Chapter 30 Isshin Dojo

Hearing Nami’s shout, Kaguya abandoned the idea of giving it another slash.

Kaguya landed slowly on Moomoo’s body, the tip of onikiri pressed against its belly.

“If you want to live, you’ll be my ship-puller from now on.

As long as you’re obedient, I promise I won’t mistreat you.”

Kaguya’s voice was cold and majestic.

Moomoo let out a painful low cry, a hint of fear flashing in its blood-red eyes.

It seemed to understand Kaguya’s words; its massive body trembled slightly before it finally nodded slowly.

“Very well.”

Kaguya sheathed onikiri and turned to Nami and Nojiko.

“You’ve come at the right time.

Help it bandage its wounds.”

Nami finally breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly rummaged through her luggage for bandages and medicine.

Nojiko ran to the shore, calling out to the villagers to help bring more medical supplies.

“It’s unbelievable…”

Kensuke stood on the shore, watching the scene and muttering to himself.

“To even be able to tame such a massive sea beast.”

The villagers also gathered around, their eyes full of awe and admiration.

Because of Moomoo, Kaguya was forced to stay in Cocoyasi Village for another night.

The next day, the Longteng Wanli slowly sailed away from Cocoyasi Village.

Since Moomoo was still injured, they didn’t let it pull the ship this time; it just swam alongside.

On the azure sea, Moomoo’s massive body cruised beside the ship, letting out gentle low cries from time to time, a complete contrast to its ferocity yesterday.

The three of them sat in the lounge, where Nami was happily explaining things with a sea chart.

“This is Cocoyasi Village, and here is our destination, Shimotsuki Village.

Following this route I’ve planned, we should arrive at Shimotsuki Village in just half a day, barring any accidents.

That means we’ll be able to see Shimotsuki Village by this afternoon.”

“And what if there is an accident?”

Kaguya asked jokingly.

“Pah, pah, pah!

There won’t be any accidents at all!”

“Hahaha.”

Nami gave Kaguya a huffy glare and rolled up the sea chart, lightly tapping it against his head.

Nojiko chuckled on the side, and a relaxed atmosphere filled the cabin.

“After I get what I want from Shimotsuki Village, let’s take another trip to Loguetown.”

“What are we going back to Loguetown for?”

Nami asked in confusion, then suddenly thought of something.

“Oh~

You’re thinking about Tashigi, aren’t you~”

“Cough, cough.

I’m planning to go to Loguetown to buy a few den den mushi.

I forgot this important item last time.

Then I’ll order a batch of Sea King meat from that chamber of commerce boss.

And of course, most importantly, I’ll buy you some tools and materials for drawing sea charts.”

Seeing Kaguya’s sincere expression, Nami felt a warmth in her heart, but she deliberately let out a huff.

“At least you have a bit of a conscience.”

She lowered her head to spread out the sea chart, her falling hair unable to hide the smile at the corners of her mouth.

The route Nami chose was indeed very safe, and they arrived at the island where Shimotsuki Village was located in the afternoon.

The ship slowly docked, and the pier of Shimotsuki Village looked exceptionally peaceful in the setting sun.

In the distance, several wisps of cooking smoke rose slowly, and the faint scent of burning firewood drifted through the air.

“Is this Shimotsuki Village?”

Nojiko looked at the well-arranged houses in the distance, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes.

“It looks like a very ordinary village.

Is there really a master of swordsmanship here?”

Nami looked at the village scenery, which was not much different from Cocoyasi Village, and couldn’t help but feel a bit skeptical.

“Don’t worry.

Call everyone and carry those chests of gold, silver, and jewelry down.

No need to move the Berries.

Those gold, silver, and jewels should be enough.”

After giving the orders, Kaguya was the first to walk down the gangway.

Nami and Nojiko directed the villagers to carry several chests of gold, silver, and jewelry out of the cabin.

Kaguya stepped onto the land of Shimotsuki Village, the wooden pier creaking slightly beneath his feet.

The afterglow of the setting sun stretched his shadow very long, and the sea breeze carried the crisp sound of bamboo swords clashing from a distant dojo, echoing in his ears.

“Judging by the sound, the dojo should still be in training.”

Kaguya narrowed his eyes and looked toward the village.

Nami directed the villagers to carry the heavy treasure chests off the ship, looking at these treasures with some heartache.

“This treasure is enough to buy half the village.

I hope that Mr.

Genzo won’t ask for an exorbitant price.”

“I hope so…”

Kaguya led the group toward the Isshin Dojo.

Passing through a lush bamboo forest, a path paved with stone slabs gradually appeared.

The setting sun filtered through the gaps in the bamboo leaves, casting mottled light and shadows on the ground.

Uniform shouts came from a distance, becoming clearer along with the sound of bamboo swords cutting through the air.

The dojo doors were wide open, and dozens of disciples could be seen inside practicing basic sword forms.

A gentle man wearing glasses stood in the center of the dojo, patiently correcting the disciples’ movements.

As if sensing something, he turned his head to look at the entrance.

His gaze lingered for a moment on the onikiri at Kaguya’s waist, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes behind the lenses.

“Welcome, everyone.”

Genzo stepped forward with a smile.

“Guests from afar, are you here to learn the way of the sword?”

Kaguya’s gaze lingered for a moment on the moss-headed youth in the crowd, then he withdrew his gaze and gave a slight nod to Genzo.

“I have long heard of the Isshin Dojo’s great name and have come to visit today.”

His gaze swept over the disciples in the dojo before falling back on Genzo.

“However, I am not here to become a disciple today, but rather to make a deal with you.”

Genzo pushed up his glasses, his smile remaining gentle.

“Oh?

I wonder what kind of deal it is?”

Kaguya signaled the villagers behind him to bring the treasure chests forward.

As the lids were opened, the golden light immediately illuminated the entire dojo.

The disciples stopped their practice one after another, letting out bursts of exclamation.

“I want to purchase the methods to break through to the level of Swordsman and Great Sword Master.”

Genzo’s gaze lingered on the treasure chests for a moment before he regained his gentle smile.

He lightly raised his hand to signal the disciples to continue practicing and turned to say to Kaguya.

“Dear guest, the realms of swordsmanship cannot be measured by money.

A true breakthrough requires the resonance of heart and sword.

Furthermore, in the way of the sword, there are no such things as a Swordsman realm or a Great Sword Master realm.

Swordsman and Great Sword Master are merely titles of respect given by the world to those strong in swordsmanship.”

Kaguya frowned slightly but soon relaxed.

“I see.

Then I want to learn the Flying Slash.”

Genzo shook his head.

“The path of the sword lies in sincerity and perseverance.

It is not something that happens overnight.

When your realm is high enough, you will naturally be able to use the Flying Slash.”

Genzo’s voice was gentle yet firm.

“Please take these treasures back.”

Although the disciples in the dojo were attracted by the golden light, they soon focused back on their practice.

The sound of bamboo swords clashing rose and fell, as if silently interpreting Genzo’s words.

Kaguya was silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the dojo once more.

His gaze finally rested on the moss-headed youth—Zoro was swinging his bamboo sword, drenched in sweat, with a stubborn look of refusal to lose in his eyes.

“In that case.”

Kaguya withdrew his gaze, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.

“Why don’t we try a different way.

I’ve heard that the Isshin Dojo has produced a swordsmanship genius.

Why not let me spar with your disciple?

If I win, you give me some guidance;

If I lose, these treasures will stay as a donation to the dojo.”

…