"Kozuki Oden, huh?" Shanks mused, recalling the first time he met Oden. "When that guy joined, he took a full hit of Captain Roger's Divine Departure without flinching. We were all stunned… And to think that Enma, the sword in his hands, was crafted by you. That blade is truly something else."
"Of course!" Kozaburo's pride shone as he spoke. "I poured my highest ambitions into forging that blade, naming it the King of Hell. As for the Wado Ichimonji, crafted alongside Enma, it's a more tranquil sword by nature."
"Hey, swordsmith, what about cursed swords?" one of the pirates asked with curiosity. "I've heard those blades are plagued with misfortune."
Kozaburo scoffed. "Listen, pirates: there's no such thing as a 'cursed sword.' Those tales only exist because weaklings tried to wield weapons that were beyond them and got hurt in the process. Swords choose their wielders!"
"Then tell us about black blades," he continued, warming up to the discussion. "While any blade can theoretically become a black blade, the starting material matters. The role of a swordsmith is to create a higher starting point…"
The mysteries of black blades captivated the pirates, who leaned in, spellbound. Even Uta was intrigued. This was the joy of setting sail—to discover new islands, hear incredible stories, and be enchanted by legendary tales.
"Hey, hey," Luffy chimed in. "Old man, make me a legendary sword! I want a blade that can unleash fire and lightning!"
"I gave up smithing long ago, kid. Besides, we don't have the right materials here in Shimotsuki Village… And your request is ridiculous!" Kozaburo said with a sigh.
"Guess you're not up to it, old man," Luffy muttered, shaking his head.
The old man felt an urge to whack him. This brat...
"This is delicious!" Pirates munched on oden as they listened to the stories, soon addicted to the flavors of this Wano delicacy.
"Isn't it? Hahaha…" Kozaburo laughed heartily, pleased to see outsiders enjoying his country's cuisine. The only downside was the tiny bowls they were using.
"Your bowls are way too small! Even for a kid like me, they're ridiculously tiny."
Luffy examined his bowl—a typical Wano-style bowl that could only hold a small portion. For Zoro and Kuina, who were used to it, it was normal. But the pirates from outside found it strange. What can you fit in a bowl that small?
"That's just how things are in Wano. Our village is pretty modest, so our meals are simple," Kozaburo explained, enjoying the pirates' hearty appetite. He admired their uninhibited way of eating, a stark contrast to his life here. Settling down had meant farming and leading a quiet life—hardly the lifestyle for big, meaty feasts.
"You can't get strong if you don't eat heartily. You're adults with strength; you should work to improve your lives a bit," Luffy advised, as he munched on a piece of meat from his tiny bowl.
Traveling with Shanks had made Luffy accustomed to big meals. His body had even started to grow faster, catching up to Uta in height, though still slightly shorter. But compared to Kuina and Zoro, he was notably taller.
Kuina, now eleven, was still about 1.5 meters tall, while Zoro was a bit shorter. Of course, Luffy knew Zoro would eventually shoot up to 181 cm, but for now, he listened intently to every piece of advice about strength.
"Easy for you to say, kid. Adults have to deal with a lot of things you wouldn't understand," Kozaburo said with a huff, unimpressed by Luffy's easy advice.
"Wealth attracts pirates, and revealing swordsmithing secrets would attract the Navy—and more pirates. Just living quietly is enough for us. I'd rather enjoy a peaceful life until the end," Kozaburo said, ruffling Luffy's hair.
"Being stuck in this state is just frustrating…" Yasopp sighed. Growing up in a small village, he knew all too well how prosperity could bring trouble—and how difficult it was to balance survival and security.
"See, Uta? Adults have it tough. They're always cautious and worried about everything. Not growing up sounds better, doesn't it?" Luffy turned to Uta.
"Don't say that, Luffy. We all have to grow up," Uta replied, stuffing a piece of radish into his mouth.
"Hmph, even when I grow up, I won't be that kind of adult. Getting strong is all about living better!" Luffy said as he looked at Kozaburo, who, despite his youthful ambitions, had ended up choosing a peaceful life.
If the old man had remained a pirate, he would likely be living freely. But here, in the village, with all his strength, he'd chosen to settle for the quiet life, weighed down by reality.
It shouldn't end this way, Luffy thought to himself.
"All I can pass on is swordsmanship," Kozaburo said with a hint of regret. Swordsmanship could deter pirates who might see the village as too tough a target. But the skill of swordsmithing was different. Should word of a famed swordsmith spread, it would bring countless pirates and swordsmen in search of his blades.
No one could resist the allure of a legendary blade, especially one forged by a craftsman capable of creating a Great Grade sword. The value of such a weapon could rival that of a Devil Fruit—or even exceed it.
Luffy, too, was tempted by the thought. Even Oden and Kaido praised Enma, and Zoro cherishes it. He imagined wielding a blade of his own—something cool and practical. In the world of pirates, a blade could often achieve more than a fist alone.
Oh, you're tough with all that skin and muscle? Here's a sword for you!
One cut, and even the mightiest could fall—just look at what happened to Whitebeard and Garp. That track record alone was awe-inspiring.
"Isn't it a shame not to pass on your smithing techniques, old man? Aren't you from a swordsmith family?" Luffy asked while eating.
Koushirou looked over at his father with curiosity.
"It can't be helped," Kozaburo replied, regret evident in his tone.
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