If it's flat, it needs to be inflated.
Xiano exerted his strength, lifting the boat and carrying it onto the sea surface. Junichi immediately crouched down and began performing CPR on Sanji.
After a lot of effort, Sanji suddenly shuddered, coughed, and barely opened his eyes a slit before his neck tilted and he fell unconscious again.
However, his breathing became long and steady, so Xiano temporarily relaxed and had Junichi carry Sanji into the cabin.
Xiano then went back to the reef to help Zeff over.
Seeing that Sanji was still alive, the old man finally felt completely at ease and lay down obediently on the bed.
Both of their bodies were extremely weak—one was unconscious, and the other needed treatment for his severed limb.
They needed to find a reliable doctor as soon as possible.
"Is there a hospital in Shimotsuki Village?" Xiano asked.
"Hospital?" Junichi scratched his head. "Not exactly, but there's a small clinic. Granny Zilan there is very skilled, and even people from neighboring villages come over the mountains to see her."
"Then let's head to Shimotsuki Village!"
Xiano unfolded the nearby nautical chart. "We've been sailing for two days. How much longer until we arrive?"
The East Sea is dotted with countless islands, and small villages like Shimotsuki Village, which rarely see outsiders, are not specifically marked on commercially available nautical charts.
Fortunately, they had a local from Shimotsuki Village.
Junichi pointed to a spot and estimated with his thumb and forefinger. "It's very close, boss. At most, three or four days."
"Three or four days... Let's use up all the cola and go full speed ahead. We'll both paddle with all our strength, which should cut down the time significantly."
Xiano turned back. "Can you hold on, old man?"
Zeff struggled to raise his right hand and gave a thumbs-up. Seeing the black lines forming on Xiano's forehead, he grinned and lay back down.
...
Two evenings later.
The long, drizzling rain finally stopped.
Xiano and his group finally arrived at a small island covered with hills. To the south of the central mountain range was Shimotsuki Village.
Several teenagers were playing by the dock, and the sharp-eyed ones noticed the rapidly approaching small boat from afar.
"Hey, that boat looks familiar..."
"It's Junichi, you idiot! Junichi is back!"
"Junichi!"
The teenagers happily rushed forward, surrounding Junichi as soon as he stepped off the boat.
Meanwhile, Xiano was still in the cabin. He glanced at the sleeping Zeff and pulled out a small bag from his pocket, which contained a small amount of blood.
This was blood Sanji had coughed up earlier in a semi-conscious state. The scene had been quite alarming at the time, but fortunately, the situation had stabilized, and there was no major issue.
Blood...
Xiano pinched his chin, deep in thought. This was probably the most valuable item they could obtain from Sanji right now, wasn't it?
After all, the boy had just escaped from Germa not long ago, and the chef's uniform he was wearing was from his time as an apprentice chef on a passenger ship. He didn't have anything of special sentimental value on him.
Without hesitation, Xiano chose to offer the bag of blood as a sacrifice.
[Offering: Sanji's Special Blood]
[Quality: Excellent]
[Value: 1000 Points]
[Appraisal Comment: As a member of the Vinsmoke family, a royal lineage of the North Blue, Sanji, who has undergone Lineage Factor modifications, naturally possesses unique blood. He despises his Bloodline, but there is no doubt that the blood flowing through his veins is far more valuable than that of an ordinary person.]
[Remaining Points: 10,325]
"Indeed, it's quite valuable."
Xiano's eyes lit up slightly, and he felt in high spirits for a moment.
Both Sanji and Nami were still just kids, so naturally, he couldn't expect any significant strength or weight to add to their value. Managing to gain a thousand Points from them was already an unexpected delight.
After sheathing the Authentic Blade on his back, he stepped out of the cabin and glanced at Junichi, smiling, "You're quite popular in the village, huh!"
Ever since the Authentic Blade had been revealed in front of Junichi, Xiano had gotten into the habit of carrying it with him. After all, now that he had grown taller, it looked quite fitting on his back.
"Hehe."
Junichi scratched his head sheepishly, but noticing the exhaustion on Xiano's face, he quickly turned serious, adopting the demeanor of the senior disciple of the dojo.
"Let's focus on the important matters. There are two patients here who urgently need to be taken to the clinic. Who can lend a hand?"
They had managed to arrive within two days largely thanks to Xiano's superhuman strength and endurance in rowing. Now, it was time to let him rest and not trouble him with these final tasks.
"Me! Me!"
A group of children eagerly volunteered. Four of them lifted Sanji, while two supported Zeff, heading toward the clinic.
Junichi followed closely behind but suddenly noticed a figure in the bamboo grove and immediately called out, "Zoro!"
"Huh?"
A boy with moss-green hair popped his head out, panting and drenched in sweat. Seeing Junichi, his eyes lit up with joy. "Senior Brother Junichi! When did you get back?"
"Just arrived. Training alone again?"
"Yeah."
"Take a break for now. I need to take these patients to the clinic. This is Xiano, someone I deeply respect. Could you take him to the dojo to rest? I'll join you later."
"Got it. Don't worry, Senior Brother Junichi!"
Watching Junichi and his companions walk away, Zoro picked up his Bamboo Sword, slung it over his shoulder, and stepped out of the bamboo grove.
He looked at Xiano, his gaze lingering for a moment on the Authentic Blade strapped to Xiano's back.
"Let's go! Follow me!"
Zoro said casually, "There are plenty of empty rooms in the dojo. You look exhausted. I'll find you the most comfortable bed!"
"Alright."
Xiano smiled and followed behind.
"Hey, your name's Xiano, right?"
As they walked, Zoro suddenly asked without turning his head, "Senior Brother Junichi seems to really respect you, even calling you 'boss.' But you don't look older than him. Are you two close?"
"We've only just gotten to know each other, but I guess you could say we've been through life and death together."
Xiano replied casually, his attention entirely captivated by that mop of green hair.
Zoro was barely over five feet tall, a little sprout. Watching that green head of hair bobbing around below his chest, it was hard to resist the urge to tug on a few strands.
"Is that so? Senior Brother Junichi is the strongest among his peers in the dojo. If he acknowledges you, your swordsmanship must be pretty impressive too!"
"However, I'm also very strong. Among the dojo students around my age, I'm the best!"
Xiano was speechless.
The most reliable member of the Straw Hat crew, Roronoa Zoro, now seemed to be just barely human-shaped.
Still a brash and boastful ten-year-old kid, unashamedly bragging all day long—one of the most prominent traits of this age group.
"Really?"
Xiano cleared his throat, putting on a curious expression, "What about Kuina?"
Zoro's face instantly turned red.
What the hell! Did Junichi tell this guy about all that stuff too?
"W-well... it's about the same! Kuina is also very strong. We've fought many times, and it's pretty much a tie!" The little Mosshead gritted his teeth, stubbornly insisting.
Xiano chuckled.
Kids have thin skin, so he didn't press further and continued following Zoro into the village.
Until...
As they walked, something felt off. Somehow, they ended up at the end of an alley, where a traditional Japanese-style building stood before them. Next to the entrance hung a sign that read: "Frost Moon North Mountain Hot Spring Bath."
"What's this about?" Xiano asked, confused, looking at Zoro. "Weren't we going to Isshin Dojo?"
"That's strange, I thought this was the right direction..." Zoro scratched his head, deep in thought. "Which fork did I take wrong just now?"
It was then that Xiano realized.
You can even get lost in Shimotsuki Village?!
(End of Chapter)