Meeting the Hero of the Marines

My brain nearly short-circuited. Did Luffy just say he wanted me to meet Garp?

As in, Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp? The Hero of the Marines? The same man who used to spar with Gol D. Roger like it was a casual hobby?

Luffy, completely oblivious to my inner panic, grabbed my wrist and started pulling me down the street. "C'mon! He's probably at the bar drinking!"

I considered running. Meeting a Marine of Garp's level this early was dangerous. I wasn't strong enough to deal with someone who could punch mountains apart for fun.

But then again… this was also an opportunity.

If I could impress Garp, maybe I could learn something from him. Maybe even train under him.

And if nothing else, I'd get a better idea of what point in the timeline I was in.

"…Alright," I said. "Let's go."

Luffy led me through the town, weaving between market stalls and dirt roads, until we reached a small bar.

I immediately knew we had found Garp.

Why? Because the building shook every few seconds—followed by loud, booming laughter.

Luffy pushed open the door, and I immediately spotted him.

There he was—Monkey D. Garp.

The man was a mountain. Even sitting down, he looked massive, with his signature broad chest, thick arms, and a face that practically radiated dominance. His Marine coat was draped over his shoulders, and a half-eaten meat skewer rested in his hand.

"Oh, Luffy!" Garp grinned when he spotted us. "Back from causing trouble already?"

"Nah, this guy helped me out!" Luffy jabbed a thumb at me. "His name's Ren! He's super strong!"

Garp's sharp eyes locked onto me.

I froze.

It felt like the whole room had turned to lead. His presence alone was suffocating—like a giant beast was staring me down.

Then, without warning—

BAM!

Garp's fist crashed into the top of Luffy's head, sending the kid sprawling.

"OWWW!" Luffy flailed on the floor. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!"

Garp just cackled. "That's for running around like a fool!"

Luffy pouted but didn't argue. I guessed this was the legendary Fist of Love.

Then Garp turned to me again, his grin widening. "So, Ren, was it?"

I swallowed. "Uh… yeah."

"Luffy says you're strong." Garp's grin grew wider. "Wanna prove it?"

I tensed. "How?"

Garp cracked his knuckles, his grin wide and full of excitement.

.

.

.

Oh. Shit.

Luffy sat up, rubbing his head. "Oh yeah, this is gonna be fun!"

Fun?! I was about to fight MONKEY D. GARP.....!!!

I barely had time to think before Garp raised a massive fist. "Alright, kid! Let's see what you got!"

And then he swung.

"Speed."

The glowing word vanished into my body, and I dodged at the last second. Garp's fist smashed into the ground where I had been standing—

BOOM!

The entire bar shook. The floor cracked apart under the force of his punch. A nearby table flipped over, and several patrons screamed and ran for their lives.

I barely had a second to process before Garp turned and charged at me again.

"Not bad!" he laughed. "You're fast!"

I gritted my teeth. Running wasn't an option. If I wanted to make an impression—

I had to fight back.

I raised my hand and focused.

"Push."

The floating word appeared in front of me before launching forward like an invisible force blast. It slammed into Garp's chest—

And he didn't move an inch.

My heart sank.

Garp grinned. "Not bad. But not enough."

Then he vanished.

No—he was just too fast.

Before I could react, a giant fist came down toward me—

"Shield!"

A shimmering barrier appeared between us. Garp's punch crashed into it—

CRACK!

The barrier shattered like glass, and the impact sent me flying backwards into a wall.

"GAAH!" Pain shot through my body. I coughed, trying to push myself up.

Garp stroked his chin. "Hmmm… You've got potential, but you're still green."

I groaned. No shit.

Then, to my surprise, he grinned. "Alright, I like you! You got guts, kid. What's your plan now?"

I hesitated, then pushed myself to my feet. This was it. My chance.

"I want to get stronger," I said. "Strong enough to survive in this world."

Garp grinned wider. "Oh? And how do you plan to do that?"

I met his gaze. "By training under you."

Silence.

Then Garp burst into laughter.

Luffy's eyes widened. "Whoa! You wanna train with Gramps?!"

I clenched my fists. This was the best path forward. If I wanted to survive in this world, I needed a real teacher. And who better than one of the strongest Marines in history?

Garp wiped a tear from his eye. "Heh. Alright, kid. Let's see if you can handle it."

I exhaled. Step one to becoming a monster: complete.