Hiroto's tone was very light, as if he were chatting about some commonplace matter. Yet it caused Issho's expression to change rapidly.
With his experience and temperament, to be shaken to this extent was proof of the power of Hiroto's words.
Issho was certain that this was the first time he and Hiroto had met. The other party, born in the East Blue, looked to be only in his twenties. It was impossible and shouldn't be for him to see through him in such a short time.
But what the other party said was as if he were looking down at his life from a high perspective.
The summary made it impossible for Issho to deny, because he knew what kind of person he was.
It was precisely because of this that it seemed extremely terrifying, causing his emotions to surge uncontrollably like a storm.
Combined with the other party's initial words, the only logical explanation was some kind of Devil Fruit Ability.
This young man had already surpassed the expectations he had when he had arrived.
Initially, Issho just wanted to know what those words meant and why they were said.
'The advantage of knowing the plot... sometimes it really is an overkill.'
Hiroto shook his head, not caring too much about these things.
His goal was more on Issho. Although the other party had appeared very abruptly and his intentions were unknown, he clearly had no hostility. Instead, he could bring some benefits.
At least at this moment, Hiroto had something he wanted.
Half a minute later.
Issho's expression calmed down, and he opened his mouth, about to say something.
But he saw Hiroto shake his head. "I don't know any more. What I can see are only some scattered fragments. However, you must understand that you owe me a debt of gratitude."
"...That is only natural."
Although Issho was somewhat disappointed, he then nodded solemnly and gave Hiroto a deep bow.
"However, I must still say, thank you for your guidance."
Since the answer was already clear, that self-blinding strike was no longer necessary.
But... in the end, did nothing change?
Hiroto nodded slightly, but his focus was gathered on the panel he had summoned, where light was flickering.
The Distortion energy soared all the way to a pale but extremely brilliant purple light.
The corners of his lips couldn't help but curl up, a look of joy appearing in his eyes.
What a good person.
But this was not enough!
He already had a series of ideas to exploit Issho.
"What did you come to the East Blue for?" Hiroto adjusted his mindset and asked curiously.
"Not long ago, I accidentally saw the deeds of a friend taking action, so I wanted to meet him. And by the way, return his ancestor's relic that I obtained by chance."
Issho said while casting his gaze toward Hiroto's hand, where the Wado Ichimonji he held was extremely conspicuous.
"However, it seems I have already found a clue. The sword in your hand is called Wado Ichimonji, right? Are you Koushirou's disciple? As expected of his disciple, to be so outstanding..."
Before he could finish, Hiroto pointed at the swordsman beside him. "I'm not, he is."
Issho: "..."
Huh?
Zoro, who was nearby, also showed a confused expression. He hadn't quite understood their conversation since it began.
But he could feel that Hiroto seemed incredible in other aspects as well.
Hiroto said, "This sword originally belonged to him, it's in my hands now due to some accidents. However, I can also be considered Koushirou-sensei's disciple, having received his guidance for a period of time."
"I do indeed know his whereabouts and can contact him via den den mushi, but how can I trust you?"
After all, involving Koushirou, who had shown him the kindness of teaching, Hiroto was somewhat cautious. Although Issho was a good person, it was hard to say if they were truly friends.
Of course, this was based on Hiroto's knowledge of Issho's character.
"It is the national treasure of Wano Country, Ryuma's relic, one of the twenty-one great grade swords, the Black Blade Shusui!"
Issho drew a sheathed long sword from his waist and showed it to Hiroto. "This is the relic I want to return."
"Shusui!?" Hiroto was stunned.
A thought flashed through his mind like lightning, and then his gaze immediately became strange.
That Distortion energy that came from nowhere... so Moria's nest was raided?
Thinking carefully, Zombie Ryuma should also be dead, and Brook was likely liberated. No wonder there was so much energy. He just didn't know what happened to Moria.
Hiroto took Shusui from Issho's hand and examined it. As described in the original story, the spine was thick, the blade body was black-purple, and there were red serrated patterns on the edge.
It felt very 'heavy' in his hand, and [Swordmaster] was triggered.
Hiroto paused at this moment, feeling a connection with Shusui in the dark.
He could feel Shusui's sword spirit. Unlike the gentleness of Wado Ichimonji, Shusui was closer to the 'Great Trend'.
A magnificent trend, irreversible!
'So this is a Great Grade Blade and a Black Blade.'
After examining it, Hiroto returned Shusui to Issho, he seemed to hear a hum when he handed it back. But looking at Issho's reaction, it seemed like just a hallucination.
Hiroto didn't pay much attention and said, "It is indeed Shusui."
'Even Shusui knows...'
Issho was surprised for a moment, but then he didn't find it strange anymore.