One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

Shimotsuki Village wasn't very large, but the Isshin Dojo was a well-known landmark. It didn't take Wright long to find its exact location.

As a former "hardcore fan" of the seas, Wright knew the significance of this village's background. In the relatively weak East Blue, Shimotsuki Village was like a hidden dragon's den for pirates—a place many underestimated at their peril.

How many pirates had already met their end here? Take that gang of thugs he'd just encountered, for example...

"Who knows? Maybe some of the villagers I asked for directions earlier were Shimotsuki family samurai. If even one of them decided to make a move, they could dominate an entire region of East Blue."

Wright couldn't help but notice how fit the villagers looked. At the very least, most seemed to have undergone deliberate physical training—or, more accurately, rigorous discipline.

Ahead lay the Isshin Dojo. The shouts of children practicing swordsmanship could already be heard from a distance.

The dojo's master, Koushirou, stood alongside his wife, observing the students as they practiced. A young Koushirou, his black hair tied neatly into a ponytail, wore round glasses that rested lightly on his face. His eyes were perpetually narrowed in a gentle expression, his lips curled into a slight smile.

The children's training ranged from about seven to sixteen years old. Although they practiced earnestly, there was a certain... cluelessness to their demeanor.

Koushirou chuckled softly. These were, after all, just kids from the village. His duty was simply to pass down the art of swordsmanship and ensure they could protect themselves. As for whether they could achieve the glory of their ancestors...

"Wright the swordsman requests an audience with the dojo master!"

A clear, youthful voice rang out with impressive momentum, drawing the attention of Koushirou, his wife, and the students to the dojo's gate.

Standing there was a boy of about twelve or thirteen years old. His handsome face was framed by long golden hair tied into a ponytail, and he held a sword significantly longer than most. The boy's well-crafted training attire hinted at a privileged background.

"..."

Koushirou unconsciously touched his own ponytail. What had the boy called himself? A swordsman?

Well, he certainly carried himself with remarkable poise.

However... Koushirou was certain he'd never seen this child before. At that age and with such an aura, if he were from the village, his name would already be well-known.

"I am Koushirou, master of the Isshin Dojo. There's no need for formalities. Since you've introduced yourself as a swordsman, please, come in."

Wright raised an eyebrow. Koushirou was as kind and unpretentious as the rumors suggested—a seemingly easy going man.

For most swordsmen, visiting a dojo unannounced usually meant one of two things: issuing a challenge or seeking revenge. Yet Koushirou hadn't asked a single question before inviting him in. Was it because of his age?

Unfortunately, that was something Wright couldn't change.

After thanking Koushirou, Wright stepped into the dojo, prompting a wave of whispers among the students.

"His sword is so long!"

"He called himself a swordsman!"

"Wow, when will I graduate and become a swordsman too?"

"Master says we're just beginners!"

"Maybe if we carried real swords, we'd look as cool as him!"

In the reception room, Koushirou had changed into casual clothing to meet Wright alone. As they sat, Koushirou's round glasses caught the light, briefly obscuring his eyes, which seemed to gleam with sharpness beneath their usual calm.

"You're not a local, are you, Wright?" Koushirou asked with a smile. "At such a young age, to achieve this level of skill and possess the potential to become a swordmaster... your future is boundless. May I ask what brings you to my humble dojo?"

Wright wasn't surprised by Koushirou's perceptiveness. After all, those with perpetually squinted eyes often concealed extraordinary abilities.

The current Koushirou was far from the serene and polished demeanor he would display in later years. Though gentle in personality, his youthful vigor and sharp presence made him more direct than the seasoned master Wright had envisioned.

"Indeed, Master Koushirou," Wright replied. "My name is Wright, age twelve, originally from the Goa Kingdom... though I no longer have any ties there."

"Since I was young, I've had a dream: world peace."

Cough, cough, cough.

"..."

A few veins twitched on Wright's forehead.

Was it really necessary to make this so awkward? He'd already felt embarrassed saying it—couldn't they at least pretend to take him seriously?

"Ah, my apologies. Please, continue." Koushirou adjusted his glasses, the reflection masking his earlier lapse in composure.

"Ahem. I once heard a saying that struck me deeply:

'Peace is the highest ideal. But to achieve it, one must be ready to fight for it.'

I've reflected on this deeply. And I've come to believe that strength is the foundation for realizing any dream.

To that end, I've tirelessly trained in swordsmanship. However, lacking proper guidance, my progress has stalled for months. Basic practice has improved my physical conditioning, but my swordsmanship has hit a plateau.

So I set out to explore the seas. Not long ago, I encountered a pirate crew and barely escaped. When I heard how highly your dojo was regarded in this village, I knew I had to come here.

Master Koushirou, I wish to become your disciple and learn advanced swordsmanship! Please grant me this opportunity!"

Of course, Wright couldn't outright admit that he knew about the village's hidden legacy of master swordsmen, that Koushirou's father had forged legendary blades like Enma and Wado Ichimonji, or that the Shimotsuki family's ancestor was the "Sword God" Ryuma, a hero revered in Wano Country.

That kind of talk would surely get him sliced in two.

Koushirou sipped his tea and sighed lightly. "Yours is indeed a noble ideal, Wright. But even more admirable is the clarity and determination you've shown in pursuit of it.

"To achieve so much at your age... the effort you've poured in must have been extraordinary.

"And your conviction and maturity are such that they overshadow your youth entirely."

"In this vast sea, there are countless strong individuals, and dreams are as numerous as the stars.

"Isshin Dojo is but a small, humble place in an unremarkable village. We do not concern ourselves with why our students choose to study swordsmanship.

"Some seek strength to protect their families. Others wish to rise above their station. Still others, like you, pursue their ideals.

"To follow your heart, and wholeheartedly carve your own path of the sword—that is the essence of Isshin."

Wright noticed that Koushirou had stopped calling him "young man" and now addressed him by name—a sign of the master swordsman's acknowledgment.

Reflecting on Koushirou's philosophy, and recalling how two decades later he would still support Zoro's choice to become a pirate while staying true to his own path, Wright felt a flash of inspiration.

He dropped to his knees and bowed deeply.

"Disciple Wright greets Master Koushirou!

"I will diligently follow your teachings and uphold the name of Isshin!"

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