Training in the Six Powers began quickly.
What relieved Alex was that his learning ability was not weak. Otherwise, if his talent were too poor and he failed to learn the techniques, even his point-allocation cheat would be useless.
Seven days later, the warship passed through the Red Line via the Marines' exclusive passage and entered the New World.
During those seven days, he mastered his first Six Powers technique.
"Iron Body!"
Alex let out a low shout.
The muscles and skin across his entire body instantly hardened, becoming as rigid as steel.
Although Iron Body had often been mocked by fans in his previous life, after personally training it, Alex quickly realized it was an extremely practical defensive technique.
A new entry appeared on his system panel alongside Conqueror's Haki.
"Six Powers — Iron Body LV1+."
This meant Iron Body could also be upgraded through point allocation, allowing its effectiveness to increase rapidly.
Conqueror's Haki was a trump card meant for critical moments and couldn't be used as a standard technique, while the Six Powers were clearly meant to serve as everyday combat abilities.
Alex set himself a goal—to master all Six Powers in the shortest time possible.
That afternoon, he picked up a standard Marine saber and trained swordsmanship under Bogard's guidance.
After an hour of instruction on posture and force application, the weapon in his hands was replaced by a two-ton dumbbell.
Whoosh!
As he swung it, powerful winds howled through the air. Sweat flew from his body and splattered across the deck.
True strength was always forged through inhuman effort and relentless tempering.
"Hahahahaha!"
"I already told you, Fleet Admiral Kong—I refuse your proposal to promote me to Admiral!"
"I just arrived in the New World. Admirals don't have nearly as much freedom as Vice Admirals!"
Garp's booming laughter echoed nearby.
"That order comes from the highest level of the World Government, Garp!"
"You cannot be so willful!"
Kong's stern voice could be heard clearly even from a distance.
"I don't care whether it's the World Government or those five old men—I refuse!"
"I have zero interest in becoming an Admiral!"
Garp replied casually.
"Think carefully, Garp. This is already the fifth time you've refused promotion."
Kong frowned.
"I still refuse. No need to think about it!"
"Oh, and let me report something—I've taken in a disciple named Alex. His potential and talent are excellent."
Garp said with a grin.
"As long as you're happy."
Kong sighed.
The Den Den Mushi call ended shortly afterward.
Kuzan immediately rushed over, full of excitement.
"That's amazing, Vice Admiral Garp! How many times has this been now that you've refused promotion to Admiral?"
"Young people shouldn't learn from me."
"I'm just used to being lazy."
Garp chuckled.
Alex said nothing, continuing to swing the heavy dumbbell.
Three more days passed.
The warship finally arrived at a New World stronghold known as G5 Base.
Here, Alex saw for the first time two of the Marines' current pillars.
Admiral Sengoku the Buddha.
Admiral Black Arm Zephyr.
The two Admirals walked forward side by side, followed by stern-faced officers.
Alex noticed that every officer behind them held general-level ranks, their presence heavy and imposing. One glance was enough to sense the iron-blooded aura of veterans hardened by countless battles.
Clearly, they were all powerful fighters.
"Garp, we've been waiting for you."
"The situation in the New World isn't looking good."
Zephyr spoke gravely.
Garp laughed loudly. "Picked up a talented kid along the way. Delayed us a bit."
He suddenly pulled Alex forward.
"This is my disciple—Alex!"
Alex saluted solemnly, remaining silent.
"So this is the boy who offended nobles and the Celestial Dragons?"
"Garp, you're becoming more reckless by the day."
Sengoku frowned.
After observing Alex briefly, he nodded lightly.
"I'll handle the political aftermath of that incident for you."
Alex paused. "Thank you, Admiral Sengoku."
Sengoku waved dismissively, unconcerned with the matter, then spoke seriously.
"We must head to the Edd War Sea immediately."
"Golden Lion Shiki has gathered a large force there."
"The Roger Pirates have appeared there as well."
Garp burst into laughter upon hearing this.
"Then let's set off immediately!"
"Roger and Shiki—I haven't seen them in a long time. This charge is mine!"
"No one's stealing it from me!"
Zephyr frowned. "The situation isn't the same as before. Don't act recklessly."
The group began walking toward the Marine base while Alex followed silently behind.
"Alex, this time we might finally see those two guys," Kuzan whispered beside him.
"Those two guys?"
Alex asked.
"Kuzan probably means Sakazuki and Borsalino," Bogard said quietly—the rare moment he spoke.
Alex's eyes narrowed slightly.
He was about to meet all three future Admirals.
G5 Base was a closed military fortress. Its entrance was narrow, connected to the inner compound by a long bridge.
Alex scanned his surroundings. Massive artillery batteries stood silently under the sunlight, their dark metal surfaces gleaming. Marines patrolled in disciplined formation throughout the base.
What shocked him more was that every marine here was an officer—at least a lieutenant, with most holding field officer ranks.
"Field officers are the minimum requirement to enter the New World," Kuzan explained with a smile.
"Anything lower means your strength isn't enough."
Alex nodded.
Compared to the first half of the Grand Line or the Four Seas, combat intensity in the New World was on an entirely different level. Naturally, the standards for Marine strength were far higher.
Soon, the group entered the interior of the fortress.
Garp and the others quickly departed, clearly heading to a meeting.
Alex remained with Kuzan and Bogard.
They were received by a curvy blonde female officer with long wavy hair, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
"My name is Rista," she said with a smile. "Major Kuzan's reputation precedes him. Just like the other two majors stationed here, you're all monsters freshly graduated from the Marine academy."
"I'm no monster," Kuzan waved dismissively, slinging an arm around the silent Alex beside him.
"This guy's the real monster."
Rista turned her curious gaze toward the black-haired youth. She didn't recognize him. Facing her friendly smile, Alex showed no reaction—not even a polite nod.
Seeing this, Kuzan smiled awkwardly.
"Sorry, Lieutenant Colonel Rista. He's like Bogard—a man of few words."
Rista blinked, then laughed softly. "I can see that."
She looked at Alex again and quickly realized he truly wasn't talkative at all—simply standing quietly and listening as they spoke.
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