You can read ahead up to 30 chapters on my Patreon: https://www.p*treon.com/darkshadow6395
Kōjin remained silent. Somehow, without warning or consent, he had been taken in as Garp's disciple.
From start to finish, the so-called Hero Vice Admiral hadn't bothered to ask his opinion. It was just like how he treated his grandson: never caring about what the other person wanted.
Still, Kōjin didn't feel much resistance in his heart. After all, when he had first arrived in this world, this man had saved his life. It's true that he couldn't be killed, but if he were thrown into Impel Down and locked away for eternity or subjected to endless torture, the pain would be unimaginable.
Being unable to die doesn't mean being invincible.
…
Training began soon after. Despite his easygoing personality, Garp was a man of quick decisions and action.
"Rokushiki," Garp began, "consists of six techniques, as the name suggests."
"Every Marine officer who has undergone formal academy training knows at least one or two of them. Some, with enough talent and effort, manage to master all six."
Kōjin listened attentively. Of course, he knew of Rokushiki, especially Tekkai, which was famously discussed in his past life.
"Now," Garp said. "Attack me."
"The first condition to learn Rokushiki is having a body at superhuman levels."
Kōjin nodded and threw a punch toward Garp.
The Vice Admiral caught it easily, though a flash of surprise showed in his eyes. "Use your leg. Use full power," he said.
Without hesitation, Kōjin kicked hard at Garp's open palm.
Bang!
A heavy thud echoed. Garp nodded. "That's enough.
"You already have the physical qualifications to learn Rokushiki."
But inwardly, Garp was stunned. The force of that punch and kick was already far beyond the minimum Doriki requirement for Rokushiki.
After a quick calculation, Garp estimated that Kōjin's Doriki was around 850, an absurd number. Some Marines trained for over a decade to reach that level.
And this boy? How long had he trained? One ocean battle and one close-quarters sword skirmish.
Garp could only attribute it to freakish talent.
"At this rate," He thought, "this kid might surpass Kuzan in basic strength soon."
The thought itself felt unreal.
Training in Rokushiki began immediately. Kōjin was relieved to find that his learning ability wasn't bad either; if it had been poor, not even his unique ability would have helped.
Seven days later, the battleship crossed the Red Line through a special Marine passage and entered the New World.
By that time, Kōjin had already mastered his first Rokushiki technique.
"Tekkai!" Kōjin exhaled sharply.
His muscles and skin instantly hardened, becoming as tough as steel. Although Tekkai was often mocked in discussions in his past life, after training with it himself, Kōjin realized how practical and fundamental it truly was as a defensive skill.
On his Status Panel, a new line appeared under Haoshoku: 'Rokushiki, Tekkai LV1+'.
This meant that Tekkai could be leveled up and improved rapidly through experience and effort. Haoshoku was his trump card, to be used only at critical moments. Rokushiki, on the other hand, was a dependable, everyday combat tool.
Kōjin set a clear goal: to master all six Rokushiki techniques in the shortest amount of time possible.
In the afternoon, he picked up a standard Marine longsword and began following Bogard's swordsmanship instructions. After an hour of stance and movement drills, Bogard handed him a two-ton dumbbell.
"Huah!"
As he swung it, the weight howled through the air like a storm, sweat flying and splattering across the deck. True strength is forged through inhuman effort and pain.
…
"Hahahahaha! I already told you, Commander Kong. I refuse your proposal to promote me to Admiral! I just arrived in the New World. Admirals don't have the kind of freedom Vice Admirals enjoy!"
Garp's booming laughter filled the air.
"This is a direct order from the highest level of the World Government, Garp!" Kong replied sternly, loudly enough for Kōjin to hear every word. "You can't just ignore it on a whim!"
"I don't care if it's the World Government or those damn Gorosei!" Garp barked back.
"Either way, my answer's the same: no. I'm not interested in being an Admiral!" He said it as casually as if he were talking about the weather.
"Think it over carefully, Garp. This is the fifth time you've refused a promotion." Kong frowned as he spoke.
"I'm still refusing. No need to think about it! By the way, I've taken on a disciple. His name is Kōjin. He has excellent potential and talent." Garp laughed as he said this.
"As long as you're happy." Kong sighed.
Then, the Den Den Mushi call disconnected.
Immediately, Kuzan came running up, his eyes shining with excitement. "That's so cool, Vice Admiral Garp! How many times have you turned down a promotion to Admiral now?"
"Hahaha! Don't you young people learn from me! I'm just too lazy, that's all." Garp grinned mischievously.
Kōjin said nothing. He simply continued to swing the heavy, two-ton dumbbell in his hand.
Three days later, the battleship finally reached the G-5 fortress base in the New World.
There, for the first time, Kōjin saw the other two pillars of Marine power from the current era:
Admiral "Buddha" Sengoku!
and Admiral "Black Arm" Zephyr.
The two admirals walked out side by side with a group of stern-faced officers following close behind. Kōjin noticed that all of these officers bore high-ranking insignia on their shoulders. They had a sharp, heavy presence, the kind that screamed battle-hardened veteran. Clearly, they were all warriors who had survived countless fights.
"Garp, we've been waiting for you for quite some time. The situation in the New World isn't looking good," Zephyr said gravely.
Garp burst out laughing. "On the way here, I picked up a promising young man. That's what delayed me."
Then, he grabbed Kōjin by the arm and pulled him forward.
"This is my disciple, Kōjin!"
Kōjin bowed respectfully, remaining silent.
"So this is the kid who offended the noble Celestial Dragon?"
"Garp, you're getting more reckless by the day," Sengoku said, frowning. He studied Kōjin for a moment, then nodded slightly. "I'll take care of the fallout from that incident."
Kōjin froze for a second, then said, "Thank you, Admiral Sengoku."
Sengoku waved it off, unconcerned, and immediately turned serious. "The Edd War Sea. We need to head there as soon as possible! Golden Lion Shiki has gathered a massive force in that area and the Roger Pirates have also been sighted there."
Hearing that, Garp laughed loudly. "Then let's set sail right away!"
"Roger and Shiki! I haven't seen those two in ages. This time, leave it to me! Don't any of you dare try to steal them from me!"
Zephyr frowned. "This situation isn't like the past ones, Garp. Don't be reckless."
The entire group began walking toward the waiting Marine fleet, with Kōjin quietly following behind.
"Kōjin," Kuzan whispered beside him, "This time, we might get to see those two guys."
"Those two?" Kōjin asked, puzzled.
"Kuzan's probably talking about Sakazuki and Borsalino," Bogard said, who had been silent until now.
Kōjin's eyes narrowed slightly.
He was about to meet the three future admirals soon.
(End of chapter.)
PS-"For every 100 power stones, I'll release one bonus chapter! (Resets Every Week on Monday)"