Ron walked out of the house.
It was a summer evening, the sky was filled with red clouds, and a cool breeze made it feel quite comfortable.
Wearing wooden clogs and dressed in a simple, comfortable white training outfit, Ron gripped his renowned sword, Raikiri, as he walked along the long corridor.
Some passing disciples noticed him and quickly stepped aside, casting looks of awe in his direction.
Once Ron passed, they would even let out a long sigh of relief.
"Of course I am! Even Kuina couldn't beat him. If we make him mad, we're done for!"
"By the way, he rarely ever comes to the front courtyard, doesn't he?"
"With his skills, how could he train with us?"
Ron listened to the whispers behind him, his expression calm.
He wasn't angry about being isolated by these kids.
On the contrary, he thought it was fine this way.
No one bothered him, so he could train by himself in peace.
As he passed by a small courtyard, a shout reached his ears.
Ron turned his head to see Zoro, holding two bamboo swords and drenched in sweat, standing in the clearing, looking at him.
He hadn't seen Zoro in a while. He had become much more muscular, though he hadn't grown taller.
"Want to get some grilled fish?" Ron smiled at him.
Zoro blinked, then his eyes lit up.
Night soon fell, and the sky grew dark.
Ron expertly caught a few fish, set up a fire, and started grilling them.
Zoro sat beside him, staring at the fish as his mouth watered, his stomach growling audibly. After waiting for a while, he couldn't help but ask, "Is it ready yet?"
"Almost," Ron replied, chewing on somethin.
Zoro looked at Ron, illuminated by the firelight. No matter when, Ron always seemed so calm and composed.
Even though he was only a year older than Zoro, he felt like an adult.
"Ron, did you come from outside?"
Zoro, with his green hair, stared at Ron and asked.
"Yeah, from a small island called Moses Island," Ron nodded.
"Is it far from here?"
"Did you come by boat? Is it fun on the sea? Did you run into pirates?"
Zoro's curiosity was piqued, and he started asking questions.
"Uh..." Ron scratched his head.
He couldn't exactly tell him he came on a pirate ship.
If the kids at the dojo found out, they'd surely gossip even more behind his back.
"You'll know once you head out to sea. The world out there is much bigger than here," Ron said, changing the subject as he handed Zoro a grilled fish.
"Here, try my grilling skills."
The moment food was in front of him, Little Zoro forgot all about his previous questions.
He grabbed the fish, not caring about the heat, and took a big bite. His tanned face lit up with happiness and satisfaction.
"This is delicious! Even better than the grilled fish I've had at the shop!"
"Heh, told you! My grilling skills are top-notch."
Ron's delicate face was filled with pride.
It seemed that being praised for his grilling skills made him happier than being praised for his swordsmanship.
After they ate their fill, night fully descended.
Little Zoro lay back, rubbing his now round stomach.
"I'm so full, I can't eat another bite."
Ron, taking advantage of Zoro's inattention, pulled a small flask of wine from his system space and sat there drinking.
Zoro, lying on the ground, saw him and asked curiously:
"Ron, what are you drinking?"
"That's wine? Is it good?"
Zoro sat up immediately, his eyes gleaming as he looked at the flask in Ron's hand.
"Let me have some. I've never tried it before."
Zoro looked at him expectantly.
Ron, being generous, handed over the flask.
Zoro took it eagerly, sniffed it, then held it with both hands and took a sip.
"Cough, cough! It's so bitter!" Little Zoro's face turned red as he stuck out his tongue. "How is this stuff supposed to be good?!"
Ron laughed as he took the flask back, stood up, and grabbed Raikiri, which was resting on the grass beside him.
"Zoro, let me tell you something."
"What is it?" Zoro asked, still fanning his tongue.
"A swordsman needs a bold spirit to grow strong. And wine, well, it helps you build that bold spirit. So, if you want to become a great swordsman, you'll need to learn how to drink."
Ron spoke convincingly.
His words made Zoro's eyes widen.
After Ron left, Zoro stared at the fire, muttering to himself:
"Drinking wine can build boldness…"
"A swordsman needs a bold spirit to grow strong…"
"Is Ron so strong because he drinks wine?"
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became, as if he had uncovered some grand secret.
Koushirou was enjoying a quiet tea time in his room when the door suddenly slid open.
Zoro rushed in, shouting, "Master, do you have any wine? From today on, I want to drink wine too!"
Koushirou looked completely confused.
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