Although he had learned that his senior brother was from another world, after a brief moment of surprise, Zoro accepted the fact with remarkable ease. After all, this really was another world!
And no matter where Bane had come from, he had always treated him exceptionally well. He had even shared a secret like traveling between worlds with him, which warmed Zoro's heart.
Bane had not told him to keep it secret, but Zoro naturally understood the value and danger of that secret. He silently resolved that even if he died, he could not reveal it.
He even felt somewhat uneasy when he considered how unreasonable some Devil Fruits could be. What if the secret was exposed someday?
After thinking it over, there was only one answer: become stronger. He had to become strong as soon as possible, strong enough that no one could pry into this secret!
"Is your side dangerous?" After suppressing his thoughts, Zoro asked curiously.
"It's not really a matter of whether it's dangerous. It's more like... how should I put this?" After pausing to organize his words, Bane continued, "The waters in this world run too deep. Forget you—even I can't get a handle on it. For one thing, this world is like a garbage dump. World-Crossing Gates connecting to other worlds often appear here. But even so, power in this world is still held by The Empire. Speaking of The Empire, let me give you a brief introduction. Though I don't know that much myself..."
Before long, Bane and Zoro sat on the severed tree stump and began talking about this world. Zoro was deeply interested, listening with rapt attention and asking questions from time to time. Bane explained things to him, and only after more than two hours did their conversation finally end.