Chapter 54 - The scattered Straw Hat crew? -52
"You might be able to surpass Hawkeye in the future."
It was rare for Perospero to express admiration for anyone, but he quickly changed the subject:
"But that won't happen in a small place like the East Blue.
Let me make it clear: if you don't master the power known as Control, you'll never become a true swordsman in your lifetime.
Come with me to the Grand Line—there, you can showcase your talents and grow.
And if you follow me, I'll teach you that power myself."**
"..."
Zoro didn't answer. He simply lowered his head and fell deep into thought.
It's worth noting that Zoro's bond with Luffy wasn't yet as strong as it would become later. If he had to choose between honoring his promise to Kuina or helping Luffy become the Pirate King, he might have chosen the former.
Perospero knew nothing about Zoro and Luffy's story, but he could read the hesitation on Zoro's face.
He didn't push for an answer, instead giving him the space to decide for himself.
This scene left the nearby pirates stunned.
Who was this green-haired man that made Lord Perospero extend two invitations in a row—and offer to personally teach him the power of Control?
Even Raf stared at Zoro in shock.
He hadn't imagined that the gods would favor Zoro so highly just for saving someone's life.
Clearly, the higher-ups saw something special in him. That's why they offered him to join with such tempting conditions.
Realizing this, Raf made up his mind to maintain a good relationship with Zoro going forward. He quickly informed Perospero of something important:
"Lord Perospero, Brother Zoro, please wait a moment. I have a problem even harder than the future of the world's greatest swordsman... and I need you both to handle it."
He stepped aside, revealing Hawkeye's unconscious body.
"My lord, my brother found Hawkeye—currently the greatest swordsman in the world—gravely wounded.
What should we do?"**
Perospero and Zoro: "...Huh???"
Fortunately, the ship carrying Peter and his group had been docked to the Baratie, so when the restaurant drifted, their ship remained close by.
However, being at sea caused their supplies and essentials to become damp.
Luckily, the Baratie's kitchen took great care in preserving ingredients, and Chef Zeff was a kind man. When he heard what had happened to Peter and his friends, he immediately ordered the chefs to resupply them.
Seeing this, Peter felt relieved.
The ship sailed smoothly. Luffy didn't leave the restaurant until the Baratie had drifted far in the distance.
As he watched the ship fade away, he shouted at the top of his lungs, not caring if Nami could hear him:
"Nami! You're my navigator! Wait for me—I'll bring you back to finish our adventure together!"
Usopp hunched his shoulders and tugged on Luffy's sleeve:
"Stop yelling! If that person hears us, we're dead!"
But Luffy wasn't about to listen. After shouting, he grabbed Usopp's shoulders and shook him hard:
"Usopp, do you know where Nami's hometown is? She's our crewmate—I have to bring her back!"
"How would I know?! Don't forget I just joined you a few days ago!"
Usopp shook his head, completely lost.
"Right now, it's more important we find Zoro quickly! Nami's gone, and if we lose Zoro too, our whole crew will fall apart!"
In truth, neither of them had any idea where Zoro was. All they remembered was that he had left to challenge Hawkeye... and never returned.
While they worried, Sanji appeared, a cigarette dangling from his mouth:
"You two look miserable. Is your little crew falling apart already?"
But he wasn't there to mock them—he had good news for Luffy:
"Hey, little worker, the old man Zeff saw your pathetic state and told me to let you know your debt has been cleared."
"Now get out. The restaurant's a mess—we need to clean and repair. No time for guests."
As soon as Luffy heard this, his mood completely changed.
He grabbed Sanji's arm and ran outside, yelling:
"Awesome! Now we can head out to sea and search for Zoro, Nami, and the others!"
Usopp, Johnny, and Yosaku looked at each other and followed quickly.
As for Sanji, who had been dragged away by force, he was instantly confused:
"Wait! Don't get the wrong idea! I'm not one of you!"
But it was too late. Luffy stretched his arms and launched off with Sanji straight toward the Going Merry.
It was Sanji's first time experiencing this "move," and since his body wasn't prepared, he crashed into the side of the ship and fainted on the spot.
Usopp and the others saw him lying unconscious on deck. They didn't wake him up. Instead, they each took their positions and began preparing to set sail.
Just before they departed, a voice rang out from under the ship:
"Hey, Straw Hat boy!"
Luffy followed the voice and peeked over the side—at that moment, a bundle flew up toward him. He caught it quickly, then saw Zeff and all the chefs gathered below to see them off.
Zeff said:"Kid, I'm leaving Sanji in your care. Take good care of him for me, and remind him not to catch a cold."
Luffy looked down at Sanji lying on the deck, then smiled brightly and waved:
"Okay! Got it! Bye, old bearded guy! And... anyway, goodbye!"
The chefs shouted together:
"Remember our names, you idiot!!"
And so, even though the four-man crew had lost two members in one go, Luffy had, in an unexpected twist, "kidnapped" a new member from the Baratie.
Thus began the journey of this strange group—three official members, plus two temporary ones—as they set out again... on a new adventure to search for their two lost crewmates.
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