One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

Aside from the complications brought about by his undercover identity, Vergo was, in every sense, an exemplary Marine.

His enlistment record was stellar—strong, disciplined, and utterly devoted to the rules. His rise to Vice Admiral and command of the New World G-5 Branch Base was proof of his competence. He had such a stronghold over his subordinates' loyalty that they refused to believe he was capable of wrongdoing. Without question, Vergo was a master manipulator and adept at winning over hearts and minds.

"Vergo… if you were truly a Marine, what a great one you would have been. But unfortunately, your unshakable loyalty to Doflamingo… that's something even I cannot undo."

After securing Law's safety, Wright focused his Observation Haki on the mushroom-haired "Marine" wearing sunglasses, who was lurking not far away. With steady steps, Wright approached.

Hearing the sound of approaching footsteps, Vergo turned. The sight of a figure in a Justice Coat, with a golden-glowing longsword at his side, immediately caught his attention. There was no mistaking this individual.

As an exceptional spy, Vergo had meticulously gathered intelligence on the Navy's key officers. Unlike Rosinante, whose existence Sengoku deliberately concealed, Wright's reputation blazed across the Navy as a rising star.

Dual Haki mastery, the rare ability to heal, swordsman skills on par with the greats, a personal disciple of Admiral Zephyr, co-creator of the "Combined Assault Formation," a graduate of the Marine Training Camp who singlehandedly eradicated a pirate crew with a bounty exceeding 70 million berries, and promoted to Commodore at just 22—Wright was the ultimate "golden recruit."

His exploits made him the idol of his peers, earning him the nickname "the pride of the new generation." And then there was his weapon, the exquisite longsword "Ashes," which was as famous as its wielder.

Vergo was well-acquainted with Wright's reputation, but why was someone of his caliber in the North Blue, here on this island?

"Commodore, sir!"

Without hesitation, Vergo reflexively assumed the role his cover demanded, snapping to attention and saluting.

"…"

Wright stopped about ten meters away, his gaze falling on the two stray fries stuck to Vergo's face.

"I always thought I held the title of 'Master Actor'… until I met you, Vergo," Wright said with a shake of his head. "It seems I still have much to learn. Care to share some tips?"

"…What do you mean, Commodore?" Vergo's heart sank, but his expression remained calm as he worked to maintain his Marine facade.

"Being dispatched from G-5 directly to the North Blue? Considering the nature of G-5's 'delightful' personnel, you must've put in quite the effort," Wright said with a slight nod, seemingly impressed by Vergo's act.

"How does it feel? Returning to the North Blue, to your homeland, and to your… king—Donquixote Family Executive, Heart Seat, Vergo—or should I say, the original Corazon?"

"Exposed!"

"How could this happen?"

"This Wright's abilities… could Corazon still be alive?"

"I need to report this to Doflamingo!"

Thoughts raced through Vergo's mind as he tried to piece together the truth. If this was a setup, how had Doflamingo managed to escape?

"Don't overthink it," Wright said, drawing his sword as golden flames flickered around its blade. His Observation Haki picked up on Vergo's turbulent thoughts. "This is just an unexpected situation. A certain idiot happened to survive by sheer luck. Unfortunately for you, this means your cover is blown, Mr. Master Actor."

"Let's finish this quickly," Wright continued. "I still have a mission to complete, and standing around in this cold is only making me hungrier."

"…"

Vergo remained composed. Without defeating Wright, it would be impossible to inform Doflamingo of the situation. The fact that Wright was here meant the Navy must have already uncovered his identity. His mission as a spy was a complete failure.

At the very least, he needed to survive and return. The Family still needed its Corazon. Two generations of Corazon, acting as spies for opposing sides—what an ironic twist of fate.

"It seems we're both in a hurry, Commodore. Then let's do as you say—finish this quickly."

After a brief pause, Vergo removed the firearm slung on his back and set it aside. Shrugging off his coat, he revealed his muscular frame, which was soon enveloped in a jet-black layer of Armament Haki.

"To kill a promising future pillar of the Navy like you… what a thrilling thought!" Vergo said as he charged forward.

"Clang!"

Vergo's punch collided with Wright's longsword, which was ablaze with golden-red flames. The impact created a metallic screech, scattering snowflakes violently in every direction.

"You're no mere Commodore," Vergo commented coldly, sensing how his Armament Haki was rapidly being consumed in the clash.

"Your rank and your strength don't match either, so you're one to talk," Wright quipped.

"Bang!"

Both men retreated simultaneously, adjusting their stances. Wright shifted his weight onto his left leg, while Vergo mirrored the movement, unleashing simultaneous Armament-infused kicks.

Having sparred extensively with Garp and Zephyr, Wright understood one key principle when facing physically dominant opponents: brute force.

In the world of pirates, raw strength, speed, reflexes, and Haki intensity decided the victor. Techniques and finesse? Those were secondary. Even swordsmen were not exempt from this rule.

"Your Haki utilization… it's flawed," Wright observed after dozens of exchanges. While Vergo's full-body Armament looked intimidating, it was far from efficient.

Unlike Vergo, veterans like Garp and Zephyr never relied on such flashy displays. Instead, they concentrated their Haki on specific points of impact, maximizing both offense and defense.

Yet Vergo, blinded by overconfidence, had chosen an inefficient method.

Several more blows were exchanged. Wright remained unfazed, his breathing steady. Vergo, however, was visibly winded.

Realizing his mistake, Vergo retracted his full-body Armament, focusing it on his fists. His self-assurance may have bordered on arrogance, but he wasn't a fool.

"Finally taking this seriously?" Wright smirked, noticing the shift. "It seems the warm-up is over."

"Commodore Wright," Vergo said, his tone grim. "My evaluation of you has risen once again. But you still cannot defeat me."

"Confident, aren't you? What a coincidence—I feel the same way." Wright's blade shimmered as golden light surged around him. "No more talking. Beat me, and you can return to Doflamingo. Fail, and the Heart Seat remains vacant."

"Hmph!"

Vergo's fists glowed with a purplish hue as he roared and charged forward.

Wright's smirk widened as he charged to meet him. "Let's see if you can survive this!"

--------------------------------------

If you want to support me and read advance chapters, please visit:

patreon.com / juanpiece