Under Garp's orders, the veteran marines inspected the remaining pirates for survivors, but found nothing.
After the two consecutive punches that resembled nuclear explosions, the pirates were already beyond saving.
Those who had not died had been knocked unconscious by Conqueror's Haki, and upon encountering these seasoned soldiers, they fell into permanent sleep without ever regaining awareness.
Alex stood silently to the side, watching.
There was no talk of capture or mercy.
Every surviving pirate was finished off without hesitation.
In the end, all pirate corpses were piled along the shore and set ablaze, turning to ashes within roaring flames.
"Bogard!"
"Count the casualties from this battle."
Garp spoke in a deep voice.
Bogard nodded.
The crew soon returned to the ship. Alex leaned quietly against the mast, reflecting on everything he had learned during the battle.
The midday sun shone harshly overhead.
The sorrow of death was far less severe than he had imagined.
Before long, smiles returned to the faces of Garp, Kuzan, and the others, as though the battle from moments ago had never happened.
At that moment, Alex fully understood what human life meant in war.
It was nothing more than a coin tossed into the air—life or death decided in an instant, leaving barely a trace in people's hearts.
He came to a clear realization of what death truly meant.
In this chaotic era, such things happened every single day.
"Once the Jerseylo Island mission is finished, we'll head to the New World!"
Kuzan walked over and said with a grin.
Alex narrowed his eyes. "That's a far more dangerous sea."
"Yeah! But that's where we truly belong."
"The three great pirates are gathered there, all chasing the title of Pirate King and trying to claim the world."
"I've heard it's a sea ruled by the strong."
Expectation gleamed in Kuzan's eyes.
"Gol D. Roger."
"Dark King Rayleigh."
"Whitebeard, Edward Newgate."
"Kozuki Oden."
"Golden Lion Shiki."
"Just thinking about their names gets my blood pumping."
Kuzan spoke excitedly.
"If you met them now, you'd probably just die," Alex said calmly.
"Haha, true enough."
"I'm still too weak! But Alex, one day I'll become as strong as them—become a hero like Vice Admiral Garp!"
Kuzan grinned, full of youthful passion.
Alex smiled faintly and nodded. "Yes. You'll become an Admiral."
"Let's work hard together!"
Kuzan shouted.
At that moment, Bogard walked over carrying a brand-new Marine uniform and placed it before Alex.
"This is your new uniform."
"And this is your rank."
Alex looked down and froze.
The uniform was similar to the one he wore, only brand new. The insignia, however, clearly indicated the rank of Major—the same rank as Kuzan.
"That's amazing. You're probably the fastest promotion in Marine history, Alex!"
Kuzan gave a thumbs-up and praised him.
"I… don't need to go through the trainee period anymore?" Alex asked, puzzled.
"You're my disciple and my subordinate. I know better than anyone what position your strength deserves."
Garp said with a grin while picking his nose.
In truth, based on the boy's Conqueror's Haki performance alone, he could already qualify for a general-level position. But considering Alex's weak fundamentals, Major was a suitable starting point.
After a brief pause, Alex changed out of his damaged clothing.
Officer-level uniforms came with the iconic white Justice coat. As the sea breeze blew and the coat fluttered behind him, an invisible sense of authority and presence spread naturally.
Garp personally awarded him the rank and fastened the insignia.
"From now on, you are a Marine Major!"
"It's a bit fast, but wartime promotions are exceptional. And my disciple deserves recognition!"
After a pause, Garp looked at the handsome black-haired youth before him and nodded with satisfaction, patting his shoulder.
"Not bad! You've got presence!"
"We still have time before heading to the New World battlefield. I'll teach you hand-to-hand combat."
"Bogard will teach you swordsmanship."
"How much you learn depends on your own ability!"
Alex remained silent.
Somehow, he had been accepted as Garp's disciple without warning. From beginning to end, the Marine hero had never even asked his opinion—remarkably similar to how Garp treated his own grandchildren, never once respecting their choices.
Yet Alex felt little resistance in his heart.
Having just arrived in this world, the man before him had effectively saved him. Even if he could not be killed, being thrown into Impel Down for life or subjected to endless torture would be unimaginable suffering.
Unkillable did not mean invincible.
Training began almost immediately.
Though Garp appeared carefree, he was always decisive when it came to action.
"The Six Powers, as the name suggests, consist of six techniques."
"Any officer who has undergone systematic Marine training usually understands or masters one or two of them."
"Those with great talent and enough effort can learn all six."
Alex listened attentively. He naturally knew of the Six Powers, especially Iron Body, which had been famously known in his previous life.
"Now, attack me."
"The prerequisite for learning the Six Powers is possessing a body that surpasses ordinary human limits."
Garp said.
Alex nodded and threw a punch toward Garp.
Garp caught the punch easily, a hint of surprise appearing in his eyes.
"Use your leg. Attack with full strength."
Without hesitation, Alex kicked toward Garp's palm.
Bang!
A dull impact echoed.
Garp nodded. "That's enough."
"You already meet the physical requirements to learn the Six Powers."
Internally, however, he was shocked.
The power contained within those strikes had already surpassed the minimum Doriki required to begin Six Powers training.
After a rough assessment, Garp estimated Alex's current Doriki to be around 850.
An absurd number.
Some people trained through hardship for over a decade to reach such a level.
But how long had this boy trained?
One session dragged through the sea.
One close-quarters battlefield.
Garp could only attribute it to overwhelming natural talent.
"At this rate, this kid's fundamentals might surpass Kuzan's very soon."
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