The Drinking Test and the Swordsman - One piece: The Devil Fruit Gamer

The mood inside Shakky's Rip-Off Bar was thick with the scent of whiskey. Rayleigh, Sekiro, and Leo had finally settled down after their dramatic exit from Grove 44.

"So you came," Shakky said, a knowing look in her eye. "Have you finished Luffy's training?"

Rayleigh took a long pull from his silver flask, a satisfied expression on his face. "Yes. He's already saying his goodbyes to Hancock and the Kuja Pirates. He should be ready to sail.

Leo, emerging from the back room, managed a tired but genuine smile. "Hello, Shakky-chan! How are you?"

Shakky stopped polishing a glass, her eyes scanning the bar. "Leo. You came back after many days. Where were you? I thought you were safely in your rented room."

"He wasn't, Shakky," Rayleigh interjected, taking a seat at the counter. "He was out causing chaos with his friend. But it's handled now."

Shakky's attention snapped to Sekiro, who stood a respectful distance from the counter. She felt the same profound, sharp aura she had sensed the night Leo first arrived. "Who is he?" she asked, her voice low.

"He is my friend and my first crew member," Leo said, beaming with pride.

"Okay, sit everyone," Shakky said, a wary smile touching her lips. "I'll make the food for you. In the meantime, here, drink this." She placed three glasses of strong, clear liquor on the bar.

Rayleigh took his immediately. Leo, watching the legendary pirate drink, felt a rush of bravado. I drank with my friends all the time in my previous life! I should be fine. He grabbed his glass.

Rayleigh looked at Leo. "You said you're 22, so you can handle this, I trust?"

"Yes!" Leo declared, grabbing his glass. Inner Monologue: I wonder what my friends are doing right now? Probably still grinding away at that new RPG.

Rayleigh then looked at Sekiro. "And you, my quiet friend. Have you had a drink before?"

Leo held his breath, knowing the correct lore answer. Inner Monologue: Of course, he has! Various types of sake—Ashina Sake, Unrefined Sake, and many more! I wish I could drink those.

Sekiro looked at the glass, then at Rayleigh. "I do not know."

"Okay, then, try it," Rayleigh instructed.

Sekiro picked up the glass. He brought it to his lips and downed the entire shot in one smooth, practiced movement. Leo and Rayleigh leaned forward, watching the renowned warrior. A full minute passed. Sekiro stood utterly still, his expression unchanged.

Leo finally broke the silence. "So, how is it?"

"It is good, Leo," Sekiro replied, his voice completely flat.

Leo let out a loud, relieved laugh. "Huf! Finally! I thought I had to wait for a year to get your answer!"

Rayleigh laughed loudly, slapping the bar top. "You two are certainly a strange pair!"

Shakky soon returned, setting out a massive, steaming plate of savory meat and strong, black bread. They ate and drank, the conversation between Leo and Rayleigh flowing over the absurdity of the Navy's actions and the shifting balance of power.

Hours later, the bar was dimly lit. Rayleigh was completely drunk, slurring tales of the Grand Line. Leo was not far behind, his face flushed, laughing uncontrollably at his own exploits.

"...and then I told Gol D. Roger," Leo hiccupped, trying to focus on Sekiro, "I said, 'Roger, buddy, you need to upgrade your specs! Your ship has frame rate issues!'"

Shakky chuckled, wiping down a table. "You have a good way with jokes, Leo-chan."

Meanwhile, Sekiro sat precisely where he started, his gaze clear, his posture perfect, his glass of whiskey untouched after the first sip.

Rayleigh, noticing the unmoving warrior, squinted. "Sekiro," he mumbled, trying to focus. "You have high endurance… for alcohol."

"I cannot allow myself to get drunk," Sekiro replied, his voice steady. "I do not know from where the enemy will attack. I must be ready."

Rayleigh smiled, genuinely touched by the warrior's absolute commitment. "Haha! Don't worry, no one will come here. We are safe here."

Later, Leo drunkenly announced, "Sekiro, let's go back to our inn! I need to crash! I need to save my progress!"

"Why don't you both stay here for the night?" Shakky offered gently. "It's safer than staggering back through the Groves."

"Good idea!" Leo slurred. "Thank you for letting us stay! I promise I won't thank you again like a stranger tomorrow!"

The Morning After

Leo woke the next morning with a mild headache, the scent of fresh coffee replacing the stale smell of whiskey. He found Rayleigh already seated at the table, sipping tea.

"Oh, you woke up," Rayleigh greeted him, looking surprisingly fresh.

"Not earlier than you, Rayleigh," Leo groaned, rubbing his temples.

"No," Rayleigh corrected, pointing toward the window. "Your friend woke up much earlier than either of us."

Sekiro was already seated on the wide windowsill, facing the street. He was quietly sipping a flavourful tea that Shakky had made for him. His eyes were focused, his posture perfect.

"Hey, that's cheating!" Leo complained, staggering over. "You're drinking tea alone! I thought we were friends!"

Shakky, bringing over a fresh cup for Leo, smiled. "Don't worry, I made it for you, too. Now sit."

Leo took the cup, grateful for the warmth. "Thank you, Shakky. You're the best." He caught himself. "Ah, sorry, sorry! Habit!"

Chapter 52 - The Drinking Test and the Swordsman