Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Bai Ye performed a graceful gesture with his palm, and like magic, three swords materialized in the air. Yes, those were unmistakably Zoro's own swords.
"WHAT?!" Zoro exclaimed, his eyes nearly jumping out of their sockets.
He was already astounded when Bai Ye summoned a tornado from nowhere, but this act of conjuring swords out of thin air? That was astonishing beyond words! Zoro felt as if his emotions were being tossed around like a ship in a storm. Just when he thought he had witnessed everything possible, here he was, standing in front of a figure who seemed both a legendary devil fruit user and a mesmerizing Taoist priest all at once.
With a serene smile, Bai Ye handed the swords back to Zoro. "They're yours, don't lose them again, alright? After all, you are a swordsman, my friend." His grin was so warm and inviting, it almost made the whole bizarre situation feel normal. Zoro held his swords, realizing that while they were all important, replacing them in the future would be relatively simple if needed.
Coming back to his senses, Zoro looked at his beloved swords and nodded firmly, "Understood." This whole experience had solidified one thing in his mind: the difference between having a sword and being without one was colossal.
Curiosity piqued, Zoro tilted his head slightly, "So...how did you manage to snag these?"
With a raised eyebrow and a hint of mischief, Bai Ye responded, "Oh, it's quite the tale to tell! But alas, there's no time now - we've got bigger fish to fry!"
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by distant murmurs that quickly grew louder. A formidable figure appeared, flanked by his naval entourage. It was Captain Morgan, his voice deep and menacing, yet carrying a tone that seemed almost comical, as if he wouldn't last three chapters in a tale.
"I hear some uninvited guests are frolicking in my yard!" declared Morgan, notorious ruler of Shells Town. As he approached, his metal jaw and ax-inlaid right arm were distinctly visible, both impressive and intimidating.
Glancing around, he smirked, "Can't spot that daft son of mine, Helmeppo. Did you folks send him packing?"
"The blonde one? Bai Ye swept him away with just a breeze," Luffy chimed in, pointing toward Bai Ye who simply shrugged in response.
"Did he now?" Morgan said, his composure unshaken by the news.
His troops rallied behind him, shouting affirmatively, "No worries, our captain always has things under control here!"
As Morgan's chilling gaze settled on the crew, he casually commanded, "Name yourselves before I consign you to the abyss." His eyes were cold and lifeless, peering at them as if they were already mere ghosts in his eyes.
Luffy, unfazed and full of energy, raised his hands high and declared with a broad smile, "I'm Monkey D. Luffy, and I'm gonna find the One Piece!"
Bai Ye casually added his introduction, "Bai Ye, part of Luffy's crew." His voice was calm and somewhat disinterested. After all, in his eyes, Captain Morgan was hardly a threat worth worrying about.
Meanwhile, Bai Ye's mind was already moving on to other matters. He leaned over to Zoro, whispering, "Hey Zoro, still a window to bow out now, if you wanna cut ties..."
"Enough!" Zoro cut him off with a firm tone.
Zoro's eyes sparkled with unwavering resolve. He brandished his three swords with dramatic flair and declared, "I haven't sunk to that level just yet!" His voice rose with excitement, "Infamy, glory, whatever it takes—I'm becoming the world's top swordsman! My name will echo across the oceans!" With a playful smirk, he introduced himself to Morgan, "Roronoa Zoro, pleased to meet you, part of Luffy's crew."
Morgan's face turned an amusing shade of puce. "One Piece?!" he sputtered, irritation lacing his voice. "You, a mere youngster, dare to declare such lofty goals in front of ME? Do you even know who I am?!" With a dramatic flourish, he swung a massive ax overhead, aiming it directly at Luffy with a thunderous whoosh. "I am the Navy Captain, Morgan!!"
CLANG! In the nick of time, Zoro's katanas intercepted Morgan's blade, firm and unyielding. Morgan, his eyes narrowing in a blend of surprise and rage, tried to press his attack.
Seizing the moment with a confident smile, Zoro lifted Morgan off the ground and hurled him into the mass of naval soldiers behind him. Turning to Luffy, Zoro asked with a calm demeanor, "Captain, may I handle this one?"
Luffy, eyes sparkling with excitement and without a hint of doubt, cheered, "Absolutely, Zoro!" He slapped Zoro on the shoulder, affirming, "You've got this!"
Zoro chuckled with confidence, "Ah, don't worry, I'm not going down just yet." His tone was light, but his posture was ready for the challenge ahead.
Bai Ye entered the scene with a playful gleam in his eye, suggesting, "Why not have a bite before we dive into the fray?" He revealed two shimmering, spherical pills. "If you're gearing up for a battle, it's best to be in peak condition, right?"
Luffy's hand shot out with a mischievous grin, eager to snatch the pills. "FOOD! I wanna try it, too!!" But Bai Ye, quick and experienced, dodged his attempt with ease.
Despite his typically calm demeanor, Bai Ye couldn't help but chuckle as he caught Luffy's wrist, "Hey, no swiping others' belongings, you cheeky rascal!" He then activated his Golden Light Curse.
A moment later, a sheepish Luffy mumbled, "Oops, my apologies!!"
In his own tranquil sanctuary, Bai Ye embraced a philosophy of learning everything possible, occasionally crafting basic elixirs. With an abundance of aura and no shortage of alchemical ingredients in his internal space, whipping up a couple of Ninth-Grade pills was a simple task.
[Note: Pill gradings range from Ninth (lowest) through to First (highest).]
Bai Ye now presented two Ninth-Grade pills: the Healing Pill and the Blood-Enriching Pill. Their names were as straightforward as their effects—one healed physical injuries, and the other revitalized Qi and blood energy. Although they were the lowest grade, they were more than adequate for Zoro.
Zoro, his eyebrows lifted in curiosity, asked, "Is it truly miraculous?" After a quick rundown from Bai Ye, he swallowed the pills without hesitation. He soon felt a surge of vibrant energies coursing through his body.
Moments later, with a vigorous 'Swish' of his sword, Zoro noticed not only the disappearance of recent aches but also an enhancement in healing older, lingering injuries. His eyes sparkled with wonder and appreciation as he turned to Bai Ye. "So, this is what a Daoist priest can do?"
Switching focus, Bai Ye then proposed to Luffy, "Hey Luffy, let Zoro handle the big guy. How about we see who can take down more naval soldiers?"
With eyes alight with excitement, Luffy accepted the challenge enthusiastically, "Sure thing! Bring it on; I won't be outdone!"
With that bold declaration, the spirited members of the Straw Hat crew sprang into action, ready to tackle the challenge head-on.