One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

Sensing the rhythm of all things was more complex and profound than merely perceiving their "breath" or "voices." Could this deeper complexity be why he hadn't yet crossed the threshold?

Once he broke through, his mastery of the Cutting Steel realm would surely differ from the ordinary.

Time passed, but it was impossible to tell how long. The rhythms of the rocks, trees, and flowing water around him were steady and unperturbed, as if nothing could disturb their balance. In contrast, the lively rhythms of people and animals in the distance seemed ever-changing.

Suddenly, an unprecedented "presence" emerged in Wright's perception.

This new "presence" was extraordinary, radiating a unique rhythm—a "convergence of will."

...Joy, existence, aspiration, anticipation, and prayer—all these beautiful wills coalesced into a rhythm so vivid and clear that it even influenced the surrounding world.

This was... birth.

A new life, filled with boundless light and infinite potential, carrying countless hopes and blessings, had come into existence.

A faint sound echoed, like shattering frosted glass that had obscured his vision. In an instant, the world became vividly clear. Wright felt as if he were immersed in a hyper-realistic VR experience, where every detail within his sensory range was perfectly defined.

The breath of all things, their voices, their colors, and even... their emotions!

"Is this the special enhancement of the Holy Light?"

He drew his blade and casually slashed forward.

A sharp zing resounded.

Before him, a boulder the size of a house split cleanly in two. Yet, the blades of grass standing in the path of the strike remained utterly unharmed.

A surge of pure joy filled Wright's chest.

"Cutting Steel!"

"Observation Haki!"

"And... Kuina..."

Even before entering the dojo, Wright could sense the overwhelming joy enveloping the entire place.

"Wright is back!"

"Wright! Master asked to see you as soon as you returned!"

"Wright, you missed something big a few days ago!"

"Haha, looks like you're the only one in the dojo who doesn't know yet!"

Wright couldn't help but regret spending extra days stabilizing his newly awakened Observation Haki before returning. With a nod, he replied, "Alright, I'll go see Master right away. Is he going to tell me personally?"

When Wright met Master Koshiro, the usually calm and smiling man had an expression overflowing with happiness. Beside him, Mistress was pale but cradled a tiny bundle in her arms, her serene and gentle smile radiating a sacred beauty.

"Ahaha, Wright, you're finally back! The other disciples have already met her—come and meet your little junior, Kuina!"

Normally composed and steady, Koshiro now resembled a proud collector introducing his most treasured possession.

"Congratulations, Master and Mistress! The future of the dojo is secured!"

Wright bowed deeply, his emotions surging.

Mistress, though moving about freely now, still seemed pale. Something felt... off.

"Master, I feel that Mistress doesn't look well..."

"Dear child, don't worry," Mistress replied with a smile. "It's just a minor issue. I'm much stronger than you think~."

In the two years since Wright had joined the dojo, his thirty-something soul inhabiting a teenager's body, Master Koshiro and Mistress had shown him great care. His diligence, respectfulness, and maturity had earned their favor, and Mistress, in particular, treated him like her own child. Compared to the six wasted years of noble life before, Wright felt these years were far more fulfilling.

But now, thinking of Mistress's and Kuina's future fate...

If he had the ability to change things, then he had to act. Otherwise, he would regret it forever.

"Master, Mistress."

"Please forgive me, but there is something I've been keeping from you."

"I am... a Devil Fruit user. I possess the ability to heal injuries and illnesses."

"!!!"

Koshiro and Mistress stared at him in shock.

"Wright, you..."

"That explains it!" Koshiro exclaimed, his expression turning thoughtful. "No wonder your training volume is several times that of others, yet your body shows no signs of hidden injuries or strain..."

After a moment of concern flashed across his face, Koshiro spoke seriously:

"Wright, for Devil Fruit users, their abilities are their greatest secret and final trump card—especially one as rare and unheard of as yours. Since you practice swordsmanship, your ability should be kept as a last resort. Why would you reveal this now?"

"Master, I have already achieved the realm of 'Cutting Steel.'"

"!?"

The couple froze before breaking into wide smiles.

"Wonderful! Wright, you were close to breaking through, and now you've done it. Your future is limitless—congratulations!"

"This is truly a time for double celebration!" Mistress added warmly. "You've done so well, Wright."

With his Observation Haki, Wright could perceive the genuine joy and pride emanating from the two, completely devoid of any falsehood.

"Master, Mistress, the enhancement of my strength is one reason I'm revealing my ability now. But there's another reason..."

"Due to the nature of my ability, I'm particularly sensitive to the condition of life. While Mistress's situation might seem minor on the surface, it could lead to serious consequences later."

"So, please trust me and allow me to heal Mistress's hidden ailments."

Mistress's eyes softened as she tried to refuse.

"Dear child... you don't need to go this far..."

But seeing the determination in Wright's gaze, Koshiro and Mistress finally relented.

Koshiro gently carried the swaddled Kuina a short distance away while Wright extended his right hand. A golden light began to gather, forming into a radiant flame.

Unlike the sacred flames of retribution, this golden fire seemed veiled in a soft, ethereal glow.

Wright guided the fire forward, letting it merge with Mistress's body. Instantly, her entire being was enveloped in a flowing, golden radiance, magnificent and awe-inspiring.

"The Eternal Flame!"

"Mistress's body has become frail due to childbirth, and there are deeper hidden ailments. Crude healing methods would be too harsh," Wright explained. "The Eternal Flame works through gentle permeation—its healing is gradual, yet profound."

Moments later, the glow faded, and Koshiro noticed that Mistress's complexion had regained a healthy flush. The weariness hidden in her eyes was entirely gone.

"What an incredible ability!" Koshiro exclaimed.

"With this treatment, Mistress's hidden ailments are completely resolved. She will live a long, healthy life."

"And as a bonus," Wright added with a grin, "her skin will be smoother and fairer."

"...!"

With that, Wright bowed again.

"Master, Mistress, I must take my leave. I wish to depart the dojo, set sail, and forge my own path as a swordsman!"

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