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Kira: "It's out!!!"
Shiliew: "A swordsman of this caliber actually made Hawk-Eye unsheathe Black Blade Night?"
Capone Bege: "Did I hear that wrong? He was completely powerless before Hawk-Eye, and yet Hawk-Eye called him a strong opponent???"
Trafalgar Law: "I think that's a form of acknowledgment, right?"
Shanks: "In terms of spirit, he truly deserves to be called 'strong.'"
*[The moment Hawk-Eye drew Black Blade Night, the surrounding pirates were so terrified they froze in place.]*
Zoro, enduring the excruciating pain in his chest, planted his feet firmly on the ground.
Failure means death, right...
World's strongest, die...
*["Three-Sword Style Secret Technique: Three Thousand Worlds!" Zoro's three swords began spinning rapidly as he charged forward with ferocious intensity!]*
Seeing this move, Hawk-Eye's pupils contracted ever so slightly, clearly impressed.
But...
*[Whoosh!!]*
As their figures crossed paths, accompanied by a deafening clash, fragments of shattered blades flew everywhere!!!
Black Blade Night slashed through, severing the two swords in Zoro's left and right hands while simultaneously cutting across his waist.
With a single strike, Hawk-Eye sent Zoro stumbling backward.
Zoro, struck by the slash, realized he had been utterly defeated!!!
Knowing it was futile to resist further, he released the broken hilts of his swords. With his left hand, he retrieved the scabbard of Wado Ichimonji from his side, and with his right, he gripped its hilt.
*[Shing!!]*
Wado Ichimonji slid smoothly into its sheath.
Without hesitation, Zoro turned around, holding the sword horizontally, and spread his arms wide!
This action surprised even Hawk-Eye.
*["What are you doing?" Hawk-Eye asked, puzzled.*
Zoro, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, smiled faintly. *"A wound on the back is a swordsman's shame."]*
At these words, a flicker of respect appeared on Hawk-Eye's face.
*["Well said."]*
*[Black Blade Night descended once more!!!]*
Bartolomeo: "Senpai Zoro is just too cool!!"
After witnessing Luffy's strength in Loguetown, Bartolomeo became an instant fanboy of Luffy. Not only did he idolize Luffy, but he also extended his admiration to the entire Straw Hat crew.
Beerman: "A swordsman who disregards life and death... truly remarkable..."
Edward Newgate: "A wound on the back is a swordsman's shame... Gura gura gura! This kid... If only we'd met sooner, I would've taken him as my son."
Whitebeard loved this philosophy because it aligned with his own beliefs—never take a step back in battle.
No retreat means no wounds on the back. No running means no scars to bear.
Of course... ambushes weren't part of this discussion!!!
Tony Tony Chopper: "Waaahhh... Did Zoro really endure such a brutal fight? It's terrifying..."
Franky: "And he never mentioned any of this to us!!!"
Nico Robin: "He truly is the toughest man in our Straw Hat crew."
Shanks: "So that's how it is... Hawk-Eye, I finally understand why you hold him in such high regard. If I were you, I'd feel the same way!"
*[When Usopp, Johnny, and Yosaku fished Zoro out of the sea and brought him aboard the ship...]*
Hawk-Eye stood tall, looking at Zoro, and declared solemnly, *"Your time hasn't come yet. Remember, my name is Dracule Mihawk!"*
*["Know yourself, know the world. Try to surpass this sword with your strength and indomitable spirit."*
*["Try to surpass me, Roronoa Zoro!"*
*["I'll be waiting for you on the throne of the world's greatest swordsman!"]*
When these words echoed, the entire chatroom erupted in shock!!!
Issho: "This is... The world's greatest swordsman personally acknowledging someone worthy of challenging his throne??"
Emporio Ivankov: "Wow! To receive such recognition from Hawk-Eye-boy!!! Straw Hat-boy, your crewmate is incredible, mahahaha!!!"
Vista: "Though I hate to admit it, even someone like me would consider him a worthy challenger."
Kuzan: "That guy's swordsmanship has reached divine levels. In terms of pure skill, there's no one in this world who surpasses him! Is he trying to groom a new great swordsman to become his rival?"
Shanks: "Damn it... Hawk-Eye, why didn't you tell me you were waiting for someone to surpass you as the world's greatest swordsman?"
Shanks' overall combat ability definitely surpassed Mihawk's.
That was undeniable!
But when it came to pure swordsmanship, Shanks knew he fell short.
Dracule Mihawk: "Roronoa Zoro! This matter was originally just between you and me. Whether you succeed or fail doesn't affect me. But now, it's become public knowledge. This reflects on my judgment. Don't disappoint me."
Roronoa Zoro: "When we meet again, I'll fulfill my promise!!!"
Monkey D. Luffy: "He definitely will!"
Shanks: "Ahaha!!!"
*East Blue, in the past...*
"Teacher, Senior Zoro is amazing! He received such recognition from the world's greatest swordsman!"
"Senior Zoro is so strong!!"
"We should learn from Senior Zoro!"
Amidst the cheers of young apprentice swordsmen, Koshiro gazed at the sky, his round glasses reflecting eyes filled with pride.
*[Hawk-Eye departed...]*
*[Luffy defeated Krieg and resolved the incident at Baratie.]*
*[Sanji ultimately decided to join the Straw Hat Pirates and set sail with Luffy.]*
Here, the white-framed screen gradually dimmed.
Shortly after, the red-framed screen lit up again.
*[The Going Merry sailed away from Syrup Village, cruising across the sea.]*
*["You should've said so earlier! If I'd known you were inviting me to be your captain with such enthusiasm, I wouldn't have resisted at all!!"]*
Listening to Luffy's explanation, Makino was overjoyed.
Zoro frowned. *"Hey, did Luffy's Haoshoku Haki fry your brain? When did we ever say we wanted you to be the captain?"*
*"I can totally be your captain!!" Usopp pointed to himself proudly, flexing slightly.*
*["Are you dreaming?!" Zoro retorted, rolling his eyes. Then, pointing at Luffy beside him, he added, "Our captain can only be this guy!"]*
*["Damn it! You dragged me here and won't let me be the captain—what kind of logic is that?!"] Makino waved his fists angrily.*
*["You really want to be the captain, huh?" Seeing Usopp's persistence about becoming captain, Luffy asked.]*
Makino's eyes lit up with excitement. *"Of course! Are you finally going to let me do it?!"*
*[!]*
Luffy unleashed his Haoshoku Haki.
Makino: *"Gahh!! Damn you, Red-Haired Luffy, why'd you hit me with that again?!"*
Nami: *"Hahaha!!"*
Vinsmoke Sanji: *"Haha!!"*
Tony Tony Chopper: *"Poor Usopp..."*
Seeing Usopp take another hit from Luffy's Haoshoku Haki, the crew laughed.
However, this time Luffy controlled the intensity, only knocking Usopp unconscious for a few seconds.
Eight seconds later, Usopp shook his head, glaring angrily. *"What the hell was that for?!"*
Luffy grinned. *"Do you know what makes a great captain? Haoshoku Haki is a must! When you develop Haoshoku Haki, I'll let you be the captain!"*
*["..."] Makino rolled his eyes.*
Seeing Usopp give up on becoming captain, Luffy patted his shoulder. *"Alright, rest up. When I meet Shanks again, you'll get your chance."*
As Luffy and Zoro walked toward the door, Usopp suddenly spoke up. *"Hey, Luffy, I haven't properly thanked you yet! Thank you for helping me take the first step toward setting sail!"*
Luffy didn't turn around but raised a hand in a casual "you're welcome" gesture, then left with Zoro.
A few days later, under Luffy's encouragement, Makino began training his Haki. For now, he focused on developing Kenbunshoku Haki.
Although the ship didn't have vast forests for him to train in, Buggy was more than enough practice.
Ever since Usopp started training his Kenbunshoku Haki, Buggy's slicing techniques had improved significantly.
Each time Buggy used his Chop-Chop Fruit ability, he experimented with reassembling his body parts while attacking Usopp from multiple angles.
The two helped each other grow together.
Ten days later, the Going Merry arrived at Baratie...
*[Ding!]*
*[Quiz Time Begins!]*
At this moment, a question appeared on the big screen.
*[Question: What will Red-Haired Luffy and his group do next?]*
*[A: Pay the restaurant owner to hire a chef!]*
*[B: Kidnap a chef and leave!]*
*[C: Convince the restaurant owner to join them and bring the floating restaurant along!]*
*[D: Have someone join as a chef apprentice!]*
*[E: Eat, pay, and leave without a second thought.]*
Fox D. Xebec: "Haha, here it comes! Finally, I get to answer something!"
Shiki: "Hehe, I can answer this one too!"
Gol D. Roger: "Looks like the three of us are lined up together this time. Let's go!"
Oden: "Captain Roger, count me in too—I'll stick with you guys."
Donquixote Doflamingo: "Cough cough, last time I got it right. This time, I'll try again."
Tony Tony Chopper: "Me too! The 5-second penalty protection timer is already over."
Marshall D. Teach: "B. That sounds like something Red-Haired Luffy would do!"
Monkey D. Garp: "A. My grandson isn't some random pirate—he wouldn't just kidnap people!"
Edward Newgate: "Gura gura gura!! Didn't Usopp just get kidnapped earlier? I'll pick B too."
Monkey D. Garp: "How can you compare those two?!"
Gol D. Roger: "Let's see... this seems like the correct answer!"
Shiki: "Idiot Roger, you're definitely wrong. I pick A."
Oden: "I pick D."
Gol D. Roger: "Pfft!! Oden, are you using reverse psychology again?"
Oden: "Exactly! Since everyone's guessing randomly, I'll go against the grain. Maybe I'll luck out on one of them."
Rocks D. Xebec: "Damn, this is tough. I'll just pick C and hope for the best!"
Gecko Moria: "Hehehe, I'll pick C too."
Empty: "D."
Sengoku: "Admiral Empty, your choice seems unreliable..."
Empty: "I'm using reverse logic too—it's all random anyway."
Monkey D. Luffy: "I pick C."
Nami: "E. That fits Luffy's style!"
Brook: "There's still one slot left for D. Does anyone want it? If not, I'll take it."
As the countdown ended, the red-framed screen resumed playing.
*["The food is served. Enjoy your meal."]*
Sanji placed the trays he was balancing on his hands and head onto the table, then walked off with flair.
*["Huh? This is delicious!!!"]*
As Luffy shoved a large piece of meat into his mouth, his eyes nearly popped out of his head.
Hearing this, Usopp and Zoro reached out to grab some food.
The next moment...
*["Delicious! So good!!"]*
Both of them devoured the food voraciously—it was hands down the most delicious meal they'd ever tasted in their lives!
*["You don't know? Baratie is a famous floating restaurant in the East Blue. Though the chefs here are pirates, their cooking skills are unmatched! Even many Marines come here just to taste their food."]*
By comparison, Buggy seemed like someone who'd seen the world.
He ate slowly and elegantly with his knife and fork.
*["The food here is insanely good!!"]*
Luffy slurped down a whole mackerel in one gulp, not forgetting to lick the sauce off his fingers.
Compared to this, the food they usually ate on the ship felt like plain steamed buns...
As the saying goes, it's easy to grow accustomed to luxury but hard to return to simplicity.
Once you've tasted such exquisite food, it's hard to forget!!!
Especially for someone like Luffy, a pure glutton???
Luffy looked at Buggy and asked, *"Do you think the chef here would be willing to join us on our voyage?"*
*["Impossible!"]*
Buggy shook his head immediately. *"The chef here is also the owner. He's the legendary Red-Leg Zeff from the Grand Line. Something happened that cost him a leg, and since then, he's been running this floating restaurant. He'll never return to the Grand Line."*
*["Ah... I see."]*
Hearing this conclusion, Luffy sighed regretfully.
*["If you like the food, we can stay here for a few more days and eat to our heart's content!" Usopp suggested.]*
Zoro sneered. *"Sounds like you just want to eat more yourself!"*
Usopp burst out laughing. *"Well, the captain wants to eat, so I guess I'll reluctantly join him, haha!!"*
Luffy thought for a moment and realized it made perfect sense.
Thus, he announced immediately: *"We'll stay here for three months!!"*
Thinking about how he'd never taste such delicious food again after leaving, Luffy decided to eat his future share in advance.
*["Three months???" Zoro, Usopp, and Buggy stared at Luffy in disbelief.]*
*["Is he insane??"]*
Luffy tilted his head. *"What's the problem?"*