"Care to explain why you've brought me here, Kozaburo-san?" I asked with amusement, glancing around the outdoor training ground. I knew getting the location of the sword out of the old man's mouth wouldn't be simple. I had used my Observation Haki to scan the island multiple times but still couldn't detect anything suspicious. Since Kozaburo had already agreed to disclose the location, I decided to play along for now.
"I know what's going on in that pirate mind of yours, brat! Don't bother looking for the blade. Unless I disclose the location, there's no way you can find it," he chuckled, tossing a bamboo training sword at me while picking one up for himself.
I raised my eyebrows, intrigued by his intentions. This couldn't be the test of the blade, after all.
Kozaburo chuckled again. "Kid, as the blade's current guardian, I should first conduct a test of my own, don't you think? It's only fair."
"Why the training swords, though?" I asked with a smirk. "I'm sure we can go a few rounds with real blades."
"Kid! I'm soon going to have a grandchild. If we clashed for real, I would die for sure. If I were holding a real blade, even though I knew I would lose, I wouldn't stop. And you don't seem like the type to show mercy to your opponent. So it's better this way. At least I'll get to meet my grandchild, even if I lose. I'll just end up with a broken body and ego at worst," he commented casually.
Koushirou, standing to the side, couldn't help but gape in shock at his father's words. Since when has his father, who always nags about a warrior's spirit, become so cunning? But then he was relieved. If what his father said was true about not being a match for me, it was better they clashed with bamboo swords.
As I took my stance, I couldn't help but feel a growing respect for the old man. This wasn't just about the sword. It was about proving myself in a different way. Kozaburo's eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and determination as he mirrored my stance.
"Ready when you are, old man," I said, tightening my grip on the bamboo sword.
Kozaburo nodded, his expression serious now. "Remember, this is not just a test of skill. It's a test of spirit."
"Busoshoku koka!" The old man immediately launched himself forward, infusing his bamboo sword with haki. I responded in kind, meeting his strike with equal force. The resounding clash reverberated throughout the training ground, pushing back both Koushirou and Miyamoto.
The repeated clashes of bamboo swords echoed through the dojo, drawing the attention of onlookers who gathered to witness the intense sparring. It was fortunate Kozaburo had chosen to hold it outdoors; otherwise, the dojo would have been torn apart by their ferocity.
For several minutes, we traded blows, neither gaining a clear advantage. I could feel Kozaburo's years of experience in every move—his relentless attacks pushing me to my limits. Sweat dripped down his forehead, showing he was pushing himself just as hard, but I welcomed the challenge; it was exhilarating.
Throughout my life, I'd never adhered to a specific swordsmanship style; my skills were instinctual. In contrast, Kozaburo's techniques were refined and smooth, flowing like a calm stream compared to my rushing waterfall.
Suddenly, Kozaburo changed tactics, unleashing a flurry of rapid strikes, sending dozens of slashes towards me. I managed to block them all, feeling the sting of bamboo against my hands. He grinned mischievously.
"Not bad, kid. But let's see how you handle this!" He shouted, increasing his speed and intensity.
Koushirou couldn't help but ask Miyamoto, "Did they really have to switch to training swords?" They both watched in awe as the ground around us bore massive ravines and destruction.
Miyamoto gulped, realizing the potential devastation if real blades were used.
"Be more worried about what they could do with real blades," Miyamoto muttered, his awe mixed with concern. He hadn't witnessed my full swordsmanship prowess before, assuming my lightning powers were my primary strength.
Shockwaves reverberated as we clashed relentlessly, each of us pushing the other to the limit. Kozaburo sought to gauge my true strength, while for me, it was a thrilling test of pure swordsmanship prowess that I hadn't experienced since facing Mihawk.
I infused my bamboo sword with armament haki and swung down fiercely in an overhead strike. Kozaburo blocked with a sturdy guard, but the sheer force of the blow cracked and splintered the earth beneath him.
Hundreds of meters around us were cleared as dust and debris were pushed aside by the intense pressure of our clash. Spectators, mostly children who had come to watch, wisely took cover behind walls to avoid being caught in the aftermath.
The training ground bore witness to our dance of blades, the earth cracking and splintering beneath our feet with each powerful strike. Spectators watched in awe as the arena transformed into a battleground of raw power and skill, where each movement held the potential to decide the outcome of the duel.
In a moment of heightened focus, I infused my bamboo sword with armament haki, channeling all my strength into a devastating overhead strike. Kozaburo anticipated the move with a fraction of a second to spare, deflecting the blow with a swift counter of his own.
The force of our clash sent shockwaves rippling through the air, causing nearby trees to sway and the ground to tremble.
With a grunt of effort, Kozaburo shifted tactics again, his attacks becoming more fluid and unpredictable. He unleashed a series of sweeping strikes and thrusts, testing my endurance and technique. But my natural reflex seemed much superior compared to the old man, so I responded in kind, matching his ferocity with calculated precision and overwhelming force.
As the duel reached its peak, both combatants pushed themselves to their limits. The air crackled with the energy of their haki-infused bamboo blades, creating an aura of intensity that enveloped the entire arena. Each clash of swords was a testament to years of training and mastery, where skill and strategy converged in a dazzling display of swordsmanship prowess.
With a sudden surge of energy, I launched into a flurry of strikes, each one aimed at breaking through Kozaburo's defenses. He parried and countered with expert precision, his movements a blur of speed and finesse. Yet, I sensed a subtle shift in his stance—a split-second opening that allowed me to exploit a weakness in his defense.
In a decisive move, I executed a swift feint followed by a powerful thrust, driving Kozaburo back with the force of my attack. He staggered, his bamboo sword slipping from his grasp as he stumbled to regain his balance. The ground trembled beneath us, the impact of our clash leaving a lasting impression on the training ground.
As the dust settled, I stood with a wide smile on my face, my bamboo sword raised in a defensive stance. Kozaburo, though visibly fatigued, looked at me with a mixture of pride and respect.
"You've surpassed my expectations, kid," he admitted, a smile of admiration tugging at his lips.
"Your swordsmanship is truly remarkable. If I hadn't experienced it myself, I wouldn't have believed that one could reach such a level with instincts alone."
I nodded, a surge of pride and gratitude filling my chest. "Thank you, Kozaburo-dono. Your guidance and expertise have been invaluable."
He nodded in return, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Remember what you've learned today. Swordsmanship is not just about strength and speed—it's about adaptability and seizing opportunities."
"Wow! Koushirou Sensei, can someone really become as strong as them just by practicing swordsmanship?" One of the children exclaimed, eyes wide with wonder. "Can you also create those huge ravines with your sword?"
Another child piped up eagerly, "Sensei, have you ever fought someone like them? Were you as fast?"
"And do you think they'll ever let us spar like that?" a third added, bouncing on their toes with excitement.
Koushirou chuckled warmly at their enthusiasm, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes as he fielded their questions. "Well, well, well, you all have some sharp questions today! Yes, practicing swordsmanship diligently can indeed make you very strong. As for creating ravines like that... hmmm, perhaps one day you'll find out!"
Kozoburo glanced over at me with a proud smile, adding, "Kid, you've had an excellent teacher. You've honed your sword instincts to the limit."
I nodded gratefully, recalling my time under Bogard's tutelage in the Marines, where I had honed my skills relentlessly.
"Sigh! I wish I could take you on as my disciple," Koushirou mused wistfully, "but it's too late for that now. If only someone like you were of the Shimotsuki lineage, our family's name would echo through the ages once more."
"Who knows, Kozaburo-san?" I replied mysteriously, teasingly referring to future events I knew of: "Maybe someday someone from the Shimotsuki family will rise to the occasion. Perhaps even your own grandchild."
Kozaburo's eyes lit up at the mention of his future grandchild, but he remained silent, his thoughts turning back to the task at hand: testing me with the legendary blade, Akatsuki.
"So, Kozaburo-san," I pressed eagerly after passing his test, "why don't you take me to where the blade is now?"
Just as Kozaburo began to lead the way, Tera's urgent voice interrupted from the living quarters. "Koushirou-san, the lady has gone into labor!"
"Well, it seems the sword will have to wait," I remarked with a chuckle, understanding the priority of family moments over ancient relics. However, to my surprise, Kozaburo turned sharply to his son with a wide smile.
"You brat! Stop standing there and daydreaming. Go tend to my daughter!" He barked, then gestured for me to follow him. Instead of heading toward his daughter-in-law, he led me toward the coast.
I turned to Miyamoto with a nod. "Stay with the kids; I'll be back soon," I instructed, then followed Kozaburo as he walked briskly toward the shoreline.
As we walked, I couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you supposed to be there for your granddaughter's birth?"
Kozaburo chuckled, his stride steady toward the sea. "Who says it's going to be a girl?"
"Just a gut feeling," I replied with a chuckle.
"Well, who knows? Maybe when my grandkid is born, it'll be such an auspicious moment that Akatsuki will finally find its master," he mused, a twinkle of hope in his eyes. It was clear that Kozaburo's deepest desire was for me to conquer the blade and fulfill his clan's legacy.
As we reached the shoreline, Kozaburo turned to me with a determined look. "Follow me," he said simply, then plunged into the open sea.
I stood dumbfounded for a moment, realizing why I hadn't detected the blade with my haki across the island—it was hidden beneath the waves. Shaking my head in admiration, I followed Kozaburo's lead and dove into the sea, ready to face the final challenge that awaited beneath the surface.
Soon enough, I found myself following the old man beneath the waves. After a few minutes, he guided us into a special underwater cavern. To my surprise, as we surfaced, we stepped into a large air pocket, completely dry despite the surrounding ocean. It was a natural marvel filled with glowing underwater flora, and my observation haki detected lifeforms, including a sea king's nest.
The massive creature roared, but I gently zapped it with a small bolt of lightning, ensuring it remained unharmed.
Kozaburo, dripping wet as he climbed onto the cavern's dry floor, stared at me in dumbfounded awe. "Kid! Are you a devil fruit user?" he asked, to which I nodded with a chuckle, confirming it as I playfully twirled a tendril of lightning in my hand.
"But... But how? Sea water... It's supposed to be the bane of all devil fruit users," he exclaimed with surprise.
"Trust me, Kozaburo-san, not every devil fruit user fears the sea," I replied, recalling the mysterious elders in the canon who seemed immune. How they gained such immunity remained a mystery.
"Bullshit! Admit it, kid, you're a freak of nature. Perhaps this blade was waiting for a freak like yourself," he grinned mischievously, leading me deeper into the underwater cavern.
As we ventured further, entering a vast chamber, I was utterly shocked. There, hidden away, was a poneglyph. Kozaburo chuckled at my reaction. "Did you really think the Shimotsuki left Wano without reason? This poneglyph is why we settled on this island," he said with pride.
But my attention was fixed on the sword lying in front of the poneglyph, within a pitch-black scabbard. Despite the dim lighting, the sword seemed to absorb all the light around it. Named 'Akatsuki' meaning Dawn, it exuded an aura of darkness. Activating my Voice of All Things, I heard the haunting wails of countless souls surrounding the blade; it was as if it would devour anyone who approached it.
"How many lives were sacrificed to forge this blade?" I murmured, my gaze fixed unwaveringly upon the weapon.
"Hundreds, perhaps thousands," Kozaburo answered solemnly, his voice heavy with the weight of history.
"Our clan's ancestors foresaw their impending defeat, so they sought ways to preserve knowledge while the World Government sought to erase it. With assistance, the Kozuki clan developed an indestructible material, whose composition was obscured to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. This blade was crafted from that very material, and in addition, it was infused with sea stone—a weapon capable of destroying a poneglyph, perhaps the only one of its kind."
"Why create a weapon to destroy the vessels of history? And why entrust this knowledge to me?" I queried, my confusion mounting. It felt as though Kozaburo had entrusted the fate of the world to a stranger.
"Tell me honestly, kid, can you communicate with the world itself?" Kozaburo asked pointedly. "If not, you wouldn't know of the sacrifices that birthed this blade."
"The Akatsuki was created with purpose—to challenge the ultimate adversary, one that our ancestors and Joyboy failed to vanquish centuries ago," he continued, his tone grave.
"Imu… You know about Imu?" I gasped, stunned by the revelation. Kozaburo nodded solemnly.
"Do the rest of the Shimotsuki family know?" I pressed urgently.
He shook his head. "Only I do, and it's passed only to the clan head . I intended to take this secret, along with the sword's location, to my grave unless I found a suitable heir before my death. But you seem to possess knowledge beyond my own," he chuckled softly.
"Perhaps our ancestors sought the necessity of an indestructible weapon that would be the bane of all devil fruit users, a weapon wieldable only by those untouched by devil fruits. But fate sure works in weird ways; even they may not have foreseen someone like you—an anomaly," Kozaburo mused, his gaze fixed on the ancient blade before us.
*****
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Currently updated until Chapter 234.
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