sea calendar Year 1520.
"Good morning, Makino. A glass of sherry wine, please, thank you!"
Taro, his messy black hair sticking up, pushed open the tavern door and spoke with a yawn.
"Good morning," Makino replied, deftly pouring the wine for Taro, her tone somewhat helpless, "Mr. Taro, you should pay a little more attention to your appearance."
Taro sprawled lazily across the bar counter. "Hmm?"
"Your hair is a mess, and you've buttoned your shirt wrong by one button." Makino pushed the wine in front of Taro and pointed at his collar.
Taro picked up the glass and gulped it down, let out a satisfied burp, and said limply, "Haven't seen a fight in days. I have no energy or mood to groom myself."
Makino was somewhat speechless. The Mr. Taro before her had suddenly appeared on the island half a month ago. Back then, with his black hair, black eyes, tall and slender build, and handsome face, Taro had attracted the attention of the island's girls for quite some time.
But gradually, everyone discovered that Taro had some quirks. Whenever he heard of a fight, he would immediately run over to watch the excitement. From brawling strongmen down to children scuffling, Taro would be there on the scene to observe.
This behavior of Taro's also became a topic of conversation for the islanders after their meals, and some busybodies were happy to inform Taro to come watch whenever there was a fight.
This had indeed been a great help to Taro.
Taro had transmigrated to the world of One Piece more than half a month ago, and a system had come along with him.
[Peerless Martial Arts Master System —— Minor Formless Skill (Great Success) Template]
In short, this system gave Taro a martial art called the "Minor Formless Skill."
Yes, that's right, it's the ultimate technique of the Tubo State Preceptor, Kumārajīva, from the previous life's martial arts masterpiece 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils'.
It is also one of the ultimate internal energy techniques of the 'Xiaoyao Sect'.
Any martial art in the world can be performed using the 'Minor Formless Skill' after seeing it just once.
Therefore, for the past half month or so, Taro has always been wherever there is a fight, and he is very well-mannered—only watching without mocking, and certainly not participating.
"I'm afraid of being beaten to death!"
Taro sighed helplessly.
Over the past half month, he had watched many fights and hadn't missed a single move; he had learned them all.
But the problem was, this is the world of One Piece. There's no telling how many ability users there are. Those moves from weaklings whose names he hadn't even heard of might be okay for street brawling, but they wouldn't be worth a damn if he really ran into trouble.
"Hey, Taro, a Marine warship has arrived at the pier. I heard a Vice Admiral is coming."
The tavern door was pushed open, and an islander shouted to Taro at the top of his lungs.
Taro was instantly rejuvenated. He downed the rest of his wine in one gulp and slammed the glass heavily onto the bar. "Makino, put the wine on my tab, I'm going to take a look..."
Without waiting for Makino's response, he rushed out like a whirlwind.
Taro was excited. It had been half a month; the protagonist Luffy had already set out to sea, and all that remained on the island were small fry. Now, he had finally waited for a big fish. Could it be that man?
By the pier, a warship painted in blue-black with white sails sat quietly on the sea.
Along both sides of the pier bridge, two rows of rifle-bearing soldiers were neatly lined up. A Vice Admiral draped in a greatcoat was stepping off the warship.
Tall, burly, strong, with grizzled hair and beard—yes, it was him!
Taro's eyes even moistened a little. It hadn't been easy. Garp, I've finally waited for you.
Garp walked down the steps, let out an exaggerated yawn, rudely picked his nose, and scanned the surroundings.
"Hmm?" Garp's gaze narrowed. He noticed someone in the crowd staring at him with burning eyes, tears glistening. "There aren't many civilians who love the Marines this much nowadays."
"Hey, you over there," Garp waved toward Taro, "Yes, you, come here."
Watching Garp wave in his direction, Taro's gaze went blank for a moment, somewhat in disbelief. "Holy crap, how did he spot me? As expected of a top-tier powerhouse in the world of One Piece, this keen insight is truly amazing! It seems that in the future, when facing named characters, I'll have to be even more careful and keep a lower profile."
Biting the bullet, Taro walked out of the crowd and stood before Garp.
"From this day forward, you are a member of the Marines."
Garp's voice was as sonorous as a clap of thunder.
Taro was stunned. What the hell? I just came to see if there was a chance to learn something; who wants to join the Marines?
Garp looked at the dumbstruck Taro and nodded secretly. He was indeed good material; he could remain expressionless even when facing him directly.
He was now even more satisfied with Taro.
"What is your name?"
Garp, in high spirits, became even more imposing.
Taro finally snapped out of it. "I'm not, I... fine, my name is Taro."
Just as Taro started to deny it, he saw Garp's aura suddenly surge. Fearing that if he continued, the other man would crush him with an Iron Fist, he quickly changed his tune and gave his name.
"Very good. To be able to stay this calm upon meeting me, very good."
Garp laughed heartily and nodded at Taro in approval. "You might not know my name..."
No, I know it.
"Nor are you aware of my strength..."
No, I'm very aware.
"This old man's name is Garp, Marine Vice Admiral, known as Garp the Fist." As he said this, Garp's confidence overflowed, and his aura intensified accordingly.
"Yes, I understand all of that."
Taro complained inwardly but showed no reaction on his face. He was pondering how to get Garp to demonstrate a few ultimate moves.
This bearing... he has the potential of an Admiral!
Garp marveled in his heart. This young man named Taro, with this unshakable mindset, was comparable to an Admiral!
"Um... that, Vice Admiral Garp, I have a small request. I wonder if I could make it?" Taro asked Garp in a consultative tone.
Seeing that Garp didn't object, Taro continued: "I want to see your ultimate technique. Just a demonstration will do. One move, one move is enough!"
Taro held up one finger and spoke sincerely while looking into Garp's eyes.
"What an outstanding young man," Garp thought of those troublesome brats and sighed, "Looking at that expectant gaze, it's truly impossible to refuse."
Garp nodded. "Very well."
A soldier nearby immediately ran onto the warship and soon came back down holding a cannonball, which he handed to Garp.
Taro instantly concentrated, watching Garp's movements closely. He saw Garp grab the cannonball with one hand, weigh it twice, and suddenly throw it, "Fist Meteor!"
With a whistle, the cannonball sliced through the air and hurtled toward the sea. With a loud boom, it exploded, kicking up a massive wave.
A glimmer flashed in Taro's eyes, and a system prompt followed.
[Fist Meteor learned successfully]
"Fine, I'll join the Marines!"
Taro's eyes revealed a burning intensity, and his tone was firm.
"Haha!" Garp laughed joyfully.