Chapter 183: Conversation with Whitebeard
Chapter 183: Conversation with Whitebeard
"What? The world's greatest swordsman? What on earth is Morgans thinking?"
Charlotte sat on Whitebeard's ship, the Moby Dick, staring at the latest newspaper in disbelief.
"Kulala la la la la! Congratulations, Charlotte! You've become the world's greatest swordsman!"
Whitebeard's hearty laughter echoed across the deck.
"No way! Newgate, you actually believe what's written in the newspaper? This is probably another conspiracy by the Navy or the World Government!"
Charlotte found it hard to accept the title of the world's greatest swordsman.
"Kulala! Don't underestimate yourself, Charlotte! In my opinion, your swordsmanship is not weak! At the very least, it surpasses Roger's!"
Whitebeard took a sip of sake, smiling as he praised him.
"Roger? No! If anyone deserves the title of the world's greatest swordsman, it should be Roger!"
Charlotte was certain that Roger's swordsmanship was superior to his own.
"Kulala! You are just underestimating yourself! Roger's swordsmanship is decent, but his true strength lies in his Haki! His sword techniques are rather basic. In my opinion, he cannot compare to you!"
Whitebeard slapped Charlotte on the back, his massive hand covering nearly his entire back.
If Charlotte hadn't been so physically strong, an ordinary person would have been crushed by that casual slap.
"Yeah?"
Charlotte still couldn't wrap his head around it.
His swordsmanship had been self-taught—derived from observations of Zoro's training methods, combined with the philosophies of martial arts swordsmen from various dramas and novels. His approach was simple: cultivate an indomitable spirit.
As for techniques, there were only a few fundamental moves:
Thrust – A direct forward stab.
Slash – A downward cut from top to bottom.
Lift – An upward swing, delivering force through the front of the blade.
Hang – Moving the sword from front to back, either upward or downward.
Cloud – Circular movements above or in front of the body.
Point – A flick of the wrist, directing the sword forward and downward.
Collapse – Dropping the wrist and suddenly thrusting forward and upward.
Intercept – A diagonal motion, striking in either direction.
Charlotte had practiced only these eight basic movements, focusing more on mindset than on complex techniques. His philosophy was simple: "Cut through everything." The harder he swung, the stronger his attacks, the faster his slashes, and the harder it would be for opponents to react.
With Conqueror's Haki infusion, his attacks became akin to a violent storm, combining force and speed to overwhelm enemies. His technique was more about raw power and momentum than intricate swordplay.
Ironically, Charlotte had rarely dueled true swordsmen. Most of his battles were against martial artists or Devil Fruit users.
In all of the seas, only Roger, Rayleigh, Patrick Redfield, and Golden Lion Shiki had swordsmanship skills on par with his own.
Even Whitebeard and Charlotte Linlin weren't pure swordsmen—they were powerhouses wielding weapons, relying on overwhelming strength rather than refined technique. Their slashes were driven by brute force and Haki, rather than the discipline of a swordsman's mindset.
"Well, it looks like you've gained quite the reputation as the world's greatest swordsman. I imagine there will be plenty of challengers coming your way! You won't be able to relax so much anymore! Kulala la la la!"
Whitebeard's laughter was full of amusement.
He knew Charlotte well.
Back in the Rocks Pirates, while others partied and drank, Charlotte often kept to himself. He was a recluse, preferring to train and refine his skills in solitude.
Even at Rocks' grand banquets, Charlotte would rarely show up.
This was a man who obsessed over strength—not through reckless battles, but through relentless self-discipline.
Unlike Whitebeard or Golden Lion, who honed their abilities through years of life-and-death battles, Charlotte actively trained himself to become stronger.
Even so, Whitebeard knew Charlotte's temperament. If he was given this title, he would have to fight to defend it.
For a true swordsman, there was no greater challenge than facing those who wished to surpass them.
Nearby, a figure with a single ponytail had been listening intently.
It was Vista.
"A great swordsman… I want to become a great swordsman to protect Dad!"
Vista had come to find Whitebeard. Ever since the battle, he had felt guilty—he was the reason Whitebeard and Golden Lion became enemies.
His reckless revenge had cost many of his brothers their lives, and Marco nearly died.
If not for the man standing beside Whitebeard, Charlotte, Marco might not have survived.
Vista wanted to thank him.
But when he overheard their conversation, he found a new purpose.
His father, Whitebeard, had risked everything for him.
His brothers had fought to protect him.
He would become a great swordsman—not for himself, but to protect his family.
"Vista? You're here!"
Whitebeard turned to him.
Charlotte had already sensed Vista's presence. His Observation Haki was always active, mapping everything around him in real-time.
The young boy stood with determination in his eyes. His body was battered and bruised, but his spirit remained unbroken.
This was Flower Sword Vista—a future legend in the making.
"Dad! And… sir!"
Vista hesitated, glancing at Charlotte before kneeling on the deck.
"I wanted to say… thank you!"
Charlotte shifted slightly, avoiding Vista's kneeling posture.
Then, he looked at the young boy more closely.
A single ponytail, tattered clothes, and unwavering resolve in his eyes.
This was a swordsman in the making.
"Vista, get up! Haven't I told you before? Family doesn't kneel like this! I am your father, and you are my son!"
Whitebeard's Jungkurikiri lightly tapped the deck.
Then, he gently extended his hand.
To be continued…
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