night, they would sit around the campfire, Garp teaching Shiro Marine philosophy and strategy. He spoke of famous Marines like Admiral Sengoku and the legendary Garp himself, as well as the dangerous pirates lurking on the Grand Line.
"The seas are full of threats, kid," Garp would warn him, his voice serious. "Pirates like Gol D. Roger set the stage for chaos. Now, the Marines are here to stop them. You've got to be ready for whatever's coming."
Shiro listened carefully, his resolve growing with each passing day. His powers were increasing, but so was his understanding of the responsibility that came with them. Garp's teachings were harsh, but they instilled in him a sense of duty, a sense of what it meant to be a Marine.
After weeks of training, Garp smiled at Shiro's progress. "Not bad, kid," he said, clapping him on the back. "You've got the basics down. But now it's time to get serious. We're almost at Marine Headquarters. You'll meet some of the top Marines there, and that's where you'll really start proving yourself."
Shiro, tired but determined, nodded. "I won't let you down, Garp."
And so, as the duo sailed across the seas, Garp continued to push Shiro to his limits, preparing him for the challenges that lay ahead.
One week later, after days of sailing across the Grand Line, Shiro and Garp finally arrived at Marineford—one of the most iconic symbols of Marine justice. As they approached the towering fortress, Shiro couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The massive structure stood tall against the horizon, its colossal walls a testament to the power and order of the Marines.
As they docked, the bustle of Marineford greeted them—soldiers marching, officers shouting commands, and the steady hum of the headquarters at full operation. Shiro had never seen anything like it. This was the heart of justice itself, and he was about to walk right into it.
"Welcome to Marineford, kid," Garp said with a grin, noticing Shiro's wide-eyed expression. "Get used to this. It's gonna be your new home."
Shiro nodded, his mind racing. He wasn't sure what to expect, but the scale of it all was overwhelming. As they walked through the streets of Marineford, many Marines greeted Garp with respect. "Vice Admiral Garp!" they called, saluting as he passed by.
"Hey, Garp! It's good to see you back!" another Marine shouted with a grin.
"Respectable as always, huh?" Garp chuckled, waving them off. "Nothing new around here."
Shiro couldn't help but admire the atmosphere—there was so much respect for Garp here, and it was clear why. As they made their way to the Fleet Admiral's office, Garp led him up the grand stairs to a towering building. Inside, Shiro found himself facing Sengoku, the Fleet Admiral—a man whose mere presence seemed to fill the room with authority.
Sengoku stood behind a large wooden desk, his eyes sharp as he watched Garp and Shiro approach. "I see you've brought someone with you, Garp," Sengoku said, his tone calm yet firm. "So, what's this about?"
Garp gave a casual salute. "This kid here's got potential. He's a Devil Fruit user, and after spending some time with him, I think he could be a great Marine."
Sengoku raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to Shiro. "A Devil Fruit, huh? Interesting." He folded his hands in front of him, his eyes narrowing. "So, tell me, Shiro... why do you want to join the Marines?"
Shiro hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to express what he truly felt. He thought back to his time with Garp and his crew—how they had traveled through various islands and kingdoms, met pirates, and encountered good people along the way. It wasn't just about finding shelter anymore. He had found a purpose in those weeks, something deeper that now burned inside him.
"I..." Shiro began, taking a deep breath. "At first, I just wanted shelter. A place where I could have some kind of purpose, somewhere I could belong. But... through these weeks with Garp and his crew, I've seen the world more clearly. We've encountered pirates, yes, but we've also met good people, people struggling to live in peace. I've seen kingdoms torn apart, people suffering because they don't have someone they can rely on."
He paused, gathering his thoughts. "And then I realized... I want to create a world where everyone can smile. A world where people live together happily. But to make that happen... people need something. They need a symbol. A symbol of peace. Someone they can rely on. That's why I want to be that pillar—a pillar that gives people hope."
His words hung in the air, heavy with conviction. Shiro had poured his heart into that declaration, and it was clear that something about it resonated deeply with both Garp and Sengoku.
Sengoku leaned back in his chair, studying Shiro intently. There was a moment of silence before he nodded slowly. "I see," he said, his voice soft yet full of authority. "You have a strong resolve, Shiro. That's the kind of spirit the Marines need. It's not an easy path, but if you're willing to work for it, you can become the kind of symbol you speak of. A Marine that people can look up to."
Garp placed a hand on Shiro's shoulder, his expression proud. "That's the kid I've been working with. He's got the heart of a true Marine."
Sengoku gave a small smile, clearly moved by Shiro's words. "Alright, then. You've got the right mindset. You'll be assigned to Garp's unit for now. It's a tough unit, but that's how we make Marines who can stand up for justice."
Shiro stood tall, his resolve burning brighter than ever. He had found his purpose—he was going to be the symbol of peace the world needed. And now, with Garp and the Marines by his side, he would take the first steps toward that future.
With that, Sengoku gave a final nod. "We'll see how far you go, Shiro. Prove yourself. And remember, the Marines don't just represent power—they represent justice. Never forget that."
As Garp led Shiro out of the Fleet Admiral's office, he patted him on the back with a grin. "That was a good answer, kid. I think you'll fit right in with us."
Shiro smiled back, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be. The journey ahead would be long and difficult, but now he had a clear goal—he would become the pillar of peace that the world needed.