Chapter 10
Jepack scratched his nose but didn't bother arguing back—after all, Zoro was right.
After crushing another empty bottle, Zoro spoke slowly: "Our next stop is Orange Town, right? Let's part ways there. I only hitched a ride to get out of the village anyway. It's time for me to pursue my own swordsmanship. If I keep following you two, my style will never become my own—it'll always carry traces of yours. You and Guina put too much pressure on me."
He popped open another bottle and took a long drink. Jepack understood completely. Zoro needed his own path.
So he didn't try to stop him. Instead, he crushed his own empty can, opened a fresh one, clinked it against Zoro's, and stared out at the dark sea: "I knew this day would come. I just didn't expect you to say it so soon. You're right—you need your own swordsmanship. I hope you break through the limits I've put on you sooner than later."
Zoro clinked back, grinning boldly: "Hah! If next time we meet and I've got you flat on your back, I'm gonna mock you mercilessly!"
"Hahaha! You can't even outdrink me—give up! You'll never surpass me!! You'll just get beaten down again!!"
Jepack took a huge swig and flipped Zoro the thumbs-down.
"Come on—let's have a drinking contest, you damn pervert! I refuse to believe you can outdrink me!"
Zoro laughed, flashing his pinky in challenge.
"Bring it!"
Jepack tossed out several more cans of premium chilled lager…
"You two—how long are you planning to lie there?!!"
Guina's voice thundered in their ears.
Jepack rubbed his eyes and sat up. The sun was already overhead.
Zoro was still sprawled in the sunlight, snoring heavily, showing no signs of waking.
"If you can't handle it, don't push yourself, weakling!"
Jepack kicked Zoro lightly, mocking him.
Zoro just rolled over and kept snoring…
Suddenly, Jepack's ear was yanked hard. Guina's roar filled his head: "Do you think you're hot stuff?! Look at all these empty bottles! Clean this mess up—now!"
"Ow ow ow~~ Stop pulling! My ear's gonna fall off!! I'm cleaning, I'm cleaning!"
Jepack quickly gathered all the bottles with a wave, drew Ten'en, and sliced them into fine powder that drifted out over the sea like glitter.
"Come eat something!"
Nami's soft voice called from the galley door.
"How could I let you cook? You should've woken me!"
Jepack rushed over with a fawning smile, taking the trays from her.
"I can cook too, you know! Don't underestimate me—I'm not just a pretty face! I can be useful!"
Nami handed him the food, then shook a tiny fist.
"You're amazing! I never called you a vase! Ask Guina if you don't believe me!"
Jepack set the trays down and glanced at Guina.
"I'll be right back to eat."
He flash-stepped to the washroom, rinsed up in a hurry, and was back in seconds.
"Your cooking's no joke—really delicious!~"
He returned just in time to hear Guina praising Nami.
"Let me try!"
Jepack took a huge bite.
"Wow… this is way better than mine."
He shoveled down several bowls like a starving man.
"No way! Yours is better—don't flatter me!"
Nami blushed.
"I'm not exaggerating. Look—Guina can't stop eating!"
"You talk too much even while eating! Keep staring and I'll gouge your eyes out!"
Guina said shyly, cheeks pink.
Jepack patted his full belly and lounged under the sun umbrella, watching the two girls in light clothes splash water at each other playfully. He sighed contentedly: "This is the good life."
Suddenly, his mind blanked. "Wait… did I forget something? Eh, if I forgot it, it can't be important."
(Snowflakes drifting~ North wind howling~ In the corner, still drunk, starving, and completely ignored, Zoro felt the malice of the world…)
Jepack watched the girls play, eyes squinting… until he dozed off.
"Orange Town—arrived! All passengers, please gather your belongings and disembark!"
Jepack pinched his nose and did a goofy announcement, making the girls burst into laughter.
"Double-faced clown itchy fever—damn it, yaargh!"
Zoro grumbled as he stepped off the ship.
"Wait here—don't move. I'll go buy some oranges!"
Jepack teased Zoro…
"Don't get off yet. Something's off with the villagers on this island!"
Zoro scanned the surroundings after disembarking. Most people carried weapons, their eyes fierce and hostile. He warned the others cautiously.
"What is it? What did you notice, Zoro?"
Nami and Guina asked at the same time.
Jepack suddenly remembered: Orange Town was the early base of Buggy the Clown, wielder of the Chop-Chop Fruit. With his current strength, he could easily handle Buggy.
So he said confidently: "It's fine—let's go ashore. We're low on supplies anyway. No matter how weird it feels, we need to restock."
With that, he leaped off. Guina followed first after hearing him out, with Nami trailing behind.
(End-of-chapter teaser: This chapter isn't over—click next page to continue!)
"I have something to do. You guys go on ahead. If I catch up, I'll meet you at the tavern in the town center. If I don't show… just leave the island. Don't wait for me."
Nami's voice came from behind. Then she bolted away.
"Nami!!"
Guina called worriedly, wanting to ask more.
Jepack placed a hand on Guina's shoulder. "It's okay—I'm here. I won't let our crewmate sneak off alone! Let's keep moving. If needed, I'll handle Nami's situation. Don't worry!"
Guina looked into Jepack's confident eyes, nodded with newfound security.
"If Nami loses even one hair, I won't forgive you!"
She still looked anxious.
"Relax—don't you trust my strength? Come on, Zoro!"
Jepack wrapped an arm around Guina's tense shoulders and strolled casually through the crowd, completely ignoring the barely concealed murderous glares.
The three reached the central tavern. Jepack plopped onto a barstool and shouted: "Boss—two rums and a glass of orange juice!"
"Coming right up, kid!"
The bartender glanced up, smiled, and gave a subtle look urging them to drink quickly and leave.
After serving the drinks, he stayed silent—only occasionally shooting glances that screamed get out.
The once-noisy tavern fell quiet. Every eye turned to the three newcomers like wolves sizing up lambs.
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