"Poor Buggy…"
On the deck of the Orange Grove, Shanu gripped his fishing rod and set down the freshly bought newspaper, laughing so hard he almost fell forward.
It wasn't really his fault.
With Arlong gone, the East Blue was full of nothing but small fries, there was simply no one else who could fit the "hidden powerhouse" description from Nezumi's phone call.
So, Buggy had to bear the blame this time.
After all, a holder of the Conqueror's Haki wouldn't capsize over such minor waves.
Actually, the Marine HQ's fleet probably didn't intend to annihilate the Buggy Pirates entirely.
All they really needed was to scare them out of the East Blue and push them into the Grand Line.
The Four Seas were the government's foundation: vast populations and territories far beyond the Grand Line, while the East Blue had enjoyed long-standing peace since Roger's execution, big disruptions couldn't be tolerated.
The Grand Line, in contrast, was more like a battle royale for pirates: they'd self-destruct before the Marines even had to intervene.
The fishing rod stayed motionless in Shanu's hand, no bites at all.
He didn't mind.
Fishing had been a hobby in his previous life as a salaryman, rarely practiced since his reincarnation.
Now, it was simply a way to relax his tense mind. Using a half-red-bean bun as bait, he didn't expect to catch anything.
"Boss!"
From the lookout tower came Thin Monkey's voice. "Shimotsuki Village is visible ahead. We'll reach it in less than half an hour."
"Really?"
Shanu was slightly surprised, it was half a day faster than expected. Arlong's ship sailed well.
He set the rod aside and gazed toward the distant horizon, where the faint outline of the island appeared.
This trip to Shimotsuki Village wasn't just for leisure, it was also to deal with Zeff's broken leg.
Originally, the best solution would've been some miraculous elixir from the market capable of regenerating flesh and bone. Rare, but Shanu wasn't in a rush. There was still plenty of time before the appointed date.
Unexpectedly, when he bought "Iron Bones" two months ago, he'd also acquired something else:
[Genos's Cybernetic Leg]
[Type: Equipment]
[Price: 625 Points]
[Description: A mechanical leg crafted by Dr. Kuseno from the One Punch Man world. Automatically adjusts for users of various heights and body types, with self-repairing functions.]
[Seller Notes: Finally, a valuable purchase… Wait, why is a bald guy glaring at me?!]
Not bad, a perfect evolution to complement his collection.
Shanu bought it on the spot, planning to give it to Zeff.
Though… now, if the old man traveled with him at sea, what would his title become?
Shanu shrugged and checked his remaining points.
Over the past year, aside from buying the "Rokushiki" and "Flesh-Melting Method" manuals, he hadn't spent much. Add the gains from Arlong's pirates and Nezumi, and his remaining points totaled exactly 36,000, just a few thousand less than a year ago.
"Nothing worth buying this month. Wait until next month," he muttered, stroking his chin.
Suddenly, the fishing rod jerked violently, sliding toward the water. Shanu slammed his foot down to hold it.
Could this be… a sea king?
He gripped the rod with one hand, feeling the weight, probably over a hundred pounds. Excited, he yanked hard.
Whoosh!
Up came a green-haired boy, stubbornly holding a half-eaten red bean bun in his mouth, blinking in bewilderment.
"…"
They locked eyes. Shanu's forehead creased into three black lines.
"Why is it YOU?!"
Both shouted simultaneously.
...
An hour later, along the country path to the Isshin Dojo…
"So you were swimming frog-style around the island twenty times to train your legs?"
"Yeah, Uncle Zeff set the target."
Zoro led the way, stuffing seven or eight red bean buns into his mouth. "It was exhausting, I got hungry after twelve laps. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bitten your bait!"
"Oh… wait, that doesn't make sense," Shanu exclaimed. "Why aren't you practicing swordsmanship and chasing after Kuina, and instead studying kicks?"
Was he beaten by Kuina again, losing all confidence?
"Not at all!"
Zoro caught Shanu's meaning and shouted, "That annoying blond kid! Half a year ago, he started learning kicks with Uncle Zeff and got praised a few times. He came to brag, so I couldn't stand it, I had to start too…"
Shanu reacted quickly, tugging Zoro. "Which way are you going? Left!"
I came here once and memorized the path, how do you get it wrong every day?
"Ah, yeah, left…" Zoro scratched his head. "Anyway, I started practicing kicks too. But don't worry, swordsmanship hasn't suffered. I just want to prove to that curly-brow brat that my talent surpasses his. It's just kicking! A few hours a day, and I'll master it."
By now, they reached the front gate of the Isshin Dojo.
Outside, a blond curly-haired boy held a bamboo sword in each hand, even biting one with his mouth, firmly planting his stance, striking wooden posts that cracked with a rhythmic clack, clack, clack.
"…"
Shanu paused. Door sign read Isshin, no mistake.
"Zoro…" Nojiko poked his arm, whispering, "why does he look so weird, biting a sword too?"
"Ridiculous, right?" Zoro snorted, biting a red bean bun. "He wants to prove he's stronger than a two-sword swordsman like me. Claims he's a three-sword style fighter! Who fights like that?"
"Totally ridiculous," Nami and Noko nodded in agreement.
Sanji noticed the group approaching.
"Shanu-san! You're here!"
He first looked surprised, then at Zoro in the front, laughed, and placed his hands on his hips.
"Hey, green-haired! How was my speed just now? Not much slower than you, right? Soon, you won't beat Kuina or even my swordsmanship!"
"Dream on, idiot!"
Zoro crossed his arms, smirking. With a side kick, the dojo sign exploded into splinters.
"Check out my kicks! You see? I've totally surpassed you! Kicks are easier than swordsmanship!"
"Lies!"
Sanji unleashed a three-blade strike, shattering the pieces further.
"See? Swordsmanship's not that great!"
"Kicks!"
"Swords!"
Noses nearly touched, their argument escalating, oblivious to Zeff and Kōshirō standing behind them, faces dark as a burnt pot bottom…