In the 1509th year of the Haiyuan Calendar, Shen Yuan's training with Garp came to an end.
During this time, he followed Vice Admiral Garp on naval patrols throughout the surrounding seas. After each mission, they would return to Windmill Village, where Shen Yuan continued to build up his physical strength.
As a result—
The frequency of pirate activity in the nearby waters drastically decreased until, eventually, pirates stopped appearing altogether.
At the same time, Shen Yuan's level reached the current cap, and the system unlocked the first stage mission.
That same year, Shanks came into contact with Luffy for the first time. At that point, Shen Yuan and Garp were already out at sea and didn't notice what was unfolding back in the village.
Gradually, Garp's visits back to Windmill Village became less and less frequent. Eventually, he stopped returning altogether.
Left on his own, Shen Yuan continued his training—finally breaking through the level cap!
All his accumulated experience points were released, propelling him upward five consecutive levels, bringing him to Level 25!
He allocated one point to Observation Haki, with the rest poured into Armament Haki.
---
Haiyuan Calendar Year 1510 — Shen Yuan turns 14.
As the world moved forward, Sabo officially joined the three brothers' circle—becoming sworn brothers with Shen Yuan, Ace, and Luffy—and began training alongside Shen Yuan.
That same year,
Sabo was ambushed during a solo voyage and ended up being saved by the Revolutionary Army's leader: Monkey D. Dragon.
Shen Yuan, aware of the original timeline, did not forcibly interfere with others' fates. He simply let things run their natural course, saving only those whose deaths weren't necessary.
This year marked a turning point—
Shen Yuan made a major decision:
To go out to sea.
It had been exactly two years since Shen Yuan had become Garp's disciple.
Now 14, Shen Yuan had a defined and mature presence—jet black hair, a black robe, and a sword at his waist. A distinct scar crossed his chest, complementing his well-built frame.
He exuded constant danger.
It's worth noting that even Garp, busy as he was, personally came to see him off.
A crowd of Windmill Village residents gathered at the docks, watching Shen Yuan board his vessel with admiration and emotion.
Ace stood at the port, a serious look on his face.
"Brother Shen Yuan, what identity are you taking with you on this voyage?"
Shen Yuan paused for a moment before smiling softly.
"Adventurer."
"Adventurer?"
Ace and Luffy were both surprised.
Garp, of course, disagreed. He'd always said, "Be anything— but never a pirate!"
He shouted with his usual booming voice, "Kid! No matter where you go, don't abandon the justice in your heart!"
Shen Yuan waved in acknowledgment.
Luffy shouted after him, "Brother! Let's meet on the sea when I get stronger!"
Turning his back to them all, Shen Yuan raised his hand in farewell, stepped aboard the ship that he and his three brothers had built, and slowly disappeared into the horizon.
It's worth mentioning that Bell-mère, Nami, and Nojiko had already been safely returned to Cocoyasi Village by Garp.
Therefore—
Shen Yuan's first destination was naturally Cocoyasi Village, to visit the people he hadn't seen in years.
> [Mission Complete: Own your own ship!]
[Reward Obtained: Devil Fruit Encyclopedia ×1!]
[New Mission Unlocked: Explore the World! Rewards trigger randomly.]
"What the… Devil Fruit Encyclopedia?!"
As Shen Yuan thought this, a strange booklet appeared in his hand. The ancient leather cover radiated an aura of mystery, clearly no ordinary book.
He flipped it open, astonished.
"This is… a full Devil Fruit Illustrated Guide?! Damn!"
The sea remained peaceful. Years of Shen Yuan's anti-pirate crusades had already made his name widely known across the seas.
---
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
"Shen Yuan, age 14. Trained under Garp two years ago, but didn't join the Navy?"
"He's calling himself an adventurer now? Garp, what the hell are you doing?!"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku slammed a report onto his desk, glaring fiercely at Garp.
Garp just laughed boisterously. "Hahahaha! At least he didn't become a pirate! He's my last disciple, after all."
"'Hahaha' my ass!"
Sengoku was furious, but ultimately powerless to change what had happened.
"Such a promising seedling, and you didn't force him to enlist?!"
"…Garp, where do you think that boy will go?" Sengoku finally asked with a serious look.
Garp was silent for a moment, then replied with rare solemnity.
"Could be the Grand Line. Could be the East Blue. Either way… he's bound to chase something he cares about."
"Let's just hope… he doesn't become another problem child," Sengoku sighed. As long as he didn't become a dangerous pirate, that was enough.
Meanwhile—
Shen Yuan had no idea that Sengoku had already taken note of his existence.
He arrived at Cocoyasi Village, and the moment he stepped onto land:
> [Location Arrival: Cocoyasi Village!]
[Reward: Skill Points +5!]
Shen Yuan immediately allocated all five points to Armament Haki, pushing it to Level 10—Intermediate Grade!
"Hey? Shen Yuan's back?" An elderly woman called out cheerfully.
Shen Yuan nodded and smiled.
On his hip rested the Heaven-Swallowing Sword, unused for years.
He was now 1.8 meters tall, muscular, dressed in black, and brimming with power.
After a quick chat with the villagers, he walked toward the place where his dreams had first taken shape.
"Brother Shen Yuan! Brother Shen Yuan is back!" Nami shouted excitedly.
Nami had now grown into a graceful young girl.
Nojiko, though tanned, had delicate features and radiant eyes.
"Brother Shen Yuan!" Nojiko walked over with a basket of oranges, her eyes brightening when she saw him.
"Little Shen Yuan!" came a familiar voice from behind.
Shen Yuan turned slightly—of course it was Bell-mère.
"Sis, I set sail and came back just to see you," Shen Yuan said sincerely.
Bell-mère nodded. Shen Yuan's future wasn't in this village…
Not even in the East Blue.
His destiny lay on the Grand Line, the New World, and beyond—the entire sea!
That night, the family enjoyed a hearty meal.
Throughout the evening, Shen Yuan shared tales of his past years sailing the East Blue.
His stories of fierce battles and beautiful islands sparked a fire in Nami's heart.
"Brother Shen Yuan… can you take me to sea?" Nami asked hesitantly.
Bell-mère looked on quietly. Though she once dreamed of the sea, her fire had long been extinguished…
Shen Yuan gently refused, "Nami, where I'm going is too dangerous. I'm sorry. If anything happened to you, I wouldn't forgive myself."
Nami lowered her head, disappointed—but she understood.
She knew full well that traveling with Shen Yuan would expose her to powerful enemies.
This was his way of protecting her.
The next morning, Shen Yuan set sail again under the warm farewells of the villagers.
"Alright… next stop: Shells Town. I'll check in and leave. Definitely not getting involved with Luffy's business," he muttered to himself.
The ship sailed across calm waters. Shen Yuan continued training and scanning the sea ahead.
By evening, he docked at Shells Town.
> [Location Arrival: Shells Town!]
[Reward: Skill Points +5!]
Again, Shen Yuan dumped all five points into Armament Haki.
But—
He was still Level 21?
"Huh? What's going on?"
There was no sign of a level-up, and Shen Yuan frowned.
"…So leveling up really only happens through defeating enemies?"