Chapter 4: The Claw Pirates
Victor didn't dwell on it too long. He carefully studied the swordsmanship basics booklet and thought over everything thoroughly.
It really was just a beginner's guide—but if practiced well, it could still lay the foundation for a true swordmaster.
The techniques were basic and limited, though. Progress beyond that would have to come from his own creativity.
Of course, if someone had exceptional talent, they could just brute-force every fight with basic strikes like a greatsword-wielding powerhouse—like Mihawk, who didn't need any flashy tricks.
Still, Victor liked the idea of being more like Zoro—Who could cut down enemies while spouting poetry. Flashy finishers and cool moves appealed to him. Spammy basic attacks could come later; he wasn't in a rush.
"Once I've mastered the basics, I'll have to go find Koushirou and brush up further. See if this beginner's manual is worth anything—and maybe learn a few poems and battle chants while I'm at it," Victor thought to himself.
After some careful consideration, Victor began planning out sword training for both himself and Rebecca based on the manual.
By noon, he had the basic framework figured out. The finer details would have to adjust depending on how their training progressed.
He stretched and yawned, then looked up at the sky—and then down at Rebecca, who was trembling all over from exhaustion.
"Man, no wonder this is the One Piece world. Even a little girl like her can keep up on her first try… looks like it's time to add weight training. Regular training like this is going to be too inefficient if we want to keep pushing the limits."
"Rebecca, hang in there. Push yourself as far as you can. The human body has endless potential. The only way to grow stronger is to keep breaking through our limits!"
Encouraged by Victor's words, Rebecca gritted her teeth and kept going for a little longer… until she finally collapsed, sitting on the ground, completely drained.
"Rebecca, you did really well. That kind of willpower will make you strong—keep at it."
"One more thing. From now on, I want you to never let your sword leave your side. Unless absolutely necessary, don't set it down. Sleep with it, too."
Victor wanted her to become so familiar with her weapon that wielding it became second nature—like it was part of her own body.
Rebecca didn't quite understand, but she nodded tiredly. If Victor said it, she would follow through.
Once she caught her breath, Victor brought her home for lunch.
When Maria saw them both walk in carrying swords, she was clearly surprised. But she didn't ask right away—she trusted Victor to explain. And sure enough, he brought it up over the meal.
After gnawing the meat off a bone, Victor set it down and looked seriously at the old woman.
"Grandma Maria, I asked Rebecca about her dream today. She wants to join the Marines when she grows up. So we're going to enlist together."
"Oh?" Maria turned to Rebecca. "Is that true? You want to follow in your mother's footsteps?"
"Yes, Grandma," Rebecca said with a firm nod. "I want to be a Marine like Mom. I want to protect you, and protect everyone. I don't want to see you hurt again like last time."
There was a clear change in her demeanor—her tone held real conviction.
Before, she had simply admired her mother and thought becoming a Marine sounded cool. But she'd never given it much serious thought—she was just a kid, after all.
But during the pirate raid, when the pirate Derrik came looking for Victor's mom, he ended up barging into Rebecca's home. If not for the fight between Orens, Victor's Father, and the pirates erupting outside, Derrik might've hurt or killed Maria too.
Maria had been knocked aside during the chaos and injured—Rebecca had seen the whole thing from inside a cabinet where she was hiding.
Then came the aftermath—the destruction of their town, the death of neighbors and friends. It all cemented Rebecca's resolve.
This time, her dream wasn't just about following her mom's path—it was about protecting what mattered to her.
Maria's eyes darkened with worry. She didn't say anything, but it was clear—she was scared her granddaughter would end up like her daughter, dying at the hands of pirates.
Victor noticed it immediately. That flicker of sorrow didn't escape him.
He turned to Maria and said seriously:
"Grandma Maria, after the whole King of the Pirates treasure incident, do you think our little island—right in the middle of a major trade route—is still safe?"
"There was the Claw Pirates just a few days ago. Next time, it might be the Fang Pirates. Or the Blade Pirates after that."
"Greed drives people. Pirates will keep coming. Burning, killing, looting—it won't stop."
"A great man once said: 'If you want peace, prepare for war.'"
"We can't build a life by relying on the mercy of pirates. Without strength, our lives will never be truly safe."
"So we must become strong—strong enough to protect ourselves, and even others." Victor's voice was firm. "I will train Rebecca. I'll make sure she's strong enough to defend herself, to never suffer at the hands of pirates again."
"I'll make her strong. Stronger than anyone expects."
With his knowledge of this world, Victor had no shortage of ways to help Rebecca grow powerful. But right now, they were just kids—limited by their age and circumstances.
The Pirate King's execution was still fresh. They had time. Until they were ready, laying low on this island was their only option.
The old woman was stunned. Was this really the same shy boy she'd known? "Losing his parents has changed Victor. He speaks with wisdom beyond his years. He's… dependable now."
"Victor," she said slowly, "tell me your plan."
"Here's what I'm thinking," Victor began. "Rebecca and I will work at the island's dairy factory, delivering milk to the nearby towns. We'll run while delivering—earning money while building stamina and endurance."
"That way, we only need to work in the mornings. The rest of the day, I'll train Rebecca in swordsmanship, physical conditioning, and other essential knowledge."
"This is just the first phase. As we improve, I'll adjust our training accordingly."
The old woman's eyes widened. This plan was shockingly thorough—balancing work, study, and combat training seamlessly.
"Very well," she said after a moment. "I'll speak to the mayor and arrange your jobs. It may take a couple of days, so prepare yourselves in the meantime."
That afternoon, Victor began his own training. By nightfall, he dragged his exhausted body back to his empty home, the absence of his parents weighing heavily on him.
---
One Week Earlier
A ship bearing a black flag sailed through the waters of the East Blue.
The flag's emblem—a beast's skull atop a pair of crossed, razor-sharp claws—marked it as the vessel of the Claw Pirates, a crew recently infamous in the East Blue.
Their captain, Derrik "Razorclaw", was a hulking, dark-skinned man whose namesake claws could slice through flesh like paper. His bounty: 15,000,000 Belly (dead or alive), earned by slaughtering a Marine captain, two lieutenants, and dozens of enlisted men.
On deck, the crew feasted and drank. A scrawny, rat-faced man—barely 1.6 meters tall—leaned toward the captain, oozing flattery:
"Boss, you were unstoppable! That Marine captain didn't stand a chance! With skills like yours, we'll conquer the Grand Line in no time! Soon, the whole world will know the Claw Pirates!"
The man had no combat skills—his only talent was survival through sycophancy.
"Hahaha! Damn right!" The crew roared with laughter, raising their mugs.
Derrik grinned, revealing yellowed teeth, and downed his wine in one gulp. Red liquid dribbled down his chin as he slammed the cup down.
"Stick with me, boys! Gold, booze, women—you'll get it all! Next stop: a little island up ahead. We'll loot it dry—take their treasure, their supplies… and their women!"
The rat-faced man eagerly added, "I've heard that island's loaded, Captain. Perfect for our needs!"
Derrik's eyes gleamed. "Good! If you're right, I'll reward you. The sooner we stock up, the sooner we hit the Grand Line!"
Laughter and cheers filled the air as the ship sailed toward its next target—unaware that fate would soon cross their path with a boy named Victor.