Chapter 14: The Green-Haired Lost Soul [Please Bookmark]

In the future, he would become the right hand of the protagonist in the world of the Pirate King. His talent in swordsmanship was extraordinary, possessing nerves of steel, an indomitable spirit, and the courage to challenge any formidable opponent. Even before leaving the East Blue, he dared to challenge Hawkeye directly. But what lingered most in Tang Shen’s memory was when Luffy’s crew fought against Moria’s group. Despite his grave injuries, he shouldered all the pain and wounds that Bartholomew Kuma had drawn from Luffy, who was on the verge of death.

Even as a man, witnessing that scene left one shaken and deeply moved. The memory was vivid; the friendship and determination to protect his companions was so resolute that even heaven and earth seemed to sweat in awe.

However, this did not mean Tang Shen appreciated him very much at this moment.

Kuina’s death, in truth, was largely due to Zoro’s arrival. It reached a peak, and ultimately, the extreme training led to tragedy. Now that Kuina had become his disciple, as her master, he cared for her even more.

In the future, he would seize every opportunity to properly torment that fellow, so he would understand why flowers bloom so red.

Thus, Tang Shen gained another small goal to spur his growth.

“This guy isn’t from your village, and he’s not training—he’s lost,” Tang Shen said calmly, his tone absolutely certain.

“Huh?” Kuina was bewildered, a drop of cold sweat trickling down her forehead. She turned to glance at the already vanished figure of Zoro. “No way! Is anyone really that dumb?”

She found it hard to believe. If he really was lost, it was just too ridiculous! She had clearly seen Zoro run past them, then moments later, run back the same way.

If this was a case of getting lost, to what extreme had it reached?

“Definitely so. No need to doubt it,” Tang Shen affirmed. If it were someone else, perhaps he wouldn’t be so sure. But Zoro’s sense of direction was internationally recognized as abysmal. It seemed that, right now, his symptoms were even worse than when he grew up.

Watching Kuina’s disbelief that someone so foolish could exist, so lost yet never ask for directions, his symptoms so severe—

“Should we make a bet? I wager that silly kid will pass by us again, then double back,” Tang Shen said mischievously.

“A bet?” Kuina wrinkled her nose, speaking in exasperation. “I don’t have any money. And, Master, gambling with your disciple—aren’t you leading me astray? I’m still a child.”

Tang Shen rolled his eyes, replying irritably, “It’s just a bet, a little enjoyment in life. Besides, do you think your master is the greedy type?”

“Mm, you are,” Kuina nodded with certainty.

Tang Shen immediately choked on his own words. This kid knew too much! All because he’d rambled with Kuina that afternoon about his other ambitions, never forgetting his original aspiration—to become a wealthy man.

She’d actually remembered it. She was far too straightforward, not even a hint of tact.

Before Tang Shen could say anything else, Zoro’s conspicuous green hair appeared once again, and he really was retracing his steps, charging through like a wild boar.

He nearly reached the forest’s edge when, inexplicably, he turned back, circled around, and returned the same way, his path almost identical to before.

Kuina watched, dumbfounded. This kid was truly foolish!

If he was really lost, how terrible was his sense of direction?

The world was vast, full of wonders. Kuina felt her horizons had been broadened today.

Tang Shen also felt his eyes had been opened. He’d seen people with poor direction, but never to this extent.

“Tsk, tsk!”

As Zoro passed by again, Tang Shen couldn’t help but call out, “Hey! Moss-head, are you lost? Want me to point out a direction for you?”

Zoro braked sharply, stopped, and glared fiercely at Tang Shen, barking, “I’m not lost! I’m just training!”

Though he said so, his voice lacked any conviction, especially the last part—his gaze shifted, betraying his lie.

Most telling of all, Tang Shen saw a hint of embarrassment and even a blush on that fierce little face.

Even while embarrassed, he stubbornly kept his head high.

Even Kuina saw through the lie, her big, adorable eyes wide with disbelief. He really was lost—and so extraordinarily so, every time nearly out of the forest only to turn back. This was the pinnacle of getting lost.

Tang Shen rolled his eyes. So young, yet so concerned with saving face—kids these days matured so quickly.

He shrugged and said, “Alright, keep training then! Kuina, let’s head back to Isshin Dojo.”

With that, he turned to leave, his last words intentional. He remembered that Zoro had indeed visited Isshin Dojo as a child, coming to challenge it, and ultimately joined, becoming one of its members.

“You’re going to Isshin Dojo too?” The previously proud Roronoa Zoro couldn’t help himself when he heard Tang Shen’s words, exclaiming with excitement.

“Yes, we’re heading there now,” Tang Shen replied, his eyes full of mockery. “Aren’t you training? Carry on, we won’t disturb you. For a moment, I thought you were lost—but of course, nobody’s that silly, running the same path over and over without realizing it.”

Zoro was immediately left speechless, his face flushing red. He wanted to argue, but recalling his own words, he realized he’d dug a hole and jumped right in. He swallowed his retort.

So irritating! But there was no way to refute it, which made it even more infuriating, especially when he saw Tang Shen’s expression. He was practically about to explode, glaring fiercely at Tang Shen.

Refusing to admit it, he thought, “Let’s see what you can do.”

“Not only will I not admit it, I’ll follow them, sneak behind them,” Zoro thought to himself.

Tang Shen found it amusing, especially seeing Zoro nearly bursting with anger, his heart filled with delight.

The thrill of openly mocking someone who couldn’t retort—especially someone who would be incredibly strong in the future—this was a perfect black mark in his history.

Yes, he’d remember this, definitely.

If only there were a camera, he’d record it and show Zoro when he became stronger.

It had to be said, Zoro’s pride was fierce. Even though he’d been exposed, he stubbornly refused to admit it.

Tang Shen shrugged, took Kuina’s hand, and walked toward the edge of the forest.

Zoro didn’t move at first, but as Tang Shen and Kuina walked away, he stealthily followed, tiptoeing like a thief.

In his heart, he thought, “This way, they won’t know I have no sense of direction. The strongest man has no weaknesses—I am the strongest man.”

At that moment, Kuina whispered beside Tang Shen, “Master, that moss-head is following us.”