222. The World’s Best Swordsman

The New World, the ocean near Broccoli Island.

A big ship marked with 'G-5' slowly sailed across the water.

On the ship.

Atlas relaxed on a deck chair, shirtless, wearing baggy beach shorts and wooden sandals, soaking up the rare sunshine.

Only a day ago, word about Big Mom breaking free on Broccoli Island had spread everywhere. The latest batch of pirates who had landed there were wiped out by the Marines.

Now, with Atlas's famous name and the news of Pizarro's demise, Broccoli Island has turned into a forbidden zone, said to be too dangerous for pirates to step foot on easily.

Atlas had finished his mission on Broccoli Island. Despite the Kingdom of Chris citizens bidding farewell with mixed feelings, the warship entirely departed from the island.

"Hey, Smoker, we're in the Sea Circle Calendar 1509, right?"

Out of the blue, Atlas asked Smoker a question.

"...Yeah, time flies, and we'll be in 1510 before you know it."

Smoker was taken aback, and then a nostalgic expression crossed his face.

It's been around a decade since Atlas and Smoker first crossed paths. Surprisingly, they started as regular workers at the Logue Town base, and now they hold crucial positions in the Naval Headquarters.

Over these years, both of them worked hard and faced numerous battles. Atlas, in particular, is now the Marine Candidate Admiral.

"Did Colonel Randall leave his phone number for you the last time we were in East Blue?" Atlas asked, squinting his eyes and cutting through Smoker's trip down memory lane with a deep voice.

"Ah? Colonel Randall? Yeah, that sounds about right. Let me try to remember."

Smoker furrowed his brow, appearing deep in thought. "Brother Atlas, is there something you want from Colonel Randall?"

"Yeah, I've got a little favor to ask, and I need Colonel Randall's help."

....

In East Blue, at Shimotsuki Village, specifically at Isshin Dogo.

On the training ground, two petite figures, a man and a woman, stood facing each other with seriousness. A bunch of kids with sniffles watched the intense scene unfold. In the midst of it all, a middle-aged man observed the duel, taking on the role of a referee.

"Ah!"

Out of nowhere, a loud shout echoed as the boy with algae-green hair on the field surged forward, taking the initiative in the attack. The two bamboo swords in his hands swirled with significant force and momentum!

Boom! ! !

The little girl swiftly reached him, her bamboo sword easily finding its mark. The thick blade accurately struck the boy's face.

"Hiss~"

The boy tumbled to the ground, clutching his face in agony. A distinct red mark from the bamboo sword adorned his face. He winced, audibly sucking in air, clearly in considerable pain.

"Winner, Kuina!"

The middle-aged man acting as the referee quickly stepped in between the two contenders and loudly declared the outcome.

"Zoro has lost!"

"Hey... Now Zoro has 0 wins and 1887 defeats against Kuina!"

"Idiot, you missed one count, he lost 1888 times!"

Observing the scene unfold in the field, the children on the sidelines suddenly started chatting.

Furthermore, Zoro's losing streak has been tallied.

Ring! !

Kuina gazed at the downed Zoro, lifting one arm, pointing the bamboo sword in his direction, and tauntingly remarked, "Humph, you're truly useless!"

"As a man, you are still so weak!"

"Hey! Zoro is not weak at all!"

Before Zoro could respond, the observing children voiced their disagreement. Sporting angry expressions, they bared their teeth and roared at Kuina.

"That's right!! Zoro is the strongest in our gym!"

"Even among adults, he's the strongest!"

Other children chimed in, joining the defense, their faces filled with discontent.

Even though Zoro has only been at the gym for a little over a year, everyone witnesses the dedication of this green-haired guy and genuinely admires the strength he's gained.

Naturally, they can't tolerate Kuina's veiled sarcasm.

"Oh, really? But he's weaker than me!"

Kuina maintained her disappointed expression, shaking her head slightly and sighing, "It doesn't matter if it's two-sword style or not, if it's useless, it's useless!"

"If you lose, just shut up!"

Having said that, unfazed by others' reactions, she casually rested the bamboo sword on her slender shoulders and turned away, leaving everyone with a sassy departure.

'Dammit!!'

Enduring the pain on his face, Zoro fought to rise from the ground, eyeing Kuina's departing form with an unconvinced expression.

"Kuina is really annoying!"

A round-faced child nearby wore an angry expression but then pouted and mumbled softly, "Although it's a bit cute."

"Yes, what a hateful woman. She's so arrogant just because she's the daughter of a dojo master!"

A Jarhead boy also shouted angrily.

"Huh? Wait, what did you just say? You traitor!"

Reacting to something, Jarhead grabbed the round-faced boy by the collar and scolded him dissatisfiedly.

"Huh? No, no, you heard wrong!"

The round-faced child quickly waved his hands, attempting to defend himself.

"You lost again!"

At that moment, Koshiro, donned in Taoist robes, appeared in front of everyone, still wearing a gentle smile. He softly comforted Zoro, who seemed unconvinced.

"Zoro, you are actually very strong."

"Sensei—!!"

"Sensei! You can't give her special training just because she's your daughter!!"

"Yeah, so cunning!"

The other children expressed their complaints as Koshiro approached.

Having always lived in the shadow of Kuina, they harbored a deep dissatisfaction that she, being a girl, could effortlessly outmatch them.

They even began to wonder if Koshiro was favoring Kuina!

"There is no such thing! Don't talk nonsense!"

Koshiro swiftly waved his hands and explained to the chattering children in a gentle voice.

Snapped!!

Zoro on the side ignored Koshiro's consolation and flung the bamboo sword in his hand to the ground.

"Shit!"

"Why can't I beat that woman? I promised Atlas that I would find him in the Grand Line someday!"

Seeing this, Koshiro slowly squatted down, his eyes level with Zoro's, and smiled, "Kuina is just a little older than you, you..."

"But I can even defeat adults!"

Before Koshiro could finish speaking, Zoro angrily interrupted.

"I will go to sea in the future and become the world's best swordsman!"

"So I absolutely cannot lose to her now!"

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