Tavern Rules

"Have you decided yet?"

"Hey! It's not like you're at the market, debating over green onions for a few coins. Why the rush?"

"You know, there's no time to waste. The call for revolution has sounded in the East Blue. We must respond quickly or wait another hundred years."

"I know, but it's urgent!"

"From your expression, you don't know."

"Alright! Now that you've seen through me, what exactly do you want to do?"

"We? We're going to overturn the world."

"I see, that's quite the project."

"Remember the past when I always followed you and shared everything? Now I need you."

"Ah, that was long ago! But I knew you'd do something big."

"Then join me! I'll be waiting on White Earth Island."

...

As Kaizen walked towards the tavern, a man passed by with an arrogant demeanor. His face bore a blood-red tattoo.

Monkey D. Dragon?

Kaizen couldn't help but glance back at the cool and unrestrained figure.

"Please give me a decent drink," Kaizen said as he reached the bar.

"A decent drink? You fool, sitting here won't even get you the worst wine."

The tavern owner, disdainful, looked at Kaizen as if he were trash.

The tavern patrons immediately laughed at Kaizen.

"Ah ha ha ha!" Kaizen didn't mind. He laughed and patted the table.

His laughter silenced the tavern, drawing disinterested stares.

"Hey! Why are you laughing?" someone asked.

"I'm laughing at a tavern that sells laughter instead of wine. It's hilarious, hahahaha!" Kaizen continued to laugh.

The tavern owner slammed his fist on the table in anger.

"The wine here is only for the strong, don't you get it?"

"It's my first time here, please explain the rules."

"See that big guy? You can only drink here if you break his arm. Otherwise, leave."

The tavern owner pointed to a table where a massive man sat.

Kaizen stood up and walked towards the table without a word.

"You're too small, don't embarrass yourself."

"Get out, isn't it better to live?"

As Kaizen approached the big man, the tavern patrons mocked him.

"Do we count to three to start?"

Kaizen asked the big man with a smile.

The big man opened one eye, unimpressed.

"You can't beat me, leave!" He closed his eye again.

"How would you know without trying? Afraid of me?"

Kaizen grinned mischievously.

"What a desperate thing!" The big man opened his eyes, his expression fierce.

Watching the big man stretch his arm, Kaizen spat into his palm for friction and rolled up his sleeves.

"Even if you fail, do you have to dress up?" The patrons sneered at Kaizen's actions.

"Let's start on three?" Kaizen asked eagerly.

"Whatever," the big man replied lazily.

"One, two, three..."

Bang!

As Kaizen said "three," the table shattered, and the big man spun through the air, landing on the ground.

The tavern was stunned.

"Impossible! This skinny guy threw Kaja away?"

"Am I drunk? Did I imagine that?"

"It's not an illusion! Kaja was defeated by this guy. Incredible!"

The patrons were shocked, now admiring Kaizen.

"Please... accept this, the best wine we have!"

The tavern owner offered his finest wine, awe in his voice.

"It's tough for weak people these days!" Kaizen joked while sipping the wine.

"Brother, correct me. It's always been hard for the weak!"

A familiar voice reached Kaizen.

Turning, he saw Kizaru's face.

"Well, if you don't mind, share a drink." Kizaru sat next to him, dressed informally.

"Oh, look who's here..." Kaizen started to tease, but Kizaru cut him off.

"I advise against it; it could cause a commotion." Kizaru's eyes sharpened.

"You afraid of riots? Rare!" Kaizen smiled, finishing his drink.

"We're not familiar yet, are we?" Kizaru replied, unfazed by the teasing.

"You'll get familiar soon enough!" Kaizen said confidently.

Kizaru didn't like his tone, turning away. "What do you want?"

"This should be my question! But since you asked, I'll ask."

Kaizen finished his drink and continued.

"That person who just left, was it Monkey D. Dragon?"