The ship, a distant speck against the boundless blue, carried young Luffy towards Fusha Village. He was a whirlwind of strategic thought and silent observation, a three-year-old with eyes that mirrored the vastness of the sea. The salty spray kissed his face, but his gaze remained fixed on the horizon, his mind already charting the course of his future. The relentless training with Garp had sculpted his body, but it was his mind, sharp and inquisitive, that truly set him apart. He was a sponge, absorbing everything, analyzing, dissecting, and reassembling the world around him.
The journey to Fusha Village was a pivotal moment, a turning point that would shape his destiny. He was a vessel of potential, a future legend in the making. He was not yet aware of his past lives, but the seeds of his destiny were already sown. He was simply Monkey D. Luffy, a boy with a spark, a burning desire to understand the world.
His mind was constantly at work, a complex equation of observation and analysis. He studied the ship, its structure, its mechanisms, and the sailors' movements. He analyzed the wind, the waves, and the currents. He was driven by a thirst for knowledge, a desire to understand the world around him.
As the ship neared Fusha Village, Luffy's mind shifted. He began to plan, to strategize. He needed a base of operations, a place to learn, grow, and hone his skills. He needed allies, people he could trust, people who would stand by him. He knew that the journey wouldn't be easy. The world was filled with dangers, with powerful adversaries who would try to stop him. But he was ready. He was prepared to face any challenge, to overcome any obstacle. He was Luffy, and he would become the Pirate King.
The village of Fusha, nestled at the foot of Mount Colubo, was a haven of tranquility, a stark contrast to the tempestuous sea. The village sprawled across a vast plain, dotted with small forests and the familiar sight of windmills, their blades turning lazily in the sea breeze. Luffy disembarked, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar landscape. He observed the bustling marketplace, the weathered houses, and the curious villagers. He noted the layout of the village, the potential escape routes, and the strategic advantages. His mind was a battlefield, analyzing every detail, formulating plans.
He was met by a stern-faced woman named Curly Dadan, a mountain bandit and Garp's old friend. She was a woman of few words, but her gruff exterior hid a surprising kindness. She was tasked with looking after Luffy, a responsibility she accepted with a sigh and a muttered complaint.
Before Garp departed, he took Luffy aside. His usually boisterous demeanor softened, replaced by a rare display of affection. "Luffy," he said, his voice gruff but laced with a hint of sadness, "I have to go back to my duties. I've been away too long." He ruffled Luffy's hair, a gesture that the boy, despite his stoic nature, secretly cherished. "You're going to be staying here in Fusha Village. You'll be safe here, and you'll be able to train."
Garp reached into his bag, pulling out a collection of items. "Here," he said, handing Luffy a thick manual. "This is a Haki training manual. It'll help you with your speed and agility. Use it well." He then produced a smaller, leather-bound book. "This one contains six style techniques. Bogard, my right-hand man, wrote it. Study it carefully." Finally, he presented Luffy with a well-worn notebook. "And this is a training manual. It's written by Bogard as well, it will help you in your journey."
He also gave Luffy several small, grey rocks. "These are Seastone. They weaken Devil Fruit users. Keep them safe. You never know when they might come in handy."
Garp's final words were filled with a mix of pride and concern. "Luffy, you're a good kid. Don't forget what I taught you. Never give up. Always protect those you care about. And... well, I hope you'll consider joining the Marines someday. But whatever you choose, be strong." With a final, affectionate pat on the head, Garp turned and left, leaving Luffy to face his new life.