Five Years

The ship groaned under the force of Tenzin's palm strike, a deafening thud echoing through the scrapyard. The sound carried across the G1 Marine base, drawing the attention of passing Marines who paused to watch the towering young Captain at work. Sweat trickled down Tenzin's face, his breathing steady despite the intensity of his training. At just twelve years old, he was already a figure of awe. His kasaya fluttered with his movements, contrasting the loose justice coat draped over his shoulders. It was an unusual combination of garments, but it symbolized Tenzin's dual identity—Marine officer and devout monk.

Each strike reverberated through the battered battleship before him. The hulking vessel, long retired from active duty, had been reduced to a training dummy under Garp's strict regimen. Tenzin pulled back for a moment, examining the dents and craters he had made along the hull. He was far from finished.

At nearly six feet tall, Tenzin was a striking figure. His lean, muscular frame was the result of years of intense physical conditioning. Despite his young age, his body exuded a presence that demanded respect. Yet, even as Marines looked on with awe, it was his serene demeanor that left the strongest impression. Tenzin's towering height and chiseled physique were remarkable, but it was the calm wisdom in his eyes and the quiet confidence in his movements that truly set him apart.

From a distance, Vice Admiral Garp observed silently, arms crossed over his massive chest. His weathered face broke into a rare smile as he watched his student deliver another thunderous blow to the battleship. "This brat's unbelievable," Garp thought. "At twelve years old, he's already achieved what most Marines won't in a lifetime. If Dragon and Kuzan are prodigies, then Tenzin's in a class of his own."

Over the past five years, Garp had pushed Tenzin to the brink, instilling in him the values of hard work and unyielding resolve. For Garp, strength wasn't just about technique or even Haki. It was about the body and mind working as one. "True power," Garp would often say, "comes from fists that can shatter mountains and a will that never bends." Tenzin had taken those words to heart, and his progress was proof of his dedication.

"Oi, brat!" Garp's voice boomed across the scrapyard.

Tenzin paused mid-strike, lowering his hands and turning to face his mentor. "Yes, Sensei?"

"You've wrecked enough ships for today," Garp said, his grin wide. He gestured for Tenzin to follow. "C'mere. We've got something to talk about."

Tenzin wiped his hands on a cloth, draping it over his neck as he fell into step beside Garp. Despite his own towering height, Tenzin was still dwarfed by Garp's imposing ten-foot frame.

As they walked through the base, Marines saluted them, though their eyes lingered on Tenzin. His rapid ascent to Captain at such a young age had turned him into a living legend among the ranks. Yet, Tenzin hardly seemed to notice, his expression calm and focused.

Garp finally stopped near a shaded area at the edge of the scrapyard, leaning against a pile of spare ship parts. "You've been growin' strong, kid," Garp said, his tone carrying a mix of pride and amusement. "Not just in height, though you're big enough to scare most cadets now. But as a Marine, too. Captain at twelve—that's unheard of."

Tenzin offered a small smile. "The rank is of little consequence to me, Sensei. My purpose remains unchanged. Amitabha."

Garp barked out a laugh, slapping Tenzin on the back hard enough to stagger most men. "Yeah, yeah. Peace and enlightenment, or whatever it is you're always spoutin'. But don't sell yourself short. You've earned it, kid. Every bit of it."

Tenzin nodded, his gaze thoughtful. Despite his rapid rise, he often found himself reflecting on the responsibilities that came with power. It wasn't just about his own strength but the example he set for others.

Garp's expression turned more serious as he leaned forward, his grin fading. "Now, about this trip…"

Tenzin raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"I've got some business in the East Blue," Garp said. "And you're comin' with me."

"The East Blue?" Tenzin repeated, tilting his head slightly.

"Yeah," Garp said, his tone growing more contemplative. "I need to check in on a couple of kids I've been lookin' after. My grandson, Luffy, and another brat named Ace. They're livin' in the Goa Kingdom."

Tenzin's eyes widened slightly. In all his years training under Garp, the Vice Admiral had rarely mentioned his family. The revelation piqued his curiosity.

"They're good kids," Garp continued, though his tone grew noticeably gruffer. "But they've got their heads full of nonsense—talkin' about bein' pirates, of all things!"

"Pirates?" Tenzin repeated, his calm expression giving way to faint surprise.

"Yeah," Garp grumbled, crossing his arms. "I've tried knockin' some sense into 'em, but they're stubborn. Takes after their old man, I guess."

Tenzin nodded thoughtfully. Though Garp's frustration was clear, there was an undertone of fondness in his words. It was evident that Garp cared deeply for the two boys, even if their aspirations clashed with his own ideals.

"We leave tomorrow morning," Garp said, his grin returning. "So get some rest. You're gonna need it."

The next morning.

The sun was just beginning to rise as Tenzin approached the docked ship. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of salt from the nearby sea. Tenzin wore his usual attire, the justice coat billowing slightly in the morning breeze. His tall frame cast a long shadow as he boarded the ship, where Garp and Bogard were already waiting.

"'Bout time you showed up," Garp said with a grin.

Tenzin bowed slightly. "Good morning, Sensei."

As the crew prepared to set sail, Garp clapped a hand on Tenzin's shoulder. "This trip's gonna be good for you, kid. You'll see the East Blue, meet some new faces, and maybe even learn a thing or two."

Tenzin smiled faintly, his gaze drifting toward the horizon. 

As the ship began to pull away from the dock, Tenzin turned to Garp. "Sensei, these children of yours… what are they like?"

Garp groaned, running a hand down his face. "Luffy's a fool who can't sit still for five seconds, and Ace's got enough fire in his gut to pick a fight with the sun. Both of 'em wanna be pirates. Drives me crazy!"

Tenzin chuckled softly, though he hid it behind his hand. "It sounds as though they share your stubbornness, Sensei."

Garp scowled, though there was no real malice in it. "Stubbornness, huh? Let's see how stubborn you are after a few days of meetin' those two. Might knock some of that calm of yours right outta ya!"

Tenzin smiled, his curiosity growing.