The red-haired man asked again, looking puzzled.
Seeing his confusion, Mihawk was also taken aback. Did you really not know about your own nephew? Could it be...
After a moment of silence, the red-haired man and Mihawk sat together, sipping wine occasionally, but both remained silent, each lost in thought.
The silence lasted for another ten seconds.
"Hahaha... I had no idea I had such a nephew. This is quite amusing!"
"And a starting bounty of 300 million, no less. Did he do something world-shattering?"
"This makes me eager to meet my 'nephew'!"
Mihawk, still looking slightly displeased, remarked calmly:
"If nothing else went wrong, I should get part of the credit for that bounty!"
"I fought him once at sea, and the reason he challenged me was because he claimed to be your nephew!"
"I suppose word of our battle spread, which might explain his high bounty."
"But his strength definitely justifies it."
"Huh?" Shanks looked at him in surprise.
"I've rarely heard you praise a young man this much!"
Mihawk took another sip of wine and replied calmly:
"Although I'm a bit annoyed that he lied to me, his personality is quite to my liking, and his strength is unmatched for someone his age."
"But still, he lied. I guess I'll have to have a proper 'chat' with him the next time we meet!"
"Hahaha... Mihawk, don't be so rigid. I recognize this nephew of mine, and I don't think he was lying to you."
Mihawk:...
Don't you know that some promises are futile after the fact?
A faint smile appeared on Shanks's lips as he gazed into the distance.
Why the interest in meeting this 'nephew'?
...
East Blue, aboard the Merry Go~
"Oh, is Loguetown just ahead? I can't wait to see the place where the Pirate King was born and died!" Luffy exclaimed, hugging the goat figure on the bow and peering ahead with excitement.
On the more spacious side of the deck, the sound of clashing steel was constant.
At this moment, Zoro was swinging his Wado Ichimonji with great force.
The whirring sound of the blade cutting through the air signified the power behind his swing, but this seemingly powerful attack was effortlessly caught between Kai's two fingers, unable to move.
Kai, holding Zoro's blade with a bored expression, yawned theatrically.
The irony was palpable!
"See this? It's the difference between having a bounty and not having one. The gap is unimaginable for a third-rate swordsman like you!" Kai Vane said coolly.
He looked at Zoro with a slightly exasperated expression.
Since seeing Kai's 300 million bounty a few days ago, Zoro seemed to be driven by some form of shame or competitive spirit for not having a bounty of his own.
He had challenged Kai every day since then.
Initially, Kai found it amusing to spar with Zoro, but the difference in their strength soon became glaring.
After a few bouts, Kai lost interest and started knocking Zoro down effortlessly.
Yet, Zoro, as if on a relentless mission, continued to challenge Kai , even attacking him directly when Kai didn't agree.
This infuriated Kai, though he refrained from using lethal force.
Eventually, Kai got so fed up that he started striking back harder, but Zoro remained persistent, always eager for another round.
Fighting with Zoro had become a daily routine for Kai .
To be fair, Zoro had improved somewhat compared to his initial challenges.
Although Zoro's skills were still lacking, his growth was evident!
Thus, Kai reluctantly accepted his role as Zoro's sparring partner—after all, he was the first mate and had to think of the crew's development.
Kai flicked Zoro's blade away and commented:
"Your speed is decent, but your strength needs work!"
"So... how's your understanding of the Iron Cutting Realm coming along?"
"I'm close, but it feels like there's always just a bit missing!" Zoro replied.
"That's about right," Kai mused. Thanks to his presence, Zoro had been introduced to the Iron Cutting Realm a bit earlier than in the original timeline.
However, Zoro had to discover the path of swordsmanship on his own. Kai's only role seemed to be as his sparring partner.
"Hey, we've arrived in Loguetown!"
Sanji's voice came from the bow, drawing Kai's attention.
"Finally here?" A smile crept onto Kai's lips. He was genuinely intrigued by Loguetown.
Not because it was the birthplace and final resting place of the Pirate King, but because someone significant was in Loguetown at this time!
Also, he was excited about the chance to check in on a new island. Who knows what interesting things he might find?
A little while later~
[Ding, successfully explored Loguetown. Observation haki upgraded to intermediate level!]
With the system's notification, a wave of clarity washed over Kai Vane.
As the sensation faded, he unconsciously radiated his Haki.
After taking a moment to savor the enhancement, Kai grinned.
Although his observation Haki hadn't vastly increased his power, his perception range and sensitivity had improved significantly, which was quite beneficial!
This made his upcoming plans more convenient.
Loguetown was the final island of the East Blue. The next time he'd visit an island, it would be in the Grand Line.
With that thought, Kai couldn't help but check his system panel to see how much stronger he had become since his journey began.
[Name: Kai Vane]
[Fruit: Renren Fruit Monkey King Form (Intermediate)]
[Abilities: Indestructible Body (Intermediate), Flaming Eyes, Six Styles, Demonized Form]
[Armament Haki: Elementary]
[Observation Haki: Intermediate]
[Conqueror's Haki: Elementary]
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Power Stones would be appreciated if you like the story