17 Chapter 16 (1/2)
A bit after midnight, I was doing some physical exercises with a few of Zoros weights, while my clones were practicing my techniques. Sanji was the only one who was still up. He was in the kitchen preparing ingredients for tomorrow, but I heard him leave it and make his way towards me. Sanji sat down next to me without saying a word.
”How did you know about my identity?” he asked me, after sitting there for a couple of minutes. I honestly expected him to ask me this sooner, but I still wasn't sure how to answer him.
”I read about it somewhere, but I can't tell you where though. For now, I would like you to know, that I mean you no harm. I will warn you though if my sources are correct, your family will come after you in the future.” I couldn't straight up tell him that I read about it in a comic book.
”If you know who my family is and you know they would come after me, why would you invite me on your crew?” He asked me a good question, but I didn't even have to think about the answer.
”Throughout the past few days, everyone from my crew managed to get to know you better, and they all like you. You are also one of the kindest people I have ever met, despite the way you talk. I am not scared of your family coming after us, because if they do, I will beat them back to North Blue. Your cooking skills might be subpar, but I still want you as my cook, shishishi.” I told him with a grin. Everyone really liked Sanji, considering how he kept everyone always fed. Whenever someone said something about being hungry, Sanji will go and cook some food for them. We also created a bond through being tortured by Zeff together.
”Subpar my ass, I saw you salivating like a dog, every time I brought something to eat. Drooling and staring at the food like an animal.” He punched me after hearing my last comment, but I just laughed it off.
We continued talking for some random things after that and had a small argument when I told him Nami is off the charts. After bickering for a bit, he went to sleep, since it was already getting late.
An hour or so later, I heard someone exiting outside. I saw Zoro coming out with his sword in hand. He sat near the mainmast in a seiza-style with Wado Ichimonji sitting on his legs. I don't know if he wants to be left alone, but I figured, he might need someone to talk with, so I made my way to him.
”If you need to talk about something, I will be more than happy to listen.” I sat down, in front of him while saying that. He didn't respond for a couple of minutes, but I continued sitting since he didn't chase me off.
”I made a promise on the previous owner of this sword to become the greatest swordsman ever. When Mihawk was aiming to cut it, I knew, I will never be able to use Wado Ichimonji again if that attack connects. To me, losing this sword would be like losing her again.” He took a deep breath after saying that and looked at me.
”Mihawk might have beaten me this time, but the next time we fight, the outcome will be different.” I saw the fire burn in his eyes while he was talking.
”He shamed me and destroyed two of my swords, but he did show me how much I'm lacking. After being left with only two swords, I felt uncomfortable, but when I had only one, I felt completely lacking.” Zoro stood up and started practicing after saying that.
I'm pretty sure he should be resting, but I made a double-edged short sword from my hair and decided to practice with him by using a weapon. Lately, I improved a lot in using the abilities of the Zoan fruit. I can currently sustain a weapon created from one of my hairs throughout a whole fight. Additionally, I have incorporated using my tail in my fighting style when I am in my hybrid form.
We sparred for a bit with Zoro, but despite being injured and only using one sword, he was able to beat me with a sword. I was able to beat him using pure speed or strength, but not skill.After practicing for an hour, Zoro was already getting tired, so he found a comfy place on the deck and went to sleep.
Early in the morning, we reached Conomi Islands. Nami asked us to dock at Gosa Village and walk to Cocoyasi Village from there. Her reason being that we might endanger the citizens there. I agreed with her, so we docked at Gosa Village. Aisha didn't want to be left alone on the ship, so she decided to come with us.
The village was in an awful state. All of the buildings are destroyed, and the place reeks of blood. I was shaking and barely controlling myself from rushing at Arlong right now. Never have I felt so much anger before.