Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
In the lively town of Shells, which had long suffered under the harsh rule of Morgan, a grand banquet was organized to celebrate the arrival of the daring trio from the Straw Hat Pirates. The announcement sparked a gleam in Luffy's eyes, as bright and sudden as a bolt of lightning slicing through a stormy sky.
"Don't worry, I'll cover the expenses!" Luffy exclaimed, his chest swelling with pride.
Bai Ye simply lifted an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing across his face. After their recent victory over the Alvida Pirates, which netted them over 7 million Berries, the cost of a lavish feast was trivial, merely a small splash in the vast ocean of their fortunes.
The air was filled with the joyous tune of "Yo Ho Ho Ho ~ Yo Ho Ho Ho ~," sung by the pirates, their spirits as free and untamed as the ocean breeze.
This feast, though not their first, was certainly one of the most spirited and lively they had ever attended. Luffy, always the center of attention, not only performed his infamous chopstick-nose trick but also led the entire gathering in a rousing rendition of "Binks' Sake."
"Delivering Binks' Sake! Riding the waves, chasing the sea breeze!" they all sang together, their voices blending seamlessly with the salty maritime air.
As the evening unfolded under a canopy of stars, Bai Ye engaged in a quiet conversation with Zoro. Amidst the festive uproar, his words were a soft murmur, "Luffy might seem a bit... whimsical, but trust me, he's got a solid anchor when the seas get rough."
Zoro, intrigued, cocked his head slightly, studying Bai Ye's ever-present smile. "You've really thrown your support behind him, haven't you?" he asked, his tone laden with curiosity.
Zoro found it baffling, this unwavering faith Bai Ye had in someone who seemed as unpredictable as a rubber raft in a hurricane. He wondered if perhaps Bai Ye, rather than Luffy, should be the one guiding their ship as captain. After all, he had learned from Koby that their partnership had been formed impulsively—a shouted dream of becoming the Pirate King followed by an instant, enthusiastic agreement.
However, Bai Ye, looking towards Luffy with a fond and thoughtful expression, just laughed softly. "I'm quite confident in him," he said, his voice calm yet firm. "Luffy is the one who will redraw the map of this world. He is destined to discover the One Piece."
Zoro watched as Bai Ye's affectionate gaze rested on Luffy, and he could almost visualize the splendid futures they were striving towards. Bai Ye might not possess a crystal ball to foresee the future, but his experiences were akin to having a front-row seat at the unfolding of an epic tale.
Suddenly energized, Bai Ye produced a jar of wine with a deft flick of his wrist. "Here, try a gulp of this!" he offered enthusiastically.
An enticing, rich aroma filled the air, drawing Zoro's attention immediately. He blinked, surprised, then inhaled deeply once more, his hand instinctively reaching for the jar. "That smells...remarkably good," he remarked, his voice tinged with anticipation.
Bai Ye's laughter rang out as he noticed the eager gleam in Zoro's eyes—a look he recognized from many past encounters, for besides being a master swordsman, Zoro had a well-known appreciation for fine beverages. "Give it a go, you'll understand with just a sip!"
As Zoro tasted the wine, a wave of exhilaration washed over him, reminiscent of discovering a lush, green island in a vast, desolate ocean of sand. The sensation was invigorating, filling him with a sense of discovery.
However, the moment of delight was brief as Zoro eagerly downed the wine. Bai Ye chuckled, a mix of amusement and mild frustration coloring his tone. "Easy there, Zoro! It's meant to be sipped, not gulped down like water!"
Under the soft, ambient light of the lanterns, Zoro sighed in contentment, relishing the unique buzz the wine left in its wake. "Feels a lot like that pill you shared earlier, doesn't it?" he mused, his voice a blend of nostalgia and appreciation.
With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Bai Ye replied, "Ah, sharp as always." He then carefully tucked away the now-empty jar and presented Zoro with a fresh one. "This isn't just wine; we Daoists call it 'water pill.' It's specially brewed at Longhu Mountain, and I have plenty." As Bai Ye explained, Zoro understood that this wasn't merely a drink; it was imbued with layers of energy, vitality, and a touch of mysticism—like a magical morning coffee.
Tilting his head back, Zoro let out a satisfied "Ah~," clearly savoring the enchanting flavors of the new brew. It was evident; he was thoroughly enjoying this unique discovery.
With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Bai Ye seized the perfect moment to stir things up a bit. "Dracule Mihawk 'Hawkeye', he's the guy you're aiming to beat, right?" he asked with a playful tone.
Zoro, feeling a bit more talkative after his drink, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, that's the goal. To be the world's top swordsman." But Bai Ye couldn't resist a little tease, "Hawkeye at full strength versus you? You'd be out before you even knew it started."
Zoro's eyes narrowed, and his eyebrows drew together in a feigned scowl. "Watch it..."
Yet, Bai Ye, blending humor with sincerity, quickly softened his approach. "Hey, I'm not trying to get under your skin. Just want you to realize there's a whole bigger world out there." He pointed out that the East Blue, where Zoro had grown up, was nothing compared to the vast challenges awaiting in the Grand Line.
As they continued their conversation, Zoro looked at Bai Ye with a hint of suspicion. "You seem to know an awful lot." Bai Ye just offered a mysterious smile in response. "Just a simple Taoist with stories from distant lands."
Zoro's thoughts drifted back to his ultimate challenge. "So, how tough is Hawkeye, really?"
Bai Ye's expression turned serious. "He's incredibly strong. Against him, even your best move would seem like child's play." Zoro, always stoic, just chuckled in response. "That's what makes it all so exciting."
In the midst of their deep conversation, a loud, familiar voice suddenly cut through. "Bai Ye! Zoro!"
BOOM
Luffy, true to form, burst into the scene, sending leftovers from his latest meal flying everywhere.
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