Chapter 128: Life Is More Than Just Present Tribulations [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

The group of marines behind Garp were all stunned; an opportunity to soar to the top in a single step had actually been rejected. This was a chance countless marines would beg for! Yet, after hearing Tang Shen’s words, their blood began to boil. Growing step by step, challenging the world’s greatest swordsman—this was the very definition of a dream. Even many powerful swordsmen in the New World would not dare to speak so candidly, as the gap in strength was truly immense, let alone a previously unknown swordsman from the East Blue.

Garp’s adjutant, however, had eyes gleaming with undisguised admiration. As a swordsman himself, he undoubtedly applauded Tang Shen’s declaration. Becoming the world’s greatest swordsman was every swordsman’s dream, but few dared to voice it so openly, fearing ridicule or lacking the necessary self-confidence. Yet, facing one of the world’s peak powerhouses, Tang Shen had spoken with such sincerity and solemnity. This courage and confidence alone were worthy of respect. If he knew what was truly going through Tang Shen’s mind, however, he might have coughed up blood, cursed, and drawn his sword to strike him down.

"You're not bad," Garp replied with equal seriousness. "If you ever decide to join the Navy, come find me at Marine Headquarters." Garp and his men took those with dreams far more seriously than most; they would never mock someone’s aspirations, no matter how outlandish they seemed. After saying this, he turned and vanished instantly from the dog-shaped figurehead of the ship. Given his status as the Hero of the Marines, extending an invitation to Tang Shen had been a whim; having even a brief exchange was already quite rare.

At that same moment, a low, clear voice drifted from Garp’s ship: "Roronoa Zoro, I will wait for you in the New World."

Tang Shen paused, looked at the man who had spoken—Garp’s adjutant—and nodded, replying with one word: "Fine!"

As he watched Garp’s fleet depart, he felt a weight lift from his chest. He wiped a bead of non-existent sweat from his forehead, a smug smile spreading across his face as he muttered to himself, "Zoro, look at how well your big brother treats you? Now even the Hero of the Marines knows your name and your dream, and he even helped you spread your reputation. It’s not easy being a big brother, always looking out for your little brother."

If Zoro could hear what Tang Shen was saying, one could only wonder what his expression would be. Today, not only did Garp and his men learn that Tang Shen’s name was "Roronoa Zoro," but everyone on the merchant ship nearby had also committed the name to memory. Pirate Hunter—Roronoa Zoro. The name began to spread slowly throughout the East Blue. Not long after, when Zoro finally heard that he had become somewhat famous, he was completely bewildered.

Watching the massive warships vanish quickly into the horizon, Nami felt as if all her strength had drained away. She slid down the wall until she hit the deck, her eyes vacant. Beside her, little Koby, carrying the meal he had prepared, felt a spark of something different ignite within his timid, humble gaze—a sudden, intense impulse that most people might only experience once in a lifetime. Though he was still too self-effacing, the sheer might of the Navy had planted a seed in his heart, waiting for the day it would take root and sprout.

On the nearby merchant ship, many were still reeling from the shock, casting fearful glances toward Tang Shen, especially the captain. Tang Shen was now a man who had received an invitation from a Marine Vice Admiral; he was not someone they could afford to offend. The name Roronoa Zoro was destined to reach many ears today.

Tang Shen’s smile remained as bright, sunny, and handsome as ever, as if nothing in the world could dim it. It felt like a gentle breeze, yet to everyone present, it felt like anything but that. The merchant ship fled as if escaping a disaster, and only after they were far away did a cacophony of discussion break out—centered entirely on Tang Shen and Garp’s fleet, filled with awe, regret, and fear.

Tang Shen walked over to Nami, who was slumped on the ground with hollow eyes, and said calmly, "You missed an opportunity." With that, he turned and walked into the cabin, beckoning Koby to follow.

Others might not have understood the meaning of his words, but Nami did. She shuddered, and tears slowly welled up in her unfocused eyes, streaming down her cheeks. She stared at Tang Shen’s back, biting her lip hard, her fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, drawing blood, yet she didn't make a sound. It wasn't that she hadn't considered it, but she lacked the courage—she didn't even have the courage to take that single step forward. Would a person of such status really care about the plight of small fry like them? Moreover, she had seen the ugly faces of the Navy; she didn't dare gamble, because she was nothing more than a bug to be crushed at will.

Sometimes, people are just like that; an opportunity is right in front of them, and a single step could seize it, yet they lack the courage to take that step.

In the ship's small galley, Tang Shen was devouring fried rice and drinking beer, while Koby sat lost in thought. To be fair, Koby’s fried rice wasn't bad—though it certainly couldn't compare to a professional chef's.

"Go, drag that little Cat Burglar over here to eat," Tang Shen said casually.

"Ah? Oh!" Koby scrambled up and hurried out.

Soon, Nami walked in like a living corpse, her face still stained with visible tear tracks. She sat at the table, her eyes vacant, mechanically shoveling fried rice into her mouth with a spoon. Tang Shen watched this and pouted, saying, "Alright, hurry up and eat; we’re getting ready to set sail! Regret is useless, and wallowing in a dead end is useless. Life is more than just the drudgery in front of you; there is also the sea and the distance. People just have to look forward, and they will always find a way."

This attempt at comfort did not have a positive effect; instead, it backfired, as if his words had touched a raw nerve.

*Bang!*

Nami, who had been silent, slammed her spoon onto the table. Her eyes, still red and swollen, glared at Tang Shen, and she shrieked, "What do you know? Do you know what kind of despair I’ve suffered? What right do you have to lecture me?" Her voice was filled with a desperate, helpless exhaustion.

Koby, sitting nearby, shrank back in terror. His eyes were filled with shock and confusion—he couldn't understand how Nami had the nerve to speak to this monster like that. *You’re a slave!* he thought.

Tang Shen, however, took a slow, measured sip of his beer, his expression unchanged from start to finish—no anger, no impatience. He looked directly at Nami and retorted, "How do you know what I don't know? A bunch of Fish-Men, just a bunch of trash, that’s all. Now, what else do you want to say?"