131. Shimotsuki Kozaburo

"Wow~ When did you, old man, come here!"

Zoro was frightened by the sudden sound, and his whole body suddenly became excited. He stood up like a carp!

"Oh? How do you know?"

Atlas was not surprised at all and turned around slowly. He had already noticed the old man's arrival.

"Sandai Kitetsu...."

The old man did not answer Atlas's question. Instead, he looked nostalgic and remained silent for a long time.

"The sword... is a 'human-killing sword.' It is designed to take people's lives."

Atlas was not kept waiting for long. The old man spoke loudly as soon as he opened his mouth, and a fierce aura rushed towards his face.

"Aaaaah"

Ignoring Zoro's strange cry, the old man continued, "Each sword has its own personality, and a swordsman must be able to tame it before he can truly use it for his own use!"

"The sword is not cursed," Atlas said. "That's just nonsense. It's only the mediocre swordsmen who fear its power."

After saying that, the old man raised his eyes and glanced at the Sandai Kitetsu on Atlas's waist. "You didn't really conquer this famous sword; you just used it forcefully based on your courage."

"Are you Mr. Kozaburo?"

Hearing that these words were similar to what Koushirou had taught him before, Atlas immediately guessed his identity. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to tell that they were a father and son just from their appearance. However, Koushirou did not mention their Shimotsuki surname; the father and son did not take the initiative to reveal it, so Atlas would not take the initiative to reveal it.

The elderly gentleman clad in the traditional attire of Wanokuni—a kimono. His voluminous hair was neatly secured in a ponytail, and notably, his eyebrows were fused together. Unlike Koushirou's amiable and smiling demeanor, this man bore a stern countenance, exuding a peculiar aura of malevolence and self-anger, devoid of any sense of authority.

"That's right, how did you know, Marine brat?"

Kozaburo found himself taken aback. Could an elderly man, residing in isolation within the quaint mountain village of East Blue, truly be etched in the memory of the Marines? Despite the formidable capabilities of the Marine intelligence agency, Kozaburo managed to slip away from Wanokuni over thirty years ago and settle in his current haven.

"I had the privilege of being a student under Mr. Koshiro for a while, and I had the honor of knowing you."

"Marines..." Kozaburo mused, taking a moment to reflect before inquiring, "Could it be Canos Atlas? The exceptionally skilled Marine Mr. Koushirou spoke to me about?"

Several years back, Koushirou had indeed spoken to him about a remarkably skilled Marine in the art of swordsmanship. However, the passage of time had created a temporary disconnect, making it challenging for Kozaburo to immediately link the two.

"You're not merely talented!"

Kozaburo offered a significant smile.

As a swordsmith responsible for crafting numerous renowned blades, Kozaburo held firm to the belief that his vision had not significantly waned with age. The presence emanating from the Marine before him was on par with that of the formidable figures renowned across the seas.

"You do me honor."

Atlas responded calmly, then shifted his gaze to Zoro, who remained visibly perplexed.

"Let's proceed with our agreement, Zoro."

"Eh? What's the agreement?" Zoro questioned, still puzzled.

"Join the Marines and pursue your unique path in swordsmanship. I look forward to encountering you at Naval Headquarters in the future! I have high expectations for you, so don't disappoint me."

"This is a agreement between men!"

Gazing at Atlas with a grave expression, Zoro muttered to himself, "Marines...? Sounds interesting."

Then he nodded decisively!

In a grave atmosphere, the Sandai Kitetsu was solemnly entrusted into Zoro's hands.

Chilling!

This is the initial sensation Zoro felt.

"Are you certain that this lad can wield the Sandai Kitetsu without causing harm to himself?"

Kozaburo began to dampen the excitement.

"Huh? Underestimating me, are you? It's just a cursed sword!"

Zoro clearly didn't pay much heed to what Kozaburo had just mentioned. All he grasped was that the sword in his hand was a demonic blade challenging for ordinary swordsmen to master.

Upon finishing his words, Zoro drew the Sandai Kitetsu from its sheath. The black monster pattern and the gleaming, razor-sharp blade nearly mirrored his countenance entirely.

"Then let the blade speak for itself!"

The blade was exceptionally long, yet Zoro exerted all his might to hurl the demonic sword into the sky, positioning his slender arms in the sword's trajectory.

"It came huh..."

Atlas pursed his lips, already somewhat mentally prepared for this spectacle.

Kozaburo made no attempt to hinder him, but there was a subtle hint of unknown significance in his eyes.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

The blade continued its airborne rotation, emitting muted sounds as it sliced through the air. Time appeared to stretch infinitely until...

Clang!

Kitetsu descended, yet Zoro's arm remained unscathed!

"Good!"

Atlas had anticipated it, but he still commended it with a contented expression,

"This kind of bravery..."

On the contrary, Kozaburo appeared somewhat distracted. Zoro, merely seven years old, exhibited this level of courage. It left Kozaburo pondering whether it stemmed from innocence or fearlessness.

Old.....

Indeed, he is quite old in age. Following the comic's storyline, Kozaburo is expected to meet his demise around 1510 in the Sea Circle Calendar. This implies he has only two, or at most three, years left to live.

"But it appears you lack your own set of weapons, don't you?"

Kozaburo suddenly expressed concern about Atlas' weaponry, and a hint of hesitation and reluctance flickered in his eyes.

"It's fine. With luck, my weapon should be on its way," Atlas reassured.

Atlas stated enigmatically, and simultaneously added in his thoughts, 'Its still your Wanokuni's national treasure.'

He didn't deceive Kozaburo. According to the timeframe in Atlas's recollections, the individual associated with Moria was supposed to sail the Thriller Bark into the misty sea from West Blue's hometown two years later. Kozaburo seemed oblivious to the fact that Moria was currently digging into Wanokuni's treasure.

"I have a blade here that might suit you."

Unaware that Atlas had already entertained the notion of their Wanokuni national treasure, Kozaburo might have regretted his intention to gift him the sword.

"Cursed sword?"

Atlas was well aware of the swordsmithing prowess of the elderly man before him. Wado Ichimonji and Oden's Enma were both crafted by him. These were two renowned swords that held a place among the 21 Great Grade swords!

"No, it's not a Cursed blade," Kozaburo clarified, shaking his head, a nostalgic glint in his eyes.

As people age, it becomes easy to yearn for the past...

"When I was young, I forged a blade that I deemed the pinnacle of my craft, a truly exceptional sword! You can sense the chill when it rests in your hand. I bestowed that renowned sword..."

"The name Enma"

"Nevertheless, later on, I also crafted an infamous sword of unknown origin. Strictly speaking, it cannot be deemed my own creation..."

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A huge thank you to Jonathan Montalvo for joining my Patr*on.

Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari