CH 17: Great swordsman

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Wano Country, Ghost Island

The dark prison room.

"You scoundrel! You are my son, destined to be the daimyo of Wano Country and rule over this land in the future! I forbid you to go by the name Oden any longer!"

"No! I aspire to be a man like Oden! You've merely taken Wano Country by force; you're a contemptible individual!"

Yamato, an eighteen-year-old, rattled the chains in his hands in discontent, firmly rebuking.

Kaido's vision blurred, nearly succumbing to faintness.

Thud thud thud--

Sounds of hurried footsteps approached.

King swiftly made his way over and murmured:

"Boss Kaido, based on reports from our subordinates, the Big Mom Pirates have amassed more than fifty warships and are sailing towards Wano Country. My men suspect they may be targeting us."

Kaido's brow furrowed deeply.

"Such an extensive mobilization? What is Linlin intending to achieve? Why is she acting so recklessly?"

A decade ago, he had vanquished the Kozuki clan and seized control of Wano Country.

Leveraging its strategic location and rich reserves of seastone minerals, the Beasts Pirates had flourished.

Could it be that Linlin also harbored designs on this dominion?

Countless notions raced through his mind, yet Kaido remained unperturbed.

Despite being rivals, the Big Mom Pirates, and Charlotte Linlin specifically, had a history with him.

Their camaraderie was quite sturdy.

Were it not for her, he wouldn't have acquired the Zoan mythical beast model: Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Seiryu.

Moreover, Wano Country was exceptional. It lacked a shoreline, surrounded solely by cliffs and cascades.

Entry was exclusive through a specialized passage zealously guarded by the Beasts Pirates.

Supreme geographic advantage, a sizable army under his sway, and supported by the Kurozumi's might.

Even if the Marines made a move, they would be powerless!

Yet, there was another matter that grasped Kaido's interest further.

"Increase vigilance in the vicinity, pay the Big Mom Pirates no heed. How is the recruitment of talent proceeding?"

King bowed his head and responded:

"Two new crews have recently joined us, led by captains Fuzifu and Sasaki."

"Also, there's a young lad named Jack. A mere eighteen years old, but his prowess is impressive. He's a user of the ancient Zoan, Elephant-Elephant Fruit, Model: Mammoth."

"Have them ready; I will personally review them two days."

Upon hearing this, Kaido's peevish mood transformed into sheer satisfaction.

From Kings observations, these individuals were not ordinary.

Kaido grasped the bottle of wine at his hip, savored a sip, and chuckled as he departed the cell.

...

Bloodsail Pirates, Training Room

Shirtless, Carlos sat silently, cross-legged on the ground.

Sweat flowed steadily, akin to molten steel, wetting the surrounding earth.

Around him, heavy equipment like dumbbells and stone locks, weighing tons, lay scattered.

Physical prowess, Haki, and other skills could be honed through exercise.

The potency of a skill was contingent on the energy expended.

Despite his system burden, he dedicated half a day to training daily.

Time elapsed unmarked.

Abruptly, Carlos, who had drifted into slumber, snapped his eyes open.

His intense and commanding gaze resembled a bolt of lightning streaking through the room in the darkness of night.

Ever since venturing into the New World

in addition to his daily training regimen, Carlos also dedicates his spare time to infusing his renowned sword with Armament Haki.

Thanks to the system rewards he received earlier, his swordsmanship had been on the verge of a breakthrough, resembling a thin layer of paper ready to tear.

Through intense battles against combatants like Dafu, Bista, Snack, and others, Carlos gained profound insights into the art of swordplay.

After days of rigorous exercise and contemplation.

His swordsmanship had ascended from the Grandmaster level to the ultimate level!

He now could begin grasping the finesse of Bista's exceptional sword techniques displayed during the Sabaody auction.

Estimating his progress, Carlos believed he had achieved the status of a great swordsman!

"The great swordsman..."

Carlos mumbled, a particular name springing to mind—

"Hawkeye" Dracule Mihawk!

"If categorized by the system, the world's greatest swordsman's mastery ought to have reached the Ultimate level..."

Entry, Proficiency, Mastery, Grandmaster, Excellence, Ultimate.

"I aim for the ultimate level, though I wonder how many arduous years of training lie ahead and how many formidable adversaries await me..."

Carlos sighed softly, then composed himself.

Acknowledging he couldn't compare with the pinnacle Mihawk represented, his swordsmanship at great swordsman echelon, coupled with Penultimate Armament Haki, meant his current might rivaled that of an emperor's deputy. Across the realm of One Piece, he stood as a formidable figure.

Yet, Carlos understood a deputy's status paled before that of a Sea Emperor.

"Remain vigilant upon reaching Wano Country."

"Let's train for another five hours today..."

While it had been a while since the Big Mom Pirates' assault, the Bloodsail Pirates still vividly recalled that perilous day periodically.

Within the cabin.

Yorick imbibed in solitude.

Grim visages danced in the flickering candlelight.

"I ask again, are you certain about what you saw?"

"This marks the fifth time you've inquired. Remember, I serve as a lookout on this vessel. I swear, my observation regarding the red-haired woman conversing through the Den Den Mushi was accurate."

"She is, undoubtedly, relaying intel to the Big Mom Pirates headquarters."

"This is troublesome..."

Mutual glances were exchanged, laced with a hint of bitter smiles.

Their piratical ambitions at onset were strictly financial.

Who could have foreseen entanglement with a Sea Emperor?

"That individual should never have been allowed aboard. Yet, things have unfolded as they have. No solace lies in dwelling on these grim thoughts. Let's plan our next move."

The navigator brushed the matter aside casually.

"We should encounter no trouble. At our current pace, we are poised to enter the Beasts Pirates' dominion. Anticipated arrival at Wano Country in approximately two days."

Expectant relief washed over the crew, casting an air of ease.

"So, the concern arises—should we join forces with Garros, or..."

First Officer Yorick slammed his glass down.

"Have you not felt the sheer dread of the New World? This place isn't suited for us!"

"Post this assignment, we must navigate a route back to the first stretch of the Grand Line. That's our haven."

"Agreed. Best keep this decision concealed from him. Regardless, he remains our captain in name."