Roronoa Zoro.
Born in Shimotsuki Village, this young man had ventured out to sea with the dream of becoming the World's Greatest Swordsman. His will was harder than steel, and his heart knew no fear.
He worked hard enough, and he had conviction.
Naturally, River admired someone like him, and his talent made River want to take him under his wing.
In the original story, Zoro had eventually become Dracule Mihawk's disciple. After two years of instruction, his strength had undergone a transformation, and he had scarcely suffered a defeat after entering the New World.
Now, however, River was considering taking him as a disciple himself, beating Mihawk to the punch.
A moment later.
"Is that so?"
"That's one tempting offer! With someone like you teaching me, I should be able to get stronger pretty quickly!"
Zoro grinned as he spoke with feeling.
He sheathed his three swords, but then a look of regret crossed his face.
"Unfortunately, there's still an important journey I haven't finished."
"I'll have to turn down your kindness!"
After a pause, his tone grew solemn and his expression serious.
"But even without your guidance, I'll make it to the top of the world!"
Then Zoro turned without hesitation and strode away.
River's expression remained unchanged, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth as he watched Zoro's retreating figure.
"We'll meet again."
Then he waved, beckoning Freya and the other two over.
"Let's go!"
"Where are we going?"
Freya asked curiously.
Zanbu and Longbottom followed closely behind, one on each side, like two iron towers.
"The Underground Auction House!"
"I can find the people I want to see there!"
River smiled faintly.
The group soon passed through the woods and disappeared from sight.
Meanwhile, Zoro wore a complicated expression as he walked away.
*An