Chapter 5: The Path of the Pirate King

The days after the farewell with Ace and Sabo passed quickly. I was on a mission—one that required complete focus. The Marine Six Styles were tough to master, but I had the determination to push through, and in time, my body began to adapt to their rigorous movements. My days were filled with intense training, every muscle burning and every technique being sharpened to perfection. I became faster, stronger, and more precise with every passing day.

I spent hours every day practicing the basics—iron body, finger gun, the powerful geppo, and the rest. Each technique had its own rhythm, and I could feel myself getting closer to mastering them all. It wasn't easy, and there were days when I nearly wanted to give up, but my dream to be Pirate King kept me going. I wasn't going to let anything hold me back.

The day arrived when I could finally say I had mastered them. My body had become one with the techniques. I felt the raw power of the Six Styles surging through me—whether I was scaling walls with geppo or delivering powerful kicks with tekkai, I knew I was ready for what lay ahead.

But there was something else I needed to confront. Someone was going to come to see me about my future, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for it. It had been weeks since I had seen Garp, and I had a feeling he wasn't just here for a friendly visit. His visits always meant business.

And so, one afternoon, Garp arrived in Foosha Village, his usual grim expression on his face as he approached me.

"Luffy!" he called out from a distance, his voice carrying like a cannonball. He stood there, his large frame casting a shadow over me. His eyes were hard, but I could see the hint of something else in them—maybe concern, maybe pride.

I stood up from the training area, wiping the sweat off my brow. "Old man, you're here," I said with a grin, though inside, I was preparing myself for what was to come.

Garp marched toward me, his footsteps heavy. He wasn't here for small talk, and I could already tell that he had something serious to say.

"You've gotten stronger, Luffy. I can feel it," he said, his voice serious. "You've been working on the Marine Six Styles, huh? Impressive."

I nodded. "Yeah, I've mastered them. I'm ready for whatever comes next."

Garp stared at me for a long moment, and I could see his gaze softening just slightly. "I'm glad to hear that," he said. "But Luffy, you know that the life of a pirate is dangerous. I don't want to see you end up like those who came before you. I want you to come with me. Join the Marines. You've got the potential to be a great Marine, and I can help you with that."

I could feel the weight of his words, but I also felt a fire burning inside me that made it impossible to agree. The life of a Marine was not what I wanted—not at all.

"I can't, old man," I said firmly, meeting his eyes with my own resolve. "I can't be a Marine. I'm going to be the Pirate King. That's my dream."

Garp's eyes widened slightly, as if the words hit him harder than he expected. He looked at me in silence for a moment, and then he sighed. "I should have known... You're as stubborn as ever, huh?"

I didn't back down. "I know it won't be easy. I know there will be dangers, but I'm going to do whatever it takes to be Pirate King. I'm going to find the One Piece, and I'll fight anyone who stands in my way. I'm not going to follow in anyone's footsteps. I'm going to make my own path."

Garp stared at me, his expression unreadable. But then, after a long pause, something strange happened. His hard expression softened, and he let out a long sigh.

"You've always been like this," he muttered. "Stubborn, but with a fire inside that I can't ignore. I've been trying to push you to be something you're not, haven't I?"

I didn't answer, but I knew the truth. Garp had always wanted me to follow in his footsteps, to join the Marines and protect the world. But that was never my path. I was destined for something greater.

Garp looked at me, his eyes filled with a mix of pride and frustration. "I won't keep pushing you, Luffy. You're your own person. But just know this... if you're going to chase that dream of yours, you better be ready for the consequences. The seas are filled with monsters. The world won't be kind to you. If you're really going to become the Pirate King, you'll have to surpass every limit, every obstacle in your way."

I nodded, my eyes burning with determination. "I'm ready. I'll surpass every limit."

Garp looked at me for a long time, his eyes narrowing as if he were trying to understand the depth of my resolve. Then, he did something I wasn't expecting. He smiled—just slightly. "Then I guess I don't need to convince you anymore. Keep going, Luffy. But don't forget... if you ever need me, I'm not as far away as you think."

I grinned back at him, my heart feeling lighter. "I won't forget, old man. I'll make it, no matter what."

With that, Garp turned and began to walk away, but before he left, he called back to me one last time.

"Don't die out there, Luffy. I'll be watching."

And just like that, Garp was gone. I watched as his figure disappeared into the horizon, my resolve hardening. I wasn't going to be a Marine. I wasn't going to follow in anyone's footsteps.

I was going to become the Pirate King.

Weeks passed, and the preparations for my journey were almost complete. I had everything I needed: my crew would come in time, and my ship would be ready soon enough. The winds were calling me, and the sea was no longer something I merely dreamed of—I was going to conquer it.

It was time to leave Foosha Village behind.

On the day of my departure, I stood on the docks one last time, looking out over the vast, open sea. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow across the water. My heart was full of excitement, anticipation, and a sense of freedom like I'd never felt before.

"Time to set sail," I murmured to myself.

I turned around, ready to leave the village I had called home for so long. The journey ahead would be long, dangerous, and filled with challenges, but I was ready. No one would stand in my way. I was going to be the Pirate King.

With a deep breath, I stepped onto the ship, and the winds began to carry me forward.

The Grand Line awaited.

And I would meet it head-on.