A fateful separation, and now, a fateful reunion.
Luffy and Kaito Sakamoto, two pirates, found themselves crossing paths again at a Marine base—all thanks to Zoro.
With such a lucky encounter, how could they not invite him to join their crew?
Refuse?
Who cares! If you won't board willingly, we'll just force you on!
...
Seeing Zoro remain silent, Kaito pulled out his most powerful bargaining chip.
"Your swords were taken, right?"
"Luffy's already gone to get them back for you."
"But if you want your swords…"
"You'll have to become our crewmate!" ×2
The last line was said in unison by both Luffy and Kaito.
"You guys are so shameless!" Zoro shouted in frustration, his teeth clenched, but Luffy didn't care. After Kaito told him Zoro's swords were in Helmeppo's room, he rushed off to retrieve them.
"Coby, take this little girl outside. What's about to happen isn't suitable for children."
"Don't worry, little girl, we'll rescue the green-haired guy from those evil Marines."
With Luffy off to find the swords, Kaito had Coby take the little girl outside. Coby didn't refuse—he probably didn't dare to. The girl, hearing that Kaito would save Zoro, was excited and cheered for him with a raised fist.
After the two left the base, Kaito turned back to Zoro, still wearing a polite smile.
Zoro ignored him, but Kaito stepped closer.
Zoro's eyes flared with anger. "What are you doing!?"
"Nothing. Just curious about your left eye," Kaito replied cryptically, as if only those in the know would understand.
"Are you insane?"
"Who knows? Maybe. My body's pretty weak, though."
"..."
Zoro was speechless. Who asked about your health?
Sigh!
"So, who are you guys, really? What do you want? And why invite a pirate hunter to become a pirate?"
Exhaling deeply, Zoro tried to steady his emotions and stared at Kaito.
"What do we want, huh?"
"Good question."
"You already know we're pirates."
"I'm Kaito Sakamoto, and that guy with the straw hat is my crewmate—he's like a little brother to me. His name is Luffy."
"And he's also our captain."
"Don't be fooled by his carefree attitude. He's actually pretty strong."
"Dreams make people great. Just like how you dream of becoming the world's greatest swordsman."
"And Luffy's dream… is to become the Pirate King!"
"To be precise, becoming the Pirate King is only the first step of his dream."
Kaito spoke to Zoro with a grin, sounding just like a skilled salesman.
"Pirate King?"
"There are so many pirates in the world. Becoming Pirate King isn't something you can achieve by just saying it."
Zoro had hunted pirates long enough to know how countless pirates roamed the seas. There were too many to count, too many to capture. To surpass all pirates and become their king? It was no easy feat.
"Isn't that the same as your dream of becoming the world's greatest swordsman?"
"There are countless strong fighters, and plenty of skilled swordsmen."
"But you still hold on to that dream, don't you?"
"Dreams that are easy to achieve aren't worth dreaming."
"Don't believe in Luffy's determination? Not sure if he has what it takes?"
"Well, let me tell you this—Luffy said it himself: This is his own ideal, his own choice, and he's willing to risk his life for it."
"I believe he'll succeed. If you don't, then why not come aboard and see for yourself? If you're disappointed, you can leave anytime."
Kaito patted Zoro on the shoulder, his smile sincere.
"Tch, you sure talk a lot. So annoying," Zoro muttered. "But what about you? You support Luffy so much—what's your dream?"
Zoro's question hinted that he was already leaning towards joining the crew. After all, being a pirate didn't conflict with his goal of becoming the world's greatest swordsman.
"Heh, my dream, huh..."
"Maybe just to go grab some fries at the dock. Trust me, if you don't, you'll regret not grabbing some fries."
Kaito paused for a moment, then continued with a chuckle.
"?"
Zoro looked puzzled. What kind of answer was that? Just as Kaito was about to get serious, a loud crash echoed through the air. The upper half of a stone statue fell from the top of the Marine building, shattering on the ground.
Then a furious shout followed: "Kill him!!!"
The roar shook the entire Marine base.
Kaito grinned. He knew this was Luffy's handiwork. It seemed fate had destined that Captain Morgan's statue would be destroyed!
Morgan, noticing the commotion, turned and locked eyes with Kaito. His gaze was full of murderous intent, as if he wanted to devour Kaito whole.
"An escape! A breakout!"
"Damn you! This is an insult to me!"
Morgan snatched a rifle from a nearby soldier and fired a shot at Kaito and Zoro.
In slow motion, the bullet raced towards them, its heat blazing through the air.
Zoro panicked. He couldn't die here—not yet! He still had things to do! He still had his vow!
He still carried Kuina's strength within him. He couldn't die like this!
"Save me!"
"You got it!"
***********
Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 92+ at patreon.com/Esei01.