A separation as destined as fate itself, followed by a reunion just as destined.
Luffy and Kaito Sakamoto, two pirates, found themselves reunited at the naval base, and it all boiled down to Zoro.
Such a twist of fate—there was no way they couldn't invite him aboard.
Not coming? Fine, then we'll drag you along!
...
Seeing Zoro fall silent, Kaito decided to unleash his strongest move.
"Your sword's been taken, right?"
"Luffy's going to get it back for you."
"But to get your sword..."
"You have to become one of us!" ×2
The last sentence, Kaito and Luffy said in unison.
"How despicable!"
Zoro gritted his teeth in frustration, but Luffy ignored him. After Kaito told him that the sword was in Belumeber's room, they immediately set off to retrieve it.
"Koby, take the little girl out. Things are about to get... not for kids."
"Don't worry, little lady, we'll rescue this green-haired guy from the evil navy."
As Luffy headed off to find the sword, Kaito instructed Koby to take the little girl away. Koby didn't refuse—well, he probably didn't dare to.
The little girl, hearing that Kaito was going to save Zoro, was filled with excitement. She raised her fist to cheer him on.
The two of them quickly made their way out of the naval base.
Kaito turned his attention back to Zoro, still wearing that polite smile.
Zoro ignored him, and Kaito moved closer.
Zoro snapped, his temper flaring, "What are you doing?!"
"Nothing. Just wanted to see if there was something different about your left eye."
Kaito replied, a knowing look in his eyes.
"Are you crazy?"
"Maybe. Who knows?"
"My body's just too weak," Kaito added nonchalantly.
"..."
Zoro was speechless. Who asked you about your body?
"Huff"
"So, who exactly are you? What do you want? Why invite a bounty hunter to become a pirate?"
Zoro exhaled deeply, calming himself before locking eyes with Kaito.
"What do we want?"
"That's a question," Kaito chuckled.
"We're pirates, as you already know."
"My name's Kaito Sakamoto. The guy wearing the straw hat over there is my partner, and probably my little brother, Luffy."
"He's also the captain of our crew."
"Don't let his goofy looks fool you; he's actually pretty strong."
"Anyone can be amazing if they have a dream."
"Just like how you want to be the world's greatest swordsman."
"Luffy's dream is... to become the Pirate King!"
"To be more precise, becoming the Pirate King is just the first step of his dream."
Kaito said with a smile, looking at Zoro like a slick salesman—one with some serious skill.
"The Pirate King?"
"There are so many pirates in this world, and becoming the Pirate King is not as easy as just saying it."
Zoro had been a pirate hunter himself. There were so many pirates on the seas, far too many to capture, it seemed impossible to catch them all. Becoming the Pirate King by surpassing every other pirate? That was no easy task.
"But isn't it the same as your dream of becoming the world's greatest swordsman?"
"There are plenty of powerful people in this world, and many use swords."
"Yet you still hold onto that dream."
"A dream that's easy to achieve, isn't much of a dream."
"You don't believe in Luffy's determination? You don't think he can stick to it?"
Kaito continued with a serious tone, "Let me tell you something: Luffy has said himself that this is his dream, his choice. He would give his life for it."
"I believe he'll make it. If you don't believe, then come along and see for yourself. If you're disappointed, you can always leave."
Kaito patted Zoro's shoulder with a sincere smile.
"Tch. You talk too much. It's annoying."
Zoro finally spoke, and then, more likely than not, he'd agreed to join the crew. Becoming a pirate and being the world's greatest swordsman didn't really conflict.
"Heh, my dream, huh..."
Kaito paused for a moment, before continuing.
"Maybe I just want to go to the dock and grab some fries. Trust me, if you don't, you'll regret not going to the dock for fries."
As Kaito talked about his dream, Zoro was left confused. What was all this about?
Just when Kaito was about to stop joking and speak seriously, a huge crash echoed through the air.
From the left side of the naval base, a stone statue's upper half fell from the roof and shattered upon hitting the ground.
Then came the shout, "Kill him!!!"
Kaito smiled. He knew that was Luffy's handiwork. It seemed that fate had ensured this statue, that of Monka, would fall!
Monka turned his head and locked eyes with Kaito, his glare so intense it seemed like he wanted to eat him alive.
"Prison break! Escape!"
"Damn it! This is an insult to me!"
Monka grabbed a soldier's spear and fired a shot at Kaito and Zoro, holding the gun with one hand.
Time seemed to slow.
The bullet sped toward them, trailing heat in its wake.
Zoro panicked. He couldn't just die here. There was still so much for him to do! His vow!
He was carrying the strength of Kyoina within him, and he couldn't just die now!
"Help me!"
"Alright!"