"I can... never become the strongest?" Zoro repeated the words, a look of deep contemplation crossing his face.
"If you wish to reach the summit, do not dream of walking the paths others have already carved. Only by forging your own trail can you hope to stand at the pinnacle of power!"
"Since you possess this conviction, then set your sights on your own road and walk it with everything you have!"
"Your path may be rugged and treacherous, but once you reach its end, you will realize that your choice was the only right one!"
Rowan's ringing words fell into Zoro's ears like the striking of a grand temple bell, echoing endlessly in his mind.
Having said his piece, Rowan let out a hearty laugh. He snapped his fingers at Tashigi and Smoker before turning to stroll back toward the tavern. He hadn't finished his meal when he left earlier.
While taking Zoro as a disciple might eventually make his title as the "Godfather of the Marines" even more legendary once the boy achieved greatness, Rowan was long past the age for such things. Giving a few pointers was one thing, but actual teaching? Luffy alone was enough of a headache. He had no desire to waste his energy on more than that.
"A path... I forge myself?" Zoro murmured, a spark of realization gradually igniting in his eyes.
If Rowan had seen this reaction, he surely would have felt that familiar twinge of indignation. Why do these high-talent brats always achieve enlightenment so quickly?
As Rowan, leading Tashigi, Smoker, and Luffy, was about to leave the plaza, he suddenly paused. Exhaling a cloud of smoke, he called out over his shoulder: "I won't take you as a disciple, but since I've already taught you one move, I might as well finish what I started. You can stay by the Old Man's side for the time being. When I have a moment, I'll give you more guidance on the Way of the Sword."
With that, the silhouettes of Rowan's group vanished completely into the crowd.
Zoro, still wrapped in bandages, stood alone in the center of the plaza, Rowan's words reverberating through his soul. As the crowd dispersed, the clarity in his eyes grew stronger. Finally, after an unknown amount of time had passed and only a few stragglers remained, a sharp glint exploded in Zoro's gaze.
He turned toward the direction where Rowan had disappeared and kowtowed three times, his forehead hitting the stone with a heavy thud. Thank you for your guidance, Senior Rowan! This junior understands!
"Zoro!"
Suddenly, a gust of wind approached. Zoro looked up to find the black-haired youth who had been following Rowan standing right in front of him. He remembered the kid was called Luffy.
"Heehee! Great-Grandpa sent me to tell you—don't forget your trade with him!" Luffy squatted in front of Zoro, grinning widely.
"Trade?" Zoro didn't react immediately.
"The one where Great-Grandpa said you have to pay our meal bill," Luffy explained.
Zoro snapped out of it and nodded. "Don't worry. I'll head back and settle the bill in full."
"By the way, Future World's Greatest Swordsman, do you want to join my pirate crew?" After helping Zoro to his feet, Luffy issued his invitation once more.
Looking at Luffy's sun-drenched, smiling face, Zoro frowned. "Why should I join your crew?"
"Heehee, didn't I tell you? Because our dreams are equally grand!" Luffy remained as cheerful as ever.
"You want to be the World's Greatest Swordsman too?" Zoro asked, looking at Luffy with sudden wariness. He knew the kid was Rowan's direct descendant. In Zoro's mind, Rowan must have put this boy through systematic sword training since he was a toddler. He was just curious why he couldn't find a single trace of a "swordsman" on Luffy.
Faced with this reaction, even Luffy couldn't help but palm his forehead. He said helplessly, "That's not what I meant. Great-Grandpa told me long ago that I have zero talent for the sword. I'm talking about pirates!"
"My dream is to become the freest man on the sea—the Pirate King!"
"Pirate King?" "What did he say... Pirate King?"
Luffy's voice was loud. The moment the words left his mouth, the sparse crowd nearby all turned their heads. They wanted to see exactly who dared to utter such arrogant words in Loguetown. However, Luffy ignored their stares, his hopeful eyes fixed on Zoro.
Yet, to Luffy's disappointment, Zoro shook his head without hesitation. "I refuse."
"Why?" Luffy pouted, utterly confused.
"Because Senior Rowan is a Marine," Zoro said solemnly. "Even if he won't take me as a disciple, as long as he has guided me, I cannot stand against him."
"Great-Grandpa's Marine status again..." Luffy grumbled, looking thoroughly annoyed. Nevertheless, he still supported Zoro, helping him limp back toward the tavern.
Halfway there, a persistent Luffy asked again, "Are you really not going to reconsider?"
"No," Zoro replied bluntly.
"Come on, just think about it! We'd be a perfect match!"
"Not interested."
"..."
"Hello? Little Garp? What could happen to the Old Man? What, do you not even trust me anymore? They were just a few pirate small-fry."
"The Old Man's bones are plenty sturdy. Forget twenty-million-Berri shrimp; even pirates with hundred-million-Berri bounties aren't enough to bother me."
"Alright, I'm done talking. I'm about to set sail."
"A warship? Why would I sit on one of those? It's not like the Old Man doesn't have his own boat."
"Don't worry, I've spent my whole life on the sea. How could a little navigation trouble me?"
"That's enough. I'll talk to you when I reach Marine Headquarters. Hanging up now."
The following morning, at dawn.
Just as the sky was beginning to brighten, Rowan dragged the half-asleep Luffy and Zoro to the harbor of Loguetown. Although he had only stayed in the town for less than a day, the entire Marine garrison had assembled at the pier to see him off.
Over three hundred soldiers stood in dense, orderly ranks. Their expressions were full of deep respect—even fanaticism—as they looked at Rowan.
There was no other reason. This old man was the legendary figure who had trained the Fleet Admiral, the Marine Hero, and countless other titans. The Godfather of the Marines!
Though they had only been in his presence for less than twenty-four hours, they had witnessed the full charisma of a legendary Marine. Capturing three thousand men single-handedly and forcing a Warlord to retreat with a word! To hold such legendary status and still maintain such an approachable, genial attitude...
Having this Old Man was truly the Navy's greatest fortune!
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