Chapter 29: The Victor Is King, the Loser Eats Dirt — Zoro Joins!
Lister recalled a line once spoken by a swordsman:
a swordsman needs the stamina to battle for three days and nights—and the resolve to end a fight with a single, killing stroke.
He could have traded hundreds of blows with Zoro and then beaten him, but he chose not to. He opted for the one-hit kill.
Dropping Zoro instantly was meant to brand an indelible impression into him. To ensure nothing went wrong, Lister had just now entered Overclock, forcing his perception, reactions, and speed to their peak and unleashing his highest-level strike.
"Head of the battle corps?"
Everyone blinked at Lister's words.
No one dared refute him. They had all watched Zoro fight; his strength convinced them. Making Zoro the head of the battle corps drew no objections.
"As for you two—stay as Zoro's little attendants." Lister's gaze fell on Johnny and Yosaku.
Both men shuddered.
"O-okay! I… have no objections!"
Their voices shook.
The pirates burst out laughing.
"Weren't you two real cocky just now? Look at you—too scared to talk!"
Faced with the jeers, Johnny and Yosaku could only hang their heads and play dead. Without Zoro backing them, they had no spine to stiffen.
"All right, shut it. From now on we're shipmates on the same crew; no need to cling to last night's grudges. Get back to work."
At Lister's word, they fell silent and drifted to their tasks.
The fleet steered for Cocoyasi.
Before long, Zoro stirred.
He blinked at the unfamiliar bunk and the memories rushed back.
"I'm not dead?"
"Zoro-aniki, you're finally awake!"
"Thank goodness!"
Johnny and Yosaku, who had been keeping watch, were so relieved they nearly cried.
Regret gnawed at them. They'd been stupid enough to try extorting the Money Pirates; now not only had they failed, they'd thrown themselves in too.
"What happened?" Zoro asked, glancing at them.
"Captain Lister dropped you with one cut, then ordered the ship's doctor to treat you. We're members of the Money Pirates now. And Captain Lister appointed you head of the battle corps," Johnny said.
"I joined the Money Pirates and became a pirate? I'm a corps head? When did that happen?" Zoro frowned.
"While you were out cold from your wounds," Yosaku answered with a bitter face.
A bounty hunter in good standing, turned pirate just like that. No one swallows that easily.
"Hmph. I never agreed to join this crew," Zoro grunted.
"But you lost," Yosaku murmured.
Zoro fell silent, shut in on himself.
"Zoro-aniki, look on the bright side. You're a corps head—one below the captain and above everyone else. With treatment that good, it's not a bad deal," Johnny coaxed.
After a moment, Zoro sat up and swung his legs off the bed.
"Zoro-aniki, where are you going?" Johnny asked.
"To meet that man," Zoro said.
"Are your wounds okay?" Yosaku asked.
"I'll live."
"Then I'll show you the way."
"Do I really need a guide? We're on the same ship."
"Zoro-aniki, please—just be careful not to get lost. Besides the captain's cabin there's the women's quarters. Don't take a wrong turn—there'll be trouble."
"Do I look like someone who can't tell east from west? It's a small ship. Like I'd get lost."
Johnny and Yosaku kept their mouths shut. After so long together, everyone knew everyone else's little secrets.
Soon they stepped onto the deck.
"Oh? Awake. Want some fruit?" Lister looked over and smiled.
"No, thanks," Zoro said. "Captain Lister, I'd like a word."
"A word?" Lister's smile didn't fade.
"The winner is king; the loser eats dust. I lost to you—I accept that. I have no objection to joining the Money Pirates. But I have one condition."
"A condition?" Lister asked, amused.
"The day I can defeat you, I leave. You won't stop me."
"No problem. Like you said—the winner decides everything," Lister replied with a smile.
"In that case, I'll challenge you often. Be ready," Zoro said.
He now set Lister as a small milestone on his path. Until he beat Lister, he wouldn't talk about leaving. When he did leave, it would be after victory.
"Fine. One challenge a day. Beat me, and you can walk anytime," Lister said, still smiling.
"Good. It's a deal." The corner of Zoro's mouth lifted.
"Given your condition, can you drink?" Lister asked, looking him over.
"Of course."
"Excellent."
Lister stood and raised his voice. "Listen up!"
Every eye on all three ships swung to him.
"We've welcomed another newcomer aboard!"
"To celebrate, we feast!"
A roar went up.
For pirates, nothing is more joyful than a banquet.
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