Helplessly covering his face,
Orin grabbed Zoro by the back of his collar and carried him forward like a misbehaving kitten.
"Let go of me!!! I can walk by myself!!!"
The little green-haired boy squirmed in Orin's grip, as if being carried like that was the most humiliating thing in the world.
He was, after all, the mighty warrior who had already challenged and defeated every dojo in the neighboring villages!
Ignoring Zoro's noisy protests, Orin's face remained calm and uninterested. Perhaps getting a bit annoyed by the racket, he said,
"Quiet down. You're nothing but a snot-nosed, weak little brat."
"Huh?!!!"
The young and cocky Zoro froze for a moment, mouth wide open in disbelief.
"I'm super strong!!!"
"Is that so~"
Orin's tone was laced with mocking amusement. He waved his free hand casually.
"You're clearly weak. You couldn't even beat anyone from the Shimotsuki Dojo. Don't kid yourself thinking you could defeat me."
"Impossible!!!"
Orin teased the kid on purpose, and as expected, the hot-headed young Zoro immediately took the bait, waving his arms and shouting,
"I am strong! I'll go kick that Shimotsuki Dojo right now, and after that, I'll defeat you, old man!!!"
Seeing the boy fired up, Orin smirked.
"Is that so? Then how about we make a bet?"
"Deal!!!"
At that moment, the young Zoro had no idea he had just agreed to something that could be called a "forbidden phrase"—nor did he realize he had violated one of the unspoken "legends of the sea."
"If you can successfully defeat the Shimotsuki Dojo, I'll give you a Great Grade Blade. If you can defeat me, I'll give you a Supreme Grade Blade."
Orin spoke as if great swords were no more valuable than seashells, handing them out at will. But in truth, that wasn't far from reality.
In the past, his subordinates had run massive trades—Devil Fruits, famed swords, and all sorts of treasures—all presented to Orin as offerings.
He rarely needed them himself, so most ended up collecting dust in his treasure vault.
Gold was used as floor tiles, and priceless jewels served as pedestals and decorations.
Only a few items—famed swords, powerful Devil Fruits, and bizarre relics—were worthy of being displayed.
People always spoke of the Pirate King's treasure as the greatest mystery and wealth in the world. But Orin knew exactly what kind of underwear Captain Roger used to wear—how much treasure could that man really have had?
If anyone truly had a fortune worth fighting over, it would be Orin.
The day Orin dies, the entire world would go to war over his legacy— the World Government, the underworld, the Marines, and the Yonko alike, because, unlike the masses, they knew just how absurdly rich Orin was.
He had promised Zoro casually, not expecting the boy's confused expression.
"What's… a Great Blade?"
"..."
Orin's lips twitched before he realized—right, this was the East Blue, where people were basically country bumpkins. Especially kids like Zoro, who had no idea how vast the world really was, let alone the hierarchy of blades.
"A Great Grade Blade is among the second-best swords in the world. A Supreme Grade Blade, on the other hand, is one of the absolute best."
"Really?!!!"
Zoro's eyes widened in shock. He might never have wielded a sword, but even he knew that swordsmen were some of the strongest people on the seas.
To think he might get a chance like that!
"But... if you lose to the Shimotsuki Dojo, you'll owe me a favor. And if you can't defeat me, you'll have to call me 'Sensei' from then on."
"No problem!!!"
Zoro's face shone with confidence and excitement. Such a simple deal—and he could get one of the best swords in the world?
To him, it felt like the heavens themselves were offering him a gift.
Orin chuckled, seeing the little green-haired kid's brimming confidence. He didn't bother saying more.
After all, he had just recently learned Mihawk's swordsmanship through Observation Haki—and combined it with his own.
...
"Ha!!!"
"Ha!!!"
Inside the Shimotsuki Dojo, the sound of synchronized practice echoed as the students swung their bamboo swords under Koshiro's guidance.
Suddenly, a loud shout interrupted their rhythm.
"Anyone here?! I'm here to challenge your dojo!!!"
Standing outside the dojo was none other than the young Zoro, while Orin leisurely observed the small village surroundings, thinking this quiet place might be a nice spot for retirement someday.
Moments later, Koshiro slid open the dojo doors and the first thing he saw was a little green-haired boy with a blade of grass in his mouth, yelling at the top of his lungs.
Behind him...
"!!!!"
The moment Koshiro's eyes met Orin's face, the always-smiling swordsman froze, eyes widening, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead.
Orin gave him a friendly nod and smile.
In truth, he was a bit tired of this reaction.
Everywhere he went these days, people either froze or broke into a cold sweat the moment they recognized him.
At first, it was amusing. Now, it was just boring.
He didn't eat people—he even looked pretty approachable, didn't he?
"No need to look at me. This brat's the one here for the challenge. As for me… think of me as his Sensei~"
"Quit talking nonsense! After I finish this challenge and beat you, you won't be my Sensei anymore!!!"
Hearing the two bicker, Koshiro finally calmed down, understanding what was going on.
From their exchange, it seemed Orin had brought his sword disciple here for some sparring experience—a master guiding his student through real battles.
Thank goodness Orin wasn't the one personally challenging the dojo.
If he were, Koshiro would've shut the doors immediately.
"Since it's a challenge, then..." Koshiro called toward the other side of the room. He knew it wouldn't be appropriate for him to fight personally.
"Kuina!!!"
Among all the dojo's students, the strongest in swordsmanship was his daughter, Kuina.
"Yes, Father!!"
When Zoro saw a girl step out, he immediately frowned, thinking they were underestimating him.
"What? You're not the one fighting me?!"
"Kuina may be a girl, but she's stronger than any adult here in this dojo."
Without saying much, Orin casually followed them inside and sat at the main seat. Koshiro soon brought him tea.
"Thanks."
Orin accepted the cup, just in time to see Zoro emerging dramatically—with no less than ten bamboo swords in his hands.
The sight made Orin chuckle softly.
Meanwhile, Koshiro, sitting to the side, couldn't help but grow curious.
Could this be some kind of new sword style?
Eleven-Sword Style?
It was the first he'd ever heard of such a thing...
"Don't cry when you lose, Zoro."
Orin teased from the side.
Zoro tried to retort, but the moment he opened his mouth, two of the bamboo swords he was holding in his teeth clattered to the floor.
And immediately after, Kuina launched her merciless counterattack!
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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