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"It's the truth! Straw Hat and Roronoa might be strong, but the rest of their crew isn't."
Zoro cracked his eye to look at the man who was interrupting his nap with his bad opinions. A bulky man in a studded leather jacket stood on the other side of the garden, facing away from Zoro and talking to a group of people who looked like rock and roll rejects.
"Blackleg has the second-highest bounty and he got taken hostage! He had to cry for help from a woman. He probably only got his bounty because of the Vinsmoke name. Disgraceful."
"He did beat Queen," another man pointed out, his eyes darting to Zoro cautiously.
At least someone over there had some sense. He doubted that the loudmouth even knew Zoro was there.
Loudmouth scoffed. "Between Kid and Killer we could take their whole crew. None of us have to lower ourselves to beg for help. Especially not from Nico Robin. She barely has a six-figure bounty!"
So that was Kid's crew then. That explained the stupid outfits.
"Everyone heard him begging over the loudspeaker," Loudmouth continued. "Groveling. It was pathetic."
Zoro didn't know what they were talking about, but he had to assume Sanji had encountered a female opponent. That was the only situation he could imagine the idiot needing a rescue from. And as annoying as it was, at least he'd learned to ask for help.
But more fool anyone who underestimated Robin. Only a fool thought ability was determined by bounties or gender.
Heavy footsteps came from behind him and he glanced up at Killer, his mask hiding the grotesque grin Zoro knew was underneath.
"All your crew that dumb?" Zoro asked with a jerk of his head at Loudmouth.
"He's new," Killer answered. "And not likely to last long if Quincy overhears him." He turned toward Zoro. "You'd be within your rights to… respond."
"I don't waste my time on idiots. Besides, the Cook is worth every penny of his bounty and if that idiot can't tell that then he's not going to survive in the New World."
Zoro never would have said that in front of Sanji but it was true. Only an idiot thought asking for help was a weakness and only a fool would think Sanji anything but strong.
He grinned, wicked and sharp. "And besides, Robin has ears everywhere. He better hope she isn't listening."