Early the next morning, Baichuan knocked on Rayleigh's door.
"What do you want? It's so early! Can't a man get some sleep?"
A groggy voice came from inside, laced with a hint of irritation.
The door swung open rather violently.
When Rayleigh saw Baichuan standing outside, his aura didn't ease up in the slightest.
"What do you want?"
"I hope you'll train me again," Baichuan said respectfully, bowing deeply.
He had now set himself a clear goal: to reach Emperor-level strength.
Though that goal seemed distant, Baichuan had no intention of relaxing until he achieved it.
He planned to lie low, build his strength, and only then reemerge into the world.
"No time," Rayleigh said flatly, ignoring Baichuan's sincerity, and slammed the door shut.
"…Insane."
Back in bed, Rayleigh muttered under his breath.
His morning temper was no joke.
"What the hell just happened?"
Rejected, Baichuan stood frozen at the door, stunned that such a sincere request had been flat-out refused.
"You know, Rayleigh's not your only option,"
A voice called out.
Baichuan turned and saw Captain Roger leaning against a wall, watching with interest.
"We've got more than one master on this ship, after all."
"In that case, Captain, would you be willing to teach me?"
Roger's face froze immediately.
Without even replying, he turned and walked off.
As he left, he echoed Rayleigh's words:
"No time."
"Well, looks like I'll have to ask someone else."
Having been rejected by the first and second strongest on the ship, Baichuan shook his head in resignation.
His next target: Spark Jabba.
Baichuan had a good relationship with Jabba, and he was confident the man would be willing to train him.
Jabba's strength was no less than Rayleigh's.
Unfortunately, Jabba wasn't here at the moment.
So Baichuan would have to wait if he wanted training.
With no options left, he returned to his room to get some sleep.
He hadn't slept at all the previous night; his head was a mess, full of jumbled thoughts.
Just as he was about to fall asleep, a knock came at the door.
"Who is it?! It's early in the morning! Can't a man get some sleep?"
He had already forgotten that he'd done the same thing to Rayleigh earlier.
"What is it?"
Opening the door, Baichuan saw Katherine standing there and asked irritably.
"I brought you a gift," she said proudly, as if awaiting praise.
"A gift?"
Baichuan had already noticed the item wrapped in cloth on her back.
Even though it was covered in white fabric, he could tell at a glance what it was.
Still, he asked anyway.
"Ta-da! It's a sword. I noticed your last one broke, so I thought I'd give you this."
She handed it to him with both hands.
Baichuan took it one-handed, unwrapping the cloth.
A beautifully ornate sword appeared before his eyes.
"…This isn't just a decorative piece, is it?"
It looked more like a nobleman's showpiece than a weapon meant for battle.
"No way! I asked the armory steward, This is a Grade-Quality Sword!"
"A Grade-Quality Sword?"
Baichuan's eyes lit up with surprise.
He quickly unsheathed it for closer inspection.
"A fine blade. Way better than my last one."
His previous sword had been a cheap, mass-produced weapon, not even worthy of the "Fast Blade" category.
"What's this one called?"
"I heard it's called Coldsteel."
"Coldsteel, huh? That name fits."
Baichuan could feel a faint chill emanating from the blade.
It wasn't strong, but for someone on the receiving end of the slash, it could add extra bite.
It was likely made from some kind of special material.
"Thanks. I like it."
"No need to thank me. It's the least I could do; your last sword only broke because of me."
Katherine smiled sweetly. Her heart warmed because this was the first time Baichuan had ever thanked her.
"Alright, you can leave now. I'm going back to sleep."
"…What?"
Katherine was taken aback. She thought bringing such a great gift might at least get her invited in for tea or something.
"I said you can leave. I'm going back to bed."
Baichuan didn't give her a second chance to respond; he closed the door right in her face.
Back inside, Baichuan no longer felt sleepy.
He unsheathed the new sword again, admiring it like one might gaze at a stunning beauty.
But he knew in his heart this sword was only temporary.
One day, he would obtain a weapon worthy of the title Supreme Grade Great Sword; anything less wouldn't suit the Silver King.
"Coldsteel, huh? From now on, we fight side by side."
The sword didn't vibrate or respond; it wasn't sentient.
Even the most exciting things fade quickly.
After a while, Baichuan casually set the sword aside and lay back in bed, finally falling into a deep, undisturbed sleep.
When he woke again, it was already afternoon.
He wasn't exactly hungry, but his stomach felt empty, which was uncomfortable in its way.
"You're awake?"
Walking into the palace courtyard, Baichuan saw Captain Roger sipping tea.
Honestly, tea didn't suit Roger's image at all.
"A good rest is important. After all, you've been through over a month of hardship.
Buggy and Shanks aren't even up yet."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Let those two kids sleep; they've been through a lot traveling with you."
"Hehe… that's just because I'm not strong enough."
"Nice sword you've got there," Roger said, noticing the new weapon at Baichuan's waist.
"Yeah. It's a Grade Sword. Still doesn't compare to yours, though. I've admired your blade for a long time."
"Hmph, dream on, kid. You'll just have to stare at it, no touching."
"Tch, stingy."
Though Roger wasn't a professional swordsman, his sword was like an extension of himself, a long-time companion, possibly even sentimental.
"Captain, when are we setting sail again?"
"What, already getting restless?"
"Yeah… I want to see more battles at sea."
"Soon. Once Jabba and Barrett return, we'll be ready to leave.
We're headed back to the Grand Line, you know."
"I know. The vice-captain already told me."
"Did he now? Rayleigh's sure a talkative one."
After a pause, Roger suddenly asked.