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"I—I didn't see that wrong, did I? Major Bogard was defeated?!"
After a heavy silence, a Marine soldier's exclamation ignited the deck like a fuse hitting a powder keg. The commotion exploded instantly.
"That's incredible! How old is that kid? He sent Major Bogard flying with a single punch!"
"Major Bogard is the pride of our branch! How could he be knocked down so easily? It's impossible!"
"Is he really only twelve? To have that much strength at that age... he's a monster!"
For a moment, the ship's deck felt like a boiling cauldron. Marines crowded the railings and windows, their faces etched with pure disbelief. Nearby, Major Lanza stood with his mouth agape, his eyes dazed. He had been worried about Goku's safety, but the reality was the exact opposite of what he had feared.
"Was my concern unnecessary after all?" Lanza murmured. "Is this little guy really that powerful?"
"He is powerful, but he hasn't reached the level where he can take down Bogard in a single move yet," Garp's voice rumbled from beside him. The Vice Admiral was casually stuffing a handful of Senbei into his mouth, his jaw working as he spoke. "Bogard was sent flying entirely because he was too careless. He didn't take the boy seriously, so he didn't expect that kind of raw power. The young man was getting a bit too arrogant; it's about time he suffered a good beating".
Lanza looked at Garp with immense admiration. He believed the veteran had foreseen this outcome all along, using the match as a teaching moment. On the deck, the "teaching moment" was far from over. Bogard, who had been embedded in the iron plating, finally stirred.
"Damn it... I was careless," Bogard growled, clutching his aching abdomen as he pulled himself free. His previous composure was gone; his hair was disheveled, and blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. I will not lose to this squirt, he swore to himself, his face flushing crimson under the gazes of his subordinates. I'll stake all my dignity on this fight!
Goku, meanwhile, looked at him with an adorable, sincere expression. "Oh! You're really amazing! You can still stand up after taking my punch?"
To Goku, this was a genuine compliment. Having never felt this strong before, he assumed his power was nearly unbeatable and truly admired Bogard's durability. To Bogard, however, it sounded like the ultimate humiliation.
"Don't get cocky!" Bogard gritted his teeth. "I was just being easy on you. Next time, I won't hold back!"
"So that's it," the surrounding Marines whispered, eager for an explanation that preserved their Major's reputation. "He was just going easy because his opponent is a child".
Despite the support of the crowd, Bogard felt more uncomfortable than ever. He took a low combat stance. "Come on! I'll show you the true difference between us!"
Goku looked at Bogard's raised hands and pointed at one. "Oh? Didn't you say you'd only use one hand?"
Bogard's face tensed. "To show my respect for your strength, I've decided to use both!"
"I see!" Goku nodded seriously, taking the explanation at face value.
"I'm coming!" Bogard roared, lunging forward. His right leg whipped through the air with a sharp whoosh. Goku leaped lightly, performing two effortless somersaults in mid-air before landing behind the Major.
"Hehe! Over here!" Goku made a peace sign, flashing an innocent smile.
Bogard spun around, his face darkening. "Brat, stay still!" He unleashed a storm of punches, but Goku danced between the strikes, never letting a single knuckle touch the hem of his clothes. Suddenly, Goku jumped back, then lunged forward with his own tender-looking fists. The roles reversed instantly. Bogard was forced into a desperate defense, his arms stinging from the sheer force of Goku's blows. How can a child be this strong?!
The Marines grew noisy again as they watched their Major retreat step by step. Distracted by the whispers of the crowd, Bogard's movements slowed for a split second. Goku's fist found its mark, slamming squarely into Bogard's face and sending him tumbling across the deck again.
Bang! Bogard smashed into the ship's railing, seeing stars. He forced himself up, refusing to quit, but every time he attacked, he was sent flying back into the metal.
"Hey, even though you're strong, you're not my opponent," Goku said straightforwardly. The words pierced Bogard's heart. He stood up one more time, his heart finally calming as he accepted the reality of Goku's talent.
"You are powerful, little squirt," Bogard admitted, glancing toward the smiling Garp. He realized Garp had allowed this fight to humble him. "But you're wrong to say I'm not your opponent. My title of genius comes from my mastery of the Six Styles, a martial art that surpasses human limits".
"Now, let me show you one: Soru!"
Swish! In a heartbeat, Bogard vanished and reappeared behind Goku, delivering a powerful flying kick.
Bang! Goku was sent skidding across the iron plates, a red mark blooming on his forehead. "Ouch, ouch, ouch!" he cried, tears welling up from the sharp pain.
"How about that?" Bogard stood with his hands behind his back, his confidence restored. "The Six Styles take a lifetime to learn. I mastered Soru in just four months!"
The Marines erupted in cheers for their Major's technical brilliance. But as the pain subsided, Goku stood up and huffed. "I can do that too!"
Bogard laughed. "Hahaha! Little squirt, even with your talent, you'd still need—"
Before he could finish, Goku vanished.
Bogard's eyes widened in horror. Before he could react, Goku appeared behind him and delivered a flying kick directly to his kidney.
Bang! Another human-shaped indentation appeared in the ship's railing. The Marines froze, their necks stiff with shock. Garp's hand stopped halfway to his mouth, his pupils dilated.
"V-Vice Admiral Garp," Lanza stammered. "Was this also within your expectations?"
Garp snapped back to reality and laughed heartily. "Hahahaha! Of course! I knew he was extraordinary!"
"But didn't you just say he needed to suffer a little—"
Bang! Lanza fell to the deck with a massive bump on his head. Garp retracted his fist and went back to his snacks. "The boy is talking nonsense in his dreams again," Garp muttered.
Would you like to see what other "Six Styles" Goku can copy?