The master of the sword.

It's been a month since we left Baratie. We've had several clashes with pirates roaming around. In this era of piracy, teamwork is vital, and Ussop the Sniper and Gad have improved a lot. Ussop's new spiked bombs are deadly.

Along with Gad's unrestrained attacks, it's interesting to see the battle strategies trained in different pairs. There's Kuro and Ussop, but he often fails when covering Kuro, and their cat-and-dog fight is unbearable.

-Boss, Mr. Deuce will activate the engine to reach the island before nightfall, - Nihtal said.

-Alright, - Axel replied.

-Unfurl the sails; we'll use the fire engine to save a few hours of travel, - Axel ordered.

The old man began to pull furiously, causing the ship to tilt slightly backward. The long movements of the waves were lost amid the constant thrust of the ship.

-What's the next destination? - Ussop asked.

-You'll see; we'll arrive shortly, - Axel said.

-You've been mysterious lately; the destination has been kept secret, just like on Gear Island. Is something going on? - Ussop asked.

-Nothing's happened; I'm just playing different cards. That idiot Kuro thinks he can measure the crew's pace. He's smart, but he lacks perspective and doesn't know the true strength. I've beaten him three times, and he still thinks he can win just by playing with plans, - Axel explained.

-What are you talking about, Axel? Intelligence beats strength; that's clear, - Ussop said, hitting his head.

-You don't understand. When you encounter a wall of strength as high as the Red Line, it makes you feel small and insignificant - Axel said.

-I... I don't understand what you mean, - Ussop said.

-You'll realize it when you see it because it's the top we're aiming for, -- Axel said. - Look, we've arrived; at the luxurious Shimotsuki Village. -

-Shimotsuki Village. What's so special about that island? - Ussop asked.

-A master. We still need some good people to guide us on the path to victory, - Axel said.

-A good master, -. Ussop said.

-Yes, a good master. Here, there's a powerful master who can help me grow and Lia. We need everything we can get to stand out against pirate crews and the Marines, - Axel said.

-How do you know so much? I only know how to shoot because my father taught me, sometimes when I was younger, - Ussop said.

-That, my dear Ussop, is due to my talent. It's only the beginning of our great adventures, - Axel said.

-Agatha, you have my adventure lunchbox. I'll have to go to the island to pick up something, - Axel said.

-I'll stay, - Deuce said.

-I'll go shopping; we need to replenish some things in the kitchen and restock the store. Big guy, you're coming with me, - Agatha said to Gad.

-Well, my sweet Agatha, how can I refuse you? - Gad said.

-Alright, do whatever you want. Lia, come with me, - Axel said.

Lia was training with her sword; sweat ran down her forehead. - Ahhh, yeah, let me get ready, - Tashigi said.

If I could describe Shimotsuki Village, it's a region in the western part of the land with its sweet harvest fields, and wooden houses with sliding doors. Even the people wear their yukatas. The layout is oriental, and it's beautiful.

-Excuse me, I'm looking for the kendo dojo in the village. - Axel said to an old lady carrying a bundle on her back. She had a joyful and contagious smile.

-Oh, little Kojiro lives in the dojo, it's across the rice fields about a 10-minute brisk walk. - the old lady replied.

-Thank you, grandma. - Axel said.

-The last one to arrive dresses up as a clown for a week. - Ussop said, running to the dojo, waving his arms and shouting like crazy.

-You know what Lia said. - Axel mentioned.

-Soru. - In the blink of an eye, Axel caught up with Ussop. He ran backward and saw Ussop sweating and giving his best effort.

-I think the loser is someone else; I hope you keep your promises. - Axel said.

-Soru. -

They arrived at one of the iconic places in anime, the beautiful Shimotsuki dojo, the sword style with the highest pedigree in the whole anime. It's said that Koushirou is a hidden master of the sword with skills on par with the great swordsmen of the series.

Numerous children were seen swinging bamboo sticks, ranging from 5-year-olds to 18 or 19-year-olds. There was no sign of Zoro anywhere; he must have gone with his poor sense of direction. Axel didn't see any interesting postures in any of the participants; at best, they could beat a few french fries, but nothing admirable. Well, Koushirou should feel Axel's presence; the sword's intent is like a sixth sense. Anyone who reaches the limit can see the sense of the sword.

Most sword actions have a chemistry in their world of swordsmen; normal people feel a chill or see hallucinations of being completely cut. I still don't understand it well, but I believe those who also reach a certain level of skill see the sword's energy and calculate it in their way with their own experience.

Therefore, Koushirou's subtle change awakened; the sleeping tiger opened its eyes to see if any threat entered its territory from the shadows. Through such a view, the tiger decides the level of threat; a person like Koushirou would only attack if he sees no other option and would spare lives.

Now, Mihawk only spares those he considers worthy. I still don't understand well how he discriminates against his enemies; he certainly shows no mercy to them. He attacks ruthlessly and that's it. The title of the most powerful swordsman makes sense when you understand that his sword has been the last thing many swordsmen have seen for the last time, Yoru, the legendary black sword with undeniable abilities.

What Koushirou saw was a boy catching his attention as he approached his dojo, with a trace of naivety. He didn't have the killer look in his sword; his intent was calm like the wind. For a swordsman, his intent says a lot, and this one feels refreshing. Even if he doesn't seek to kill, his tool is a sword, which in the hands of a lively youth can be lethal.

-You can continue with the lesson; I'll be back in a few minutes. - Koushirou said.

-So, young one, tell me what brings you to my dojo with that sword intent. You know it's only used for life-or-death duels. - Koushirou said.

-Oh, well, sir, I'm sorry. I had no idea it was used like that. - Axel said.

Hahaha - Axel laughed, embarrassed by Koushirou's reprimand.

-Although we can have a battle, I haven't found a sword rival in the East Blue for a few days, and it's awful. I need some good skills to improve. - Axel said.

-Do you want training? - Koushirou asked.

-Yes, for me and my companion Lia Tashigi, she's coming soon. She's the hardest-working person you'll meet. She's sweet, with dreams of becoming the best swordsman in the world. You'll like her. - Axel said.

-Well, I'll have a match with you, I still have to test your companion. The kendo month costs 5000 berries; if you don't have money, you can work in the fields to pay the fee. - Koushirou said.

-5000 berries per month, that's very cheap. Alright, I'll pay for a month for both my companion and me. As a favor, I'll work in the fields; it's good for basic training. - Axel said.

-Well, but I have to check on your company... - his voice dried up; Ussop came tired and beaten. Tashigi was holding him, scolding him for some reason that Axel could imagine.

-Kui - Kuina! - Koushirou reacted.

-Excuse me, sir, is something wrong? - Axel asked.

Sweat ran down his neck; his passiveness changed, and his posture screamed uncertainty. His eyes teared up. - My little one... - he said.

-That's why I told you, Ussop, now you have to dress up as a clown, and for trying to catch up with Axel, you twisted your ankle. - Lia said.

-I don't want to; clowns are scary. And Axel has a bad memory. - Ussop said.

-Sir, is something wrong? - Axel repeated.

-I need to meditate... - he said as he went under a tree in a lotus position.

-Axel, why did we come here? Oh, it's a kendo dojo; I like it here. - Lia said.

-Mmmhh. - Koushirou sighed.

-Is something wrong? - Lia asked.

Ussop was on the ground, exhausted, panting with swollen lips. It was the hit he took; after slipping on a log on the road, he twisted his ankle and hit his lips on the curb.

-Absolutely, Lia. Let's rest in the shade for a bit. - Axel said, sitting on the side.

-Oh well, I'll practice my katas a bit; you interrupted me halfway through my work. - Lia said.

-Mmmhhh. - Koushirou sighed.

-Keep practicing sharply, Lia; remember to strike in the way that suits you the most, but with all your strength. Each hit with the same power, every strike, with all the strikes given at the same power. - Axel said.

-That's what I try to do every time; it's challenging with my poor skills to deliver a strike as strong as the previous one. - Lia said.

-That's training, a constant challenge. - Axel said.

-Axel, is it true that you won't force me to dress up as a clown? - Ussop asked.

-Well, I'll consider it, honorable sir. - Axel said.

-Axel, you're crazy; I have a reputation as a tough guy. What would old Gad think of me? - Ussop said.

-Well, well, before honorable, I think life has to enjoy a good friend dressed as a clown for a week. - Axel said. - Gad will understand the situation for once.

His changing and double-edged gaze was about to explode. But he feels nervous about exploding in front of so many people.

-Alright! - Ussop said. - I hope you regret it when you need the great Ussop and he's in pain because of your selfishness. - Ussop shouted.

-Strange performances. - Axel said. - I'll get over it; maybe Deuce can help me in those situations.

-What are you talking about, Deuce? The guy who runs away is like a coward. Axel, you have me, your comrade, the guy who's always there. Sometimes I say things because I feel like I have to say them, but, you know. The great Ussop always saves the day. I wouldn't abandon you for anything in the world. - Ussop said.

-Well, you're right, buddy. - Axel said.

-Hehehe, the great Ussop does it again. - Ussop said.

Although anyone who has seen Ussop on screen knows about his outstanding abilities, there were even speculations about his powerful Observation Haki that can predict the future. His skills are remarkable, but his cowardice, negativity, and pessimism push him to the bottom of the food chain, and only when his fear of death or his sense of honor pushes him, he never gives up.

-It is. I liked your new spike bombs. - Axel said to Ussop.

-Ah, yeah, they're great. Old Nihtal taught me some interesting skills. - Ussop said.

-Could you make me some small bombs? - Axel asked.

It would be good to have some illuminating bombs to blind their rivals in case they need it, maybe some powder bombs. Emergency plans are always necessary to perform at the best.

-Of course. I'll create some special bombs; I already have an idea of what you need. - Ussop said.

-I don't want water bombs or colorful ones; I want the flash and some with poison. - Axel said.

-Poison? -

-Paralyzing, with not much damage. I fear for our upcoming rivals. - Axel said.

-Everything is part of the plan, right? - Ussop asked.

-Everything is true; there are some strange things that I still don't believe are possible to do. But well, I've never been very good at planning all the details. - Axel said.

-I'll try to adjust some details, but I can make you some special bombs. - Ussop said.

-Good, remember the Clima Tact I asked for last time. Adjust the power, and double it from the initial one. - Axel told Ussop.

-Old Nihtal is the one in charge of adjusting the power; I already solved the initial approaches, but I'm not good at adjusting experiments like the old man. - Ussop said. - By the way, why are we on the porch of the entrance? What exactly are we looking for? - he asked.

-We're waiting for Koushiro, my new sword sensei. He's the best teacher I could have. - Axel said.

-Ohhhhhhh, we'll stay for a long time. - Ussop said.

-Not much, just a month, maybe more. It all depends on Lia's progress. - Axel said.

-Don't you need it? - he asked Axel.

-Of course, I need it, but my kendo is already on track. I'm not a good teacher, and Koushiro is the one with the skills to guide Lia. Maybe I'll learn a few things with him, but she's the one who needs him the most. - Axel said.

Thinking about plans and the upcoming challenges, Lia was the one with the most possibility of losing.

...