Chapter 9: Encounter with Zoro
Aside from Kuro, this was Apollo's first encounter with pirates.
There was no imagined freedom and ease, nor the camaraderie of companions; there was only brutality, bloodshed, lawlessness, and a disregard for human life!
Ninety-nine percent of pirates were this kind of scum, deserving to go to hell!
The Straw Hat Pirates were among the rare exceptions.
In fact, they were more like adventurers masquerading as pirates.
"Enter the port," Apollo instructed, then put his arm around Kaya and returned to the cabin.
Watching his retreating figure, Kuro adjusted his glasses, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "You're quite bold. I wonder if you'll still be so calm when you're personally facing a pirate's blade?"
...
Swan Town truly lived up to its reputation as the largest town in the vicinity; it was indeed bustling with activity.
Various shops lined the streets, hawkers' cries filled the air, and tourists rubbed shoulders, creating a strong commercial atmosphere.
Guards with swords and guns on the streets were a guarantee of this commercial prosperity.
"Teacher, I'll take you to my favorite shop."
Kaya, unaffected by the pirates, was in high spirits. She pulled Apollo along, heading straight for the center of town.
The shop she spoke of was a high-end clothing store, run by an elderly couple with white hair.
"Little Kaya, you haven't been here in a long time."
As soon as they entered, the old woman stood up, her face filled with surprise.
It wasn't the standard smile given to customers, but one that came from the heart.
Kaya also smiled and said obediently, "Grandma Pan, I wasn't feeling well a while ago, so I've been recuperating at home."
"Oh, I heard about your parents..."
The old woman pulled Kaya aside to whisper.
Apollo leaned against the doorframe, curiously observing the buildings outside.
Compared to the residences and shops they had just seen, these buildings were taller and grander, enclosed by walls, and some even seemed to have cannons mounted on their rooftops.
No, it wasn't just 'seemed'! They were cannons!
Two large characters were emblazoned on the main gate: "Marine!"
This was the Swan Town Marine Base!
"Should I go in and have a look?" Apollo stroked his chin, pondering.
With his abilities, even if he went in for a stroll, no one would ever discover him.
Just then, the tightly shut gate suddenly opened, and three people walked out.
After seeing them clearly, Apollo's eyes lit up.
"What a coincidence, acquaintances!"
The leader had short green hair, a dark green bandana tied to his left arm, three teardrop-shaped golden earrings on his left ear, a white T-shirt, a green haramaki around his waist, dark green trousers, black boots, and three swords hanging from his hip.
This image...
Zoro!!
Among the Straw Hat crew, Apollo's favorite character wasn't the cute and naive Chopper, nor was it the protagonist Luffy, but the lost swordsman Zoro.
He was steady, resilient, reliable, simple in character, but extremely principled.
At the same time, he was a born swordsman.
Both his will and his talent were top-notch.
Seeing a hunt, Apollo walked towards the three.
Before he even got close, the two people behind Zoro jumped out. One crossed his arms, the other put his hands on his hips, blocking Apollo's path.
"I'm Johnny!"
"I'm Yosaku!"
"Who are you?"
"What are you doing here?"
The two spoke one after another, in perfect synchronization.
Apollo was speechless.
Were these the comedic relief characters?
"I'm not looking for you two." He waved his hand, walked past them, and looked behind them: "Roronoa Zoro?"
"That's right." Zoro's right hand rested on his sword hilt: "Is there something you need?"
"I've heard of you, you've hunted many infamous great pirates." Apollo observed him for a moment, then said leisurely, "Your strength is good. Are you interested in working for me?"
"No interest." Zoro refused without hesitation, turning to leave.
"Aren't you going to listen to the reward?" Apollo asked again.
Zoro waved his hand: "No need, I have my own things to do."
"My attempt to recruit him failed." Watching them leave, he shrugged, not bothered by it.
Recruiting Zoro was just a whim; it didn't matter if it didn't work out.
Apollo would definitely go to sea in the future, and he couldn't go alone, so he would inevitably recruit some companions.
He already had a few targets in mind.
Zoro was not among them, after all, he was Luffy's "official partner."
"Teacher, why are you here?" Kaya ran over.
"I saw an acquaintance." Apollo retracted his gaze.
Kaya didn't mind, pulling him back: "Hurry, I've picked out a few outfits for you, go try them on."
"For me?"
"Of course! We came here to buy clothes for you this time."
...
More than an hour later, they finally left.
Apollo had changed into a blue suit, which was quite flashy, but his physique and appearance perfectly carried it off, not at all vulgar. It complemented Kaya's blue long dress beside him, making them stand out immensely on the street.
After exploring Swan Town, Kaya's excitement hadn't waned: "Teacher, let's go to the Baratie, the sea restaurant! They say it's the best restaurant in the East Blue. I've wanted to go for ages, but Father always thought it wasn't safe and never agreed."
"The sea restaurant Baratie?" Apollo stroked his chin. That was Sanji's restaurant, wasn't it? He had just seen Zoro, so going to see Sanji too?
That wouldn't be bad.
Meeting Kaya's expectant gaze, Apollo smiled and nodded: "Alright, then we'll go to the Baratie!"
"That's great!" Kaya cheered loudly.
Leaving Swan Town, the Golden Snail quickly set sail again.
After two and a half days of sailing, they finally spotted the Baratie.
The so-called sea restaurant was actually a ship, with fish-shaped figureheads at both ends.
Many ships were already anchored around the Baratie.
"Are we there?" Kaya's small face showed a hint of tiredness, which made one feel pity for her.
"We're here." Apollo stretched, and instructed, "Kaya and I will go over in a bit, you all stay and watch the ship."
"Understood." Kuro adjusted his glasses, his expression calm.
Fifteen minutes later.
The Golden Snail approached the Baratie. Apollo and Kaya rowed a small boat and boarded the famous sea restaurant.
The two walked to the entrance, but before they could enter, they heard clanging sounds, accompanied by loud shouts and curses.
Kaya's expression tightened, and she grabbed Apollo's arm: "Teacher, what's going on?"
"Someone's probably causing trouble." A smile appeared on his face: "This is why your father didn't want you to come.
This place is close to the Grand Line, with many pirates nearby, and the chefs at Baratie are all short-tempered guys.
Both sides are like dry tinder and a raging fire, igniting at the slightest spark. It's perfectly normal for it to escalate into a brawl."
Kaya blinked her bright eyes and timidly said, "Teacher, are you saying there are pirates inside? Then let's leave quickly."
"Haha, don't worry, it's fine."
Apollo chuckled and pushed open the door.
Clang.
A chair flew past them, hitting the wall next to the door with a loud crash.
Kaya was startled and hugged his arm even tighter.
Apollo's brows furrowed instantly as he looked forward.
He didn't know what the Baratie looked like before, but what appeared before him now was a scene of utter chaos.
Customers huddled at the edges of the restaurant, trembling.
Toppled tables and broken chairs were everywhere.
One group of people in chef uniforms was fighting another group.