"Don't fool around, Luffy!" the captain shouted anxiously, pulling a nearby sailor over. "Take this kid somewhere safe!"
He dashed off immediately after giving the order.
The sailor, bewildered, bent down to pick up Luffy.
But Luffy jumped away. He didn't want to always be treated like a child—even if he technically was one.
"Brother Sailor, you go help out! I know where to go," Luffy called, ignoring the sailor's expression, and dashed off.
"This is going to be great! The sea is definitely the fastest way to grow stronger!" Luffy rubbed his fists, ready for a clash with the pirates.
But fate had other plans.
Thanks to the captain's skillful command, the merchant ship managed to escape the pursuing pirates.
Luffy groaned in frustration. "This isn't how I planned it."
Watching the bounty-laden pirate ship fade into the distance, Luffy stood at the stern, feeling helpless.
"Luffy, why are you still here?"
The relieved captain was checking the ship for any damage when he noticed Luffy perched with his hands on the railing, staring into the distance.
Seeing Luffy's watery eyes, the captain patted him gently. "It's okay now. You're safe—don't be afraid."
The morning sun rose behind them, casting a warm glow, highlighting the boy's pitiful yet determined gaze.
For several days, Luffy sailed across calm seas, under the watchful eye of the captain.
Eventually, the merchant ship docked at Shimotsuki Village.
"Luffy, do you remember where your home is?" the captain asked, pointing toward the village homes.
"Don't worry, Captain. Thanks for bringing me here," Luffy waved and walked straight toward the village.
Inside the village, he approached a fruit vendor.
"Sir, do you know how to get to the Shimotsuki Dojo?"
The sleepy vendor was startled by Luffy's sudden voice.
"Ah?! What…?"
Luffy stretched his tiny hand above the fruit stand. "I'm here…"
Being small was such a hassle.
The vendor chuckled awkwardly. "Little one, what do you need? Want some fruit?"
"I want directions to the Shimotsuki Dojo," Luffy replied.
"Oh, the dojo? Impressive. There are lots of kids there, but I've never seen one your age. Just follow the main road through the village. About two kilometers out, you'll see it."
Luffy thanked him and set off along the main road.
He wasn't in a hurry; he already had a plan. Zoro was two years older than him.
According to the original story, Kuina's death happened when Zoro was about six or seven. Luffy might not be able to prevent much, but he had to try.
At the Shimotsuki Dojo training grounds, a green-haired boy was lifting weights, biting down on a rope with a stone attached. He squatted repeatedly, drenched in sweat, eyes never wavering.
Over an hour later, the boy paused. Suddenly, a smaller child ran up, panting.
"Senior Zoro! There's a kid here challenging the dojo!"
Zoro blinked. "Challenging? Is he skilled with a sword?"
"No, he just carries a sword but can't use it. But he's incredibly strong—many seniors were knocked down," the child replied.
"Let's go see!" Zoro packed away his training tools.
Inside the dojo, Luffy controlled his strength, knocked away a wooden sword, then placed it across the neck of the other child.
"Thank you for the match," Luffy said, retracting the wooden sword with a polite bow.
"Clap, clap, clap…"
Goshiro, clapping, praised him. "A hero at such a young age!"
Luffy glanced toward Goshiro and bowed respectfully—etiquette mattered, even for a small child.
"Thank you, Senior Goshiro. I'm just a bit stronger than usual," Luffy said modestly.
Goshiro smiled faintly. "For someone so young to achieve this with a normal human body… you're the second I've ever seen."
Luffy thought: Second? The first must be Zoro. Goshiro hasn't counted Kuina, I guess.
He waited to see if Kuina would appear; if she did, he would stay a while.
"Second?" Luffy's expression mixed confusion and disbelief, hinting at some skepticism.
Goshiro clarified: "He's my top disciple. I just saw someone looking for him—he should be back soon."
"Hmm… I'm looking forward to this meeting," Luffy thought sincerely.
After a while, Goshiro, sitting quietly, noticed movement and stood. Luffy didn't feel anything until footsteps echoed.
Impressive. His hearing or Observation Haki must be strong, Luffy thought.
Zoro stormed in, addressing Goshiro: "Master, where's the intruder?"
Since Kuina had died, Zoro now handled these duties himself.
Goshiro frowned. "Zoro, don't be reckless—maintain proper decorum!"
Luffy smiled slightly. "It's fine, Senior Goshiro."
Pausing, Luffy asked: "You're Zoro, right? Want to spar?"
Seeing Luffy's small frame and awkward sword grip, Zoro felt a twinge of disdain.
He drew three wooden swords from the rack and said in his sharp accent: "Come! Let me teach you a lesson!"