"It seems something happened here."
The blind man was none other than Issho.
Issho scanned the surroundings with his keen senses and then began walking toward Ryuuzaki.
To be honest, Ryuuzaki was shocked to see him. 'What the hell is he doing in Foosha Village?'
Others might not recognize him, but Ryuuzaki definitely did.
This unassuming warrior from the people , though blind , had monstrous strength. After the Marineford War, he was fast-tracked to the position of admiral through the World Military Draft.
Jumping straight from a civilian to admiral… that alone said everything about his terrifying power.
Ryuuzaki glanced at his stats, confirming what he already knew: Issho's talent was completely busted.
Issho's Talents:
- Basic Physique: 106
- Basic Strength: 108
- Basic Martial Arts: 93
- Swordsmanship (Foundation): 109
- One-Sword Style: 102
- Mind's Eye Style: 98
- Armament Haki: 104
- Observation Haki: 134
- Devil Fruit Mastery: 101
These were absolutely admiral-tier stats!
Especially that 134 in Observation Haki , just absurd. The rest floated around the 100 mark, a testament to his monstrous potential. Paired with the Gravity-Gravity Fruit, this guy could literally rain meteors like they were candy.
Yeah, let's get crazy. Who needs one meteor when you can drop ten?
If meteors got boring, why not go full Planetary Devastation mode?
There was no denying it , Issho hid his power deep. Unlike the arrogant hotheads who show off the moment they unlock a flashy move, Issho stayed low-key. No showing off, no bragging. That's why he only stepped into the spotlight nearly twenty years later.
Still, while Ryuuzaki marveled at Issho's power, the blind swordsman was equally impressed by Ryuuzaki's kitchen knives.
"Such sharp blades… but to wield them in defense of the weak , that too is an honorable use of the sword."
"Uncle, can you… see?"
Issho smiled gently. "I do not see with my eyes. My hearing is simply quite sharp."
"Oh, I see!"
"Young man, is this Foosha Village?"
"Yeah, you're in the right place!"
"Ah, wonderful. I heard there's a blacksmith here , skilled, honest, and affordable…"
Makino giggled and winked at Ryuuzaki. "He's talking about you!"
Ryuuzaki rubbed the back of his head, flustered. This guy… saying all the honest truth like that. Too much, man.
"Hehe… Uncle, truth be told, I'm that blacksmith."
"Ah, so it's you? What a pleasure to meet you."
"Makino-nee, I'm heading to the smithy real quick."
"Okay, take your time."
Makino had to stay and help at the tavern , part of her part-time work.
After bidding her goodbye, Ryuuzaki led Issho toward the forge.
On the way, they chatted.
"Uncle, you want a kitchen knife made?"
"No, not this time. I need a sword."
"A sword? What kind?"
"Something like this…" Issho stopped walking and slowly drew the sword from his cane.
"Ah, I see , a blade hidden inside a cane."
Ryuuzaki glanced over it and quickly grasped the design.
Once they arrived, Ryuuzaki took the sword and inspected it carefully.
Cane swords were usually straight, narrow, and thin. He discussed the details with Issho to confirm the specifications. Having done so, Ryuuzaki resolved to forge a blade equal to , or even surpassing , a Supreme Grade Sword.
If he didn't have the talent, that would be one thing. But since he did, there was no excuse not to aim high.
"Uncle, could you give me six months? I'll have the sword ready by then."
"Six months? That's fine. I'll return then."
Half a year should be enough.
At least, that's what Ryuuzaki told himself. Of course, he wouldn't start right away.
His talent might be high, but his blacksmith level still wasn't top-tier. To forge something on par with a Supreme Grade blade, he'd need to hit at least level 90.
So he had to prepare.
On one hand, he continued crafting kitchen knives to hone his skills.
On the other, he commissioned the local merchant Kacak to source rare smithing materials.
And not just materials , books too. Any knowledge related to blacksmithing, Ryuuzaki wanted it.
Meanwhile, his physical training continued.
A few days later, late at night, Ryuuzaki quietly got up as usual. Using his Marked Door, he traveled to the nearby uninhabited island, hunted a few wild beasts, roasted the meat, and enjoyed a satisfying meal.
After eating, he climbed to a high point and gazed at the starry sky.
The night wasn't too dark , fewer clouds meant more moonlight.
And perhaps because of that, he spotted something on the horizon , a silhouette of a ship.
Alarmed, he jumped down and hurried to extinguish the remnants of his campfire.
Then, activating Air Gate: Tunnel Gate, he slipped into the interdimensional space.
He didn't flee , just quietly waited.
Eventually, the ship reached the island.
"Ivankov, take some men and fetch freshwater from the island."
"Understood, Dragon. I'll handle it."
"Wait, "
"What is it?"
"I'll go with you. You may not know where the water source is."
Saltwater couldn't be drunk. At sea, freshwater was vital. The ship was running low, so its leader came ashore to resupply.
That leader was none other than Monkey D. Dragon , leader of the Revolutionary Army, and son of the Hero Garp.
Beside him was the flamboyant face of Emporio Ivankov.
The two led their men ashore. With Dragon guiding them, they made their way to the freshwater spring.
"Wait… something's off. Ivankov, someone's been here."
"Someone? Are you sure? I didn't sense anything."
"My Observation Haki didn't pick up a soul either… but that campfire , it's been extinguished, but the warmth still lingers."
Dragon's instincts were sharp.
Too bad…
When it came to the Door-Door Fruit, even the sharpest Haki was useless.
After all, Ryuuzaki was hiding in another dimension.
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200 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter