A Marine butcher? I’m just fighting to live with everything I’ve got. Chapter 34 34: Zoro: My pockets are so empty, even a rat wou

"..."

"Zoro, are you saying you want to join the Navy?"

Dane lifted his eyes, studying Zoro carefully.

"Yes."

Zoro nodded firmly. He understood it clearly.

The Navy had plentiful food, proper training facilities, and, most importantly, swordsn like Dane who could fight him to his heart's content.

If he joined, he could reach for the power called Armant Haki.

If he joined, he could sail into the Grand Line to challenge stronger foes and sharpen his swordsmanship.

If he joined, he could grow stronger.

It was the best choice.

"..."

"Zoro, as a bounty hunter your record is clean. If you want to enlist, I personally welco it."

Dane thought for a mont, then gave him two options.

"I can recomnd you to the 16th Branch to stay in the East Blue. Or I can bring your na to my brother, Renn Hawk, and send you to the Grand Line's G-3 Branch. Which do you choose?"

"G-3!"

Zoro didn't hesitate.

What kind of question was that? Stay in the East Blue and rot in peace? No. He hadn't decided to join the Navy for comfort. He wanted battles. He wanted strength.

"That's settled then." Dane nodded. "Tomorrow I'll report it to my brother. After all..."

His tone shifted, and pride spread across his face.

"Our branch isn't sothing anyone can just walk into anymore."

"Huh? Why's that?"

"Heh." Dane gave a short laugh, pride practically spilling from his voice.

"Right now, G-3 is the hottest branch in the entire Navy. Aside from us veterans who followed my brother from the beginning, any officer who wants in without strength or backing will find it near impossible."

"Seriously?"

Zoro frowned. He respected Dane's skill, sure, but this was starting to sound exaggerated.

Dane caught his doubt. "You don't know, do you? Renn Hawk is the youngest brigadier general in Navy history."

"???"

Zoro's eyes shot wide. "Brigadier general?!"

Wasn't he just a lieutenant colonel?

From lieutenant colonel, the next rank was colonel, and only after that ca brigadier general. And that was just in local branches headquarters was an entirely different world.

Did this guy blast himself up the ranks by riding cannon fire? This promotion speed was insane.

"Exactly."

Dane's pride only deepened. He felt words weren't enough, so he stood up and brought back two oversized mugs of ale.

Thud! He set one in front of Zoro, the frothy golden brew spilling over the rim.

"Zoro, you know Arlong, right?"

"Of course. The most wanted pirate in the East Blue."

Zoro raised his mug, took a swig, then rolled his eyes.

"I'm a bounty hunter. Knowing every pirate bounty in East Blue is part of the job. Dane, who do you think you're talking to?"

"..."

Dane wiped the foam from his mouth, his gaze heavy with aning.

"No disrespect. But do a favor cover the tab for tonight."

"Cough—!"

Zoro almost choked, face turning red.

What the hell? Wasn't Dane the one treating him?

His pockets were so empty, even a rat would cry at the sight.

"Enough stalling. What about Arlong?"

"Arlong, the pirate with a 20 million bounty." Dane's eyes narrowed. "My brother killed him with one punch."

"..."

Zoro froze, his mug halfway to his lips.

One punch? Killed?

That was Arlong. A fishman. Born with strength far beyond humans.

And Renn Hawk had ended him with a single blow?

What kind of monster could do that?

"Heh. Impressive, right?" Dane smirked at Zoro's shock. "The Armant Haki I used earlier? I only learned it because of my brother's personal training. If you join G-3, you'll learn it too. It's not as hard as you think."

Zoro swallowed hard, his heartbeat pounding uncontrollably.

Armant Haki. His chest burned with desire.

"Do you know Admiral Akainu?" Dane asked suddenly.

"One of the Navy's strongest n. Who doesn't?" Zoro answered without hesitation. His brow furrowed. What did this have to do with Renn Hawk?

Even Mihawk, the man Zoro aid to surpass, would struggle against an admiral.

"Good. Then you'll understand this." Dane leaned closer. "My brother fought Akainu not long ago suppressed power or not, they fought hard. Afterward, the admiral praised him without reservation. Right there, he used his authority to promote my brother from East Blue lieutenant colonel straight to Navy Headquarters brigadier general. And then gave him command of G-3."

Zoro's mind went blank.

He fought an admiral? Even if it was a restrained fight, Akainu was still a monster at the top of the world.

At that mont, Zoro gained a terrifyingly clear image of Renn Hawk. Not just strong a super monster.

A chill of awe ran down his spine. But along with it ca a swordsman's thrill.

"I..." His throat was dry. "I want to spar with Brigadier General Hawk."

"Hah." Dane clapped him on the shoulder, laughing. "My brother isn't here. He's at Headquarters finalizing his appointnt. And besides he doesn't use a sword. He uses his fists. When he throws a punch, mountains crumble. No offense, but your body wouldn't even last his warmup. Better stick to sparring with ."

"???"

A question mark practically hovered over Zoro's head. Sothing about that didn't sound right. But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.

"..."

…

The next morning, sunlight crept across Marineford's sky.

From the vast training grounds ca the sound of soldiers shouting in unison, a tide of voices brimming with discipline and strength.

Renn Hawk had risen early, washed quickly, and dressed in sharp training gear. Without hesitation, he joined the morning drills.

"Brigadier General Hawk!"

"Good morning, sir!"

Many soldiers who had witnessed the admirals arguing over him at the docks looked at him now with awe, saluting with respect.

"Good morning." Hawk returned their greetings with an easy smile, no arrogance in his tone.

Suddenly, his Den Den Mushi rang. Buru buru~

It was Dane.

"Hello?"

"Big brother, how's Headquarters treating you?"

"Smooth. Everything went well." Hawk kept jogging as he spoke. "Your orders will be coming soon. Congratulations, Dane soon-to-be Colonel of Navy Headquarters."

"Ha, don't tease . Without you, I wouldn't even have had my revenge, let alone promotion."

"Oh, by the way, there's a promising recruit who wants in."

"Hmm? What's his na?" Hawk asked casually, not giving it much thought.

"Famous bounty hunter from the East Blue Roronoa Zoro."

"???"

"!!!"

Renn Hawk nearly tripped mid-run.

What?! He'd only been gone a few days, and Dane had already roped in the three-sworded Zoro into the Navy?!

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