Chapter 232: The Method of Forging a Black Sword
The 'Shimotsuki Family' was a follow-up quest from the "Last Wish."
Given Master Koushirou's level limitations, the task he issued didn't offer a high experience reward, only 10 million experience points.
However, the reward after the experience points exceeded Adrian's expectations.
The "Method of Forging a Black Sword"!
A "Black Sword" is a special term used among swordmasters to refer to legendary swords.
In general, covering a sword with Armament Haki forms a so-called "Black Sword."
But this kind of Black Sword is temporary and reverts to its original form once the user's Haki is removed.
Such Armament Haki Black Swords are usually not recognized by swordmasters.
A true "Black Sword" is one like "Yoru" or "Shusui," whose blades are permanently black.
Especially the former, "Yoru," known as the "World's Strongest Black Sword"!
A Black Sword is a high-level weapon forged under special conditions by the wielder's own power.
Given that Shimotsuki Kozaburo once forged the legendary swords "Enma" and "Wado Ichimonji," it makes sense that he had this capability and left it behind.
But instead of immediately accepting the task, Adrian slowly spoke up, "Master Koushirou, there's something I must tell you first."
Koushirou nodded slightly, holding a teacup, "Momoya, please speak."
"The Shimotsuki family in Wano Country..."
Adrian hesitated briefly but decided to speak his mind.
"They might be a bit different from what you imagine.
"Although Kurozumi Orochi isn't a good lord in my eyes, to the Shimotsuki clan, Kozuki Oden was the destined ruler to open up Wano.
"Over a decade ago, Shimotsuki Yasuie supported Kozuki Oden as the new leader of Wano.
"But when Oden left to sail, Yasuie's plan fell apart, leading to Orochi and Kaido ruling Wano together."
"In my observation, Lord Shimotsuki Ushimaru in Ringo may be unaware, but Lord Shimotsuki Yasuie in Hakumai is very loyal to the Kozuki clan.
"Even if I went to Wano and shared your ideas and plans, they wouldn't willingly withdraw."
Adrian didn't intend to refuse the task related to the Shimotsuki family.
Not just for the "Method of Forging a Black Sword."
More so because Wano had a "golden opportunity" in its growing Kaido.
After the cooldown period of the challenge tasks, Adrian would certainly return to Wano to farm Kaido's skills and abilities.
Finishing a task in passing wouldn't be a big deal.
Like the "Last Wish" task, which was naturally completed.
As for fighting Kaido…
It's better to beat him up while he's not fully grown. Once he reaches his mature form…
It might not be as enjoyable to fight him!
Back to the main point.
Adrian's concerns about the Shimotsuki family task were not unfounded.
As a feudal kingdom closed off for years, Wano was different from most countries on the sea.
Loyalty to the lord was almost ingrained in the genes of Wano's citizens.
Especially for the Shimotsuki family, one of the five clans serving the Kozuki family!
Even after Kozuki Oden's death, Adrian wasn't confident he could persuade the Shimotsuki family to leave Wano.
In the original story, after Oden's death, Shimotsuki Yasuie gave up his prestigious identity, hid in Ebisu Town as the jester Tonoyasu, entertaining the townspeople, with no intention of leaving Wano.
The loyalty of Wano's people, especially the highly devoted Nine Red Scabbards, was something Adrian admired. Even the traitor Kurozumi Kanjuro was loyal until his true identity was revealed. Kanjuro even participated in Oden's execution, prepared to die with the other Scabbards.
After Adrian finished speaking, Koushirou fell silent.
He understood the concerns.
The Shimotsuki Village originated from the lineage of Shimotsuki Kozaburo who fled Wano. The villagers' nature wouldn't differ much on this isolated East Blue island.
By observing them, Koushirou could vaguely see the character of the Shimotsuki family in Wano.
But it was for fulfilling his father's last wish.
Now, as a member of the Shimotsuki family, he had no choice but to make this request.
Koushirou couldn't accept turning a blind eye to the possible tragic fate of the Shimotsuki family in Wano.
That would be a betrayal of the Shimotsuki bloodline!
"White Ghost… cough, cough, Momoya!" Koushirou misspoke, accidentally revealing he knew Adrian's identity.
Adrian wasn't embarrassed, waved his hand, and said, "Call me Adrian, that's my real name."
As "White Ghost" became more well-known, "Momoya" was about to retire.
After all, when he disguised as an evil swordsman, Adrian only changed his outfit.
He wasn't like Superman, who could hide his identity with just glasses!
"Alright, Adrian," Koushirou said gently, "What do you suggest we do?"
"My suggestion?" Adrian raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, and said, "Knock them all out and take them away."
"Cough, cough!"
Koushirou couldn't help but cough violently at the blunt suggestion.
"I'm not joking, Master Koushirou," Adrian said seriously. "As an affiliated family of the Kozuki clan, the Shimotsuki family won't voluntarily leave Wano while their lord is alive.
"If something happens to Kozuki Oden, the Shimotsuki family won't forget their hatred. They'll definitely clash with Orochi and Kaido, making it even harder to leave.
"So, the only way to achieve your goal is to use force."
Koushirou asked, conflicted, "Is that the right thing to do?"
Adrian replied, "Rescuing people isn't about right or wrong."
After a long silence, Koushirou finally said, "If that's the case, I'll leave it to you, Adrian."
The "Last Wish" task was rewarded in advance, but this "Shimotsuki Family" task required bringing the members to East Blue to redeem the reward from Koushirou.
Accepting the task, Adrian chatted with Koushirou a bit more before taking his leave.
Leaving Shimotsuki Village's Isshin Dojo, Adrian recalled an old matter…
Ahem!
It was an unfinished business he needed to revisit before leaving East Blue.
Seems like…
He hadn't heard news of Bullet being captured yet.
================================================================
novelupdates groups SigmArc for further reading.