Zoro stared at the curled edge of his sword, then at Johnny, who was completely unscathed, and his jaw dropped. He had never seen anything like it.
"How about that Zoro, pretty amazing, right?"
Satisfied with everyone's shock, Johnny released Iron Body.
"It really is Iron Body, one of the Marine Six Styles," Koushirou nodded.
"Hello boy, where is that jar-selling merchant you mentioned?" Ivankov leaned his oversized head toward Johnny.
"Right, where did you meet Mr. Amon? We were just looking for him," Zoro remembered the point of their search.
"So this kind merchant is named Amon. He has a stall up the street, you can't miss it," Johnny said. Only now did they learn Amon's name.
"On the street? Good. Let's go," Zoro nodded.
Seeing them ready to leave, Johnny hurried to add, "Zoro, we can lead the way, but bring money. Mr Amon doesn't do credit. One jar is a hundred thousand berries."
"We know. Let's move." They had already discussed it with the master and his friend. A hundred thousand was a fortune to Zoro and the kids, but for someone like Dragon it was a drop in the ocean.
Johnny and Yosaku led Zoro's group back toward Amon's stall.
"Johnny boy, this is the shop with the magical jars? Looks ordinary to me, all street goods," Ivankov blinked his heavy makeup and teased.
"Hehe, you'll know once you try. I wasn't lying," Johnny said, and strode ahead.
Dragon studied the jars and the reclining vendor with a thoughtful look. "Come on. Since we're here, we should at least take a look." He went in, with Koushirou and Zoro following.
…
On his lounger, Amon was humming a tune from his previous life, eyes closed, the picture of leisure. He had just arrived in Shimotsuki Village and already sold half his stock. He was delighted. With Zoro and Kuina spreading the word, Koushirou would surely come see for himself. Once he came, Amon had ways to nudge him into opening a jar.
"Mr. Amon, Mr. Amon, we're back."
The familiar voices cut through the street noise. Amon opened his eyes to see an excited Johnny and Yosaku, Zoro, and the group behind him.
Hm?
His gaze slid to the strangers in gray. The moment he took in their faces, his expression stayed calm, but inside a storm rose. If he was not mistaken, the men behind Zoro were Revolutionary Army leadership, Dragon and his officers.
Strange. Why is Dragon in Shimotsuki Village, and so familiar with Zoro's teacher. Then he recalled Sabo's memories. Dragon and Koushirou knew each other. By the timeline, this fit. In the anime, they had come to have Koushirou help procure supplies. Then the Gray Terminal burned, Dragon rescued Sabo, and later raised him as a successor.
Amon understood their purpose. He had not expected his little stall to draw figures like these. He only wanted Zoro's circle to advertise to the dojo students, yet here came the big names.
"Dragon, I think we've been recognized," Kuma rumbled, noticing Amon's flicker of surprise.
"Let's see first," Dragon smiled faintly. He had seen that look too. He was not worried. He was very confident in his own strength.
The moment passed. Amon rose from the lounger and greeted them warmly. "Yo, welcome. Here to buy jars?"
"Each jar is one hundred thousand berries. Every single one has treasure inside. Guaranteed no blanks."
"Mr. Amon, it really is you." Kuina broke into a happy smile. Zoro looked excited as well.
"Haha, Kuina, Zoro. How are the pulls treating you," Amon said with a casual smile, slipping in a tidy bit of advertising so everyone heard where their gear came from. "And you are...?"
Koushirou glanced back at Dragon, and when Dragon gave a small nod, he stepped forward with a smile. "I'm Kuina's father, Koushirou, master of the village dojo. I heard my daughter and my student Zoro drew remarkable items from your jars, so I came to take a look."
"And I also want to thank you for helping my daughter strengthen her body. She no longer needs to fear that her physique will keep her from becoming a great swordsman. Truly, thank you, Mr. Amon." Koushirou bowed deeply.