On the waters off Kuraigana Island.
A massive golden pirate ship was speeding forward.
On the ship's deck, Zoro, Perona, and Gion stood side by side.
Zoro had originally wanted to invite Dracule Mihawk to Peach Spring with them.
Over their three months together, the two had long since become both teacher and student and friends.
He also knew that Hawkeye was not only a master swordsman of superb skill, but an excellent cook as well.
During all those days on the island, Hawkeye had prepared almost every meal.
And although Hawkeye seemed cold on the surface, deep down, he was a rather warmhearted older man.
He wanted to invite Hawkeye to Peach Spring, not wanting him to live alone on such a gloomy island.
But Hawkeye had not agreed, though he had not refused either.
He had simply said as the three of them were leaving, "Hahaha, I'm one of the Shichibukai, you know. Besides, I can take care of myself. If the day comes when I really can't get by on these seas anymore, I'll come to Peach Spring."
Zoro knew that Hawkeye was not an indecisive man. Once he made a decision, he never went back on his word.
So he had not pushed him.
Meanwhile, on the shore of Kuraigana Island.
Watching Skybreaker No. 3 recede into the distance, Hawkeye's lips curved upward slightly.
"Roronoa Zoro, you really are an incredible young man. Your achievements probably won't end here."
As he spoke, he turned his gaze toward the distant sky. "Lott, just what kind of man are you?"
When Zoro arrived on Kuraigana Island, he had already been immensely strong, approaching the strength of an Admiral.
And Hawkeye had never seen anyone that age possess such strength.
Presumably, it was thanks to Lott.
Although he had