Want to read ahead? Join my Patreon for only $7 to get early access to upcoming chapters!
> > Patreon.com/inkshield <<
----------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 37
"I'll help keep watch on your ship too."
Garp, now awake, stepped out of the cabin and spoke casually.
Seeing Garp in just a vest, Jepack instantly understood—true powerhouses never skip training, even for a moment.
Good thing I've got cheats. If I really had to grind like this, I'd probably have to restart One Piece Online.
"Good morning, old man/teacher!"
After silently complaining, Jepack and Guina greeted Garp together.
"Then it's in your hands! I'm going back to sleep!"
With that, Jepack lay down and immediately started snoring.
When Guina and Garp finished their morning training, Nami also woke up and walked out onto the deck.
Seeing everyone gathered, Garp spoke up:
"Since both of you are willing to become my named disciples, I won't hold back. Except for the Navy's Six Powers—which I can't teach you—I'll pass on everything else."
"Now follow me to the training room."
"Yes, Teacher!"
After answering, they led Garp to the usual training room.
Garp stood in the center and said with a grin:
"For today's first lesson, you just need to wear these weighted bands and do your normal routine!"
He tossed out the weighted bands he carried—BOOM—the sound made Nami jump in fright.
Nami stared at the weights on the floor in shock, stuttering:
"T-This… this thing… I probably can't even lift it. Can I really… wear it on my body?"
Right after Nami spoke, Guina had already picked up half the weight set and strapped it on, immediately feeling the pressure.
Seeing Guina put it on so easily, Nami tried lifting the weights with one hand. She found she couldn't even move it. Using both hands, she barely managed to lift it—putting it on was completely out of the question.
Carrying the weights, Nami gave Guina a pitiful look, her eyes practically begging for help.
Guina: "..."
With Guina's assistance, Nami finally managed to strap the weights on—but she could only sit on the floor, unable to stand or move.
Seeing this, Garp spoke seriously:
"Your goal today is simply to wear these weights while doing your usual activities. Whether training or anything else—don't take them off. After 24 hours, come back here. That's when I'll tell you the next step."
With that, he strode out of the training room.
The two girls watched Garp leave. They both understood that becoming stronger meant adapting to this level of training.
Guina gradually adjusted to the weight and began her daily sword practice. Nami, meanwhile, remained sitting on the floor, stubbornly trying to stand up—but the intensity was still too much for her.
Watching Guina struggle ten times harder than usual while sweating profusely through sword swings, Nami gritted her teeth and kept trying to stand again and again.
After Guina had swung her sword countless times, Nami finally managed to stand—though still shaky. It was her first step forward.
After fifteen minutes, she could stand normally. Slowly, she tried taking steps—shuffling around the training room one small step at a time.
Guina was still swinging her sword…
Two and a half hours later, Nami had adapted to normal walking and began trying faster steps, then light jogging.
Guina was still swinging her sword…
Another two and a half hours passed. Nami could now jog slowly, but her stamina was completely drained.
Seeing this, Guina stopped her practice, went over, supported Nami, and helped her walk toward the deck.
Passing the deck, they saw Garp fast asleep in Jepack's favorite chair. They didn't disturb him. When they reached the kitchen to prepare something to eat, they found someone had already made energy-replenishing food for them.
Next to it was a small note:
"Was sleeping peacefully, but got dragged up by the old man to make food. Originally wanted to complain about the stinky geezer. Then he said it was to help you two recover energy and stamina—suddenly had nothing to say. The old geezer also wouldn't let me watch your training—said it would disturb you… Fine. Since that's the case, I won't watch! Make sure you eat the energy meal I carefully prepared, okay!? (^_-)"
Guina and Nami read the playful last line of Jepack's note. Their lips unconsciously curved upward into sweet smiles.
After finishing the food Jepack prepared and taking a sip of the energy drink he left, Nami said to Guina:
"Feels like this level of training isn't that exhausting anymore. I can move freely now!"
Guina smiled and gently tapped Nami's forehead without saying anything—just looked toward the lookout platform with a happy expression.
Then the two returned to the training room and began a new round of practice.
A full day passed…
Nami could now perform normal daily movements—running, swinging a sword, jumping—all doable.
Guina was still swinging her sword…
That night, Jepack woke up and saw the spotless dishes in the kitchen. He felt very satisfied.
He quietly checked on the two sleeping girls in their rooms, gently brushing aside the stray hairs from their faces.
In the next moment, he returned to his deck chair. Next to him lay Garp.
"Does it really need to be this intense on the first day? Guina's fine, but Nami's just an ordinary person."
After lying down, Jepack tossed Garp a bottle of sweet soda and asked casually.
"You have to understand—I don't have much time left on this ship. This intensity is what they asked for. They want to learn the most in the shortest time and raise their strength. Starting like this is the fastest way."
"They're doing it so they won't hold you back. Such good seedlings. I'm honestly not happy you stole them. I kind of regret listening to your suggestion about taking named disciples!"
Garp opened the sweet soda—fizz fizz—the bubbles danced happily. He took a big gulp and spoke slowly:
"Can't be helped. I can't stand watching that scene. It hurts too much!"
"That's why I didn't let you watch. If you dare interfere with their progress, believe me—I'll just kidnap both of them back to the Navy and train them slowly."
Garp shot Jepack a threatening glance.
"Uwai na Garp-chan Don't worry—I won't disturb them. I want them to become more confident too."
Jepack teased Garp in a playful, exaggerated tone.
Want to read ahead? Join my Patreon for only $7 to get early access to upcoming chapters!
> > Patreon.com/inkshield <<
----------------------------------------------------------