Chapter 331: Who Lacks a Famous Sword These Days?
After getting enough food, Luffy also completely released his nature and began to eat like a whirlwind.
O-Tama was a little shy at first, but with a mountain of food piled up like a dream, and after some persuasion, she tried a bite and then couldn't stop. She sat next to Luffy and feasted, as if her life would be worth it even if she ate herself to death.
"Hey, where's the booze? Why is there no booze?"
Zoro leaned against the table, complaining with dissatisfaction.
"Where would I find the time for that? If you want to drink, go buy it yourself."
Reiner gave him a sidelong glance and ignored him, picking up a portion of takoyaki and starting to eat.
A moment later.
A large bag of food was finally unable to withstand the ravages of a certain glutton. Luffy lay on the ground, holding his round, ball-like belly. O-Tama also lay down, her belly visibly bulging through her clothes.
"Burp~~"
The two of them rubbed their bellies and let out a burp together. O-Tama's face was filled with satisfied happiness.
"So happy. I've never been so full before."
"Is that so? But aren't there a lot of wild beasts in the forest? With uncle's strength, you should be able to eat your fill by hunting them."
Luffy lay on the ground and tilted his head with a puzzled expression.
Tenguyama Hitetsu lifted half his mask, wiped his mouth, and then put the mask back down before speaking:
"Kaido has built a large number of weapons factories in this country. Except for the Flower Capital, the water sources in the other several regions have all been polluted. The wild beasts have accumulated a lot of toxins in their bodies from drinking the sewage for a long time. If people eat them, they will get sick at the very least, and in serious cases, it can be life-threatening."
"Including the outside. You should have also seen those barren fields when you came. It's for this reason that no crops can be grown. The food in this country is all in the hands of the two powers, Kaido and the Shogun."
"Without food, you can't live. This village has gradually become deserted. You either starve to death or die resisting. In this closed country, going out to sea has actually become a way of life for a few."
A trace of self-mockery flashed in Tenguyama Hitetsu's eyes.
Luffy propped himself up with both hands and sat up. He turned his head to look at Hitetsu and asked:
"We know about Kaido. What's a Shogun?"
"In your overseas terms, you can understand it as the Shogun being the ruler of this country. In addition, there are also the daimyos of various regions..."
Tenguyama Hitetsu explained the power structure of this country to the group.
Reiner's gaze passed over the table to the man who was speaking on the other side.
Tenguyama Hitetsu, whose real name was Kozuki Sukiyaki, was the previous shogun of Wano Country, Oden's father.
After Oden's death back then, he had adopted O-Tama and had been living in seclusion here under the alias Tenguyama Hitetsu.
Reiner remembered that the other was a swordsmith. The sword that Zoro had obtained in Loguetown and that had been broken in the Summit War, the 'Sandai Kitetsu', was made by him.
Besides that, Hitetsu also had the Nidai Kitetsu in his collection. Including Oden's Ame no Habakiri and Enma, a total of three famous swords ranked among the '21 Great Grade Swords' were in his hands.
He was getting a little greedy just thinking about it.
Although he didn't use a sword...
"In that case, why don't you just move into the city? Isn't there food there?"
Luffy's expression was strange.
For him, having food to eat was not necessarily the most important thing, but not having food to eat was definitely the most serious problem.
"For some personal reasons, it is inconvenient for me to enter the city."
Hitetsu didn't elaborate, just gave a simple reply, then turned his head to look at Zoro. He opened his mouth but hesitated, his gaze secretly glancing at the black blade Shusui, his hand under the table clenching and unclenching.
"Lord Zoro."
After a moment's hesitation, Hitetsu finally mustered his courage. He was probably too embarrassed to be too direct and first tested the waters:
"I see you are wearing three swords. Is one a spare?"
"Ah. I use the Three-Sword Style."
Zoro was not shy and untied the three swords from his waist, leaning them against the table.
"Three-Sword Style...?"
Hitetsu's figure paused. He was stunned for a moment. What kind of style is that?
Being in the country of samurai, he had heard of quite a few styles, but this was the first time he had seen one so bizarre.
"Ahem."
Hitetsu didn't understand but expressed his respect. He coughed sheepishly and his gaze fell on one of them:
"I am a swordsmith. May I observe your sword?"
A sword was like a life to a samurai. He felt his own actions were a bit rude.
Although Zoro also valued his swords, he didn't care about these details at all.
"Ah, take them."
Zoro casually tossed all three swords over and, looking at the single light purple longsword hanging on the wall as the only decoration, he said with great interest:
"That sword looks pretty good too."
Zoro's meaning was self-evident.
"You actually noticed it."
Hitetsu took the swords, his face a little surprised, but he didn't say anything. With the other's strength, it wouldn't affect him much.
Hitetsu stood up, walked to the wall, and took down the sword, then returned and presented it to Zoro with both hands.
"This sword was forged by my ancestor and is named [Nidai Kitetsu]. Let me give you a heads-up first. This is a cursed sword."
"A cursed sword?"
Hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Zoro's eyes, and he immediately became more interested in it.
After the exchange, the two, like friends with a common interest, each drew the other's sword to observe.
The moment he held Shusui in his hands, Hitetsu looked at the pitch-black body of the sword, with its irregular, large, inverted choji pattern and dark red, flowing fire-like lines. His hands, hidden in his sleeves, couldn't help but tremble slightly.
Clang!
Zoro drew the Nidai Kitetsu with the blade facing up. A beam of cold light streaked across the blade with his gaze, faintly exuding an ominous aura.
In an instant, the surrounding air became a little colder.
"A good sword, just a bit disobedient."
A corner of Zoro's mouth lifted slightly. Then, his eyes hardened, and an even colder aura suddenly erupted from his body.
In just a breath, the chilling aura vanished, and along with it, the ominous aura from the Nidai Kitetsu also dissipated.
O-Tama and the others looked at Zoro with bewildered expressions, completely unaware of what had just happened, as if that moment had just been their imagination.
But Hitetsu on the other side had his pupils constrict in shock.
He naturally understood what Zoro had done better than the girls, because he had once personally witnessed this unbelievable, yet also genuinely happened, scene.
"He... he actually suppressed the Nidai Kitetsu."
Thump, thump!
Hitetsu was so shocked that even the national treasure 'Shusui' fell from his hands to the ground.
Zoro's lips curled into a teasing smile as he put the sword down and sheathed it.
"An interesting sword. Unfortunately, it seems it can't curse me."
"Hey! Do you... do you know what this means!"
Seeing Zoro's nonchalant appearance, Hitetsu's voice couldn't help but become excited.
"This is a cursed sword ranked among the 21 Great Grade Swords! The last one to do this!"
"That man's name was Kozuki Oden!!"
"—Eh! Oden!!"
O-Tama's eyes widened, and she shot up from her seat in shock.
"Big brother, are you a samurai as strong as Lord Oden!!"
"Huh? Is that what you call a swordsman?"
Zoro's expression was calm. He couldn't quite understand their shock. He very casually placed the sword on the table.
Luffy stretched his neck like a curious baby and brought his face close to the Nidai Kitetsu, looking at it for a couple of seconds.
"Is this sword very powerful? I don't see anything special about it."
Luffy grabbed the cursed sword, tossed it to his left hand, tossed it back to his right, and just started playing with it. He blinked, feeling a little bored, and then threw it directly to Reiner.
"Here, for you."
"Hey, kid! That's a cursed sword that brings misfortune! It's not for you to play with like that!"
Hitetsu shouted at the two of them, his face red with anger.
Reiner ignored him and drew the sword.
The Kitetsu didn't exude any ominous aura at all, unlike when Zoro had held it. Reiner sheathed the sword and casually tossed it back to Hitetsu.
It's just a very ordinary sword. Is it because he and Luffy aren't swordsmen, so they can't feel the curse?
Kitetsu: You've misunderstood, bro. Do I look like that fierce of a sword?
Taking back the sword, the way Hitetsu looked at Zoro was completely different.
Remembering the scene of Zoro suppressing the Kitetsu just now, the thought in his heart was further confirmed. Having made up his mind, Hitetsu gritted his teeth and endured the shame in his heart, stood up, and ran back into the house.
The clanging sound made everyone in the living room bewildered.
After a moment, he came out holding a wooden box wrapped in a tattered cloth.
Sitting down, he unwrapped the layer of cloth and flipped open the lid of the wooden box, pushing it towards Zoro.
"These two swords are named [Ame no Habakiri] and [Enma]. They are both famous swords ranked among the 21 Great Grade Swords and were once worn by Kozuki Oden."
Hearing this, the group curiously leaned forward.
Inside, two longswords, one black and one white, were placed parallel to each other. Their hilts and the ends of their scabbards were inlaid with gold.
"And then?"
Zoro's expression was puzzled. "What do you mean? Are you going to give them to me?"
He really dares to think.
"Please forgive my rude request! I would like to trade with you for the Nidai Kitetsu or Enma... no!"
Bang!
"I am willing to offer both swords! In the hope of exchanging for the treasured sword Shusui in your possession!"
Hitetsu prostrated himself, slammed his hands on the floor, and bowed his head deeply. His heart struggled as he said through gritted teeth:
"A sword is a life to a samurai! To make such a request to a powerful samurai like you, as a samurai myself, I am deeply ashamed! But!"
"Shusui is different! It has a more important meaning to Wano Country than a famous sword! Even if I am being offensive, I must make this request to you!"
"I know this sword is very important to you, but unfortunately, even if you say that, I can't trade with you."
Zoro's tone was flat. He reached out and slowly pushed the wooden box back.
Luffy scratched his head, a little puzzled.
"Why? One sword for two is a good deal. Don't you like famous swords the most, Zoro?"
"This isn't a question of whether it's a good deal or not, you idiot. Besides,"
Zoro glanced over with a not-so-good-natured look.
"I use the Three-Sword Style. How am I supposed to use a fourth sword?"
Ding!
Reiner had a good idea about this. The fourth sword, you can hold it in the back. You can play with the Four-Sword Style in the future.
But then again, their ship really didn't lack famous swords. He had a Supreme Grade Sword, [Gokudo Kosen], in his hand. [Shigure] and [Kogarashi] were in Sanji's kitchen.
Zoro would not be short of swords to use at all. Not to mention, he had no intention of changing his swords. Setting aside the fact that he was already used to them, more importantly, the three swords all held important meanings for Zoro and could not be measured by specific value.
"As expected... it's still not possible."
Hitetsu's fingernails dug into the floorboards.
The national treasure Shusui is right before my eyes, yet I am powerless...!
Under his mask, tears that he couldn't hold back began to flow from the corners of his eyes.
Seeing that he was not preparing to get up, Zoro took back his own sword. He looked at Shusui in his hand and couldn't help but think of what Reiner had said when he had given it to him. Zoro sighed:
"I'm sorry. These three swords were entrusted to me by others. I promised to take them to the throne of the world's greatest swordsman. No matter what conditions you offer, I will not hand over my swords."
"Master..."
O-Tama pursed her lips, at a loss. Her master, who had always been calm and valued the traditions of a samurai, to actually do such a humble and rude thing was unbelievable.
Immediately, she walked to Hitetsu's side and also knelt down and kowtowed. Her voice was crisp but tinged with sadness.
"Please forgive my master, big brother Zoro! He's just too desperate to get Shusui back for Wano Country!"
"Because it's been rumored among the people that the invasion of the evil dragon Kaido was caused by the theft of the sword of Wano Country's guardian deity, Ryuma."
"Everyone is thinking that if we can find Shusui one day, this country might be able to be freed from its suffering. Master must have been emotional for a moment because of this!"
O-Tama pleaded loudly, tears squeezed from her tightly closed eyes.
"Hey, hey, hey! You don't have to be like this. I don't mind what happened just now. But..."
Clang.
Zoro drew his sword, held it horizontally in front of him in a reverse grip, and looked at the blade, saying slowly:
"If you're going to place your hope in a sword, shouldn't you be risking your life and pointing your sword at the enemy? Don't tell me Kaido will tremble in fear and withdraw from Wano Country if you get this sword back?"
"Waiting for fate to save you... if so-called samurai are only of this level, then this country..."
His voice trailed off. Zoro faintly sheathed his sword.
Although he didn't want to say things too harshly, the fact was just that.
Miracles might happen, but to just sit and wait for a miracle to happen was a bit too stupid.
"Shame..."
"I am truly ashamed!"
Hitetsu's face under his mask was streaked with tears. His whole body felt as if it had frozen, and he could no longer straighten his back...
A sense of desperate powerlessness welled up in his heart. Blood squeezed out from between his gritted teeth. Hitetsu looked back on his life, which was full of hateful powerlessness.
The national treasure was right before his eyes, yet he could not take it back!
He even made such a rude request to a guest!
He had failed to stop Oden from going out to sea back then!
He had failed to stop Kaido's invasion, and Orochi's usurpation!
He had failed to stop that boiling pot of oil from burning Oden to death!
He had failed to stop his country and family from being destroyed!!
His life was a string of failures!
"This rotten life that should have committed seppuku 20 years ago...!"
"What exactly...!"
"What exactly was I waiting for, that I've lived until now!!"
Hitetsu's eyes were red and bloodshot. He clenched his fists, his fingernails digging into his flesh, and hated his own incompetence with a heart-wrenching voice.
Under the multiple impacts of mental grief, his eyes rolled back, and he actually fainted.
Thump.
With his sudden fall, the group was shocked and hurriedly stood up.
"Master!"
"What's wrong, uncle!"
"Isn't that a bit too much for just a sword, hey!"
"Doctor! Quick, call Chopper over!"
By late afternoon, when the sun had set, the setting sun shone on the barren land of Kuri. The foraging birds flew past the evening twilight and returned to the depths of the bamboo forest.
The dim light, passing through the dilapidated small wooden house, brought a sense of sorrow. Several figures sat at the door, dazed.
Just then, Chopper walked out of the room with a newly changed wet towel. O-Tama stood up worriedly.
"How is my master!"
"Looking at his pulse, uncle's condition has stabilized. He just needs a good rest."
"That's great!"
The worried look on O-Tama's face finally turned to joy.
"Thank you, Dr. Chopper."
"Doctor... even if you call me that, I'm not happy, you bastard~~"
Chopper's face was shy but filled with enjoyment as he wiggled his bottom from side to side.
(End of chapter)
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