I've always been fascinated by the way of the sword. It's a weapon that represents both discipline and freedom. But, growing up in a Nordic country wasn't exactly ideal for a kid like me who dreamed of mastering the sword.
So, I made a plan. I decided I'd work hard, get good grades, and hopefully make it into a good college in Japan. That way, I could join a dojo and finally learn real swordsmanship. I put my all into it, and on my first try, I got into Kyoto University on a scholarship.
Life was going great. I didn't have to watch swordsmen in anime or documentaries anymore. I was about to learn real sword fighting—not the clumsy stuff I did in my room. My dream was finally within reach.
But then, it all went wrong. I got stabbed in the back. Literally. Before I could even react, the blade pierced my throat, cutting through my arteries. I could feel my lungs filling with blood, my body shutting down. I was drowning in my own blood.
Strangely, though, there was no pain. Maybe it was the shock or adrenaline—I don't know, and I didn't care. My last thought before dying was my wish to hold a sword one last time.
Then... nothing. I died, without ever knowing who killed me or why.
My dream, gone. So close, yet so far.
Suddenly, I was hit with excruciating pain—right on my backside. Someone had just smacked me! It felt as if my ass was on fire! My body reacted on its own, throwing a punch, but... it felt weird. Weak. Not hospital level weak. Like, baby-level weak.
A suspicion formed in my mind, and when I opened my eyes, everything made sense. People around me were speaking a different language than I'm used to, and the setting looked medieval. It didn't take long to realize what had happened: I'd been reincarnated.
And I couldn't stop laughing—well, in my head, at least. After all, they used swords in the medieval era, right? For a sword fanatic like me, what more did I even need!
Little did I know, though, I had been reincarnated into the world of "One Piece".