Who said that you can’t learn by watching anime.

At the Baratie, the day started at dawn. At 6:30 a.m., all the chefs got ready, cleaned the ingredients, prepared the kitchen for the day, and performed a general cleaning. They began detailing the menu, the challenging parts, the sauces, the seasoning of the meat, and every detail before opening the restaurant.

You've unlocked a bronze treasure chest for visiting the Baratie location. Obtained a quick-loading revolver. Webley model.

A good find, Axel smiled. This journey only gets better with time.

To accommodate customers arriving almost at night, the work was distributed in shifts of eight hours, two rotations. Chefs took turns, some were criminals, troublemakers, or pirates.

Pay attention, Ussop, Deuce, and Agatha will stay. The ship will remain here. I entrust you with the ship while Agatha studies with Chef Zeff. Deuce, don't be afraid to put in some shifts, - Axel said.

-Kuro and I. We'll head to Logue Town to look for pirates and some goods that could be useful, - Axel said.

-We'll split up! For how long? - Deuce asked.

-You said you wouldn't leave us, - Agatha said.

-For two weeks. Or less, -- Kuro said. -- The plan isn't particularly difficult, and I doubt the time will extend, - the black cat replied.

-A plan! - Ussop exclaimed.

-You're not plotting against Axel, are you? - Ussop said, suspiciously.

-Please. If I wanted to kill someone, I'd start with you, - Kuro replied.

-Try it right now, four eyes, - Ussop said.

Just give me some space, coward.

-That's enough, you two, - Agatha replied, hitting them on the head, which made Kuro deadly furious.

-We'll depart. Logue City is a few hours from here, - Axel replied.

-We'll look for something, find it, and leave immediately, - Axel said.

Boarding a small boat, a two-seater, a simple rowing boat that was dangerous for maritime waters.

The journey to Logue Town wasn't particularly stressful; the good weather and Axel's skills helped a lot. In no time, they were in the city with its tall three-story buildings. The urban atmosphere marked a difference from the villages and towns they had previously visited. Of all the places Axel had been to, perhaps the Goa Kingdom had a similar infrastructure, but it was still different.

-Well, we'll split up. You search where you think is suitable. On the other hand, I'll go to the lower districts, - Kuro said.

-I'll check at the Mariana Base for recent information, - Axel replied.

Logue Town was just as seen in his previous memories. He vaguely remembered the shapes and had an idea of the weapon shop where Zoro went to get his swords. But he had no idea where the armory, the architecture, was elegant and Renaissance.

...

Ding.

You've received a bronze chest for visiting Logue Town.

The Marine base was at the rear of the island, with normal marines recruited from the East Blue islands. The current Smoker served as the lieutenant of the Marine base. In three years, he rose to the rank of captain after liberating the entire city of Logue Town from pirates and significantly reducing the influx of pirates to the Grand Line. His reputation is solid in the East Blue.

-Good morning. I'd like to speak with the Marine Bounty Center, - Axel said.

-The rewards are delivered by the leader of the Marine base, Lieutenant Smoker. He's in his conference room, - the corporal replied.

-Can I go in? - Axel asked.

-Yes, the lieutenant is in his office, - the corporal responded.

-Very well, I'll follow the directions. Thank you, - Axel replied.

Lieutenant Smoker was of good stature, with an enviable physique at first glance—broad shoulders and arms, white hair, and a shirtless jacket.

He smoked two cigars simultaneously, filling the room with smoke. The curtains were closed, and his sword was stationed on the table.

-You were looking for me, - Smoker said abruptly, wearing a wide white jacket with a black, round sword.

-Yes, I'd like to discuss a situation that, in my opinion, is of importance to the Marines, - Axel said.

-Since when does a civilian discuss Marine matters? Do me a favor and leave; I don't want any waste of time, - Smoker replied.

-Fair enough. Without causing further trouble, I'll leave then, - Axel said.

He was already familiar with the generally reckless attitude. Arguing with such a stubborn person would only end in conflict.

Importantly, he didn't find Tashigi with the smoke man or anywhere nearby.

-Excuse me, do you know if there's a Tashigi enrolled in the Marine course? - Axel asked.

-Tashigi, are you talking about the young woman challenging the Marines in the square? She's a strong-willed woman. Lieutenant Smoker said he might challenge her to a duel if she won a hundred consecutive duels, - the corporal marine commented.

-Exactly where, - Axel replied, completely captivated. Tashigi is an excellent swordswoman.

-She's been in the square, and according to rumors, she has thirty victories and hasn't lost a battle, - the young man said.

-Yes! - Axel thought.

-Thank you. -

Axel's next destination is to teach a lesson to a skilled swordswoman who will join his crew, whether she wants to or not. Who needs some pirates when you can easily have one of the few female swordsmen in the anime?

The grand square, yes, where the great Gold D. Roger was executed. The epic moment that began the era of pirates and became a predetermined destination for people. The restaurants were scattered, and the festive atmosphere did not change the solemnity of the place. Tashigi wore a long blue coat. Her sword was not the famous Shigure. It was a normal katana.

-I challenge you to a duel, swordsman Tashigi - Axel said.

-I hope you can give me a fight, - Axel said. His idea is to pull her in and defeat her swordsmanship until it breaks. Then, extend a hand and have an excellent member of his crew. The carrot-and-stick trick.

-What are you talking about? You're lost, - Tashigi said absentmindedly.

-What do you mean? I heard you were taking duels in the square, - Axel said.

-You're coming for a duel! - the swordswoman exclaimed.

-Damn, what a distracted woman, - Axel said aloud.

-Very well, I challenge you to a duel. Prepare yourself, - Axel repeated.

Her gaze turned serious as she unsheathed her katana, a beautiful katana but nothing memorable.

-I'm ready, - her cheerful smile turned into seriousness.

-Good, - Axel said.

His white Nichirin jumped in its brilliance, a beautiful white sword.

Her handling was about to cut through iron, and her water-breathing abilities were far above any fighter. Her physique allowed her to be nearly five times stronger than any normal fighter from the East Blue. Her breathing was a qualitative leap that tripled that attack power. With her sword skills, very few were rivals for her in this sea. Perhaps Arlong and Smoker were the only ones who could give her a challenge.

Well, the Revolutionary Army doesn't count. Despite escaping Marine persecution, she didn't know how long this could last. Her exploits in the Goa Kingdom were covered by the Bear King and later supported by the people of Gear Island.

-I should go back for more merchandise. The music boxes sold like hotcakes in the Orange Islands and the Animal Islands, earning a lot of money, - he continued in his mental debate.

Enough to cover all medical supplies for the next few months, Agatha's cooking course, and even buy some books on astrology, medicine, cooking, animals, novels, history, and encyclopedias.

Both swordsmen were still, and Tashigi could feel Axel's power.

-You're scared, woman, - Axel said.

-What did you say? - she murmured, her anger starting to emerge.

-You're scared, woman, - Axel responded.

-How arrogant. To think I believed you were a good guy, - Tashigi said.

There was a pause, the attack position, their low hips showing how ready they were to start fighting without giving any quarter.

The clash of swords was a second, and Tashigi didn't have time to make a complete block of Axel's sword. She was sent flying but quickly got up.

She stood up quickly, Axel rushed, focusing all his strength from the right side to make a circular cut. The perfection of the movement always helps incapacitate the opponent from reacting in time, as the natural movement of the body doesn't allow a quick response.

Tashigi lowered her posture and jumped backward. Axel predicted her move and spun like a top, seeking to crash into his enemy. The spin allowed him to move about four steps, enough to disrupt Tashigi's balance. The next hit was with the sword hilt to the stomach, followed by a kick.

Tashigi fell again, and this time it was difficult for her to move due to the loss of air. Her legs tried to gain momentum again. Her body trembled, but her gaze remained fierce. She wouldn't give up. She wouldn't lose—that was the determination in her eyes.

-You're good, - Axel said.

Her anger was now more palpable, and the adrenaline itself gave enough momentum to attack again.

She focused her sword energy and cut his katana, which split into three pieces and fell to the ground.

-I don't think you've beaten me. Let's fight again; you only use tricks to distract me, - frustrated, Tashigi said.

-I didn't use tricks. I fought like a swordsman fights. Without mercy, - Axel said.

The next fight turned out the same, with Tashigi losing power.

-What does being a woman have to do with it? You mentioned it at the beginning, - Tashigi asked.

-As a woman, I can become stronger than any man, -Tashigi said.

-That's true; you're the first swordswoman I've seen, and you can be stronger than any man. A bit disappointing,- Axel said.

Disappointing.

-Disappointing, - the last sting hit home. It came from her second defeat, and tears flowed for the loss of her honor. First, it was her sword, then her ability.

She ran out of the square, feeling the eyes of the onlookers. The girl had been fighting against all the men for a while; every time she lost, she sought more fighters and never gave up. Seeing her cry was something new for these people.

...

Ding.

You have obtained a shiny steel chest.

...

Axel followed her, crossing the street towards the mansion area. Tashigi continued searching for the city viewpoint.

He ended up in a small park. From there, he saw Tashigi, who leaned against a tree. Her back and chest moved in sync with the tears still streaming from her eyes. No doubt, it hit her pretty hard.

-Thank God, I have two swords. Hey, don't cry. I have a gift for you," Axel said as he watched Tashigi lift her red eyes.

-Stay away, - Tashigi said.

-Look, maybe I was a bit harsh, but this will help. This is my first sword; take it as a gesture of apology. I thought challenging you with words would make you follow me, - Axel said.

The pout she made caused Tashigi to laugh. He handed her his katana as a gesture of apology.

The fine katana he acquired on one of his journeys was now in Tashigi's hands. It was a good katana, sturdy and resilient. It had been in her hands for a short time, but it was well-made, and with proper care, it could last a lifetime.

-A gift? You hadn't said I didn't deserve to be a swordswoman, - Tashigi said.

-I never said you didn't deserve it, - Axel replied.

-So, this sword is for me? - Tashigi asked.

-Yes, your spirit is strong, and you have talent. I only see that you can't keep improving with the method you use, - Axel said.

-My method, - she questioned angrily again.

-To fight the strong, you need a lot of training. You only achieve growth when you break the limit you set for yourself, and that has to be with basic training. But that limit has to be previously stimulated, or, failing that, fighting to the death is your only option, - Axel said with a professorial voice.

Or having a system with a trick that pushes your potential, Axel thought.

-What should I have done then? - the young girl murmured, grumbling.

-Find your sword intent, - Axel said.

-What is your dream? To become a swordswoman, you need a lot of courage," Axel said.

-When I was little, I found a book of swords in my home library. I read it every day and ended up memorizing it. I dream of acquiring some famous swords and collecting them makes me happy. I want to have all the swords in the world in my possession. These are instruments of honor used to protect people, but in the age of piracy, everyone uses them to destroy, - Tashigi explained cheerfully.

-So basically, you want to have all the swords from your book, - Axel said.

-Yes, I would like to have all the swords. You see, being a swordswoman is an honor; using a sword is not about taking lives; it is living the path of the sword, - she said, more excitedly, sharing her goals as a swordswoman.

-So, that's why you want the swords. But those who wield swords, there are great fighters with famous swords. I know a few who can be deadly, - Axel said.

-I'll only take them from those who cause harm. The sword is not used to kill; it's used for defense, - she repeated.

-It's an admirable dream. You want to be the strongest swordswoman in the world because the world's best swordsman is a pirate, - Axel said.

-S-swordswoman strongest in the world, -- she stammered. -- I just want the swords. I don't want to hold that title. --

-Well, initially, that's how it starts, but the number one swordsman in the world is Dracule Mihawk, and he's a pirate. He has a long history of murders, so to speak. He goes against your beliefs, - Axel replied.

-The strongest swordsman in the world, - Tashigi thought. Her eyes lit up, and a new goal was born; her aspiration transcended to becoming the best swordswoman in the world. Zoro will be furious when he hears that.

-It's time, - Axel thought.

-Well, I'll be very powerful, beyond what I usually expected. I'll collect the skilled swords of all the pirates, - Tashigi said.

-Would you like to join me? I'm creating a group with impossible dreams, seeking adventure, - Axel asked.

-I refuse, - Tashigi protested firmly.

-Wait, why? - Axel said.

-Because you're my rival. You can't follow your rival; I'll defeat you, and then you'll have to admit that a woman defeated you, - Tashigi said.

-Wait, my dream is not to be the best swordsman in the world, - Axel said, hurriedly changing his attitude.

-Still, I refuse, - Tashigi said.

-I think I reject your refusal, - Axel declared.

-You're impressive, and I've decided that you join my group. You'll get along well. There's Ussop, who is my best friend the liar of the group, and the soul of the ship. Although he doesn't say it, he cares about everyone. There's Agatha, who tried to be a criminal, but we rescued her, and now she's on her quest to become a certified cook, preparing delicious dishes, - Axel said.

-Deuce is a frustrated upper-class doctor who got tired of life's hypocrisy and went in search of adventures. Now, he's the ship's doctor and chronicler, writing the crew's log and telling our stories. Then there's Kalhaldore, someone who found a spiritual crisis and doesn't know what to do with his life. He ended up getting into trouble, and I'm guiding him on the right path; he's part of the crew. Now, he's the strategist who plans or assesses the dangers of our actions, - Axel finished saying.

-They sound like a motley crew, - Tashigi replied, getting up from the tree, more animated.

-They are, you'll like them, - Axel said.

-I won't join your group; I have things to do in the city of Logue - she told Axel.

-If I help you complete them, will you join my crew? - Axel asked.

-No, - the swordswoman replied.

-What are your errands? - Axel asked.

-I live on the outskirts of the city with my grandmother. She makes a living selling baskets, but due to her age, it has become more complicated for her to go to the square to sell the baskets. Still, she insists that she has to sell these baskets and return to her previous life, - Tashigi said.

-And if I help her find a place where she's cared for and healthy? - Axel asked.

-How? It takes a lot of money, which we don't have, - Tashigi said, with a finger in her mouth, happily.

-Mmm, I have a few favors from a very rich man on the Gecko Islands, a day away from here. They would be willing to take care of your grandmother, and the island's security is good. There haven't been pirate attacks in the last seven years, and counting. I think it would be good for your grandmother, a change to a healthier environment, don't you think? - Axel said.

-My grandmother is a strict woman. If you can convince her, I'll follow you, - Tashigi replied, knowing her grandmother would never leave her home. Even against hurricanes, she would say she prefers to die in her home than in any other unknown basement.

-Yes! -- Axel shouted to the air, with much happiness in his heart. I should have said that before. Come on, I'm sure your grandmother will be happy for you to join my crew. -

-What a great opportunity. Tashigi is a top-tier fighter. I was sure that with his push and the system, the crew would eventually grow enough to become a great companion, - Axel thought.

The one with the most potential of all is Ussop and Kuro. But with Logia's abilities, Deuce and Agatha far surpass both in potential due to their Devil Fruits. Even if he can't compete with Deuce and Agatha in power; Logia is broken. However, Tashigi has the potential to be at least a Rear Admiral with good guidance, some tricks, and even giving my water breathing technique to elevate her combat abilities to a higher level. She's close to the level of a Vice Admiral.

-Hey, Tashigi. -

-Yes? -

-What challenge did Lieutenant Smoker propose to you? - Axel asked.

-Oh, he challenged me that if I defeated a hundred people without losing, he would face me in a one-on-one sword battle as a swordsman, - Tashigi told Axel.

-Some say he's the strongest being in the East Blue. Having a practice battle with him alone would elevate my knowledge of Kendo to another level, - Tashigi said, remembering how Smoker broke all standards and defeated two pirate crews in a minute.

-Ah, look, we're already here, - Tashigi interrupted her talk to run to the house.

It was a small wooden house with a beautiful flower garden. Her grandmother was at the entrance, weaving some baskets with leaves and wooden folds.

-Dear girl, how have you been? Did you manage to defeat all the swordsmen today? - said the old woman, shrunk in her rocking chair.

-I lost, Grandma. Today, I fought someone stronger than me, - Tashigi said, with renewed sadness. She had promised her grandmother a month ago that she wouldn't lose again, and now she arrived defeated once more.

-Dear girl, how have you been? Did you manage to defeat all the swordsmen today? - said the old Shoki, shrunk in her rocking chair, smiling mischievously.

-Little Lia, you brought a man home, and I didn't prepare the food, - the grandmother said, jumping out of the rocking chair, denying her age, opening the door, and running to the kitchen. She took out a large pot and stood on a wooden stool two steps from her.

-Grandma, it's just the guy who defeated me this afternoon, absolutely not, - Tashigi said, shaking her head.

Axel smiled. - Grandma, I came to take Tashigi with me. I hope you'll give us your blessing, - Axel said.

-Oh, look at him, so polite. You can take her; she's already a grown woman. She never cared about young men, and always played with swords. I thought she'd never find a man to take care of her. She became eligible two years ago, now she's eighteen, and time has passed, - the grandmother said with feigned regret.

-Grandma, that's not true! - Tashigi's face was red, and she couldn't articulate any words.

-Grandma, we just want to get to know each other, - Axel said.

-Eto, Grandma, I won't get married, - Tashigi said.

-My girl, then why did you bring a man home? This grandma knows strong men are like a flame, - araraararar, the grandmother laughed wildly, seeing Tashigi's eyes wide open.

-Grandma, she's right. Let's eat something at the table and talk more calmly about our future, - Axel said, helping the grandmother with the rice pot.

-Hi, let's eat. More calmly, - Tashigi was nervous to the hundredth degree. She never expected this turn, a ninety-degree shift between Axel and her grandmother.

-Look, girl, that's a man, providing food for the family, - Shoki said to Tashigi, who was relieved to see her granddaughter nervous about someone other than swords.

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