Chapter 1: 13 years

On a certain island on east blue, a child whose age is a few years older than a decade, was panting heavily. This child was Lucas, 13 years had already passed since the old man adopted him and now, he regretted it. His skin tone was color brown, because of the training underneath the sun, he isn't bad looking too. It's just that there are more handsome boys than him.

"what's the matter tired already? You will not survive out there if you are this weak. C'mon, don't stop now, there's still more to go." The old man kept on shouting while training Lucas.

The old man's name was Ross, a white-haired 68-year-old retired Marine headquarters captain, he followed Garp when he was still active, he fought with him when they cornered the Pirate King many times. He was extremely ambitious when he was young, but sadly he never fulfilled those dreams of his. He wanted Lucas to achieve his dreams, but he would never push his ideals to him, he wants Lucas to find his own path and walk in it. He never told Lucas anything about his parents, in return Lucas never even asked him about it. Lucas was his grandson, and he was his Grandfather.

Lucas who was almost dying snapped back at Ross, "You old devil, are you trying to kill your own Grandson?" When Ross heard it, he replied, "ho ho, you still got some energy in you punk, now run you little devil and after this stamina, next will be haki training."

Lucas could see the old man grinning, then he cursed him in his mind. 'tss. This old devil will really kill me, would it hurt him to tone down the training a little?' as he was cursing the old man, Ross was happy with his progress.

He started training Lucas when he was 8 years old, a light workout, then hell started when Lucas became 10 years old. Although he hated the hellish training, he was grateful because he can feel himself getting stronger by the day. Lucas' name in this new life of his was Xero, the day Ross met Lucas, there was a name written on one his blanket.

Ross kept the name Xero for Lucas in respect for the mother of the child. Back to the training, Xero (Lucas) was tired but still kept going, he didn't want to die a dog's death here in one piece, he actually wants to make a name for himself. He was training for 5 years, but he only started to grasp the observation haki. He did awaken his haki just a few weeks back, so according to his calculation he would be able to fully learn the basics in just a few more months.

Xero who was resting right now suddenly remember something, "pa, you said there was another person when you found me, where is he now?"

Ross who was thinking another training method was startled by the sudden question, "oh, he's dead now. Few years ago, his family contacted me that he died fighting a certain pirate group. Then I contacted the marines to see if it was true. Sad to say it was."

"Did the marines caught those Pirates?" asked by Xero. He wanted to meet that young marine. Sad to say he passed away.

"how can that be? That certain pirate was strong, as strong as the whitebeard pirates. So, you young man, never ever go after something you can't handle, you'll just be throwing your life away for nothing." Ross reminded his Grandson.

The were talking about stuff's on how to survive, when suddenly a chubby boy came running and said, "Captain Ross, Vice-Admiral Garp is here. He's looking for you." This isn't the first time Garp visited them, this is the 3rd time.

"ok thanks little Roma, I'll be on my way." replied Ross. The little chubby kid was resident of the island that they were staying for 13 years.

"Oi Xero, Garp's here. You want to come with me?"

"Nope. I will just rest here. I feel like dying right now."

Ross nodded and went to the place where Garp is waiting. Then little Roma went to ask Xero.

"Big brother Xero, do you know the reason why the Vice-Admiral is here again?". When Garp first visited, the people on the Island where shocked to the point they were frightened if there was a criminal hiding in their town.

"I don't know, and you don't need to know. You're still young and you're already good at gossiping." Xero said while ruining the kid's hair.

***

Garp's location.

"Yo Garp, what's the sudden visit again?" asked Ross.

"Leave us for a while." Garp told Bogard and his crew. When they left, Garp looked at Ross sharply.

"Why did suddenly you look old? You are younger than me, right?" Garp laugh as he said those words. Ross really looked older than Garp despite being younger.

"It's only 3 years, and besides, I am old. I already have a Grandson remember?" Ross snapped back at him.

"Hahaha. Xero's only older than Luffy by a year, right?"

"So, what's the real reason of your visit?" Ross asked the important question. When Garp heard the question, his face suddenly became serious.

"I know all about Xero, your Grandson."

It's like time came to a sudden stop. Ross was not surprised that Garp would find out. So, he just took sigh. When Garp saw the expression on Ross' face, he then asked a question.

"Why didn't you tell me? Do you not trust me? Did you think that I would report it to the higher ups?" Garp was quite disappointed that the man who with him since Roger's era would keep this secret from him.

"No. I don't want to include you with this trouble, you already have your fair share of trouble. I don't want to add this up. Dragon, is more than enough."

"So does Xero know about Xebec?" When Garp saw the information of Xero he was shocked, it reminded him of Ace.

"No, I never told him, and he never asked. Actually, it's better this way."

"I see. When I read Xero's information, I immediately told Bogard to erase his informations leading to Xebec. But sooner or later, the Marines will learn the truth. I can only help you this time old friend." Garp said as he also thinked of Ace.

"You have my thanks Garp." Said sincerely by Ross.

Then after talking and drinking with Ross, Garp and his men left the Island, they will be returning to the Marine Headquarters.

***

Xero's location

Xero who was resting, was pondering on how to grasp the Bososhoku haki. He need learn the 2 types of haki before travelling to the sea.

'4 years from now, I will travel to the sea. Pirate hunter or being a pirate? Well, let's think about when the future arrives hehehe.' Thought Xero while looking at the sea.