I looked at the cuffs before me, noting their strange metal composition. My eyes lifted to meet Bogart's steady gaze. As I put the cuffs on, I nearly collapsed. A sudden, overwhelming weakness washed over me, sapping my strength. Struggling to stay upright, I looked at Bogart. "What are these, and why do they make me feel so weak?" I asked, curiosity and confusion evident in my voice.
"They are seastone cuffs," Bogart explained. "They're not strong enough to prevent you from working, but they will stop you from relying on your devil fruit abilities while we train on the way back to Headquarters. This will toughen you up and build your strength and abilities."
"Yes, sir. What do you need me to do next, sir?" I replied, standing at attention as best I could despite the intense weakness. I had to push through this debilitating sensation and persevere.
"Simple," Bogart said firmly. "You need to do work around the ship, move stuff, help anyone who needs it, and get used to service life. By the time we reach base, you should have learned how life as a sailor works."
I nodded, understanding the rationale. The goal was to build up my strength apart from my devil fruit abilities. I started working immediately, assisting in various parts of the ship and supporting anyone who needed help. The burn from exerting my weakened body was intense, but I pushed through it. By the end of the day, I was famished.
As I sat down for a meal, Koby and Helmeppo joined me. That night, we had a large seafood meal with rice. I looked at my friends, feeling a mix of exhaustion and determination.
"I have to say, this has been rather humbling," I commented, pointing to the seastone cuffs. "These make things way harder, but I'm sure it will pay off when I'm stronger without using my devil fruit."
Koby nodded thoughtfully. "It's all part of the training. I am sure they just don't want you to be overly dependent on your devil fruit. I believe that you will come out of this much stronger."
Helmeppo nodded in agreement. "I have heard that devil fruit users who think their devil fruit makes them invincible never last very long."
"Do you know how long it is until we get to Headquarters? It seems that by the time we get there, I can take these off and start to adapt to using my devil fruit," I asked, sharing my thoughts.
"I think we have three weeks," Koby replied as I pondered that period of time.
"Okay, well, I think I should be ready for almost anything by that point with how much work they are making me do," I said, contemplating the challenge ahead. "Having a good meal makes it a lot easier," I added with a smile, looking at the two younger marines I was slowly befriending.
"Yeah, it's pretty okay," Helmeppo commented, used to better food but not complaining.
"Yeah, let's keep working hard and eating well so we can get strong," Koby interjected.
The meal continued, and I mostly listened, occasionally suggesting extra training we could do while preparing for Headquarters. Helmeppo wasn't enthusiastic about training, but Koby was more than willing to push forward and do extra work.
As we finished the meal, I felt a better connection with these two. I knew I would need support and bonds in this wild and crazy world. Over the next few weeks, I worked hard every day, doing my best to help around the ship. Slowly, I got used to being weak. Though I didn't feel any stronger, my body adapted to the constant weakness, becoming a new norm. My body ached every night from both the work around the ship and the training with Helmeppo and Koby. I felt the strain on my muscles each day as they were pushed to their limits.
I got up and looked out at the sea. It would be a day before the ship reached Marineford, Marine Headquarters. I started to work when Bogart came up and undid the cuffs, taking them off. The moment they were off, I felt my strength return. I wanted to jump around but refrained, knowing better than to act foolish in front of a superior officer.
"You have done well, enough to get them off a day early so you can get used to being without them again," Bogart informed me, looking me dead in the eyes.
"Yes, sir," I said, saluting Bogart and standing at attention.
"Good. Now go help as usual and continue your training with the other two," Bogart instructed in his stoic tone.
I resumed my work that day, finding the chores much easier without the seastone cuffs. This wasn't just because my body wasn't weakened but also due to the strength I had built over the weeks on the ship. I knew my way around and how to do all the basic tasks. This realization energized me, and I worked hard, feeling a newfound confidence. I wasn't tired as I joined Helmeppo and Koby for training.
"Let's go!" I called out excitedly, bouncing on my feet. I focused on my devil fruit, throwing punches and attacks at the air, shadowboxing as I went through various training exercises with Helmeppo and Koby. It was fun, and I moved with far more energy and confidence that day.
I feel good about this work, about growing and improving. I look out and feel the good soreness in my body; it feels rewarding. I don't mind this light soreness now after having to deal with the cuffs for so long. It reminds me of the progress I've made. I smile as we come to an end.
"I can't wait to see this Headquarters," I say, excitement bubbling up. "I can't wait to get started with more training."
Koby smiled, his enthusiasm matching mine. "Yeah, it's going to be amazing! I've heard so many stories about Marineford. Just think about all the great marines who trained there. We'll be learning from the best!"
Helmeppo, a bit more reserved, nodded. "Yeah, it is going to be a real pain, but your right we have to do this. If we are going to make any type of name for ourselves we are going to have to work extra, just to catch up with the others."
Koby nodded vigorously. "Exactly! Let's keep pushing ourselves and make sure we're ready. We're going to be strong marines, no doubt about it!"
I nod, "Plus I know that we got each other's backs when we get there," I inform the two as I give them both a thumbs up. I can feel rather excited about this adventure that I am about to go on.
Koby grinned and returned the thumbs up enthusiastically. "Absolutely! We are friend and together we are way strong than we are apart. I have your backs no matter what, and I know you do just have to work together to do our best."
Helmeppo gave a small smile and nodded. "Yeah, with so many others here working together does give us the best for success obviously."
The next morning I woke up early as I got my normal marine uniform on and got out as I beat the rising sun up that morning. I got right to work making sure to do some extra work and get some training in before the sun is even up. As I stand on the deck I notice the Vice Admiral Garp, and I stand quickly at attention, "Sir, good morning sir," I say while still at attention.
Vice Admiral Garp turned to look at me, his signature grin spreading across his face. "Morning, kid! Up early and ready to go, huh?"
"Yes, sir!" I replied, standing as straight as I could. "Just trying to make the most of the time, sir."
Garp nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit. Keep that attitude, and you'll go far." He paused, looking out over the sea. "We'll be arriving at Marineford soon. It's a big place, and there's a lot to learn. Just remember to stay focused and work hard."
"I will, sir. Thank you for the opportunity," I said sincerely.
Garp chuckled. "Don't thank me yet. The real work is just beginning. Now, get back to it. We've got a lot to do before we dock."
"Yes, sir!" I saluted again , and then I returned to my normal work, wanting to do as good of a job as ever. I owe these marines my life, and I plan to pay that back by being as good of a marine as possible. I end up cleaning the deck as I notice that the sun is coming up.
As I look out to the sea, I look at the rising sun. I pause from my work for a moment. I just can't not look at this. What I see before me is without a doubt one of the most mesmerizing and beautiful things I have ever seen. The moments where the colors of the sun wash over the surface of the sea is something that I don't think I will ever forget in my life no matter how long I live. I refocus after a moment as I move to finish up with the sails, ensuring they are ready for when we head into harbor.
I look out and see Marineford a moment later. The massive fortress stands against the blue sky, the most imposing building I have ever seen. It looks like it could hold off an entire army without any problem. The true center of strength in the world. I am in awe of the great building and the knowledge that I will train and work there is incredible to me in that moment.
I gather myself after a few moments, knowing I have to get back to work. It isn't easy to refocus, but it is what I have to do.
I get back to work, using what I've been taught to help get the boat into dock. As we approach Marineford, I gather my things, which isn't much—just a bag of clothes that need to be washed and a bag of clean clothes. I don't have any personal items since I arrived in this world with almost nothing and haven't been in a civilized place until now.
I follow the others along the path, taking in the sight of many hardworking marines training and doing intense work. It's what I expected, but it's still intimidating to see these marines in great shape, knowing I'll be competing with them in the future. I follow Helmeppo and Koby to the barracks. Fortunately, we are assigned to the same room, with beds close to each other.
"I think this is going to be a real fun challenge. Those guys look really tough, don't you think?" I comment, thinking about the hard work the marines were doing.
Koby nods. "Yeah, they do look strong and just think when we are done with our training we will be just as strong as they are, if not stronger.
"I think we're going to have to do more than them if we want to stand out," I add, my eyes scanning the barracks.
Helmeppo lets out a deep sigh as he knows how much of a pain this is going to be. "I am not looking for this but we do have to push ourselves," he comments as he moves to sit on his assigned bed. "We have to do more or we are never going to be able to catch up to them at all.".
Koby nods his head in agreement. "Let's give it our all. We've got each other's backs, right?"
"Of course, you two are my two friends in this world I will have your back and help as much as I can, promise," I declare and I look over to Helmeppo who also nodded in agreement to the statement.
The following day we very much are part of the group of marines working hard. It is just what we expected it to be. The training is grueling and demanding, but it feels manageable compared to the time I spent training with the seastone cuffs. I encourage Koby and Helmeppo as we push through the day's tasks, and we continue our training after hours, practicing kendo and other skills. It's a tough challenge, but I know it's making each of us stronger.
We continue to work, and continue to do extra work as the days pass by. We work hard every single day, gradually getting used to the rigorous routine. One day, while we're in the middle of our training, Vice Admiral Garp calls the three of us out to meet him on the coast. He mentions something about Koby being friends with a pirate, which baffles me. Regardless, I stand beside Koby, ready to support my friend just like Helmeppo.
When we arrive at the place Garp informed us, we find ourselves out on the beach of the island., Garp stands there, his usual imposing figure silhouetted against the sea. He has a serious expression, one that we've come to know means he's not in the mood for nonsense.
"Koby," Garp begins, his voice gruff, "I heard you have a connection to a pirate."
Koby looks nervous but determined. "Yes, sir. It's true. I was friends with a pirate before I joined the marines."
Helmeppo and I exchange glances but stand firm beside Koby, ready to back him up.
Garp's eyes narrow slightly. "And you, Sui? What do you think about this?"
I straighten up. "Sir, Koby is a good person and a hardworking marine. His past connections don't change that. We're here to support each other and do our best."
Helmeppo nods in agreement. "Yeah, what Sui said. We've all worked hard to get here, and we'll keep doing so."
Garp studies us for a moment, then grunts. "Alright. I wanted to see where your loyalties lie. Seems like you've got each other's backs. That's good."
He turns and starts walking back towards the main base, motioning for us to follow. "But remember, being a marine means making tough decisions. You'll need to be ready for that."
"Now I want to see how strong you are," he says, challenging us to attack him. I look confused, but I join in the attack with Helmeppo and Koby. I attack as fast as I can trying to time my movements with their movements. I find this to be an impossible challenge as we combined even with my help only get a single hit in each and it is meaningless like a simple tap to Garp as we end up laying on the ground in pain.
"You three are rather weak, but you have spirit and I like that, from now on, you will not only do the normal training, but everything I tell you to do," Garp declared to us as we know life was just about to get far more interesting.