Chapter 19: The First Spar with Garp

"Have you heard? Major Renji—no, Captain Renji—has challenged Vice Admiral Garp to a duel!"

"People have always challenged Vice Admiral Garp. What's the big deal... Wait, Captain Renji initiated it?"

"That's strange. I've never heard of Captain Renji actively challenging anyone before..."

"Have you ever thought that maybe there was no one in the South Blue worth challenging him?"

"Hmm... Now that you mention it, that might be true..."

"In that case... We can't miss this fight!"

"Let's go, let's go! We have to see this!"

The entire naval base was buzzing with excitement.

The oppressive atmosphere that had weighed them down was finally lifted, and with such an interesting event happening, everyone wanted to witness it.

Garp cracked his knuckles, his "Fist of Love" ready to make an appearance once again.

He called out to Renji, who was warming up on the other side:

"My fists pack quite a punch. Are you prepared for that?"

Garp laughed heartily. With these fists, he had defeated countless opponents and earned the title of "Hero."

He took pride in his strength, and until now, he had only used his fists against formidable foes.

Ordinary people weren't even worth his time...

"Thank you, Vice Admiral Garp, for giving me this opportunity."

Even without the system's mission, Renji had wanted to spar with Garp.

The chance to face one of the world's top fighters was something many could only dream of.

Renji drew his Yanling Blade. Against Garp, he couldn't afford to hold back.

Even Garp, who didn't use a sword, was impressed by the weapon in Renji's hand.

"That's a fine blade you have!"

With that, Garp stripped off his shirt, revealing his muscular physique.

"I've heard Vice Admiral Garp hasn't eaten a Devil Fruit."

The spectators weren't just naval officers; some well-informed townsfolk had also gathered.

"That's right. Everyone in the navy knows that."

"Vice Admiral Garp is incredibly strong."

The naval officers responded enthusiastically.

"When I grow up, I want to join the navy too!"

Some of the younger children looked on with admiration. Though they didn't know who the two men were, they aspired to protect others and gain recognition.

The nearby naval officers puffed out their chests with pride.

Their pride wasn't just in being part of the navy but in the fact that the navy was being recognized by others.

Even today, pirates remained the goal for most children in the world.

But now, thanks to Renji, the navy had become a goal for some children, and that number would only grow.

Compared to Garp, who hailed from the East Blue, Renji was more familiar to the people of the South Blue.

In just over three years, Renji had participated in and led naval operations that destroyed more than 20 pirate crews. In every battle, he was at the forefront, leading the charge against pirates.

His fearless combat style had quickly caught the attention of naval headquarters, proving that his potential was on par with legends like Sengoku and Zephyr.

"Soru!"

Renji shot forward like a bullet, his blade aimed straight at Garp.

"The fight's started!" someone exclaimed.

Garp, like an eagle spreading its wings, raised his fist and charged at Renji. Under the sunlight, his fist seemed to glow as it collided head-on with Renji's blade.

A gust of wind swept through the area, causing the spectators to stagger.

The spacious training ground provided enough room for the two to maneuver.

After landing the first blow, Garp didn't let up. He continued his relentless assault, his fists a blur of motion.

Facing Garp's onslaught, Renji didn't retreat. Instead, to everyone's surprise, he stepped forward. With his right hand, he blocked Garp's punches, while his left hand deflected the attacks, neutralizing Garp's momentum.

"Not bad, kid," Garp praised.

Just as Renji managed to counter the attack, Garp suddenly shifted his stance, stepping back before launching a powerful punch aimed at Renji's face.

Garp's fists were a force to be reckoned with, their sheer power making it impossible for anyone to stand against him.

At the same time, Renji's body, enhanced by the Dragon-Dragon Fruit, was incredibly resilient. Without fear, he leaped forward.

However, the gap in their strength was too great. Renji couldn't withstand Garp's overwhelming power.

After taking a direct hit, Renji was sent flying backward. He stabbed his blade into the ground to steady himself and dissipate the force.

"Phew..."

Renji exhaled deeply, now fully aware of the power behind Garp's fists. But instead of discouraging him, it only fueled his determination.

There was nothing more exhilarating than a good old-fashioned brawl between men.

"Crack..."

Renji's expression turned serious as he clenched his fists, gathering energy within his body.

"Hmm... Not bad..."

Garp stood quietly, watching Renji prepare. Since this was just a spar, it was only fair to let Renji unleash his full strength.

Boom!

Suddenly, the ground beneath Renji's feet cracked, the fissures spreading outward.

A faint green aura began to swirl around his body—this was his strongest state in human form.

"This kid has this kind of power hidden within him?" Garp was momentarily surprised by the energy emanating from Renji, but his eyes soon burned with fighting spirit.

"Breaking Army Slash!"

The green aura wrapped around Renji's blade as he swung it with all his might.

Whoosh!

All eyes were glued to the arc of Renji's blade. This time, they even thought they heard the roar of a dragon accompanying the strike.

Crash!

The windows of the base shattered, glass raining down onto the ground.

Garp's fist, though seemingly plain, carried the force to crush boulders. His expression remained calm as his punch aimed straight for Renji's abdomen.

One attack was flashy and grand, while the other was simple and unassuming.

BOOM!!!

The sword and fist struck their targets simultaneously, creating an ear-splitting explosion.

Renji's blade stopped at Garp's arm, unable to penetrate the Haki-infused skin.

Unlike Garp, who remained composed, Renji crumpled to the ground, his body trembling in pain as he curled into a fetal position.

"Oops!" Garp exclaimed, realizing he had gone too far. "I got too excited and overdid it."

He knelt beside Renji, checking on his condition.

"I'm fine..." Renji managed to say, though his voice trembled, and a trickle of blood escaped the corner of his mouth.

Internally, he groaned: This is so embarrassing...

"WOOOOOAH!"

As the fight concluded, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause and cheers. Only now did they truly understand the terrifying strength of naval officers.

(Ordinary people could only judge strength by the destruction caused during battles.)

And this was just a spar, with neither side going all out...

[Ding! Congratulations, host, for completing the mission...]

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