"Hey, Rolan, long time no see."
Rolan looked up, his expression calm, and replied with a faint smirk, "Long time no see, Green Algae Head."
Zoro's forehead veins immediately bulged. "Hey, who's Green Algae Head?! I'll find a chance to cut you down!"
Rolan raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. "Alright, alright. So you're back in Peach Garden. Did you achieve your goal?"
He recalled taking Zoro to Kuraigana Island, and Zoro had promised he wouldn't return until he became the World's Greatest Swordsman. Now Zoro had come back, his mood noticeably good.
Rolan carefully sensed Zoro's aura. The difference was stark.
Previously, Zoro had been like a sharp, well-known sword, brilliant but exposed. Now, he carried the weight of a treasured, ancient blade, his power restrained yet undeniably formidable beneath the surface. Anyone sensing carefully would detect the immense force coiled inside him.
Zoro's mouth curved slightly as he replied, "Of course."
Rolan had expected this, yet hearing it confirmed still surprised him.
"Green Algae Head, I didn't expect you to reach this level so quickly," Rolan said.
The title "World's Greatest Swordsman" was more than just a name; it was the pinnacle for swordsmen across the world. Swordsmen made up nearly a third of the pirate world, and the strongest among them rivaled the power of the Four Emperors. Zoro's current presence confirmed his achievement.
Rolan couldn't help but feel respect. Zoro, always seen as talented but not extraordinary, had surpassed every expectation. He had not only raw talent but unmatched diligence, and had fulfilled the dream he shared with his childhood friend Kuina.
"You... you are Rolan? God Slayer Rolan?!"
Perona's voice rang out beside Zoro.
Rolan noticed two women standing close: Perona, the Ghost Princess of Thriller Bark, and Gion, Vice Admiral of Marineford, code-named Peach Rabbit.
Rolan simply nodded. "I am Rolan."
Even with his confirmation, Perona instinctively stepped back slightly, clutching Zoro's arm. Her eyes were wide with fear. Rumors painted Rolan as a demon who killed without hesitation, a lolicon feared even by the strongest. Today, her life might truly be in danger.
Zoro, noticing Perona's trembling, naturally held her small hand firmly. His voice was soft but carried clearly: "Don't be afraid. Rolan isn't as the rumors say. Once you get to know him, you'll see he's just an idiot."
Rolan heard it clearly, though Zoro's tone wasn't a whisper.
"Hey, hey, hey, Zoro. Is that how you slander your captain?"
He didn't care much about his reputation, yet the endless smear campaigns from the Marines and World Government were tiring. Being on the "evil" side, he could never defend himself, and history was written by the victors. When the World Government fell, all the lies would crumble.
Feeling Zoro's steady hand, Perona's fear gradually ebbed. She studied Rolan carefully. He had no demonic horns, nor did he exude the aura of a man who fed on the weak. Instead, he felt like a reliable older brother, stoic yet approachable. Being Zoro's captain added to that impression. Slowly, she lowered her guard, though her hand remained on Zoro's arm.
Gion mirrored her closeness to Zoro.
Rolan's eyebrows lifted slightly, observing the trio. "What are you all doing?"
Both Zoro and Perona flushed faintly at his gossipy tone, while Gion's expression was straightforward. "Sister Perona and I have become Zoro's women."
"Nani!?"
Rolan's suspicions were confirmed, leaving him momentarily stunned.
In the original world, Zoro had passed countless challenges without a single romantic entanglement. Now, he was accompanied by two women, basically creating a harem.
Issho, standing nearby, chuckled. "Hehehe, Green... Mr. Zoro truly has passion."
Zoro raised an eyebrow. "Hey! Were you about to call me Green Algae Head?"
Issho waved dismissively. "No, no. Are these three behind you brought by Zoro?"
Everyone's attention turned to three elderly figures trailing behind Zoro.
Rolan frowned slightly. He had noticed them from the start. Their strength was undeniable, reaching—or even surpassing—Admiral-level power. Their aura felt familiar, though he couldn't immediately place it.
Since they showed no hostility, he observed quietly.
Zoro scratched his head, looking slightly awkward. "Well… I don't know how to introduce you all."
A long-bearded old man laughed heartily. "Hahaha, Green Algae Head, why don't we introduce ourselves?" He stepped forward slowly.
"Rolan Boy, hasn't it been a while? Have you forgotten me?"
Rolan snapped his fingers, activating an Electromagnetic Barrier around everyone. Then he whispered a few words to Issho, who nodded and walked toward Stussy.
Rolan's gaze sharpened on the three elderly men. "Fleet Admiral Garp, I assume the other two are Sengoku and Tsuru?"
Garp peeled off the human skin mask on his face, revealing his true form. Sengoku and Tsuru felt around, realizing their vision and hearing were blocked by an invisible barrier. Using Observation Haki, they pierced it and sensed the outside environment.
The two exchanged a look and removed their masks fully.
Rolan couldn't hide his slight surprise at seeing their true appearances.
◇ I'll drop one bonus chapter for every 10 reviews
(Leave a review/comment)
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100
Power Stones.
◇ Read 100+ chapters ahead on P-a-t-r-e-o-n.com/_Zeph