SIX PATH SAGE OF THE ROCKS PIRATES

On the other side, Kaito gripped the blade tightly, his arm steady as he swung it in a graceful yet devastating arc. Dozens of slashes had already carved the surrounding landscape into a scene of chaos.

The once lush forest had been reduced to rubble—trees split cleanly in half, their trunks scattered like broken matchsticks. The ground beneath Kaito's feet bore evidence of his overwhelming strength: deep fissures that stretched far into the horizon, their edges jagged and raw.

"This is what true swordsmanship feels like," Kaito murmured, nodding with satisfaction as he admired his work. "Under Rocks' guidance, my skills have far surpassed what they were when I first stepped onto his ship."

It had only been a few days since Kaito joined the fearsome Rocks Pirates. Yet, in that short time, Rocks D. Xebec himself—a man known not only for his monstrous strength but also for his unparalleled mastery of combat—had taken Kaito under his wing.

"First, it was Armament and Observation Haki," Kaito recalled. On his very first day, Rocks had pushed him to his limits, sharpening his ability to coat his blade in hardened Haki and sense the intentions of his foes. By the second day, Kaito's mastery of both had advanced to an intermediate level.

But it was Rocks' swordsmanship that truly astonished him. Though Rocks rarely drew his blade in battle, considering most opponents unworthy of such effort, he was said to rival the likes of Dracule Mihawk himself—a swordsman whose skill could split the heavens. Under Rocks' relentless guidance, Kaito began to understand the intricacies of the sword at an entirely new level.

Within just a year of navigating the treacherous seas of the New World, Kaito had stumbled upon the elusive Breath of All Things—a concept Zoro would one day struggle to master. By listening to the subtle pulse of nature itself, Kaito had unlocked the ability to cut through steel and control the force of his slashes with surgical precision. It didn't stop there. He had also learned the art of Flying Slashes, sending devastating arcs of energy that could slice through distant foes.

But Kaito wasn't merely a swordsman. Since awakening his Sage Body, an ability eerily similar to the immense chakra reserves of Naruto's Senju lineage, his strength, stamina, and intuition had skyrocketed. This unique talent allowed him to integrate techniques from other disciplines—such as the Rasengan, which he had recently acquired through the system's guidance.

As Kaito was about to test his Rasengan, a sudden commotion snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Tap, tap, tap!"

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the ruined forest. Kaito turned, his keen Observation Haki flaring. From the distance, a battalion of Marines approached, their formations tight and disciplined. At the forefront was a young, imposing figure with a chiselled jawline and a steely resolve.

It was Garp.

Though not yet the legendary "Hero of the Marines," Garp already exuded an aura of raw power and unshakable confidence. Kaito could sense the unrefined ferocity of his future adversary—a man who would one day challenge the mightiest figures of the world, including Rocks himself.

Kaito's lips curled into a smirk. "So, the Marines have come to test my progress."

With the blade humming softly in his grip and the Rasengan crackling in his palm, Kaito prepared for the clash. This would not just be a battle—it would be the forge in which his legend was born.

As the Marines arrived at the scene, many froze in place, their eyes widening in disbelief.

The vast area within a 100-meter radius was completely devastated. The ground was torn asunder, massive rifts snaking through the landscape like scars left by a titanic battle. Trees that once towered over the land were either split in half or uprooted entirely, their remnants strewn about. Flowers and grass were reduced to ash and debris, leaving nothing but chaos in Kaito's wake.

"This… this guy did all of this?" a young Marine stammered, his voice trembling.

"It's insane! He achieved this level of destruction with just his swordsmanship?" another whispered, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

"He's no ordinary swordsman! He's a monster!" a third Marine exclaimed, gripping his weapon tightly.

"But don't worry!" an older Marine interjected, his voice steady, though his hands shook slightly. "We have Colonel Garp! No matter how strong this guy is, he can't stand up to the 'Hero of the Marines!'"

"That's right!" another chimed in. "We've seen Colonel Garp's strength time and time again! He's the man who rivals the Pirate King himself!"

Garp stood calmly amidst the destruction, arms crossed, a slight grin playing on his face. His sharp eyes scanned the field before resting on Kaito.

"Hoh? If I'm not mistaken," Garp said, his tone casual but laced with authority, "you're Kaito of the Rocks Pirates."

Kaito frowned slightly, his gaze narrowing at the young man before him. Garp looked nothing like the grizzled Marine hero he had heard about. He was too young, too fresh-faced.

"Who are you?" Kaito asked cautiously, still sizing up the man who exuded confidence.

"Monkey D. Garp," the Marine replied with a smirk. "Remember my name, pirate. You're about to face the strongest opponent of your life."

Kaito paused, then let out a low chuckle. "Monkey D. Garp? So, you're the guy they call a Marine hero in the future?" His smile widened as he unsheathed his blade. "I've been looking for a real test. Perfect timing."

He glanced at his hand, a faint glow of swirling energy forming in his palm. The Rasengan is almost complete. Let's see how it fares against someone like him. Kaito's eyes sharpened. "Let's see if you live up to the hype, Garp."

Garp tilted his head, his grin unfazed. "Aren't you confident? I like that. But you'll soon learn the hard way why no pirate dares cross my path!"

The Marines watched, their confidence bolstered by Garp's presence, though none dared approach Kaito. They knew his reputation: a bounty of 100 million berries wasn't awarded lightly. His mastery of Observation Haki and Armament Haki had already placed him among the New World's most dangerous fighters.

"Stand down, men," Garp commanded, cracking his knuckles. "This one's mine."

Kaito's blade shimmered with a faint aura as he assumed his stance. His Rasengan glowed brighter in his other hand.

"Let's see what the so-called Hero of the Marines can do."

Garp lunged forward, his fist drawing back like a cannonball. The ground beneath him cracked from the sheer force of his movement, and the Marines behind him cheered, their voices mixing with the sound of the impending clash.

The battlefield was set, and the legend of Garp and Kaito was about to unfold.