Gululu... Pa!
The giant soap bubbles, still under the sunlight, continue to repeat the process of rising and bursting.
In the open space in front of Shakky's bar, the duel between Ace and Zoro is still ongoing.
The battle has reached a fever pitch.
Relying on body techniques that have crushed Luffy since childhood and a small mastery of Haki, Ace quickly gained the upper hand.
But...
The Green Algae Head on the other side possesses a terrifying will that even moves him. Knocked down time and time again, yet he gets up quickly each time.
In the blink of an eye, the fight has gone on for half an hour.
So long, yet he still can't be completely defeated.
"Hey, Green Algae Head!"
Ace's expression turns serious, and he speaks in a deep voice:
"My Black Spade Pirate Gang already has seven partners, including a ship doctor, collector, and chef... but we're still missing a swordsman like you! Let's call it a day and shake hands and make peace! You're someone I admire; you have the qualifications to be my partner!"
He stares at Zoro, who is lying on the ground, but what he gets is the latter's sneering smile.
"Heh heh, dreaming of recruitment when the battle hasn't even decided a winner... Don't dream!"
Zoro gasps for air, leaning on the sword hilt, and growls: "Who do you think I am?"
"I'm the captain of the Two-blade Adventurer Group! There is indeed a man I would willingly follow, but there is only one! And he is not someone of your level!"
Just as expected.
Ace rubs his temples and sighs deeply:
"Every one of them is stubborn enough to make my head ache."
He narrows his eyes and suddenly takes advantage of Zoro's breath and rushes forward like an arrow, swinging his right leg like a whip!
"Here you go!"
The kick is as fast as lightning.
Zoro's expression changes; even though he immediately goes to grasp the sword hilt, he still cannot keep up with the speed. Both swords are kicked away, spinning and embedding themselves in the distant tree trunk.
"What now? You're without your weapon."
Ace crosses his arms and grins, "A Sword Master without a sword is like a beast with its teeth pulled. You're not qualified to continue fighting me; please reconsider joining the Black Spade Pirates!"
But surprisingly, Zoro doesn't show any signs of frustration; instead, he looks at him with a peculiar expression.
"Who told you I'm only a swordsman?"
Eh?
Ace is stunned.
Before he can react, Zoro suddenly bursts into the sky, his right leg blazing with fire, bearing a fierce grin, and in Ace's shocked gaze, he strikes down fiercely!
"Demon Wind Leg · Pork Pot SHOOT!"
...
Meanwhile.
Shampodi Islands, Gr 40, shopping street crossroads.
Sanji sits on a bench with a cigarette in his mouth, focusing on cleaning his two beloved swords.
One "Tatagawa," one "Kitetsu."
All bought from a weapon shop in Log Town.
"Hey, Chopper, did you get everything on your medicine list?" After cleaning almost enough, Sanji looks up and asks, "Fever medication, anti-inflammatory, bandages, antibiotics..."
"Yes, I got everything, not missing a single thing!"
Chopper nods with a happy smile, patting his bulging backpack with his small hooves, "I even bought some extra materials for making Rumble Balls, just in case."
"I've also got all the ingredients purchased."
Only then does Sanji relax. He sheathes the two swords and smiles, "The ship has been sent to the Plating Artisan; we're free with nothing to worry about. It looks like we can enjoy ourselves and play on this island all day."
"Great! I want to ride the roller coaster!"
Chopper cheers.
He's heard that the amusement park on Shampodi is very famous. They've been tired out lately; finally, he can have a good time!
"But before that, I just realized there's something very important that I must do—"
Sanji's gaze suddenly sharpens, and he turns to look at Tashigi, who is walking towards the crossroads in the distance.
"Uh." Chopper gets a bad feeling, "Sanji, you wouldn't be..."
In the next instant.
Sanji's eyes turn into heart shapes, and he springs up like a spring, drawing a graceful arc in the air, sliding to kneel in front of her.
"Ah~ Tashigi-san——!!!"
With a rose somehow appearing in his mouth, his voice becomes magnetic:
"On this sunlit summer afternoon, to meet such an elegant black-haired beauty like you twice in one day! What luck it is, surely the gods pitying my recent unfortunate fate!"
"Eh?"
Tashigi is startled by this unexpected enthusiasm, taking half a step back.
"Sanji-san."
She reflexively grips the hilt of her sword, stammering:
"We're not familiar, p-please don't do this... We made things clear at the dock last time, I'm not the female swordsman you know, I just look a little like her..."
"Of course I remember, Tashigi-san! But if it was the actual tigress herself, I wouldn't be so passionate, Tashigi-san~!"
Sanji seems mesmerized, "It's entirely your own charm that has captivated me, would you honor me with the pleasure of having lunch together at a nearby upscale restaurant?"
If such a gentle and lovely girl agreed to date him...
All the childhood traumas of being bullied, intimidated, punched, and kicked by that woman as a kid would vanish completely!