Teach swordsmanship?
Ryujiro hadn't expected his arrival to alter the storyline again. Teach Zoro swordsmanship?
"Sorry, I can't teach you."
Ryujiro said regretfully.
"I don't take apprentices, nor do I have a habit of teaching others."
"You should forge your own path in swordsmanship. Besides, you're not qualified to be my disciple at the moment."
"This is the weakest sea, East Blue. Even if you're a notable swordsman here, such swordsmen are dime a dozen on the Grand Line."
The weakest sea.
Zoro clenched his teeth, his face filled with unwillingness.
He had once thought that even if he couldn't match the world's greatest swordsman, the gap wouldn't be too great.
But after witnessing the battle between Ryujiro and Mihawk, he realized how narrow his perspective had been.
He couldn't wield a slash that could destroy everything standing on his path.
Seeing Zoro's disappointment, Ryujiro slowly added, "I can't take you as my disciple, but I can offer some guidance on swordsmanship."
Zoro, who had initially harbored no hope, brightened up once more at these words.
At that moment, Luffy dashed over with a broad grin, "I'm Luffy! You two are amazing!"
"Interested in joining my crew? I'm always looking for crew members for adventures!"
Hinata, watching Luffy, couldn't help but smile helplessly. This boy seemed too naive and gave off a feeling of being not very bright.
"Pirate, huh?"
"I'm not interested."
"Straw Hat kid, if your grandpa found out you became a pirate, wouldn't he 'kill' you?"
Ryujiro teased Luffy.
Thud, thud, thud!
Luffy stepped back in horror, breaking into a cold sweat at the thought of his grandfather.
"How do you know my grandpa?!"
"Are you here to bring me back at his request?!"
Luffy eyed Ryujiro warily.
Ryujiro glanced at Luffy and said casually, "Don't worry, I'm not someone your grandpa sent."
"If you want strong people to join your crew, you need to be stronger than others. Otherwise, why would anyone join your crew?"
At that moment.
"Luffy! It's bad!"
The long-nosed Usopp rushed in, his gaze fearful as he glanced at Ryujiro and Hinata.
"What's wrong, Usopp?"
Luffy looked at Usopp in confusion.
"Nami, Nami took the Going Merry."
"Huh?! What did you say?!"
Luffy's eyes widened in disbelief.
"It's true, Captain Luffy."
"But judging by Nami's sailing direction, she's headed towards Cocoyasi Village."
"But that area…"
Yosaku paused.
"What about it?"
"They say that area is controlled by the fishman Arlong."
Fishman?!
"What's a fishman?"
Luffy asked curiously.
Having just left Foosha Village, Luffy had never encountered fishmen before and was curious about everything.
Arlong, huh?
Ryujiro pondered for a moment.
In the original story, Arlong was the first small boss defeated by Luffy's crew. After this battle, both Zoro and Luffy's strengths would have improved.
Cocoyasi Village is a nice place.
After enjoying the food prepared by Sanji, Ryujiro couldn't help but marvel at its deliciousness, truly worthy of Sanji's skills.
By the way...
"Sorry, I don't have any money on me. Can I pay with something else?"
Ryujiro asked politely.
Zeff stepped forward, smiling awkwardly. "It's an honor to have someone like you in our restaurant. There's no charge for this meal."
After all, how could they charge someone who defeated Mihawk? Even if they had a hundred times more courage, they wouldn't dare ask Ryujiro for money.
"That won't do."
"Even though I don't know how much this is worth, it should cover the cost of a meal."
Ryujiro placed a dazzling gem on the table. The crowd was instantly captivated by the gem's brilliance.
"Oh my god!"
"I've never seen such a pure gem. This gem must be worth several million Berries, even tens of millions!"
"This could cover not just a meal but possibly even buy the restaurant!"
Gasp!
The onlookers took a deep breath.
You're offering a gem worth millions of Berries?
Even Zeff was stunned. A gem worth millions of Berries was beyond their restaurant's capacity to make change for Ryujiro.
"Sir, please, don't."
"Even if you give it to us, we can't afford to make change."
Zeff said with a wry smile.
"Keep it. To me, this gem is nothing. I don't like being in debt."
Ryujiro's words were calm but carried an undeniable authority. Under this pressure, Zeff had no choice but to accept the gem.
He then thanked Ryujiro.
Ryujiro glanced at the weakened Zoro, then slowly walked over to him.
The crowd was sweating nervously for Zoro.
"Such rough treatment."
Zoro's injuries had affected his internals.
Although it wouldn't have an immediate impact, as he aged, the risk of these hidden injuries causing problems would increase, possibly threatening his life.
"Step aside."
Ryujiro spoke, his immense pressure making Yosaku and Johnny struggle to breathe.
But for Zoro's sake, they gathered their courage and bore the immense pressure.
"What are you going to do to him?!"
Ryujiro glanced at the two of them and said slowly, "Don't worry. If I wanted to do something to him, no one here could stop me."
"Johnny, Yosaku, step aside."
Luffy believed Ryujiro wouldn't harm Zoro. Moreover, Luffy would never allow Ryujiro to do anything to Zoro.
Even if Ryujiro was powerful, he could not be forgiven for harming his comrade.
Ryujiro knelt down, and a faint green light appeared in his palm.
The crowd looked on with astonished expressions, especially Zeff, whose reaction was akin to seeing a ghost.
A Devil Fruit user?
Not only is he a great swordsman, but he's also a Devil Fruit user?
"Oh! Are you also a Devil Fruit user?" Luffy asked excitedly, as if he had found a kindred spirit.
"This isn't a Devil Fruit ability."
Ryujiro replied.
Although Ryujiro wasn't very skilled with medical ninjutsu, treating Zoro's injuries was no problem. After all, he had reached another level of power.
Even though he wasn't proficient, his healing abilities far surpassed most medical ninjas.
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