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CHAPTER 55

The preparations for departure were in full swing as the crew readied themselves to leave the island. Their supplies were being transferred to the ship, marking the impending end of their stay here. Farewells were exchanged with everyone, though Zoro's absence was conspicuous. However, just as the crew was about to board the ship, a voice rang out from a distance, halting them in their tracks.

"Wait, wait for me!"

Turning their attention toward the source of the voice, they saw Zoro sprinting towards the pier, a knapsack slung over his shoulder, and three real swords sheathed at his side. With a determined expression, Zoro made his way to the pier, attempting to convey a sense of seriousness.

"I... I am coming with you, too!"

Kreegan, who had been untying the ropes, paused and turned to face Zoro. There was a discernible mix of surprise and skepticism in his eyes as he regarded the young swordsman.

"You are not ready yet."

Zoro's response was sharp and tinged with anger, his determination evident in his gaze.

"I am!"

In response, Kreegan gestured to one of the wooden pillars on the pier, setting forth a challenge that would determine Zoro's readiness.

"Cut this pillar in one slash. If you can, I will take you. But if you can't, you will not leave the island until you can do it in one smooth slash."

The wooden pillar's diameter was modest, about 20 centimeters. Zoro hesitated for a moment but ultimately drew his sword, ready to accept the challenge. With a rallying cry, he unleashed a powerful slash, pouring all his strength into the strike. However, the result fell short of his aspirations, as the sword barely managed to penetrate the wood by a mere 5 centimeters.

It was a moment of mixed emotions as Kreegan dropped to one knee, his hands finding their way to Zoro's head. There was a gentle smile on Kreegan's face as he looked into Zoro's eyes, and the sight of tears welling up in Zoro's eyes mirrored the depth of his disappointment. Surpassing Kuina and Kreegan was his aim, but in his heart, he knew right now he didn't stand a chance.

"When you are ready, you will set sail, and we will see each other in these vast seas. I am sure you will become famous in no time, but it is not your time yet. Whatever you decide to be, if you continue to be a righteous man, we will always be cheering for you. Work hard, Zoro, and catch up to us. I will rise to the top of this world. Work hard and stand in front of us as a strong man."

The emotion in the air was palpable as Zoro wiped away his tears with his sleeve, his voice quivering as he responded.

"I promise, I will work hard. I promise I will become a great man! One day I will beat you."

Kreegan's next words were marked by a sense of finality, yet also a promise for the future.

"Okay, then I will see you in the future."

In the midst of this charged moment, Kuina, the ever-resilient spirit, made her presence known. Leaping off the ship, she threw the Wado Ichimonji toward Zoro, her voice ringing with determination.

"If you're going to be a great man, you need a great sword too. Take this and become a swordsman worthy of this blade. Become the greatest swordsman, like you promised us."

The tears that had welled up in Zoro's eyes moments ago now gave way to a renewed determination, his voice firm and resolute.

"I will beat both of you and become the best swordsman in the world."

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...

As the journey continued, the scenery of Shimotsuki Village faded from view, replaced by the expanse of the open sea. Kreegan and Kuina stood side by side and conversed.

"Why did you give him Wado Ichimonji?" Kreegan queried.

Kuina's response held a touch of practicality and personal preference.

"I didn't like using two swords; I feel better using one sword."

The banter continued as Kreegan suggested an alternative sword for Zoro.

"Then you should have given him Tsukikiri."

But Kuina had her own reasons for her choice.

"Naa, I like Tsukikiri more. It is longer than Wado, and I would have liked it if it was a bit longer."

Kreegan humorously pointed out the consequence of such a change.

"If I made it longer, it would be nodachi, not a katana."

Kuina, ever playful, didn't miss a beat.

"Then make me a Great Grade nodachi next time."

Kreegan's response was met with Kuina's playful persistence.

"Do you think Great Grade weapons are easy to make!"

But Kuina was unwavering, fueled by her determination.

"I am not in a hurry; you said you are not turning back until you made one."

In this light-hearted exchange, Kreegan remembered his farewell to Kozaburo.

...

YESTERDAY

"Old man, I am not coming back until I've made a Great Grade sword, so don't croak until then."

Kreegan's words were punctuated by the resolve that had become a defining trait of his character.

"Hmph, then do I have to live 50 more years."

Kozaburo's retort held a hint of amusement, his tone laced with a touch of skepticism. He knew the boy had more potential than he ever had, but he was not going to tell him that. Kozaburo thought he already had a big head. If he told him this, he would become too arrogant. So, he picked up the broom next to him and playfully aimed for Kreegan's head. But It was a gesture that underscored their familial dynamic and showcased their deep bond.

"You're struggling to make a Skillful Grade sword and now you're aiming for a Great Grade? Back in my day, I could craft Skillful Grades with my eyes closed."

Kozaburo's words were both teasing and a testament to his own craftsmanship.

"If you can create Skillful Grade with your eyes closed, then I am the king of the Goa Kingdom. Spare me the nonsense, old man. Just stay alive."

Kreegan's playful retort encapsulated his earnest desire for Kozaburo's longevity.

Kreegan's determination to create a Great Grade sword was met with a wry response from the old master, Kozaburo. A mixture of determination and playful banter marked the exchange between the two.

...

NOW

Meanwhile, Lex's voice joined the conversation, injecting a new topic into the discourse.

"So where are we going now? Should we go for them? I think we are ready?"

Kreegan's measured response revealed a sense of purpose that extended beyond mere readiness.

"I can feel it; I am really close to a breakthrough. I want to hunt one more big pirate before them."

Curiosity piqued, Kuina inquired about the enigmatic "them."

"What do you guys mean with 'Them'?"

The answer was direct and laden with emotions.

"The pirates responsible for the death of Kreegan's parents: Arlong Pirates."

Lex's revelation spurred further discussion as he presented information about potential targets. They sat down around the table and started looking through the wanted posters.

"The Trump Pirates, or they are called Trump siblings too. They are a fairly strong group with two devil fruit users. Their leader is Bear King and has the Kachi-Kachi no Mi Devil Fruit."

The conversation flowed with Lex providing more details about Bear King's abilities, and the dynamics of the crew. Kreegan and Kuina immersed themselves in reading the wanted posters, and Lex sought their input.

"What do you think?"

Kuina, however, interjected with a crucial query.

"Do you even know where they are?"

Lex's response indicated the challenge posed by this elusive target.

"According to the Marines, there is no information about their estimated active zones."

Kreegan, ever resourceful, offered an alternative approach.

"Do you think information brokers would have any info about them?"

Lex acknowledged the potential, leading to a pivotal decision.

"They might have. So, are we going to Goa Kingdom?"

...

Several weeks later, their journey led them to the shores of the Goa Kingdom. Lex opted to remain on the ship as Kreegan and Kuina set out to meet an information broker in Edge Town. Their arrival was met with cautious respect by the bouncers, who recognized Kreegan's face and granted them immediate entry.

"Why are they so afraid of you, and why did he call you Shinigami?" Kuina inquired.

Kreegan's response was steeped in both humility and purpose.

"I don't know; I only kill murderers. As for the second question, that might be because I kill pirates a lot—like I only bring their heads."

The ensuing exchange delved deeper into Kreegan's philosophy and modus operandi, revealing his uncompromising stance against those he deemed unworthy of redemption. Kuina's moral perspective came into play as she presented an alternative viewpoint.

"But what if they change their lives and become good people after prison?"

Kreegan's response was unyielding, underscored by his firm belief in the finality of his actions.

"I couldn't care less about their redemption."

Kuina's resolve remained unshaken, and Kreegan's retort underscored the harsh reality he faced.

"Kuina, this is not up for debate; if you don't like how we do things, you can always go on your own way, but maybe before acting all self-righteous, observe what kind of pieces of shit you are defending."

In this candid exchange, the moral complexities of their world were laid bare.