Through Master Grace's introduction, Ronny successfully became an apprentice to Old John Sr., the owner of a weapons shop tucked away in Loguetown's back streets.
Old John was a well-known figure throughout Loguetown, having devoted his life to the craft of sword forging since childhood—a tradition spanning over two centuries within his family. While he might not possess the renown of the legendary blacksmiths scattered across the Grand Line, he remained highly respected as one of the finest craftsmen in the East Blue.
"Boy, I don't know who you are, but since Grace vouched for you, you'd better be prepared to work hard," the elderly blacksmith declared, his weathered hands continuing their work at the forge as he cast a measuring glance toward Ronny. "I might not teach you the most advanced blacksmithing techniques, but I won't hold back on teaching you the fundamentals properly."
The gruff master craftsman wasn't particularly enthusiastic about taking on an apprentice as young as Ronny, but with his son away on another island procuring rare materials for sword forging, the shop desperately needed an extra pair of capable hands. Grace's personal recommendation had carried significant weight in this arrangement.
"Understood, Master John," Ronny replied with a respectful nod, rolling up his sleeves without hesitation as he prepared to immerse himself in honest labor.
"Hmm." Old John couldn't suppress a smile of approval. He had expected a young man like Ronny to be unaccustomed to physical work, but it seemed this youth wasn't merely another pampered city dweller seeking easy glory.
Thus Ronny settled into his new role at Old John's weapons shop, embarking on his comprehensive journey into the ancient art of blacksmithing.
During this period of quiet learning, Loguetown underwent some notable and increasingly tense changes.
A significant number of Marine patrol officers had taken to the streets with obvious urgency. While they refrained from conducting intrusive house-to-house searches, their presence was unmistakably palpable as they patrolled the town with heightened vigilance, their eyes scanning every face and alleyway.
Captain Smoker, with two cigars perpetually clamped between his teeth, strolled through the streets alongside his trusted subordinate, Captain Tashigi. The "White Hunter's" intimidating presence and stern demeanor made most civilians instinctively step aside, though his sharp eyes missed nothing as they swept methodically across the bustling crowds.
"Captain Smoker, isn't there a more efficient approach to this investigation?" Tashigi inquired after more than ten days of fruitless searching, her voice carrying a hint of frustration. As someone who possessed encyclopedic knowledge about swords and spent most of her free time honing her considerable swordsmanship skills, she felt this extended patrol duty could be better utilized in training or more productive Marine activities.
"Captain Tashigi, this comes directly from headquarters," Smoker responded in his characteristically stern tone, smoke curling around his words. "While it may seem futile on the surface, we cannot afford to be negligent in our duties. You understand the importance of following orders, don't you?"
"Yes, sir, but I can't help feeling we're chasing shadows," Tashigi replied, adjusting her glasses with obvious concern. "The individual we detected releasing that devastating sword technique several days ago is clearly a Great Swordsman. Even if we successfully locate them, what realistic options do we have? A Great Swordsman would be considered a formidable adversary even in the latter half of the Grand Line, let alone here in the relatively peaceful East Blue."
"Do you believe we're here to capture them?" Smoker shook his head with a wry smile, releasing another cloud of smoke. "As you've correctly observed, we're dealing with a Great Swordsman. There's no strategic benefit in adopting a hostile stance without sufficient cause." His expression grew more serious. "Our primary objective is simply to confirm their identity and assess their intentions. If they prove to be a pirate, we must remain vigilant and prepared."
"Understood, Captain," Tashigi nodded, though her concern remained evident. "But how long do we continue this pattern of searching?"
"Don't worry. If this individual is indeed present in Loguetown, they'll reveal themselves eventually through their actions or associations. We simply need to maintain our vigilance and respond appropriately when the opportunity presents itself," Smoker replied, taking another contemplative draw from his cigars.
"Wait, isn't that Master Grace's kendokan?" Tashigi's eyes suddenly brightened as she spotted the familiar wooden sign of the renowned dojo. Her passion for all things related to swordsmanship made her naturally drawn to any establishment where martial arts were practiced, and she felt an irresistible urge to observe the training sessions within.
"What are you thinking? We're currently on official duty—don't let yourself get distracted!" Smoker, dealing with his enthusiastic subordinate's predictable behavior, couldn't help but shake his head in mild exasperation. Tashigi's sole passion seemed to be swordsmanship, with little interest in anything else, and she consistently found it difficult to resist investigating any dojo they encountered during their patrols.
However, Smoker suddenly paused in contemplation. The devastating sword technique had originated from this precise direction several days earlier. He had always believed that Grace's abilities, while respectable for Loguetown standards, were nowhere near the level required to produce such overwhelming power. Perhaps the master swordsman had experienced some kind of dramatic breakthrough?
"Let's go inside and investigate," Smoker decided, leading the way toward the dojo's entrance.
"Sir?" Tashigi looked surprised by the sudden change in direction, then followed eagerly with renewed interest.
"Captain Smoker, what brings you to honor my humble establishment with your presence?" Grace greeted them with a respectful smile and a formal bow. In a location situated so close to the East Blue Marine Headquarters, he understood the wisdom of maintaining cordial relations with the Marines. Captain Smoker's reputation as someone not to be trifled with was well-established throughout the region.
"Grace, your dojo is hardly what I'd call humble," Smoker replied diplomatically, his keen eyes observing the dedicated teenagers practicing their sword forms in the courtyard with obvious discipline and focus. "I'm here today because there's something specific I need to ask you about."
"What matter could possibly warrant your personal attention?" Grace inquired, genuine curiosity evident in his tone.
"Several days ago, there was an immense sword technique released somewhere in Loguetown—powerful enough that we initially suspected the legendary swordsman Dracule Mihawk had arrived in our waters." Smoker's expression grew more serious as he continued. "Interestingly, the direction from which this technique originated was precisely this area. I wanted to inquire whether you possess any information about this incident." His tone remained professional but carried an underlying intensity. "This isn't necessarily a serious matter—we're primarily interested in confirming the identity of this Great Swordsman for our records."
"This..." Grace hesitated, his mind racing as he carefully considered his response. He knew with absolute certainty that Ronny was not Dracule Mihawk, but he remained uncertain about the appropriate way to handle Smoker's direct inquiry. The weight of protecting someone he had come to respect warred with his obligation to cooperate with Marine authorities.
"Hmm?" Smoker's experienced eyes lit up with recognition, immediately realizing that Grace likely possessed significant knowledge about the situation they were investigating.
"Grace, do you know who this person is?" Smoker pressed, his tone becoming more serious and direct. "I want to assure you that we have no intention of causing harm to them. After all, we're dealing with a Great Swordsman here." His voice carried a note of practical respect. "If we were to act recklessly against someone of that caliber, the consequences would be severe for everyone involved."
"This is..." Grace continued to hesitate, caught in an impossible position. He dared not carelessly divulge information about Ronny's identity or whereabouts. As Smoker had accurately stated, they were discussing a Great Swordsman—the very same individual who had effortlessly defeated him in personal combat. This formidable warrior could easily overwhelm him if provoked, and any betrayal of trust could lead to dire consequences. The internal conflict was clearly visible on his weathered features as he struggled with his loyalty to both his student and his civic duties.