Chapter 28: Realizing One’s True Heart

Lord's Manor, Raven Port.

Gawain took Meito Wado Ichimonji from Gaza's hands.

Though it was his first time gripping the hilt, the sensation from the blade sent a thrill through him, his arm trembling with excitement.

It was a profound, almost mystical connection, hard to describe.

Shing!

With a gentle pull, Gawain unsheathed the silver-white blade.

The blade alone stretched over 1.2 meters, and with the hilt, the total length neared 1.5 meters.

Its design resembled a nodachi, unwieldy for most, but perfect for Gawain's over-two-meter frame.

Unlike the ornate style typical of Wano's famed blades, Wado Ichimonji was simple, with only a chrysanthemum-like engraving on the tsuba. Yet its plainness amplified the sharp aura emanating from the edge.

"Fine blade!" Gawain exclaimed, genuinely impressed.

Molly lifted her chin proudly. "Of course. The lord spent half a year and countless Berries to acquire it from the master of Isshin Dojo."

"Even in the Grand Line, it's a masterpiece!"

"Hmph." Gawain gave a faint smile.

Whether by fate or the blade's spirit, he felt a true bond with Wado Ichimonji.

"You're eager too, aren't you?" he murmured. "To taste the blood of foes!"

With a firm tone, Gawain swung the blade lightly, unleashing a silver flying slash that struck a nearby building.

To the women's stunned gazes, the upper half of the structure slid off, revealing a mirror-smooth cut.

Boom!

Dust rose, the blade humming.

Suppressing his excitement, Gawain addressed them. "Find a safe place to hide. Leave the fighting to me."

With a flash, he vanished from the manor.

Gaza, watching, felt a surge of confidence. All her hopes now rested on Gawain—victory was the only option.

After sending Molly to the cellar and locking it despite her anxious calls, Gaza steeled herself and stepped out of the manor.

This was her land, her people.

Having enjoyed power and wealth, she had to protect those who respected her in times of crisis.

"Guard Captain, follow me. Organize the rescue!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

…

Leaving the manor, Gawain sped toward the port, where the battle raged fiercest.

In the distance, a line of heavily armed pirate ships drew closer. With his keen eyes, Gawain could make out Krieg's distinctive flag—a skull flanked by hourglasses.

He recalled its meaning: No matter where you go, I'll find you!

Facing such a foe, Gawain felt no fear, only a strange anxiety.

Anxiety that there wouldn't be enough enemies, that they'd fall before he could warm up.

Anxiety that they'd be too weak, leaving Wado Ichimonji's edge unbloodied, waiting for an uncertain next meal.

"You'd better last long enough!"

Gawain's lips curled into a feral grin, but his steps halted abruptly, cracking the ground beneath.

A familiar system prompt sounded in his mind: "Crew member Kuro has realized his true heart!"

"Potential upgraded: Bronze → Silver!"

"Awakened Observation Haki! Current level: LV-0!"

…

"What?!" Gawain's face lit with shock. "Potential breakthrough? And Observation Haki?"

"What did Kuro go through?"

The sudden change wasn't just a surprise—it was staggering.

He remembered casually mentioning Observation Haki to Kuro, with no real expectation of awakening.

Yet in just days, he'd done it?

Awakening Observation Haki before the Grand Line was an unexpected boon.

Even at a low level, with the system, Kuro's progress would amplify Gawain's tenfold, reaching combat-ready levels in months!

"The stronger my crew, the stronger I become. Their awakenings trigger mine!"

"The system's power is beyond imagination!"

Kuro's Haki was secondary; realizing his true heart to boost potential was bigger.

From Bronze to Silver—a leap spanning Headquarters Commodore to Vice Admiral, even some Warlords.

Such power would make a name in the New World.

Kuro, fully realized, would be a core force in any faction.

Gawain had thought potential boosts came only from Devil Fruits or body modification, but now mindset shifts were another path.

He realized: Haki, alongside Devil Fruits in this world, was deeply tied to will.

Stronger conviction meant stronger Haki; a broken spirit could weaken it drastically.

Crocodile was the prime example.

In his youth, he stormed into the New World, rivaling Barrett, but a crushing defeat by Whitebeard tanked his strength, largely due to fading Haki.

Yet, twenty years later, leaving Impel Down and reclaiming his dream of Pirate King, he could trade blows with Mihawk.

"But a breakthrough like this? With Kuro's personality, he won't stay quiet."

Gawain smirked, his gaze commanding.

Ten times your growth speed, and you'll still call me captain!

Shaking off stray thoughts, Gawain gripped Wado Ichimonji, accelerating. In seconds, he covered nearly a kilometer to reach the port.

The scene stopped him short.

The fading sunset cast a faint glow, reddening the sky, but it paled against the blood-soaked port.

Kuro stood, bloodied, in the center.

One arm twisted like a pretzel, a leg deformed, on the brink of collapse.

Yet his spirit, his presence, soared to new heights, making Gawain frown.

Before Kuro lay Gin, in a pool of blood, skin torn, wounds countless.

If not for his faintly rising chest, Gawain would've thought him dead.

"Gawain, you're late," Kuro said, raising a trembling hand to push up his glasses, succeeding only after several tries.

His claw blades, shattered from countless clashes, left his fingers bruised purple.

Despite his grave injuries, Kuro's tone was calm. "A quiet life?"

"I don't want it anymore."

"When I'm healed, I'll take the captain's seat."

"I'll claim a Warlord spot and fulfill our deal!"

Gawain gave a knowing look. "Fine, but you'll have to get through me first."

"I will!"

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