Translator: PapaSmurf0700
On the deck of the Golden Merry, Sanji tossed a large bento package down, his dramatic gesture catching everyone's attention. Bai Ye, watching with a bemused expression and a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth, remarked, "Sanji, Zoro doesn't need a lunch for this special training. I've already prepared an energy-maintaining pill for him."
Zoro stood by quietly, casting a glance at the bento package now lying unused on the deck.
Sanji, upon hearing this, turned away with a shrug, muttering to himself, "I just made a bit extra and didn't want it to go to waste." He then added, more to himself than anyone else, "Since it's unnecessary here, let Luffy handle it."
Then, looking back at Zoro with a serious tone, Sanji said, "You better come back."
Zoro responded with a confident smile, "Ah, I will."
Just as Zoro was about to add more, Sanji quickly interjected, "After all, Sister Robin is going to stay on the observation deck for you. It's tough being out in the wind and sun all day."
Zoro, irritated by the comment, retorted, "Perverted Cook!!"
Sanji shot back, "Mosshead!!"
Bai Ye stood by, silent, a faint expression of exasperation crossing his face.
A moment later, inside Zoro's room—
Zoro faced the swirling colors of the mist before him, his eyes reflecting determination. Bai Ye handed him a pill, explaining, "This is the Regeneration Pill. Eat this first; it will ensure your energy recovers during the tribulation."
He then placed a white pill in Zoro's hand and advised, "This is the Sword Demon Pill. Before you take it, make sure your spirit and mind are fully prepared."
After Bai Ye set the pill in his hand, Zoro gave a solemn nod, his focus unwavering, and started walking towards the mist.
Bai Ye called out to him just before he stepped into the haze, "By the way, Zoro, though I'm not a swordsman, my master once shared something that might interest you."
Soon after, Bai Ye exited Zoro's room and informed Sanji and the others that Zoro had officially begun his special training.
-----
On the other side of the mist, Bai Ye had been busy shaping the rainbow mist world to his liking. He crafted a secluded island, perfect for Zoro's needs.
At that moment, Zoro was already settled in, sitting cross-legged as he swallowed the Regeneration Pill. He could feel a surge of power blossoming within him. With his eyes closed, he tossed the Sword Demon Pill into his mouth, ready for what was to come. Though it felt like an eternity, only a second had actually ticked by.
Suddenly, a voice disrupted the silence, pulling Zoro out of his focused state. "Hey, you bastard, why are you here?" it said, causing Zoro to snap his eyes open in surprise.
The sight that greeted him was unexpected—a girl standing very close, looking at him with a curious tilt of her head. The proximity was startling, and Zoro, taken aback, lost his balance and fell backward onto the ground.
As he sat on the ground, his face turned a shade of red, possibly from embarrassment. Flustered, he blurted out, "Who are you, and why are you so close all of a sudden? You could scare someone to death."
The girl seemed puzzled by his reaction but didn't appear to be offended by his outburst.
She reached out, pulling the young boy, Zoro, to his feet. She gently stroked his short hair and explained, "I saw you standing at the dojo door with your eyes closed, so I came over to see."
"So, are you here to learn sword skills?" she asked with a curious tilt of her head.
Zoro opened his mouth to reply but paused, a puzzled expression crossing his face as if he had forgotten something. Regaining his composure, he declared boldly, "I'm here to challenge the dojo. Hurry up and call out the strongest person here. I want a showdown!"
With a confident grin stretching across his face, Zoro's smile was both arrogant and defiant.
However, the girl couldn't help but burst into laughter at his challenge. "Pfft~" She pointed at him, still chuckling, "Looking like that, are you really here to challenge the dojo?"
Zoro looked down at his own attire: a tattered white short-sleeve shirt, dark blue pants, and shoes entangled with various weeds—he indeed looked more like a wayward wanderer than a swordsman.
Flushing with embarrassment, Zoro retorted, "Of course, I'm here to conquer this dojo! Don't underestimate me; no one in the nearby village can beat me. Call out your strongest, and if you lose, I'll take your sign. If I lose, I'll join and honor your dojo."
Just then, a loud growl from his stomach interrupted the moment. "Gulu..." His face turned an even deeper shade of red.
The successive embarrassments made him itch to flee the scene, but before he could move, the girl's voice halted him. "Are you hungry?"
Zoro lifted his gaze to meet the girl's concerned eyes. "Come and eat with me first," she offered gently.
Turning his head, Zoro replied awkwardly, "I... I don't want it."
The girl gave a knowing smile and teased, "Oh? Really? You don't want it?" She continued, "Imagine if you failed your challenge just because you were hungry. You'd be really upset, wouldn't you?"
Her words struck a chord with Zoro, and it was clear from his expression that he was reconsidering. Seeing this, the girl added, "Let's have dinner first, and then I can set up a time for your challenge."
Finally convinced, Zoro turned around and followed her into the dojo, murmuring, "I know... I know."
As they entered, Zoro paused for a brief moment at the threshold but quickly composed himself.
"My name is Kuina," the girl introduced herself as they walked. "What's your name?"
"Roronoa Zoro," he replied.
Kuina, with a hint of mischief in her tone, asked, "Zoro, did you come here on purpose?"
Zoro remained silent, prompting Kuina to continue, "Or did you end up here by mistake because you got lost and couldn't find your way back?"
Zoro's eyes widened in surprise. "You... how do you know!!"
Kuina burst out laughing, "I guessed right, hahaha!"
Zoro couldn't help but groan, "So annoying!" as they continued into the dojo.
-----
Meanwhile, Luffy sat perched on the bow of the Golden Merry, gazing into the distance. Turning to Bai Ye, who was standing beside him, Luffy's curiosity got the better of him. "Bai Ye, what kind of person do you think Zoro will meet?"
Bai Ye responded without hesitation, "Everyone's experience is unique, so it's hard to say exactly. But it might turn out to be a pretty interesting battlefield."
Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement as he leaned closer to Bai Ye. "Really? It sounds so interesting! Can't I try it too? Please?"
Bai Ye sighed, his patience thinning. "It's Sword Demon Tribulation, not an adventure, you idiot," he muttered, barely resisting the urge to kick Luffy out of his frustration.
After Bai Ye had explained the details of Zoro's special training to everyone else, the crew simply marveled once again at the marvels of Bai Ye's pills. But Luffy was another story. He clung to Bai Ye, unwavering in his demand to experience the tribulation for himself.
Despite Bai Ye's repeated explanations that the Sword Demon Pill was specifically tailored for swordsmen like Zoro, Luffy wouldn't listen—a fact that left Bai Ye feeling quite exasperated.
In reality, Bai Ye, along with Chopper, had been working on researching a pill that could specifically help enhance Luffy's strength, understanding his eagerness and unique needs.