NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Okay guys the Grace period of getting ten chapter is up, and it is also time I introduce the time schedule and its release dates, but lucky for you I will be releasing 4 chapters a week and an extra bonus chapter if I get over 450 power stones. (Maybe sometimes you'll only get 3 chapters cause translating is a lot of work, even if you have things that can help you out/ but then again me doing this is going to be rare)
◇2 chapters on Tuesdays
◇2 chapters on Wednesdays
◇1 bonus chapter on a Friday (if we reach our goal of 450 powerstone)
...
With Grace's introduction, Ron successfully became an apprentice to the owner of the backstreet weapons shop, Old John Sr.
Old John was a well known figure in Logue Town, honing the craft of forging swords since his childhood, a tradition spanning over two centuries in his family. While he might not be as renowned as the famous blacksmiths in Rogue Town, he was still considered a well-known blacksmith in the area.
"Boy Ron, I don't know who you are, but since Grace recommended you, you better be prepared to work hard. I might not teach you the most advanced blacksmithing skills, but I won't hold back on the basics."
The elderly blacksmith, working on the forge in front of him, cast a casual look at Ron and shared these words.
He wasn't overly thrilled about taking on an apprentice as young as Ron, but with his son away on another island to procure materials for forging, the shop needed an extra hand. Grace's introduction played a significant role in this arrangement.
"Understood" Ron nodded, not one to talk much. He rolled up his sleeves and got ready to dive into work.
"Hmm" Old John couldn't help but smile. He had expected a young lad like Ron to be unaccustomed to labor, but it seemed Ron wasn't just another pampered child.
So Ron settled into his role at Old John's weapons shop and embarked on his journey into blacksmithing.
During this time, Logue Town underwent some notable changes.
A significant number of Navy patrol officers took to the streets. While they didn't conduct house-to-house searches, their presence was palpable as they patrolled diligently.
Captain Smoker had two cigars in his mouth, strolling the streets with his aide, lieutenant Tashigi.
"Captain Smoker, isn't there a more efficient way to go about this?" After more than ten days of searching with no significant progress, Tashigi voiced with mild frustration. She felt that this time could have been better spent honing her sword skills.
"Lieutenant Tashigi, this is an order from higher ups" Smoker responded in a stern tone. "Although it may seem futile, we can't afford to be lax. You understand that, right?"
"Yes, but I can't help but feel that we're chasing shadows," Tashigi said. "The individual we sensed releasing a sword beam a few days ago is a great swordsman. Even if we find him, what can we do? A Great Swordsman, even in the latter half of the Grand Line, they are still formidable adversaries, especially in the East blue."
"Oh, you think we're here to capture them?" Smoker shook his head. "As you've mentioned, it's a great swordsman. There's no need to be hostile. Our primary objective is to confirm their identity. If they turn out to be a pirate, we must be vigilant."
"Got it," Tashigi nodded. "But how long do we keep searching like this?"
"Don't worry. If this individual is in Logue Town, they'll reveal themselves eventually. We just need to remain vigilant and respond promptly to confirm their identity" Smoker replied, puffing on his cigar.
"Hold on, isn't that Mr. Grace's kendo dojo?" Suddenly, Tashigi's eyes lit up as she spotted the sign of the kendo dojo. She had an urge to go inside and take a look.
"What are you doing? We're on duty; don't wander around!" Smoker dealing with his enthusiastic lieutenant couldn't help but shake his head. Tashigi's sole hobby seemed to be swordsmanship, with little interest in anything else, as she couldn't resist peeking into the dojo when they passed by.
Well?
Smoker suddenly took notice, the sword beam had emerged in this direction a few days ago. He had always believed that Grace's strength was nowhere near this level. Perhaps, he had experienced a breakthrough?
"Let's go inside and see," Smoker said, leading the way.
"Huh?" Tashigi was surprised and then followed eagerly.
"Why does captain Smoker have time to visit my humble establishment?" Grace greeted him with a smile. In a place like this which is close to the East blue naval Headquarters, he knew better than to offend the Navy. Captain Smoker was someone known not to be trifled with.
"Grace, your place is far from humble," Smoker replied, looking at the teenagers practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard. He continued, "I'm here today because I have something to ask you."
"What could have brought you here to inquire personally?" Grace inquired, curious.
"A few days ago, there was a huge sword beam released in Logue Town, and it was suspected that the great swordsman, Hawkeye, had arrived. Interestingly, the direction where the sword beam was released was around this area. I wanted to ask if you have any information about it" Smoker explained with a smile. "It's not a serious matter, it's mainly just to confirm the identity of the great swordsman."
"This..." Grace thought for a moment but didn't answer immediately. He knew for sure that Ron was not Hawkeye and was uncertain about how to respond.
"Hmm?" Smoker's eyes lit up, realizing that Grace likely had knowledge of the situation.
"Grace, do you know who that person is?" Smoker asked, his tone serious. "Rest assured, we don't intend to harm him. After all, he's a great swordman. If we act recklessly, it won't end well."
"This..." Grace hesitated. He didn't dare to divulge Ron's information casually. As Smoker had mentioned, this was a Great Swordsman, the very same individual he had a personal contest with. This Great Swordsman could easily defeat him, and if provoked, there would be dire consequences, So he was conflicted!