Ye Chen and his companions sailed onward through the waves. Along the way, Ace decided to part with them. Young and ambitious, he wanted to make a name for himself, and Ye Chen had no intention of stopping him. The two shared drinks and laughter before saying a hurried farewell near Little Garden.
"He's barely set sail, and he already has a fifty-million-berry bounty. Ye Chen, Fire Fist Ace is bound to become a rising star."
Ace had disappeared from sight, but Ye Chen was still gazing at the rolling sea when Kuro walked over with a smile.
"Yeah. Ace will definitely be this year's strongest rookie." Ye Chen had no doubt about it.
Zoro pursed his lips and gave an unconvinced snort. The moment the ship reached shore, he put a hand on the rail and leaped onto land. Then he straightened his back and strode coolly into the overgrown woods.
"Hey, Zoro! You'll get lost without someone to guide Lu."
Gin meant well, but the only answer he got was a wild boar Zoro sent flying with one slash.
Kuro shook his head. "Come to think of it, Zoro's a rookie this year too."
Everyone else in the Grim Reaper Pirates had become a pirate two years ago. Only Smoker and Zoro were exceptions.
A rookie was someone who had joined the ranks of pirates that year and made a name for himself. Those who rose to the top could be hailed as the strongest rookie or a supernova.
Two years ago, that distinction had belonged to Ye Chen. This year, Fire Fist Ace, Zoro, Smoker, Cavendish, and the others all had a shot at it.
No official body awarded the title. It came from common recognition: anyone with an outstanding record could become a rookie the world