In the Grand Line, it takes at least two months to reach the Marine Headquarters. Along the way, Rokujin has plenty of time to enhance his strength and trigger more quests to earn energy points. He needs to learn more skills from Garp.
On a clear day with calm seas, Rokujin steps out of the cabin onto the deck and begins repeatedly swinging his sword, the Spirit Wind. With each swing, a notification sounds:
【Ding, Swordsmanship Experience +1!】
【Ding, Swordsmanship Experience +1!】
【Ding, …】
Although each swing only adds one point of experience, the simplification of skills makes the growth steady and powerful! Rokujin does not stop, continuously swinging his sword and standing in the same spot. Even a simple swing, if sustained, gradually brings sweat to his forehead. Suddenly, a drop of sweat falls from his forehead onto the blade of Spirit Wind, splitting into two as the blade cuts through it! At this moment, Rokujin’s eyes are clear, his mind sharpens, and it is as if he is entering a miraculous state, his swordsmanship experience soaring!
Nearby, Garp steps out of the cabin, eating a doughnut, just in time to see Rokujin practising his swordplay.
Surprised at seeing Rokujin split the droplet of sweat with his sword, Garp muses, “How is this kid practising? Has he developed a sword presence? I didn’t teach him that!” While Garp’s expertise lies in physical prowess and not swordsmanship, he recognises that Rokujin’s skills are formidable, equivalent to a petty officer in the Marines.
After a long while, Rokujin stops and sits down on the deck, breathing heavily, “Huff, huff…” Exhausted from the long practice, which also serves as physical training.
Garp approaches and asks, “Did you learn your swordsmanship on your own?” “Yes, Grandpa!” replies Rokujin earnestly. Indeed, it was all self-taught, no shortcuts! “Not bad, but it’s a pity the Marine Headquarters doesn’t have many great swordsmen. Otherwise, I could find you a good master,” Garp shakes his head regretfully.
Recognising his grandson’s talent, he remarks, “Don’t worry, I’ll figure something out.” At home, Rokujin was the only one eager to join the Marines, and Garp wasn’t about to let such potential go to waste. “Thanks, Grandpa,” Rokujin responds, open to the possibility of learning from a skilled master. However, Garp’s chief of staff, Bogard, is a swordsmanship expert whose strength is uncertain and is currently at the Marine Headquarters.
After resting for a short while, Rokujin resumes his sword practice, eventually collapsing into sleep from exhaustion. The following days are much the same; as long as the seas are calm, he practices during the day and sleeps soundly at night.
A few days later, in the New World, the Red Hair Pirates are relaxing on a small island. Shanks lies back, eating meat and drinking heavily, when he suddenly smiles and says, “Guests are coming. Bring out more good wine!” “Yes, Captain!” his crew responds while retrieving the wine.
Meanwhile, not far off at sea, a small boat approaches leisurely. On board sits a man clad in a red and black coat, with black hair and eyes sharp as an eagle’s. It’s none other than one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Hawkeye Mihawk! His boat, sharp as a sword, charges toward the island with a fierce momentum.
“Ha ha, coming to spar with me again?” laughs Shanks, rising to greet him. Suddenly, Hawkeye draws his long sword. Yoru, one of the Supreme Grade swords, and with a focused gaze, slashes fiercely.
A terrifying sword intentionally strikes with lightning speed, sweeping over the sea and cutting it in two, creating a path through the waves. “Hehe,” Shanks chuckles, releasing a powerful aura and drawing his sword in a swift horizontal slash.
The two sword intents collide with a loud boom, sending energy rippling outward, blasting a huge hole in the sea and sending water soaring, but Hawkeye remains steady on his boat. After a moment, the sea calms as if nothing had happened, save for some nearby dead Sea Kings. Stepping onto the island, Hawkeye eyes Shanks’s empty left sleeve and frowns, “Your left hand… just a trip to the East Blue, and I can’t believe there’d be someone that strong there!”
“It’s gone, but I still have my right,” Shanks replies, pulling Hawkeye into a shoulder hug and grinning, “Good thing you’re here. Let’s have some drinks!” But Hawkeye remains focused on Shanks’s missing hand, “You wielded your sword with your left. Are you really okay?” Shanks laughs, his expression suddenly serious, “Everyone
Asks about my hand. Whitebeard does, too. My left hand, I’ve gambled it on the future of the New World, and soon you’ll see that star of the New World!” “I’m looking forward to it,” says Hawkeye. “By the way, your status as the world’s greatest swordsman might be at risk; I met a decent swordsman in the East Blue!” “Oh? Then I’m even more interested!” says Hawkeye. Meanwhile, Rokujin and Garp, on their Marine ship, are about to arrive at the Marine Headquarters.
Standing at the bow, Rokujin can clearly see the Marine Headquarters ahead, its sea-blue walls and towering fortifications standing like a fortress. The current Marine Headquarters is still in Marineford, but ten years later, after the battle at the top, it would be heavily damaged, prompting a relocation.
“Rokujin, we’re almost at the Marine Headquarters. You’ve got to make your grandpa proud!” Garp says sternly.
Rokujin nods, “Yes, Grandpa!” Marine Headquarters, here I come! After sailing for eighteen days without triggering a single quest, there’s been no progress in his Armament Haki. Therefore, joining the Marines and simplifying his Armament Haki skills is crucial, but his overall strength has indeed improved significantly.
【Host: Rokujin】
【Level: E】
【Skills: Swordsmanship (D), Conqueror’s Haki (E), Armament Haki (G), Cooking (G)】
【Talent: Simplify Skills】
【Energy: 0】
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