Chapter 20

On the cracked ground, Zoro lay sprawled, leaving behind a visible mark.

"Will you be my crew this time?" Luffy approached, extending a friendly hand to Zoro.

"Wait... I haven't lost yet..."

Among the fissures on the ground, Zoro didn't accept Luffy's hand. Gritting his teeth, he staggered to his feet.

His gaze remained resolute. "Come on, let's fight again!"

"Hey~?" Observing Zoro's bruised face, Luffy scratched his head, shaking it. "No need~ I'm in second gear now, and my moves are entirely overwhelming. If you couldn't block my last strike, another round won't change the outcome."

The gap between Luffy in the second gear and his earlier self was substantial! Unable to halt a single blow... infuriating!

"How can I, Zoro, be this weak!!"

Desire for strength fueled Zoro. Clutching his two Sword, he shouted, "I can still fight!!"

He lifted his foot, retrieved the third sword from the ground, and clenched it between his teeth.

"Don't fight, don't fight~~" Luffy shook his head emphatically. "You can't continue like this. I believe the winner is clear. Why persist?"

"No! Luffy, keep fighting him!"

At that moment, Logan's voice caught Luffy's attention.

"What?"

Luffy was intrigued, gazing at Logan in confusion. "But he can't handle my attacks anymore!"

"If you call it off now, isn't that risking ending someone's fight?" Logan's tone grew serious. He looked at Luffy intently. "Remember, never dismiss a heart that yearns to grow stronger!"

Initially, Logan intended to let events unfold naturally and follow the storyline. However, observing the clash between Zoro and Luffy, he sensed something amiss.

In this moment, Luffy and Zoro had just met, unaware of each other's personalities. But as a time traveler, Logan understood each individual's nature.

If Luffy declined Zoro's continued challenge today, it might lead to discord between them. If Zoro wasn't part of this crew, could it rightfully be called the Straw Hat Pirates? No, it couldn't!

"Luffy! Engage him in a fight!" Logan's demeanor turned serious as he pointed at Zoro, urging Luffy on.

Never dismiss a strong heart... Fight him... Yes!

Understanding the significance, Zoro gratefully nodded at Logan. His eyes sharpened, fixed on Luffy.

"Come on, let's fight again!"

Driven by those words, Zoro's emotions surged, his entire being ablaze with fighting spirit.

"Alright, understood."

Despite his usual carefree demeanor, Luffy sensed the fervor Zoro sought in this moment.

It wasn't just about fighting; it was about perseverance!

"As a sign of respect, Zoro, I won't hold back!"

The question of crewship momentarily faded; Luffy now saw only a rival in Zoro's eyes!

As Luffy unleashed his "Gomu Gomu no Twin Jet Pistol!!——", Zoro braced himself and miraculously managed to block the onslaught. He crossed his swords, using the flat sides to intercept Luffy's fists.

Boom! An earth-shattering collision followed, exerting immense force onto the blades. In the next moment, disaster struck—the sword shattered under the overwhelming impact.

The aftermath of Luffy's assault hit Zoro directly.

Boom! Zoro was propelled like a cannonball, crashing into a distant wall. Sliding along it, he slumped into a corner, the area descending into an eerie silence.

Coby's eyes widened in horror, while the young girl covered her mouth in shock, unable to utter a word. Logan's gaze narrowed, his mind racing with thoughts.

Standing still, fists clenched, Luffy gazed earnestly at Zoro, breaking the silence after a while.

"It's over."

But in that very moment...

Zoro, who appeared lifeless, defiantly lifted one arm and retrieved the sword from his mouth. This simple movement seemed to drain his last ounce of strength. He pressed the tip of the sword against the ground, the arm holding it trembling with effort.

Clearly, Zoro was exerting every ounce of effort to rise again.

"YOU..."

Even Luffy was stunned by this determination!

Logan breathed deeply, emotions stirring within him.

The man before him...

There were so many memorable moments, especially the resolute phrase uttered at Thriller Bark... still vivid in Logan's memory!

As for why Zoro persisted...

Logan could only say, that's just Zoro!

"I... I haven't lost yet..."

This time, Zoro gripped the handle of the Wado  Ichimonji sword with both hands, straining as if he was borrowing life itself to stand once more.

Clearly unable to fight any longer, he even needed the support of the sword just to stand upright.

"I have a question."

Luffy calmly looked at Zoro, prompting him to speak.

Speaking at this moment was excruciatingly difficult for Zoro. His mouth moved slightly, signal luffy to continue.

"What keeps you going?"

Had it been any other question, Zoro might have refrained from speaking.

But this question...

Enduring intense pain, Zoro lowered his head, gazing at the sword Wado Ichimonji in his hand, displaying a resolute smile.

"Because I once made a promise to someone. I promised her that I would become the world's greatest swordsman!"

As he spoke, Zoro seemed to drift back to a few years ago...

Under the starlit sky, the girl sat beside him, clutching her knees, tearfully expressing her longing: "I envy you being a boy. I also want to become the world's greatest swordsman..."

Now that she was gone, he held onto her sword.

It carried her dream!!!

"I promised her that until I fulfill that promise, I..."

With a heavy sigh, Zoro's face grew paler, almost devoid of color, yet he still bellowed desperately with all his might: "... will never... fall!!!"

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