Luffy stood stiff as a terrified grandson before Chiga, and that sight alone could make Garp cry with envy.
He couldn't remember how many "fists of love" he'd endured from his grandfather, yet even now, Luffy still called him a "stinky old man" whenever they met.
Hawkeye glanced at Zoro, who lay unconscious on the ground, and said flatly,
"Did you knock this guy out?"
Luffy puffed out his chest proudly. Though he knew of Hawkeye's title, he couldn't quite match the face to the name.
"Of course! This little thief somehow sneaked into Marineford. His luck was terrible — he ran into me, Major Luffy! Took me less than three moves to put him down!"
Sabo gave Luffy a light pat on the back and whispered,
"Stop talking. That's Hawkeye. And judging by his face, the guy on the ground seems connected to him."
"Nani!? He's Hawkeye!?" Luffy blurted out, eyes wide as he sized the swordsman up.
"A bit familiar… Uncle Hawkeye, who's the person on the ground to you?"
"He's… sort of my disciple."
"Uh…"
The three brothers exchanged glances. They instantly realized they'd messed up — and badly.
Ace stared down at Zoro, disbelief written all over his face.
"So he came here just to ask for directions? And he thought the Navy building was the right place to start?"
Sabo sighed, summarizing dryly,
"This guy's hopeless with directions."
Luffy slumped his shoulders.
"There goes my credit again… Why's it so hard for me to accomplish anything?"
Hawkeye stepped forward, checking on Zoro before confirming there were no serious injuries. Chiga raised a hand casually, awakening Zoro from his stupor.
"Where… is this again?" Zoro mumbled groggily. "Damn it, Marineford's too big…"
Even Hawkeye felt embarrassed now — he should've just pretended he didn't know Zoro.
"Seriously," Luffy complained, "if you wanted to ask for directions, you should've just said so! You made me fight for nothing!"
Zoro didn't reply. He knew he'd acted out of pride, and now it had backfired, drawing unnecessary suspicion and a fight.
But what shocked him more was the strength of his opponent — a Navy officer even younger than him, yet leagues ahead in power. And the two men standing behind Luffy hadn't even lifted a finger yet.
It was a cruel reminder. The three brothers of Luffy were among the Navy's top prodigies. Losing to them was no shame.
"Enough pretending to be mute," Hawkeye said irritably. "Aren't you going to salute the King?"
"Nani!?"
Zoro's body stiffened. He hadn't even noticed Chiga standing behind Hawkeye until now. When he finally looked up, his expression froze.
Chiga's presence was known throughout the entire world — even a toddler could recognize the man called "King."
He was the ruler of the seas, the undisputed strongest of this era. No need to add "man," "creature," or "swordsman" — his name alone was power.
For those who pursued strength, "Chiga" was synonymous with the world's end.
Suppressing his awe, Zoro managed to utter a single word:
"King…"
Chiga smiled slightly.
"Zoro, seeing you today, I understand why your reputation precedes you. Truly eye-opening."
Zoro could hear the hidden jab at his navigation skills, but if anyone else had said it, he'd have drawn his blade immediately.
Yet this was Chiga.
"I'm deeply sorry, King! I caused you trouble!"
Zoro bowed respectfully. His admiration was genuine — not just for Chiga's overwhelming power, but for the man who had once saved the world from the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
"It's fine," Chiga said, waving his hand. "Luffy was reckless in this matter. Luffy, go and apologize properly. That's not how you earn merit."
"Yes, Bro Chiga" Luffy said quickly, rushing over to bow to Zoro.
"Sorry! I thought you were a bad guy, so I hit you a little hard! Please forgive me!"
Ace and Sabo folded their arms, trying not to laugh. Only Chiga could make Luffy this obedient — after all, he was the one who'd cured him of his "Pirate King addiction."
Chiga and Hawkeye watched like two parents overseeing their troublesome kids make peace.
After the scuffle, Zoro realized his shortcomings more clearly than ever. He stepped before Hawkeye and knelt with a solid thud.
Hawkeye blinked, then smiled knowingly.
"So, he's finally ready to become my disciple."
Under Chiga's watchful gaze, Zoro bowed deeply, performing a formal apprenticeship ceremony.
Hawkeye accepted without hesitation. Their bond had long existed in spirit — now it was official.
Rising to his feet, Zoro declared,
"I'll surpass you, Sensei, and become the world's greatest swordsman!"
Hawkeye shook his head slightly and glanced at Chiga.
"Even if you defeat me, you still won't be the world's greatest. I once lost to Chiga in swordsmanship. To claim that title, you'll have to surpass him first."
"Nani!? The King's swordsmanship is that strong!?"
Even Luffy and his brothers looked stunned. None of them had known that Chiga had once defeated Hawkeye.
That duel had never been made public — few even knew it had taken place.
Chiga coughed lightly, feigning modesty. In truth, he had simply swung a hundred-meter-long sword that sent Hawkeye to the hospital. He'd treated the swordsman to dinner afterward, though the bill still haunted him to this day.
Just as he was reminiscing, a loud rumbling echoed through the plaza. Then another.
Hawkeye's face turned red as he adjusted his hat.
"I've been traveling a lot lately. Didn't have much food on my ship."
Chiga rolled his eyes. That tiny boat of yours probably can't even store enough for a day.
Soon, Luffy's and Zoro's stomachs joined the chorus, growling in unison.
Chiga sighed with a faint smile.
"Alright. Let's go to the best restaurant in Headquarters. My treat today."
---
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