One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

Wright finally managed to escape the overly enthusiastic crowd under the pretense of sheer exhaustion, finally finding a moment of peace.

At first, Wright didn't understand why such an uproar had been caused by something as simple as curing poison. But upon reflection, it made sense. On a ship where the entire crew, including the doctor, had been poisoned, their only foreseeable outcome was drifting aimlessly at sea until death.

In the world of pirates, whether civilians, marines, or pirates themselves, bonds of camaraderie are deeply valued. In such a life-and-death scenario, saving an entire ship in such a decisive manner deserved the praise he received.

Thinking this through, Wright realized something else: since mastering the power of the Holy Light, he had become indifferent to life and death. Unless he was struck down in one decisive blow, it was nearly impossible to kill him. Even severe injuries could be instantly healed by the Holy Light's power—at the cost of varying amounts of energy.

It was akin to a video game where the player, on the brink of death, activates invincibility and fully heals themselves before charging back into battle. That was the level Wright had reached.

However, this attitude of disregarding life and death was clearly detrimental to his mastery of the Holy Light.

Realizing this, Wright felt a wave of alarm. If this strange experience hadn't woken him up, would he have gradually become cold and emotionless, ignoring life and death altogether? Would he transform into a mere conduit for the Holy Light, acting solely on logic and basic principles—just like that so-called "Mother of Light"?

"Becoming like that would probably get me smashed into pieces and turned into weapon materials…" Wright muttered to himself.

"To wield power, not be wielded by it—this is a universal principle across any system of strength."

"The next phase of my training must focus on cultivating my state of mind. Perhaps I need to experience more of the world…"

With that resolution in mind, Wright began his routine meditation to adjust his condition to its peak. "Let's test the theory I've been working on," he murmured.

Sitting cross-legged, Wright drew his longsword, Ashes, and placed it across his lap. Activating his Observation Haki, he focused on sensing the sword.

Gradually, as Wright concentrated his Observation Haki on the blade, he felt as if he could see its structure, sensing a faint connection between himself and the sword.

"Is this the 'mark' that Master spoke of?"

Coating his hands in a dense layer of Holy Light, Wright gently ran them along the blade, using his Observation Haki to monitor its condition. Though faint, some of the Holy Light's power wasn't dissipating. Instead, it was being absorbed by the sword, albeit at the cost of slowing down the light's natural dissipation.

Wright's spirits soared—this worked! He decided to dedicate more time to mastering his control over the Holy Light.

"Doctor Wright, we've arrived at Orange Town!"

Carrying his luggage and Ashes, Wright stepped off the ship, greeted by a throng of people on the deck, all bowing and expressing their gratitude. This left him somewhat embarrassed.

"You really don't have to be so polite. Also, I'm not a doctor—I'm a swordsman! Look at the sword, people!" Wright protested, though his audience's knowing glances told him they clearly thought otherwise.

After much effort, Wright finally freed himself from the crowd and set foot in Orange Town—the third stop on his journey in this world.

Yes, it was that Orange Town, the place where Monkey D. Luffy would, twenty years later, face the man whose name you should never say backward…

Wright hadn't planned any specific destinations since leaving Shimotsuki Village, but it was a surprise that his first stop ended up being this peculiar town.

Orange Town was newly built and still relatively small. Many facilities weren't yet complete, so the townsfolk relied heavily on visiting merchant ships. News of a young prodigy doctor arriving spread quickly, and soon everyone in town was talking about him.

"Luffy found an incredible navigator here. I wonder what I might stumble upon… Wait, what?!"

Wright's musings were interrupted as he expanded his Observation Haki to its limit, both training and surveying the area. What he sensed left him dumbfounded.

"That straw hat! Am I seeing things?"

"No… even if my eyes deceived me, my Observation Haki wouldn't!"

Wright's Observation Haki, likely influenced by the Holy Light, had shown signs of a legendary advanced trait—the ability to sense emotions. Additionally, its range was impressive, covering nearly the entire town despite being recently awakened.

"'Red-Haired' Shanks!"

The man hadn't noticed him yet, but Wright's curiosity was immediately piqued. Recently, news had spread of Golden Lion Shiki escaping from Impel Down. Around this time, Shanks should be…

"Who knows! Even as a hardcore fan, I only remember the major events. Who could possibly recall every little detail?"

Still, Wright couldn't resist eavesdropping. Observation Haki not only detected emotions but also, in this case, thoughts. It felt far classier than simply hearing voices—though the end result was similar.

Shanks was in a bar, laughing and drinking heartily. Wright speculated, "Is he out here for some leisure time? Has he formed his crew yet?"

Then Shanks spoke:

"That sharpshooter, what a shame. I went out of my way, only to be rejected!"

"But no matter. I can tell he's someone with a longing for the sea. One day, he'll join my crew. Hahaha!"

Wright raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Even Shanks, with his so-called 'Face-Fruit' charisma, gets rejected. Other than, well, that guy with the name you shouldn't say backward…"

"A sharpshooter? Isn't Syrup Village nearby? Could it be Yasopp? Hah, I bet Shanks is sulking about it."

Shanks continued, "I heard there's a miracle doctor in town, just a kid. Sounds interesting! I'd love to meet him… I just lost a sharpshooter; maybe I can find a ship doctor instead!"

Wright: "…"

What? How did that thought process even make sense? Was Shanks' crew always this… chaotic?

Still…

The Shanks standing here seemed only 17 or 18 years old. He didn't yet bear the three scars on his face from Blackbeard.

Maybe? Could it be? Worth a shot?

This was a man who had joined Gol D. Roger's crew at just nine years old, someone destined to become one of the world's strongest swordsmen and a future Yonko. Even if he wasn't yet at his peak, as a veteran of the Edd War, he had to be a high-level swordsman already.

It would be a waste not to seize this rare opportunity.

In the town's only tavern, Shanks was already downing barrels of beer with several tables of drinking companions, his immense tolerance for alcohol on full display.

"Creak~"

The tavern door opened, and Wright poked his head in. He immediately frowned at the sight of swaying drunkards and was nearly overwhelmed by the stench of booze.

"Uh…"

"Doctor! Have you come to join the fun? Drink to your heart's content—it's all on me today!" someone shouted cheerfully.

Wright: "…Sorry for the interruption. Goodbye."

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