38 Chapter 38

Since Zoro is still young in terms of physical age, he won't be criminally punished for carrying a sword around. However, being questioned by the police every time he carries a sword—asking where he got it and where his parents are—is an annoying situation for Zoro.

'It was better in the previous world for such things.'

Given how harsh the world is, no one finds it strange to see someone carrying a weapon. Of course, even there, it was rare for someone of Zoro's age to carry a weapon.

Zoro fiddled with the Wado Ichimonji. He still couldn't quite believe it. He thought the connections to the swords he used in his previous life were severed forever by dying and being reborn in another world.

'Enma and Kitetsu... Are they in this world too?'

He hoped so, but he wouldn't be too hung up on it. It would be somewhat unsettling if not a single sword that Zoro used in his previous world remained. It felt like he left no trace in the previous world.

For a swordsman, the sword itself is a will, and there was a wish that someone would inherit Zoro's swords and continue that will from the previous world.

Reminiscing about his past life, Zoro couldn't help but remember some faces. Thinking of his crewmates with whom he once shared a ship and traveled the world, Zoro slightly frowned.

'...I wonder if those guys are doing okay.'

Robin had Zoro's Vivre Card, and since she knew the whereabouts of all the other crewmates, the news of Zoro's death would have been shared with everyone without delay.

What would they have done next? Came to the place of his death and recovered his body?

'Maybe there was nothing left to recover.'

It was the first time he had fought so many enemies alone.

Among all the battles in Zoro's life, this was one of the most intense. It being his last battle, it might be natural.

'Maybe they know I've been reborn.'

He didn't know how a Vivre Card would change when someone dies and then comes back to life in another world.

'It might have burned up and then regenerated.'

Once dead, it could just disappear.

Even the strongest can't know what happens after death. Zoro thought of his crewmates' faces.

'I hope they aren't suffering too much, either way.'

It's not their fault. It's just that Zoro was too weak to defeat them without dying.

Zoro's expression turned a bit bitter.

Toji watched the change in Zoro's expression and then extended his arm to tap Zoro on the head gently. He didn't know what was going on, but he wanted Zoro to have a happy face today, of all days, since it was his birthday.

"Since it's your birthday, let's eat something you like."

What do you want to eat?

Zoro blinked at Toji's question. Then, with a slightly excited face, he said,

"Alcohol."

"No."

Toji was firm, and Zoro clicked his tongue, thinking it would be allowed on his birthday.

"Not even a little?"

"Not a single drop."

Seeing Toji's expression, as firm as if it couldn't be penetrated by a pumpkin's tooth, Zoro decided to back down this time. It seems like it won't happen this year.

In fact, Zoro was almost shocked to death when he heard that this country allows drinking from the age of 20. Twenty years old, twenty years old! That's 15 years to go.

Anyway, if alcohol was out of the question, he had to choose something else. After thinking for a moment, Zoro spoke up.

"Then, white rice with stir-fried tripe."

Toji narrowed his eyes and replied,

"I said something you like, not me."

"That's what I mean."

Zoro liked food that paired well with white rice and as a side dish. Tripe, which Toji loved the most, was also one of the foods that paired well as a side dish.

If they were going to eat something delicious, it was better to eat something Toji also liked. That was the intention.

"...Okay."

Toji couldn't possibly not understand that sentiment.

Anyway, he's a kind one. Self-centered as if he's the only one that exists, yet when it comes to choosing between himself and others, he chooses others.

...Even though he believes he's not worth it.

Toji smiled bitterly.

"Have you sorted out your thoughts?"

Startled by the abrupt question, Toji flinched and then shook his head. As always, the moment he let his guard down, he was attacked at his weak point, typical of a prosecutor.

"Not yet."

"Hmm, but it seems better than before."

"...Is that so."

Unlike a few days ago, when he couldn't think of anything he wanted, now all sorts of memories flooded his mind.

From the days he gritted his teeth vowing to destroy the Zenin family's main storage after leaving it, to the past when he spent as quickly as he earned the money from cutting off a sorcerer's life, to the moments with Chie when he dared not believe it was reality yet wished it would last forever.

Some memories sharply pierced him, while others gently enveloped him. Some memories were too bright, making him not want to look at them as if he would go blind.

And strangely, the words spoken by the fugitive from the Time Vessel Association last night also lingered in his mind.

'How could they acknowledge me when I don't acknowledge myself... was that what was said?'

He wasn't sure why those particular words stuck in his memory, but they did.

Seeing Toji pondering, Zoro shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, think about it some more."

Toji was standing at a threshold right now. Whether or not to cross that threshold, and even if he decides to cross, when to do so, was entirely up to Toji.

Regardless of the choice, he had no intention of giving up, not in the slightest.