chapter 76 part 1
Chapter 76: It Is Power Itself
Zoro didn't understand.
He had merely followed the dojo's guest rules and brewed a pot of tea.
But in that short time, three people had inexplicably appeared in the room of the person called 'Hai Zhu', and the scene still bore traces of an extremely exaggerated explosion.
"Master, just who were those people—"
What he understood even less was why his master could still sit calmly by his side, drinking tea, after such an incident.
"Zoro, are you planning to set sail?"
But at this moment, Koushiro did not answer Zoro's question.
He simply took a sip of hot tea and asked softly.
"...Hm."
Zoro didn't know why his master asked this, but he still nodded, "It should be very soon."
"Then remember—for the next two years, just train in the East Blue."
"Before your swordsmanship reaches another level, or before you find sufficiently powerful companions, do not go to the Grand Line."
Koushiro's voice was very calm.
"Huh? Why?"
And Zoro didn't understand.
Companions? He had never felt he needed such things.
He was going to become the world's greatest swordsman; the swords in his hands were enough.
"What you witnessed today is the reason."
Koushiro looked gently at his disciple, "I know your ambition, and I know your promise with Kuina."
"But to truly face this vast ocean, it is still too early for you."
Hearing this, Zoro frowned, "Is it because of that 'Hai Zhu'? Master—do you think I can't beat him?"
He was highly indignant.
Although just now outside the village, he was sent flying by Hai Zhu with a single strike.
But in Zoro's view, that was only because he held back when he attacked.
He didn't believe that his Three-Sword Style, honed over many years, would be no match for a guy who suddenly appeared.
"If I fought with all my strength, I would definitely be able to—"
Zoro's words were cut short.
Because at this moment, Koushiro was already looking at him with a stern expression he had never shown before.
But a moment later, he sighed again.
Subsequently, the master of the Isshin Dojo said nothing more, simply rose silently and left.
At the same time,
In another room, the three members of the Revolutionary Army sat opposite Hai Zhu.
The expressions of the three Revolutionary Army executives were not good.
Especially Sabo, whose expression at this moment was almost stiff, while the other two looked at him with some concern.
"I'm actually a noble..."
Sabo's fists were tightly clenched.
That's right—just now, Hai Zhu had directly recounted Dragon's trip to the Goa Kingdom seven years ago.
Coincidentally, Sabo had been rescued by Dragon near the Goa Kingdom seven years ago, after which he lost his memory, forgetting his identity.
But from Hai Zhu's mouth, he learned the truth.
"You are a noble of the Goa Kingdom, but you decided to set sail and become a pirate because you were dissatisfied with the rule of the nobles."
This truth instantly made them suspect it was a lie.
The Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army, a 'noble' from a kingdom allied with the World Government? And he once planned to become a pirate?
Who would believe such a thing?
But...
"It's not a lie..."
At this moment, Sabo knew this in his heart.
Because at this moment, as Hai Zhu described his past, fragments of memory flashed through his mind.
"Sabo!"
"Sabo!"
Those were two childish, clear voices that nonetheless felt familiar to him.
"Who are they?"
Sabo instinctively felt this question arise in his heart—his intuition told him these were people of great importance to him.
But Hai Zhu did not answer his question.
Because Hai Zhu was very clear.
Displaying some information could grant leverage in negotiations, but it also had to be done appropriately.
If he were to mention a certain Nika at this moment, it could potentially cross Dragon's bottom line, which would only be counterproductive to this transaction.
What he had revealed now was already enough.
And indeed, reality unfolded as he had expected.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, the three Revolutionary Army members realized a 'fact'.
Since Hai Zhu could describe the events that occurred in the Goa Kingdom seven years ago as if he had witnessed them firsthand.
Then it meant the intelligence capabilities of the Twelve Zodiacs were far more terrifying than they had imagined.
They even boldly speculated a bit further...
Perhaps the Twelve Zodiacs had begun to pay attention to and investigate the Revolutionary Army even earlier.
"This organization might have existed on the high seas for a long time, but... its existence has never been known to anyone."
At this thought, Sabo's heart grew even heavier.
He took a deep breath, putting the chaotic memories and extraneous thoughts in his mind aside. "Mr. Hai Zhu, thank you for clarifying my doubts."
"We apologize for what happened just now. Regarding the 'Pluton Alloy' matter—let's begin now."
He cut straight to the chase, "Did you bring the sample?"
"Of course."
Hai Zhu smiled and nodded.
He took off his top hat, reached his hand inside, and when he pulled it out a moment later—
In his hand, there was already a piece of jet-black alloy.
Upon seeing this scene, the three Revolutionary Army members frowned again.
What was this again?
Magic? Or an ability?
But it was clear that Hai Zhu had no intention of answering their questions.
"Please confirm."
He simply placed the alloy in his hand on the table and lightly gestured for them to proceed.
Thus, Sabo and Lindbergh exchanged glances.
"What do you think, Lindbergh?"
The tacit understanding from long years of fighting together and their privately agreed-upon secret codes allowed the two to communicate seamlessly.
"It's indeed an alloy I've never seen before... I'll confirm it."
Lindbergh twitched his mustache.
That's right—Sabo was the Chief of Staff, responsible for leading this negotiation.