"Please ensure you maintain your new blades properly. We have already packaged the Professional-Grade Maintenance Fluid you purchased, and we've included a complimentary New World Mink Tribe Special-Grade Wiping Cloth for daily care."
"If you ever require further assistance, do not hesitate to return. Our master smiths provide premium, professional care. Additionally, the Ultra-Long Warranty Service you subscribed to has been complimentary upgraded to our exclusive 'World's Greatest Swordsman' tier. Any future sharpening, polishing, or structural maintenance will be handled entirely free of charge. We are honored to safeguard your path to becoming a true master."
"I wish you fortune in your swordsmanship pursuits. We look forward to your next visit!"
--**--**
Walking out of Velvet Scabbard, the dizzying fog in Helmeppo's head finally began to clear. He stared blankly at the two massive shopping bags weighing down his hands. "We came here to use free vouchers. How did we end up spending all our money?"
Zoro shot him an exasperated look, adjusting the sleek new scabbards at his waist. "You have the nerve to ask that? Didn't I tell you to stop agreeing to things? What's the point of all this junk? I'm not planning to enshrine my swords on an altar. As long as they can cut, that's all that matters."
They had blown a fortune on services he'd never even heard of, who pays for 'hilt polishing'? He could just wipe the blood off himself. These were weapons designed for combat. If they broke that easily, they were garbage. Was the paint going to chip off or something?
Because Zoro's meager savings weren't enough, Helmeppo had chipped in to cover the exorbitant upsells. And Zoro's swords? They were currently shoved casually through his simple sash, exactly like his old ones.
"It would have been a waste not to buy the warranty!" Helmeppo laughed awkwardly. "Think about it, a single session with a top-tier master costs a hundred thousand berries. With that package, we get free maintenance at any branch! We're saving money in the long run!"
The service inside really had been immaculate. It was just impossibly expensive.
"And these custom scabbards were a steal. The clerk said they're crafted by expert artisans using Treasure Tree Adam from the Grand Line. Even a sliver of that wood costs millions! Look how premium it feels. If you don't want yours, give it to me."
"Whatever. Take it if you want it."
"Deal." Helmeppo grinned happily. As they walked toward the Marine base, he asked, "By the way, what do you think of the new blades? Any special feelings?"
"They're not bad." Zoro frowned, resting a hand on Zangetsu's hilt. "As for feelings... something feels slightly off. Compared to Yubashiri, it's like something is missing."
"Missing? Like what?"
"I don't know."
Helmeppo pondered this, then smiled. "Maybe the sword just hasn't fully acknowledged you yet. I'm sure it'll resonate after you fight with it for a while."
"Maybe." Zoro nodded, dismissing the thought. "They're sharp, and the weight is good. That's enough for now. They're good swords."
"Right. So, when do you plan to challenge your Senpai?"
"When?" Zoro's eyes glinted fiercely. "Tomorrow. First, I need to get familiar with Zangetsu and Kokusai."
'After all these years... just how big is the gap between us now?'
--**--**
Meanwhile, back inside Velvet Scabbard.
The clerk exhaled a long sigh of relief as the chaotic duo finally left. He dropped his professional smile and turned to the attendants waiting nearby. "Bring out Tenseiga, Tessaiga, and Sounga from the warehouse and mount them on the wall. Also, notify the other branches that Zangetsu and Kokusai models have been sold here. Tell them to rotate their displays."
He pulled a small notebook from his pocket, checked off the sold items, and reviewed his next pitch.
"Tenseiga, the Blade of Heaven... it represents pure mercy. One swing can save a thousand men, but it can't spill a drop of blood."
"Tessaiga, the Blade of Earth... built for total destruction. One swing to decimate an army, and a scabbard that acts as an defensive barrier."
"Sounga, the Blade of Hell... the darkest of the triad. Legend says it commands the very spirits of the afterlife..."
He closed the notebook and sighed. "I'm running out of mythic titles. I need to ask the Boss for a new list. We've still got dozens of these things stacked in the warehouse..."
He mumbled the lore under his breath, committing the absurd backstories to memory. He closed the notebook with a sigh. "I'm running out of cool names. I need to ask the boss for a new list."
Zangetsu and Kokusai had technically "sold," but the back warehouse was still stacked floor-to-ceiling with identical copies straight off Vegapunk's automated assembly line. He couldn't just mount five Zangetsus on the wall at once. That would instantly destroy the Establishment's mystique.
He looked toward the grand entrance, a genuine smile touching his lips. "Don't let those blades go to waste, kid. I hope you carve out a real legend with them."
Noticing a shadow in the doorway, he immediately straightened his suit, plastered on his usual smile, and bowed. "Welcome to Velvet Scabbard. Are you here to purchase a sword?"
--**--**
Marine Branch 16, Captain's Office.
After ensuring the Straw Hat Contractors chaotic victory was settled, Dante didn't linger at the arena. He headed straight back to his office. Even on vacation, his own chair was the most comfortable spot on the island.
He was certain Zoro would choose the swords. He had authorized those specific prizes precisely to bait the prideful swordsman. And he had even prepared a very special "gift" waiting at the weapons shop. He wondered if Zoro had found it.
Taking a slow sip of hot tea, Dante smiled leisurely. "He should be here soon."
He was genuinely curious. How much had his kouhai grown while swinging his swords at a construction site? Come to think of it, he hadn't beaten Zoro into the dirt in quite some time.
The following morning, Helmeppo led Zoro straight to the gates of Marine Branch 16 to issue his eight-thousandth official challenge.
Standing in the courtyard, Zoro assumed his stance: Yubashiri clamped firmly in his teeth, Zangetsu gripped in his right hand, and the jagged Kokusai in his left.
Dante stared at the absurd, mass-produced anime replicas in Zoro's hands and fell completely silent.
He raised an eyebrow, hesitated, and asked, "You went to... Velvet Scabbard?"
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