But that was only compared to before his transmigration.
In this world, perhaps he had only just caught up to the baseline.
Don knew this very well.
Fortunately, the notification about his rapid transformation hadn't disappeared, which meant his body was still evolving.
It was most likely due to the Devil Fruit. After all, its description did mention that it would continuously strengthen the body.
As for swordsmanship, he knew he wasn't trained in it. But even basic movements like slashing and thrusting, combined with his focus on refining strength and control, had been enough to push his evaluation up a grade.
For the foreseeable future, he would stay in Shimotsuki Village to polish his strength.
Of course, he wouldn't overreach.
If his constitution could keep improving, that would already be enough.
As for fully awakening his Devil Fruit? That was a dream too distant for now. But training would never stop.
So his purpose in coming to Shimotsuki Village was clear: raise his swordsmanship to the level of cutting iron, become a true swordsman, and at the very least grasp the two basic forms of Haki. As for Conqueror's Haki—he wasn't sure if he even had that aptitude.
But with the confidence the datafication panel gave him, Don believed that even without Conqueror's Haki, he would never be weaker than anyone else on these seas.
If he could master Armament and Observation Haki, that alone would be enough.
As the ship docked, Don placed a foot on the railing and turned to the group behind him on deck.
"Our contract ends here!"
With that, he leapt from the ship, landing lightly on the small pier of Shimotsuki Village.
There were a few people at the dock, not many, and they hardly paid attention to the arrival of a merchant vessel, each busy with their own work.
Don asked for directions to the dojo and headed straight there.
On the merchant ship, the crew watched his departing figure in silence.
"What are you staring at? We're not like that lord. Hurry and prepare—stock up on supplies. I'll go see if we can find some goods to carry."
The captain's shout snapped the sailors back to work.
Smack!
A bamboo sword cracked against a head, echoing hollowly in the dojo.
Zoro, clutching his head with both hands, winced at the fresh lump swelling there, but his face burned with defiance.
"That's the one thousand nine hundred and fifty-ninth time. You lost again."
The girl of about ten, bamboo sword in hand, spoke calmly.
Since Zoro had joined the dojo, this had happened nearly two thousand times. She was used to it—or perhaps numb.
"Just you wait! I'll beat you one day!"
Releasing his head, Zoro grabbed the bamboo sword he'd dropped, glaring stubbornly at Kuina. His determination burned hot, though his bruised face and swollen lumps made the scene more comical than intimidating.
So comical, in fact, that laughter rang out from the doorway.
The sound instantly drew Zoro's furious glare.
He whipped his head toward the entrance, scowling—only to see a boy of about fourteen or fifteen leaning casually against the dojo doors, watching them.
The boy wore loose white clothes. His black hair was a little long, his features soft and well-proportioned, his face carrying no sharpness. At first glance, he seemed like someone easy to get along with.
But the smile on his lips now made Zoro think he was being mocked. Naturally, he couldn't stand it.
"Who are you?"
Zoro sized up Don, demanding sharply.
"Here to learn swordsmanship," Don replied, stepping into the dojo. His gaze swept over the wide training yard, then lingered on Kuina and Zoro.
"To learn swordsmanship? Wait here—I'll go tell my father."
Kuina wasn't surprised. Many came to the dojo seeking training. Though this boy didn't seem like a local.
As Kuina left, Zoro marched up to Don, chin tilted, his face full of defiance.
"What are you looking at me for?"
Don lowered his gaze at the green-haired brat before him. Comparing this child to the future swordsman who would one day clash head-on with an Emperor's commanders and split apart Kaido's top officers… he couldn't help but chuckle again.
If only he had a Den Den Mushi with a camera—this would be perfect blackmail material for Zoro's future.
"You're still laughing? Hmph! I'll beat Kuina someday!"
Wiping the blood from his nose, Zoro spoke with fierce determination.
Don shook his head. Beating her? Impossible. But since Kuina hadn't died yet, saving her along the way wouldn't be too hard.
As for whether that would alter Zoro's destiny—well, who cared?
"If you're joining this dojo, that makes me your senior," Zoro suddenly declared, his mind seizing on the idea of seniority.
"Since we're both here to learn swordsmanship, the strongest should be the boss."
Don chuckled, shaking his head.
"So you mean," he said lightly, "if I defeat Kuina, she'll have to call me senior?"
Zoro's eyes went wide, staring at him in disbelief.
"No way! You'll never beat me!"
Don hadn't even replied when Kuina's voice cut in.
She emerged from inside with Shimotsuki Koushirou, her face showing obvious irritation.
"I challenge you!"
Zoro roared, raising his bamboo sword and pointing it at Kuina.
She glanced at Don and her father, then silently walked toward the dojo yard. Zoro followed hot on her heels.
It seemed another duel was about to begin.
"Forgive the disturbance," Koushirou said with a gentle smile to Don. "My daughter and that disciple of mine… they do love to quarrel."
He didn't stop them. Instead, his eyes lingered on Don. When their gazes met, a flicker of surprise passed behind his glasses.
"No need to apologize," Don replied lightly. "They're students of the sword. Such contests only end when one side concedes—and I doubt either of them concedes easily."
"You see clearly indeed," Koushirou said, nodding slightly. He gestured for Don to follow, and Don accepted without hesitation.
Inside a quiet room of the dojo, Koushirou knelt and invited Don to sit. Don sat with casual ease, studying him.
[Top-tier Swordmaster (Extremely Dangerous)]
Above Koushirou's head glowed a blood-red marker. Compared to the marks Don had seen above pirates and others before, this was by far the most dangerous person he had yet encountered.
"You are not from Shimotsuki Village, are you?" Koushirou asked politely, noting Don's sharp gaze.
"No. I arrived today on a merchant ship. I'd heard there was a dojo here that taught swordsmanship, so I came."
Don nodded, his tone calm and steady.
"Then tell me… why do you wish to learn the sword?" Koushirou asked again.
"Is that really so important?" Don raised a brow, surprised by the question.
"It is," Koushirou replied with a slight nod.
His seriousness made Don thoughtful. He lowered his head for a moment of contemplation, then raised it again, ready with his answer.