As the Silent Orca glided smoothly across the vast blue sea, life aboard the ship settled into a quiet, steady rhythm.
Zoro was sprawled lazily near the front deck, taking advantage of the warm daylight to nap without a care in the world. His swords rested nearby, glinting faintly in the sun, but their owner was in no rush to do anything remotely productive. His snoring was steady—almost rhythmic—like a background hum on the otherwise peaceful ship.
Alvida, in stark contrast, was drenched in sweat as she pushed herself through a series of Soru training drills under Zino's close supervision. Her movements were still clumsy compared to his, but determination burned in her eyes. Each burst of speed brought her slightly closer to mastering the elusive Rokushiki technique, and Zino, though critical, offered precise adjustments and guidance when necessary.
On the other side of the deck, Nami sat cross-legged with a large map spread across her lap. Her quill scratched steadily as she charted their route, marking the current position and adjusting for the winds. Her brow furrowed in concentration, but it was clear she was using the work to keep her mind busy.
Kaya sat near the shaded portion of the deck, a thick book on herbal medicine open in her lap. Occasionally, she'd glance over at Zino to ask a question, to which he'd respond while still watching over Alvida's movements. Their exchange was casual but thoughtful, a teacher and student dynamic slowly taking root.
Ussop stood on the lookout post, binoculars in hand. Despite the responsibility, he kept muttering to himself, likely rehearsing heroic lines in case anything appeared on the horizon.
In the midst of all this activity, Zino himself was multitasking. Between correcting Alvida's footwork and exchanging insights with Kaya, he was also quietly focused on his own training. Not physical—this was mental, spiritual, elemental.
He had been experimenting with his air-based abilities, attempting to push the boundaries of what they could do. Offensive and defensive techniques were obvious applications, but Zino wanted more. He was aiming for a level of awareness—of perception—using wind as his medium.
He recalled the terrifying scope of Enel's lightning-based mantra in the original story—how the godlike figure could monitor vast areas of Skypiea through electro-sensory feedback. Zino didn't have lightning, but wind was also ever-present, constantly moving, brushing against surfaces and objects. If he could learn to feel those changes, maybe he could imitate that ability in his own way.
He closed his eyes for a moment, tuning out the chatter, the ocean's hum, even Alvida's heavy footfalls. Instead, he focused on the flow of air in front of the ship—trying to sense even the slightest shift in current, the smallest irregularity.
And then… something.
A faint disturbance in the breeze. It wasn't strong or sudden, but it was unnatural—like wind changing course just slightly to flow around an unseen shape.
'Hmm? That sensation… something is ahead?' Zino thought, his eyes narrowing.
Just then, Ussop's voice rang out from above. "Hey! I see an island ahead!"
Zino opened his eyes, and a subtle smile crept across his face.
'So that's the feeling of terrain interrupting the wind's natural flow. Not bad… I'm getting some progress.'
"Is there even an island in this area?" Nami asked, squinting toward the horizon. She held a large map in her hands, scanning it for any indication of land.
"I don't see anything marked here either," she added with a frown.
"I mean, it's a really small one," Ussop replied from the lookout, peering through his binoculars. "Wait… yeah, there are people on it!"
"People?" Alvida, Kaya, and Zoro turned their heads in unison, curiosity piqued.
"There's two of them. One looks like he's passed out. Or sick… I can't tell from this distance."
Zino's eyes narrowed slightly as a thought surfaced—two people, stranded on a small, unmarked island. That sounded all too familiar.
Without a word, he stepped up onto the ship's railing. "I'll go check it out."
And with that, he leapt off the deck. A few controlled air-assisted jumps brought him swiftly across the waves toward the tiny island ahead. Behind him, the Silent Orca changed direction, slowly adjusting course to follow.
On the island, a lean, tanned man with a blue bandana was crouched next to his companion, who lay on the sand, pale and unmoving. Tears welled up in his eyes as he held the limp body.
"Yosaku! Don't die on me, bro! Wuwu…" the man sobbed, clutching his partner tighter.
Zino landed softly a few meters away, causing the man to flinch. Instantly, the crying man stood, drawing his sword in one smooth motion.
"Who are you!? Don't come closer!"
Zino raised both hands calmly, showing he was unarmed. "Relax. I'm not here to fight. I'm a doctor," he said evenly. "If you'll let me, I'd like to check on your friend."
The man hesitated, his sword still trembling in his grip. Zino's tone was steady, and his presence, though unfamiliar, didn't feel hostile.
"…Fine. Just don't try anything." The man lowered his blade, but didn't sheathe it.
Zino stepped forward, kneeling beside the unconscious man. He pressed two fingers to the man's wrist and closed his eyes, silently counting the pulse. A few more checks—on his gums, under his eyes, his joints—were enough for Zino to make a quick diagnosis.
"Your friend has scurvy," Zino said as he stood.
"Scurvy?" The man blinked. "What the hell is that? Is it bad? Is he gonna die?!"
"It's a deficiency disease," Zino explained. "Sailors who go too long without fruits or vegetables—especially citrus—get it. Weakness, bleeding gums, fatigue, even organ failure. But don't panic—he's not too far gone. It's easy to treat if caught early."
"Seriously?! Then how do I fix him?!"
"Limes," Zino said simply. "Or any fruit rich in Vitamin C. A few doses and he'll be back on his feet in a few days."
"Limes… Limes!?" the man shouted in frustration, tossing his sword to the sand. "Where am I supposed to find limes out here?! This is the middle of the ocean!"
"You're in luck," Zino said with a slight smirk, glancing back at the approaching ship. "We've got supplies."
Johnny followed Zino's gaze and froze in surprise as his eyes landed on a sleek, black-hulled ship slowly drifting toward the small island.
"That's your ship?" Johnny asked, awestruck.
"Yeah," Zino replied casually. "Come on. Bring your friend. We've got limes aboard."
"Seriously? You're not joking!?" Johnny asked in disbelief, blinking rapidly.
But Zino was already walking off, heading toward the approaching vessel without another word.
Johnny didn't waste a second. He crouched down and carefully lifted Yosaku onto his back, adjusting his grip as he hurried to catch up. Though Yosaku was unconscious, Johnny could feel the heat of his body—he was still fighting the illness.
By the time they reached the shoreline, the Silent Orca had already dropped anchor, its gangplank extending toward the shallow water.
A familiar voice rang out from the ship. "Huh? Johnny? Yosaku? Is that really you guys?"
Johnny's eyes lit up as he spotted a swordsman leaning lazily over the railing.
"Zoro-senpai!" Johnny called out with joy, waving one hand while trying not to drop Yosaku. "You're here too?"
"You know each other?" Zino asked, raising an eyebrow, pretending to be surprised.
"Yeah! Zoro-senpai and us were once pirate hunters together!" Johnny explained, grinning despite his burden. "Back before he go out, and suddenly went missing!"
'Maybe lost his direction.' Johnny added in his mind.
"I see. Well, come aboard quickly. Your friend needs treatment," Zino said, gesturing for them to hurry.
"Right!"
As they climbed aboard, the crew gave them space. Zino moved straight to the small kitchen area and pulled out a couple of lemons from the storage crate—close enough to limes for the treatment. He sliced them quickly and squeezed some juice into a cup, mixing it with a bit of water before kneeling beside Yosaku.
"Here. Help him drink this," Zino instructed.
Johnny helped tilt Yosaku's head back while Zino gently poured the citrus mix into his mouth. At first, nothing happened. But moments later, color began returning to Yosaku's cheeks, and his breathing eased. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open.
"Yosaku!" Johnny shouted, nearly bursting with relief. "You're awake!"
Yosaku blinked and sat up weakly. "Huh? I feel... better?"
"You're cured, bro!" Johnny shouted again, and the two jumped up in celebration.
"Wait—" Zino raised a hand, but it was too late.
In mid-jump, Yosaku's legs gave out, and he collapsed to the deck with a dull thud.
"Yosaku!"
"Relax," Zino said calmly. "He's still recovering. Dancing around like that just drained his remaining energy. He needs rest."
"Ah! I'm so sorry, bro!" Johnny panicked, quickly crouching next to his friend.
"Just take him inside. Let him lie down," Zino instructed.
Johnny nodded quickly and, with help from Kaya, carried Yosaku to one of the ship's spare bunks. Meanwhile, Zino prepared some light, nutrient-rich soup and handed it over.
"Feed this to him when he wakes up. He'll recover faster."
"Thanks… really, thank you."
A short while later, the rest of the crew gathered around the dining area as Zino served up a proper meal. While they ate, Johnny shared their story—how he and Yosaku had been chasing bounties, only to run into bad luck and run out of proper supplies on the sea.
They all listened intently, but in Zino's mind, one thought lingered: things were now moving faster than expected.
...
After almost two days of calm sailing, the Silent Orca finally reached the part of the sea where the famous floating restaurant—Baratie—was located. From a distance, the crew could already make out its distinct and flamboyant shape. It resembled a massive, colorful koi fish resting atop the ocean, its wide mouth acting as the grand entrance.
The building's unique structure glistened in the sunlight, the golden trims and vibrant scales catching their eyes. A massive sign reading BARATIE was mounted high above the grand entrance, proudly proclaiming its name to anyone within sight.
"There it is," Zino said, standing at the front of the ship. "Let's dock first, then head inside."
Everyone nodded in agreement, already anticipating a proper meal and restocking their supplies. The atmosphere was light, the sea breeze was calm—and then, it shifted.
Suddenly, a marine ship appeared from the opposite direction, approaching with purpose. The crew on the Silent Orca turned their heads toward the vessel, which soon came to a halt just beside them.
A tall man in a fancy light purple suit stood confidently at the railing. His hair was slicked back, and he wore a smug expression, clearly someone used to flaunting authority. This man was Lieutenant Fullbody, a self-absorbed officer of the Marines known more for his ego than his achievements.
He scanned the Silent Orca lazily, then called out, "You there! Who's the captain of this ship?"
"I am!" Ussop shouted, puffing out his chest. But before he could say more, *Alvida* smacked him aside with a swift kick, sending him sprawling onto the deck.
Alvida stepped forward with a composed expression and said, "The captain's busy. What do you want?"
Zino on the side just eyed her, not saying anything, silently letting her do the talking.
Fullbody paused, his attention shifting. His eyes widened slightly as he took in Alvida's appearance. Though she wore a cloak loosely draped over her shoulders, her figure and beauty were undeniable.
"You... are you the captain?" he asked, tone softening into flirtation.
Alvida narrowed her eyes. "No. But again, the captain's busy. If you've got something to say, spit it out."
Fullbody's charm cracked for a brief second as he realized he wasn't being taken seriously. He frowned, then scoffed, masking his wounded pride. "Hmph. Never mind then."
He turned away, regaining his smug composure as he made his way toward the Baratie. At his side was a well-dressed woman with long dark hair—Moodie, his date. Fullbody had brought her here not for food, but to impress her with his supposed sophistication and influence.
Before stepping off, he gave a quick, hushed order to one of his subordinates. "Sink that ugly black ship. It's ruining the view."
The marine soldier blinked in confusion. "Sir? That ship... it's a marine vessel."
Fullbody paused. "What?"
"The owner is Monkey D. Zino. Ensign rank, newly commissioned."
Fullbody made a sound of disgust. "Just an Ensign? Tch. I thought it was someone important."
He turned his back and waved his hand dismissively. "Sink it anyway."
The soldier hesitated, watching his superior walk off, laughing alongside Moodie. His grip on his rifle tightened as he looked back at the Silent Orca.
"What should I do...?" he muttered to himself. He'd heard stories about Monkey D. Zino—brave, capable, and rising fast in the Marine ranks. The man was already building a reputation. Yet, Fullbody was his commanding officer.
Torn between admiration and duty, the young marine stood frozen, unsure whether to follow his heart—or obey his orders.