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Under the escort of the coastal town's guards, the brilliantly inept Aqua and the directionally challenged Zoro were safely returned to Shimotsuki Village.
Along with them came a few fines for damaging public property and unpaid meal tabs—the former attributed to Aqua, the latter to young Zoro.
Without waiting for Zyhark to speak up, Koushirou proactively took out his wallet and settled the debts incurred by the two.
Watching Aqua and Zoro standing upright in the corner, deeply reflecting on their actions, the dojo master, who usually smiled gently with his eyes nearly closed, rubbed his temples in a rare display of frustration.
He had never before encountered someone as, well, unique as Aqua in his life.
With this thought, Koushirou's gaze towards Zyhark was filled with a mixture of sympathy and admiration:
Having such trouble-making companions, it was hard to imagine what this young man had been through on his journey! But, it must have been manageable, given the presence of the strong and stable person like King...
The brief interlude ended, and the misadventures of Aqua and Zoro were destined to become a source of amusement in Shimotsuki Village for some time.
In the afternoon, Zyhark and his companions returned to the coastal town outside the village to stock up on sufficient food, drinks, and daily necessities for the Endless Dream.
Having resolved Kuina's regrets, they were ready to set sail for their next destination—the town where it all begins and ends, Loguetown!
At Koushirou's suggestion, Zoro, Kuina, and a few dojo disciples specially came along to help with the loading.
The journey from Shimotsuki Village to Loguetown was long, and since Zyhark intended to obtain the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia as quickly as possible without making stops, they needed to prepare plenty of supplies in advance.
The townspeople, recognizing them as the heroes of the East Blue who defeated two major pirates, offered them substantial discounts.
In fact, even Aqua's compensation fee had been discounted...
By the time they finished purchasing supplies, the sea was dyed red by the sunset, and night was about to fall. Zyhark lifted the heavy anchor, and King unfurled the sails.
In the cool sea breeze, the Endless Dream set off towards the horizon.
It wasn't the ideal time to sail out, so Zyhark only intended to move the fully supplied ship closer to the beach adjoining Shimotsuki Village. They planned to spend another night in the village.
The single-mast sailboat cut through the waves along the island's coastline. On the ship's deck, Zoro and Kuina stood beside the figurehead of Goddess Aqua, both wide-eyed, gazing at the boundless sea ahead.
Although they lived in the coastal Shimotsuki Village, they had never truly sailed out to sea.
The sea breeze, the sound of waves against the ship, and the white seabirds flying overhead... Everything about the sea was endlessly fascinating to these two young swordsmen with grand dreams.
"Is this what it's like to sail on the sea? It's wonderful, a sea that gathers countless powerful swordsmen."
Kuina straightened her wind-blown bangs, her beautiful eyes filled with longing.
"Kuina, let's just follow Zyhark and them out to sea!"
Zoro, equally full of anticipation, impulsively suggested, "Staying in the village means nothing but training. We won't find strong enough opponents here, but with Zyhark and the others, we'll definitely encounter incredibly strong foes!"
To Zoro, aside from dojo master Koushirou Shimotsuki, the other disciples were too weak to stir his fighting spirit.
"Really, can we?"
Kuina's eyes lit up at Zoro's proposal, then she sighed with worry, "I wonder if Mr. Zyhark would agree."
She had considered Zoro's idea before but, being older and more mature, she thought more comprehensively.
"I heard that."
Zyhark's calm voice suddenly sounded from behind, startling Zoro and Kuina.
As they looked up, Zyhark approached.
"Zoro, Kuina, the Sea Restaurant Endless Dream welcomes your participation."
Before they could react, he added, "But not now."
"Eh?"
Their initial surprise turned to disappointment.
"What I mean is, when you become stronger than you are now, strong enough to easily slice through rocks, the Sea Restaurant will always welcome you," Zyhark said, looking earnestly at the vast sea.
Zoro and Kuina had potential and diligence, capable of becoming great swordsmen, at least in the future.
Of course, that was "later." Just dealing with the intellectually challenged Aqua and the non-combative King was already a headache for him.
Adding two kids to the mix would mean they could forget about the Grandline journey!
Hearing this, Kuina and Zoro became solemn, silent with heavy thoughts. For them, who mostly trained with bamboo swords, this task seemed exceedingly difficult!
"Cut through rocks easily..."
Kuina pondered seriously, contemplating how long it would take to achieve such a feat.
"No, not just rocks. I'll show you I can cut through steel too!"
Zoro, ever straightforward, raised his arms, making a bold declaration.
"Steel, huh? Just a bamboo sword won't do for that, Zoro."
As if he had anticipated this moment, Zyhark smiled and handed over two long swords that had seen battle, "These two swords, which have accompanied me in battle, are now yours."
They were the swords obtained from Johnny and Yosaku. Although not of exceptional quality, they were far from poor.
"Really? Can I have them?!"
Seeing the well-crafted swords, Zoro immediately perked up, having longed for his own real swords.
"Take them," Zyhark handed the swords to Zoro.
Zoro carefully took the swords, bowing deeply in thanks, "Thank you so much!"
Then, he eagerly examined his new weapons.
"And this is for you, Kuina."
Zyhark turned to Kuina, producing a smooth, black-shimmering whetstone.
It was looted from the Krieg Pirates' base and, being stored alongside gold and jewels, was likely of high quality. Kuina, now in possession of the Wado Ichimonji, would find this whetstone more useful than Zoro.
"A high-grade whetstone!"
Kuina, just seconds ago envious of Zoro's new swords, was now captivated by the whetstone in Zyhark's hands.
"It seems you'll like it."
After handing over the whetstone, Zyhark added, "Kuina, let's not place this one too high up, alright?"
Kuina blushed, murmuring a low "Got it..."
Had Zoro mentioned such an embarrassing mishap, she would've scolded him without hesitation!
Thus, another strange agreement was added to Zyhark's journey.
(End of Chapter)