One Piece: Trying 200 times harder, but being too overbearing.

Rod chuckled and pulled out a large gift box filled with delicious snacks like "senbei" (rice crackers).

"Next, go to Windmill Village in the Kingdom of Goa and visit Vice Admiral Garp on behalf of Branch 153."

"Garp?"

Loya was jolted awake.

"Colonel, do you know the hero Garp?"

"Of course I do."

Colonel Rhodes smiled and explained with a hint of pride, "When Mr. Garp first joined the Navy, he was also a member of the 153rd Squadron. When I first joined the Marines, Vice Admiral Garp even gave us some guidance. Do you think I don't know him?"

"groove!"

Loya couldn't help but curse.

He never expected that Garp had such a connection with the 153rd Branch.

Almost forgot, Garp is also a commoner by birth. If he wants to join the Navy, the most likely way is to go to the nearest branch, 153.

"You're a naval captain now, so stop swearing!"

Rhodes scolded him irritably, then explained with a smile, "Vice Admiral Garp returns to the East Blue every year or two. His hometown is Windmill Village in the Goa Kingdom. He just happened to be back this year. You'd better behave yourself there and not cause any trouble."

"understand!"

Loya nodded excitedly.

"Colonel, I love you to death!"

"roll!"

Chapter 47 Zoro's Ambition

Shellstown, port.

The warships of the 32nd branch raised their sails.

Finch and many other marines covered their eyes with their arms, crying their hearts out as they bid farewell to Iska with great reluctance.

I finally found a female companion, and now we have to part ways so soon.

I'm crying T﹏T!

Iska stood before Loya with a sweet smile on her face: "Lieutenant Loya, I've learned a lot from working with you during this time. I hope to have the opportunity to fight alongside you again in the future!"

"There will be a chance."

Loya nodded with a smile.

The girl has excellent swordsmanship talent and a bright future. Moreover, as long as she remains within the Navy's system, they will meet again sooner or later.

Loya offered his heartfelt blessing: "I hope we'll meet again at Marine Headquarters."

"Thank you!"

Iska's eyes curved into crescent moons.

As naval personnel, anyone with a modicum of ambition would want to go to the Naval Headquarters, a sacred place in the hearts of marines.

"I'm leaving!"

Iska boarded the warship.

The coast was filled with mournful cries.

Goodbye, Iska-chan!

We'll miss you!

"Aww, my lovely Iska!"

The sailors, including Finbdi, burst into tears, waving repeatedly at the warship, creating a scene reminiscent of "Swallow, how can I live without you?"

Loya shook his head speechlessly.

Can you be a little more promising?

A moment later, at the Food Tavern.

As the year draws to a close, the tavern is much livelier than usual.

"Lieutenant Loya is here!"

"Lieutenant Loya caught so many pirates this time, he's bound to get promoted, right?"

"Of course!"

When the patrons saw Loya arrive, they greeted him warmly, their eyes filled with admiration. A few cheeky regulars even winked at Loya and Lily on the bar.

Ha, pure and simple jealousy!

Loya responded with a smile, then sat down at the table by the window, opposite Zoro who was eating plain rice.

Zoro failed to catch any pirates this time, which meant he had no income. His huge pockets were empty, so he could only mooch off Zoro for food and drink.

Seeing Loya staring at him, Zoro put down his chopsticks somewhat uncomfortably and said, trying to appear calm, "Don't worry, I'll pay you back."

"I'm not here to collect debts."

Loya straightened his expression.

"What's your decision? Do you want to cultivate with me?"

"I"

Zoro's face was full of struggle.

Upon arriving in Shells Town, he bid farewell to Loya, but penniless and with nowhere to go, there were no pirates to capture in the town.

In the evening, he would lie down outside the tavern to rest, which attracted some attention.

Loya rushed over after hearing the news, took him to a tavern for a big meal, and gave him money to stay at the nearby inn.

Of course, he didn't want to owe anyone a favor, so the money for the food and lodging was considered a loan, and he would definitely pay it back to Loya later.

Afterwards, Loya invited him to stay and cultivate together.

Zoro was grateful; he could feel that Loya valued him and even considered having him join the Navy.

He was not averse to the navy; in fact, most people wouldn't dislike the navy, since it protects the seas.

There's nothing wrong with being a navy officer and catching pirates, but he's used to being alone and doesn't quite fit into the navy's strict rules.

Moreover, if I join the Navy, I won't be able to find that man.

Zoro hesitated for a moment, took a deep breath, and said in a deep voice, "My dream is to become the world's greatest swordsman!"

"A very nice dream."

Loya raised an eyebrow: "Since you have such a grand dream, you should focus on your training. When pirate hunters are busy making a living, it will only make you drift further and further away from your goal."

"I"

Zoro couldn't find a reason to refute it.

During his time on the Loya ship, he didn't have to think about anything and immersed himself in high-intensity training every day, and he could clearly feel his own progress.

In the six months prior, his primary concern was capturing pirates to earn bounties and fill his stomach; he simply didn't have much time for cultivation.

As for becoming stronger through battle.

He did encounter a few formidable opponents, but only to a certain extent; none of those pirates were as strong as Kuina.

How can he possibly become stronger if things continue like this!

"Don't overthink it, you're still young."

Loya gazed at Zoro and sincerely advised, "There is only one thing you need to do now, and that is to train hard and make yourself stronger."

"Without ability, you don't even have the right to talk about dreams."

"Focus your attention on what's in front of you."

"As for what path to take in the future, that's a matter for the future. No one can force you, not even me."

Focus on what's in front of you!

Zoro raised his head, his eyes seemingly burning with fire.

Loya smiled and added, "By the way, there are countless swordsmen in the navy, among whom there are countless sword masters who can cut through iron. If you can't even defeat them, you are not qualified to challenge that man."

"Is he stronger than Iska?"

Zoro couldn't help but press for details. He had actually wanted to challenge Iska on the warship, but she was a woman.

Loya chuckled and shook his finger.

"A hundred times better than her!"

".!"

Zoro suddenly stood up, radiating an astonishing fighting spirit: "Let me join your ship, but let me make this clear from the start, I have no plans to join the Navy for the time being, but in return, I will fight for you!"

"it is good."