"Old man!!!"
"Please help me get stronger!!!"
Wrapped head to toe in bandages, King Luffy knelt on the ground and pleaded with Old Gick before him.
That complete disregard for dignity, along with his firm and earnest gaze, truly moved Gick.
"Get stronger, huh..."
Old Gick's clouded eyes carried a hint of reminiscence.
Once upon a time, he had held such a dream as well—to personally raise a monster of the seas.
Austin was the most gifted and terrifying monster he had ever seen.
Born with monstrous strength and innate Observation Haki, he was a naturally born king who could never be replicated.
He had been destined to become a powerhouse like Captain Rocks, someone capable of contending for the title of World King.
But unfortunately, that bastard Roger had lured him away halfway through.
So what about this kid in front of him, who did not look particularly bright?
Even if he could not reach Austin's level,
he could probably still become something like a Sea Overlord, right?
That would barely be acceptable...
Gick pondered in secret and ultimately allowed King Luffy to stay.
If Austin becoming king had been a coincidence, it did not prove there was any inevitable connection to Old Gick.
But if King Luffy also became a Great Pirate,
then it would not be a coincidence.
Old Gick himself
might really become a King-in-the-making.
"Come with me, kid."
With that thought in mind, Old Gick clasped his hands behind his back and led King Luffy toward the open ground behind the palace.
"Having participated in the Summit War, you must already know just how vast the gap is between you and those true monsters of the sea.
So where do you think the difference lies?"
Old Gick, who was striving to become a "famous teacher,"