One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

It had been a few months since Wright concluded his exclusive interview—or rather, "private discussion"—with that old bird, Morgans.

After securing a covert collaboration, Fleet Admiral Sengoku urgently dispatched Wright to the G-5 Branch, where he had to spend considerable effort disciplining a group of overly enthusiastic Marines.

Under Wright's training philosophy of "It won't kill you, so push to the limit", these Marines underwent a complete transformation, vowing to reform themselves and serve dutifully. They became so obedient that Wright barely recognized them.

With his trusted aides, Rosinante and Drake, assigned elsewhere, Smoker—now promoted to Commodore—was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the G-5 Branch in Wright's absence.

Meanwhile, Hina and Ain, promoted to Commander and Lieutenant Commander respectively, naturally joined Wright aboard the Lightbringer. They brought along two warships gifted by Garp to assist Smoker at G-5.

The moment Hina and Ain arrived, their beauty captivated the G-5 Marines, transforming them into ardent loyalists, ready to follow orders without hesitation.

However, when the hidden powerhouse and Chief Instructor Fujitora appeared, the Marines quickly realized that beauty was fleeting. Their ultimate allegiance could only belong to their direct superior, Vice Admiral Wright.

Sengoku and Garp, observing from Marineford, were rather pleased. They noted that ever since Wright moved to G-5, the aura of attention surrounding him seemed to have diminished.

Even his exclusive interview had only filled half a page in The World Economic Journal, with over two-thirds of the content promoting the scenic beauty of Fish-Man Island.

Just as the two veterans felt satisfied with their arrangements for Wright and were considering rewarding the tactful Morgans, Wright appeared before them again.

Kuina's 16th birthday—and her upcoming Marine Academy graduation ceremony—prompted Wright's return to Marine Headquarters to celebrate this milestone with her.

"Given her outstanding academic achievements and combat abilities far surpassing her peers, Cadet Kuina has been selected for direct admission into the Headquarters Elite Training Program!"

It was no surprise to Wright when the Academy Principal announced Kuina's next step during the graduation ceremony.

After all, with so many influential figures backing her, Kuina had become a rare example of the "perfect child" in the Marine Academy's history.

At 16, under the private swordsmanship tutelage of Wright, a renowned Marine Vice Admiral and great swordsman, Kuina had grown exceptionally strong. Although she hadn't reached the level of a "swordmaster" as quickly as Wright had in his youth, her abilities were formidable.

Thanks to Wright's arrangement, Ain had taken Kuina on ship-based combat missions—typically reserved for graduates. This firsthand experience in battle had set her far above her peers in terms of skill and maturity.

"Senior Brother!"

Under envious gazes, Kuina leapt down from the stage and ran straight toward Wright.

At 16, Kuina had blossomed into a striking young woman. Her bright eyes reflected a maturity beyond her years.

"Excellent work, Kuina!"

Wright high-fived her with a grin. "Congratulations! You've made tremendous progress... Master would be proud to see this."

"Senior Brother, when are we heading back to the East Blue? I'm officially a First-Class Seaman of Marine Headquarters now!" Kuina exclaimed with excitement.

Becoming a First-Class Seaman at 16 was no small feat—it was a testament to her relentless effort and achievements in actual combat.

"Soon. First, we'll finalize your enrollment in the Elite Training Program. That way, when we return from the East Blue, you can start right away."

After the ceremony, Wright accompanied Kuina to visit Zephyr.

"Once you're in Zephyr-sensei's Elite Training Program, make sure you train hard," Wright reminded her.

"Of course! That's where you began your Marine career, Senior Brother!" Kuina said proudly. "The teachings of a former Admiral like Zephyr-sensei are far beyond anything I could imagine back in the village!"

"This time, I'll leave Zoro far behind and show him that wielding more swords doesn't make you stronger!"

"Haha, Zoro mentioned that when you dueled with real swords last time, you broke his blade," Wright said with a laugh, recalling Zoro's complicated expression upon learning that Kuina's sword was one of the legendary 21 Great Grade Swords.

"I didn't know Wado Ichimonji was so incredible!" Kuina stuck out her tongue. "I thought it was just his lack of skill!"

"But I'll win again!" Kuina said confidently. "I've heard that true swordsmen can unleash terrifying power even with ordinary blades."

"Speaking of blades," Wright said with a sly grin, "I recently acquired a fine sword. It's also one of the 21 Great Grade Swords. I'll let Zoro try it when we return to the East Blue. If he loses this time, he won't have any excuses. Think you can beat him?"

"Absolutely!" Kuina replied confidently. Her mastery of swordsmanship had far surpassed Zoro, who was still stuck training in the village.

"Don't underestimate Master," Wright cautioned, reading her thoughts. "His swordsmanship isn't as simple as it seems. At least until Zoro reaches the level of a swordmaster, Master's guidance will provide him with knowledge comparable to what you'll learn here at Headquarters."

"However, here you'll have access to far more resources and knowledge. That's the advantage of the Headquarters."

Kuina's eyes widened in surprise, and Wright ruffled her soft black hair. "When you're strong enough, I'll take you to a place deeply connected to you."

"A place connected to me?" Kuina was about to ask further when Wright changed the subject.

"Speaking of connections... You've been corresponding with Nami frequently these years. How is she? Do pirates still trouble her village?"

Hearing her friend's name, Kuina's eyes sparkled. "There have been a few pirates, but the Marines at the 16th Branch handled them quickly."

"Oh? Looks like Garp did a thorough job cleaning up that 'Captain Nezumi' last time," Wright said with amusement. "I imagine the new branch commander treats Cocoyasi Village as a priority now."

Kuina smirked. "Senior Brother, you personally had Captain Nezumi arrested and sent to Headquarters, where Grandpa Garp dealt with him. Who would dare overlook Cocoyasi Village now?"

Imagining herself and Garp declaring, "Cocoyasi Village is under our protection!", Kuina couldn't help but laugh.

Wright shook his head, smiling. "Garp's hometown might not even be as safe as Cocoyasi Village now."

"This time, when we visit the East Blue, let's check in on your friend."

"Absolutely!"

After their visit with Zephyr, Wright watched as Kuina called him "Chief Instructor" and earned a beaming smile in return.

"Zoro," Wright muttered to himself, "it's not that I don't have your back, but if you become a pirate, you'll be facing Kuina's pursuit. And if you beat her..."

"You'll have at least one Vice Admiral, a former Admiral, and me chasing you down! Hahaha!"

In the East Blue, Zoro, sweating under the weight of a large boulder during training, suddenly shivered. A chill ran down his spine, causing him to nearly drop the boulder.

"What... was that?"

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