"A job offer? What's the Kill-Book for then?" Zoro asked confusedly, having recognized the black notebook as one that many Marine bases offered to Bounty Hunters for them to track bounties that they were particularly interested in.
"I use these notebooks for everything! You can even get blank ones for free from most Marine bases. This one here is my recruitment list." Dax excitedly responded waving the notebook in front of Zoro's nose. It was honestly a miracle that no one had heard him yet.
"Keep your voice down. What's your name anyways?" Zoro angrily whispered.
"I am Grain Dax, bounty hunter extraordinaire and a big fan of your work. I'd love for you to work with me" Dax said with a sweeping bow and a miniscule reduction in volume.
"You're Iron Fist Dax from Frauce Kingdom in the East Blue? That famously loud and overdramatic man?" Zoro asked, looking at Dax with fresh eyes. After all, even though the man had his quirks, Iron Fist Dax was one of the most famous bounty hunters in the East Blue.
Dax scoffed at the personal critiques before continuing on with his sales pitch. "For the past year, I've founded and started running the Payday Clan, a bounty hunting organization that I aim to turn into the greatest in the world." Dax paused again.
Zoro didn't say anything.
Dax elaborated:
"You have the potential I am looking for in my personal crew. Join me, and together, we can hunt down those who stand at the top of this Pirate Era and make more money than anyone could ever dream of."
Dax's eyes burned with passion as he stared towards Zoro; awaiting the man's response.
"Not interested." Zoro said, lounging back against the crucifix with his eyes half closed.
"Why?" Dax said, surprise clear in his eyes. Dax began to wonder if money wasn't the right approach with this man, and that he should have instead highlighted the amenities of the Payday Clan, made elaborate promises, or even planned introductions to gorgeous women - though the man in front of him didn't seem to be the type to be swayed by that.
"The man I seek has no bounty." Zoro said simply.
Dax and Zoro stared at each other. Zoro's eyes remained firm, and in that moment, Dax knew that no amount of money, promised glory or offers of assistance would change his mind.
Dax looked around the courtyard again "Would you like me to free you?"
"No." Zoro said firmly.
Dax didn't ask again. Instead, he put the Kill-Book back into his pocket and took off his gauntlets. He reached into his pocket, took out a squashed onigiri and carefully unwrapped it.
"Here, eat this." Dax hovered it before Zoro's mouth. Zoro bit into it and began to chew. After a few minutes of silently feeding the man, Dax looked around the courtyard one last time with regret before beginning to walk towards the courtyard wall.
Zoro watched the retreating figure quietly.
In a few minutes he was gone, and Zoro was left behind in the quiet courtyard. Destined to wait 8 more days before the encounter that would change the world.