One Piece Quest Fruit - Chapter 56
While eating, Eust introduced Lyra and Sunny to the Baratie, the floating restaurant. He explained his understanding of the Baratie, noting that the restaurant had faced unexpected changes and assuring them that the Baratie had formidable strength to ensure its safety.
Eust mentioned the infamous Don Krieg Pirates, considered the strongest in the Eust Blue, despite their dubious reputation. He pointed out that the news of Don Krieg’s defeat by Straw Hat Luffy at the Baratie must have spread far and wide.
He also noted that the Black Bear Pirates were likely insignificant, as they seemed unaware of such major events. Eust was particularly interested in Shano, the head chef and swordsman at the Baratie. Shano’s existence intrigued Eust, as he did not appear in the original storyline, leading Eust to wonder if Shano was a native or another outsider like himself.
However, Eust harbored no ill intentions towards Shano. Being an outsider himself, Eust understood the unpredictable impact of their presence on the One Piece world. His primary interest was Shano’s swordsmanship, and he hoped to learn from him and improve his own skills.
Eust knew that becoming the strongest required learning from others. Even Mihawk, the world’s greatest swordsman, had to start from somewhere. To meet Shano, Eust decided to challenge him to a duel, believing that a friendly sparring match would be the best way to make an acquaintance.
He tipped a waiter to relay his challenge to Shano, who, as the waiter mentioned, enjoyed sparring with strong opponents. Eust understood the waiter’s caution, interpreting it as concern for his safety rather than doubt in his abilities.
With the duel easily arranged, Eust eagerly awaited his match with Shano, preparing himself mentally and physically.
Before the duel began, they introduced themselves.
“Hello, Chef Shano. I’m Eust, and I’ve come to challenge you, hoping to improve my swordsmanship through this duel. Thank you for accepting my challenge.”
“Eust, nice to meet you. No need to thank me. I enjoy a good fight, especially against strong opponents. I can’t stand weaklings. Let’s begin.”
Something seemed off. Eust’s observations of Shano suggested he might be an outsider, like Eust.
As the duel commenced, Eust realized Shano’s speed was only slightly faster than his own. However, Shano appeared to anticipate Eust’s moves, easily keeping him on the defensive. Was Shano using Observation Haki? Could he be that skilled?
Eust remained under Shano’s relentless pressure, unable to gain the upper hand. Despite the struggle, he gradually gained new insights into swordsmanship, making him happy despite his predicament.
Fighting a master like Shano was indeed enlightening, allowing Eust to absorb and adapt new techniques. Unfortunately, just as he began to grasp these insights, Shano sent him flying, ending the duel in the same fashion as the previous five challengers.
Rubbing his bruised back, Eust silently cursed Shano’s fondness for sending opponents flying. “Seriously, Shano, how much do you enjoy knocking people out like this? Remember, be kind.”
Despite his thoughts, Eust remained polite.
“Thank you for your guidance, Master Shano.”
“No need to be so formal, Eust. Your swordsmanship is already impressive. You just need more practice to become stronger.”
“Thank you for the encouragement, Master Shano.”
“Master? Call me brother.”
“Uh, but you’re older than me, so calling you ‘Master’ seems appropriate.”
“Eust, do you want another beating? I’m in my early twenties, you’re a teenager. Calling me ‘Brother’ is more fitting. Where did ‘Master’ come from?”
“You don’t look it. I thought you were in your thirties.”
“Die!”
Eust was sent flying again.
After the duel, the spectators gradually dispersed, returning to their meals and conversations.
Surprisingly, Eust and Shano hit it off during their conversation, quickly becoming friends. They both sensed a shared uniqueness, possibly as fellow outsiders, which brought them closer.
Shano invited Eust and his crew to a private room in the kitchen for a chat, an offer Eust gladly accepted.
“Brother Shano, let me introduce my crew. This is Lyra, our aspiring navigator. She might look young, but she’s tough. Just two years younger than me, definitely not a child I kidnapped. I’m a respectable captain.”
“Ah, Lyra, don’t hit my head! You’ll turn this smart captain into an idiot. Haha, Brother Shano, don’t mind us. We have a good relationship.”
“And this cat is Sunny. He has special abilities and is an important part of our crew.”
“Oh, so you only have two crew members on your adventure?”
“Uh, we actually have four, counting the small sailboat outside. We’re a small but elite team. Speaking of which, Brother Shano, would you consider joining us?”
“By the way, Brother Shano, I haven’t explained our group. We operate as bounty hunters, but that’s just a side gig. We’re mainly adventurers. Would you be interested in joining us as my vice-captain?”
“No thanks. After taking an arrow to the knee, I lost my desire for adventure. Though I still train to protect those I care about, I can’t leave this place behind.”
“An arrow to the knee? What does that mean?”
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