One Piece: The Strongest Asura

Chapter 23: Resolve



"Why does it feel like you're saying your last words to me?" Zhuo Luo asked, frowning in confusion. "Does this have something to do with that person? I'm guessing his strength surpasses yours."

Zhuo Wei's expression grew serious. Zhuo Luo's intuition was sharp—too sharp, perhaps.

"What? You could sense that person's presence?" Zhuo Wei exclaimed, startled. His son's ability to detect someone from such a distance was extraordinary, far beyond what most people were capable of.

"Is that surprising? I felt his aura earlier. He seemed incredibly strong, but I don't think he noticed me. If he had, he wouldn't have left so easily."

Zhuo Luo's explanation left Zhuo Wei stunned. What had this child experienced to develop such exceptional perception?

"This only confirms it," Zhuo Wei said gravely. "You need to train faster and leave. The Shadow Sect is already preparing to act. They might completely erase our Zhuo family from history. But you are our hope. You must survive, for only by living can you avenge us."

He grasped Zhuo Luo's shoulders firmly, his eyes brimming with a mixture of desperation and determination. Zhuo Luo, though still young, was destined for greatness. He was their beacon of hope.

"What? They're really planning to wipe us out? They don't have a reason to target us, do they?" Zhuo Luo's disbelief was evident. To him, such actions seemed unfathomable, an overreaction with no justification.

"You remember the man you fought two months ago? He was from the Sword Continent," Zhuo Wei explained. "Your uncle killed him, and somehow, they've discovered the death. The man who visited today was from the Shadow Sect. They specialize in assassination and monitor all violations across the continent. Once they confirm what happened, they'll act. If they strike, our Zhuo family will be annihilated."

Zhuo Wei's voice trembled as he recounted the Shadow Sect's capabilities. He had witnessed their ruthlessness before. A powerful clan had defied them once, only to be obliterated. Now, the Zhuo family had become their next target.

"So... this is all my fault?" Zhuo Luo murmured, his voice tinged with guilt. The weight of his actions now bore down heavily on him. What had started as a simple misunderstanding—a language barrier during his search for directions—had spiraled into a crisis threatening his entire family.

"This isn't your fault," Zhuo Wei reassured him. "The blame lies with our inability to stand against them. That's why you must grow stronger. Only by becoming powerful can you protect what's left of us and seek justice. You are our hope. When you succeed, leave immediately. Don't look back. If we're gone by then, don't rush into revenge. Survive. Only when you've reached Level Ten should you consider avenging us."

"But that's unfair to all of you," Zhuo Luo protested, his voice shaking. "I'm not worth such sacrifices. If people die because of me, it's an unbearable shame. I can't let others pay the price for my mistakes!"

"Sometimes living is harder than dying," Zhuo Wei said with conviction. "You'll understand that as you carry the weight of our hopes. But only by surviving can you see a brighter tomorrow. That's why you must live."

Zhuo Wei's words carried a heavy finality, like a will passed down in desperation. His intent was clear—Zhuo Luo had to escape, no matter the cost. Zhuo Wei's determination was rooted in his desire to ensure his family's legacy endured, even if it meant sacrificing himself.

"I... I don't deserve such faith in me," Zhuo Luo said, his voice cracking with emotion.

"Yes, you do," Zhuo Wei replied firmly. "If it comes to it, head for the hidden passage behind the chamber wall. It leads to the outside world. Whether or not danger comes, you must leave after mastering your training. Do you understand?"

Zhuo Wei's tone softened, as if trying to lighten the mood. "We still have a chance. Maybe things won't escalate after all. But just in case, we've prepared a way out for you."

Zhuo Luo clenched his fists. The weight of his family's trust and sacrifices ignited a flame within him. "I understand. I won't let this happen. I swear, I'll stop it. I won't let you down!"

His words carried newfound resolve. The realization of his family's unwavering belief in him pushed him beyond his doubts. He couldn't let their sacrifices be in vain.

Zhuo Wei's stern face softened as a small smile appeared. "Good. I'll wait for you to become strong. Perhaps there's still a way to change our fate."

Zhuo Luo felt his father's hope and pride, fueling his determination further. He had no time to waste. He had to grow stronger than anyone, stronger than the world that sought to crush him. Failure was not an option.

"I'll change your destiny," Zhuo Luo vowed silently, his heart burning with resolve. "I'll surpass every challenge and become the strongest. This time, I won't fail!"

His past failures were seared into his memory, but they now served as fuel for his unyielding determination.


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