Chapter 10

Although this incident was heart-stirring, in the end, Zoro felt it wasn't bad.

His strength wasn't exposed.

Luffy wasn't caught either.

After all, Luffy's bounty was as high as 30 million beli.

In the East Blue, that was a rather exaggerated figure.

If reported to the Marine Headquarters, he might even get a promotion.

But now, with the Straw Hat Pirates escaping, not only would there be no promotion, it would be a miracle if the headquarters didn't blame him for dereliction of duty.

So, for the next few days, Zoro stayed at home, citing illness, to recuperate.

After all...

He had a direct confrontation with Straw Hat Luffy!

A few days later.

Zoro finally came to the Marine branch in Log Town to clock in for work.

"The Log Town incident is over."

"From now on, my life shouldn't have any more big waves."

Zoro thought to himself.

As long as he stayed away from Luffy.

There wouldn't be any trouble.

As long as he kept his strength hidden for another three months, he could get the Rinnegan.

"Corporal Zoro!"

However, just as Zoro pushed open the door to his office, a loud voice came from inside.

"Hmm?"

Zoro looked over and saw Corporal Kats standing in his office, holding something and apparently setting something up.

Apart from Kats, all the Marines who were close to Zoro were busy working around the office.

Their faces were filled with unprecedented joy.

"Ha ha ha, you came just in time! We have a huge piece of good news to report to you!"

Kats said without hesitation.

The others also stopped their work and turned to look at Zoro.

"Good news, and huge?"

Zoro couldn't help but frown.

Suddenly, he remembered.

After Luffy escaped from Log Town, Smoker chose to pursue him.

Could it be...

The higher-ups appointed him to replace Smoker as the colonel of Log Town?

But that seemed unlikely.

He was just a corporal.

The gap between a corporal and a colonel was vast.

"What good news?"

Zoro thought for a moment, then decided to let Kats report honestly.

"Corporal Zoro, you've been promoted!"

Kats paused slightly, "We just received a notification from headquarters, promoting you to ensign!"

"Ensign? Promotion? Why?"

Zoro was taken aback.

If he had caught Luffy, the promotion would make sense.

But the problem was, he didn't catch Luffy!

Moreover, even if he was promoted to ensign, it wasn't a big deal.

Was it worth such a grand celebration?

Kats said excitedly, "It's not just an ensign, Zoro... no, Ensign Zoro. Besides the promotion, headquarters also wants you to go to Marineford for training!"

"Even if it's Marineford..."

Zoro spoke instinctively but then froze.

As a穿越者 (穿越者 means "穿越者" in Chinese, which can be translated as "time traveler" or "穿越者" in this context), he knew all too well what Marineford was!

That was the place where the Marine Headquarters was located!

"Wait, what did you just say? Marineford?"

"Yes, Ensign Zoro!" Kats gestured excitedly, "That's the place every Marine dreams of!"

"Where's the notification? Let me see it."

Zoro's expression suddenly became tense.

He couldn't understand this sudden situation.

Soon, Kats handed him the notification letter on the table.

He quickly scanned the content.

Sure enough, as Kats said.

Headquarters really wanted him to go for training!

But...

Why!

Zoro couldn't fathom it.

Could it be...

Headquarters found out about him using Conqueror Haki to repel the dragon?

No way.

Seeing Zoro's puzzled expression, Kats smiled smugly and patted his chest, "Of course... it's our doing!"

"Your doing?!"

Zoro glared at Kats, wishing he could tear him apart.

So it was you, you little brat?

"Of course, although we let the Straw Hat kid escape from Log Town, everyone saw you knock him down with one punch!"

Kats said firmly.

Especially Zoro's attitude after defeating Luffy.

He didn't take all the credit but loudly announced that it was the achievement of every Marine!

This deeply moved Kats and the others!

They all agreed...

Such a superior shouldn't be buried in a small town like Log Town!

So, after returning to the branch, they told Smoker about it and discussed it with him.

Smoker was always very friendly to his subordinates.

Based on their relationship, Smoker specifically highlighted Zoro's performance in the report.

And repeatedly affirmed Zoro's character.

Especially...

When he faced the dragon, Zoro, to uphold his justice, resolutely stood in front of Luffy.

Although the result was unsatisfactory, it was enough to prove that Zoro had a more passionate heart for justice than anyone else!

Such a man shouldn't be buried!

Seeing Smoker and the branch Marines' high praise.

Headquarters finally decided to let Zoro come to the headquarters for training!

Plus, since Zoro had been on sick leave for the past few days, they didn't consult him.

Now, hearing that Zoro was coming back to work, they started decorating the room to celebrate.

But they were a step too slow, and Zoro caught them in the act.

After hearing the whole story, Zoro wanted to strangle Kats.

I just wanted to live a peaceful life in Log Town!

"Besides..."

While Zoro's face was ashen, Kats continued, "Ensign Zoro, I heard that headquarters not only has the most scientific training methods but also very advanced technology."

"Maybe they can make your body stronger!"

Kats had always been worried about Zoro's health.

In his view, if it weren't for his weak body, with Zoro's sense of justice, he could have achieved something.

Now, with the opportunity to go to headquarters, maybe he could solve this fundamental problem.

In fact...

Kats had heard before that a weak Marine, after receiving training from Garp, became very strong and eventually became a pillar of the headquarters!

"So, when do we set off?" Kats asked.

"Thanks a lot, Kats!" Zoro replied irritably, then gestured for everyone to leave.

"Uh..." Seeing this, Kats had no choice but to leave the office.

Standing at the door of Zoro's office, Kats couldn't help but wonder, "Why does Ensign Zoro look so unhappy..."

"Ah, it must be because the news came too suddenly, and he hasn't adjusted his mindset yet... After all, it's an opportunity to train at headquarters."

Thinking about this, Kats felt relieved, his steps became lighter, and he hummed a tune, as if he had done a great deed.