On the deck of the Going Merry, the unnatural storm had passed, leaving behind a fresh, salty breeze.
"So that's how it is…" Luffy said, slamming a fist into his palm with a look of sudden understanding.
"There's so much to swordsmanship!"
"Of course," Zoro nodded, his expression serious as he cleaned Wado Ichimonji.
"The 'Mugetsu' that Mike used is on a completely different level from the Breathing Styles we saw Mihawk demonstrate. It might come from a completely different lineage of power altogether." He ran a hand through his green hair in frustration.
"With the Breathing Styles, I can at least sense the power coming from the rhythm of the breath. But that 'Mugetsu'... I can't comprehend it at all. It's beyond my understanding."
"Maybe you're just too stupid, you damn moss-head," Sanji drawled, a teasing smirk on his lips as he lit a cigarette.
"Shut your mouth, curly-brow!" Zoro instantly flared up.
"You damn perverted cook, you dare mock me? You're the one who can't even walk straight when you see a pretty girl!"
"HAAHHH?," Sanji exhaled a puff of smoke, tilting his chin up.
"What would a directionless idiot like you know about true beauty?"
"You—"
Thud— Thud—
Two loud, painful-looking bumps instantly appeared on their heads.
"ENOUGH!" Nami, the true strongest fighter on the crew, stood with her hands on her hips, veins of anger popping on her forehead.
"Stop fighting, you two!"
Zoro and Sanji immediately fell silent, rubbing their heads.
"You guys..." Luffy began, looking at his crewmates, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"After our adventures on the Grand Line, do you think we'll become as strong as Mike and those guys?" he murmured, already envisioning the future.
"As strong as Mike?" Nami crossed her arms, a confident smile playing on her lips.
"We will be. I have no doubt about it."
"Of course we will!" Sanji declared, brushing back his hair. "Tonight, I'll cook a feast worthy of the future Pirate King's crew!"
"Hell yeah!" Usopp threw his hands up in excitement. "We'll become the strongest warriors on the sea!"
Zoro stood at the bow, his fingers lightly tracing the blade of Wado Ichimonji, a quiet, unwavering resolve surging within him.
'Witnessing such strength only fuels my determination. Starting tomorrow, I'll add another hour to my daily training.'
*****
"Nine Sword—Six Thousand Miles?" Kizaru repeated the name under his breath, his brow furrowing slightly.
The name was utterly baffling.
But since Mike was willing to help him refine the technique, there was no point fussing over something so trivial.
"Fine, let's go with that," he finally nodded.
[Ding!]
[Host has successfully named Admiral Kizaru's new technique "Nine Sword—Six Thousand Miles," satisfying his mischievous whims. Mood: Happy.]
[Happy Points +500]
Mike coughed lightly to hide his glee.
'Hehehe, when I'm helping him "tweak" this move, I'll make sure the form requires him to bend his back and swing his sword like a hunchback. It'll really complete the vibe.'
"That look in your eyes… definitely means you're plotting something," Kizaru said, shaking his head.
"Still," he paused, "this old man needs to head back to Headquarters soon. I'll spend the trip refining the technique. Kid, want to come along?"
"You're heading back already?" Mike asked, surprised.
'An Admiral's work is never done, I guess'.
'As for me? Captain is the perfect rank. Enough authority to delegate, none of the major responsibilities.'
'The ranks above—Commodore, Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral—they're just a ladder of increasing paperwork.'
'No thank you.'
"As your loyal adjutant, Admiral," Mike said with a sincere, heartfelt expression.
"I believe it is my duty to diligently patrol the various seas in your stead and round up any arrogant pirates!"
'In other words, I'll happily travel around under your name, sightseeing and enjoying myself while you handle all the boring stuff. I'll come back when you're done.'
"Yo~" Kizaru narrowed his eyes, a meaningful glint in their depths as he saw right through Mike's little scheme.
"You're just trying to slack off, aren't you?" he said indulgently. "Fine. Consider it your vacation before you report for duty."
'My dear adjutant,' Kizaru thought with a silent, evil chuckle, 'did you really think I'd handle those tedious military affairs? By the time you get back, all those headache-inducing tasks will be waiting for you.'
'This is the last vacation of your life.'
'Better enjoy it while you can.'
"Hehe, old man, you're the best!" Mike beamed.
"So, where's my next stop for 'fighting pirates'?" he asked with a hint of anticipation.
"Any recommendations? Somewhere lively, relaxed, and with minimal responsibilities would be ideal."
"In that case," Kizaru said, "I'd recommend the member nations of the World Government. They are generally stable and prosperous, and they can request Navy support to clear out local pirates, which makes them perfect for official 'patrols'."
"Member nations?" Mike stroked his chin, deep in thought.
'The old man makes a good point. Stable and affluent means safe and fun. And the member nation in the Grand Line I'm most familiar with...'
His thoughts surged, and a single name leaped to mind: the Kingdom of Alabasta.
That place had it all.
Unique creatures like the Super Spot-Billed Ducks and the Kung Fu Dugongs.
The port city of Nanohana, famous for its perfumes.
And most importantly, in the city of Rainbase... there was the kingdom's largest legal casino, Rain Dinners!
'As the undisputed Gambling champion in the east blue, with 1,000 consecutive wins... how could I not go and show off my gambling skills?' he thought, a greedy glint in his eye.
"Gambling God" Mike will return with his pockets full!
-----------------------------
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