One Piece: Pirate Code

In William's past life in Japan's history, during the early Tokugawa shogunate, Zen Master Takuan Sōhō wrote The Unfettered Mind, expounding on the ideals of "unity of mind and sword" and "the oneness of Zen and the sword," integrating Zen principles with swordsmanship. He frequently emphasized the role of the "mind" in the art of swordsmanship.

The legendary "Sword Saint" Miyamoto Musashi, in his Book of Five Rings, also stressed the importance of mental adjustments alongside physical sword techniques. 

It can be said that historical sword masters were not only proficient in sword techniques but also well-versed in Zen principles, often practicing meditation to cultivate both physical and spiritual prowess.

This was true in William's previous world, where extraordinary powers did not exist. Here, however, mental and spiritual cultivation holds even greater importance. Kōshirō's dojo is known as the "Isshin Dojo" and its sword style, "Ittoryu Style"(One Sword Style or One Heart Style) places an even greater emphasis on training the "heart" compared to other sword styles.

From a distance, the constant drizzle seemed to cast a thin veil over the courtyard of the Isshin Dojo. Normally bustling, the buildings had become much quieter until the central hall started to stir, filled with young students chatting and eventually breaking into laughter and playful fights.

The previously quiet hall soon grew noisy and chaotic until Kōshirō entered from a side door. With a loud command from Pattinson, the students quickly knelt in their assigned places.

Due to the rain, Kōshirō gathered the students for an indoor lesson. William, with his mature soul, had attended these types of lectures multiple times, unlike the younger students, who preferred practicing sword moves over what they saw as obscure sword theories.

Kōshirō held his famous katana, "Wado Ichimonji," known throughout the dojo. Like Kōshirō himself, its plain appearance belied its true value, only revealing its razor-sharp edge when drawn.

Edmond stared intently at the "Wado Ichimonji" with the gaze of a wolf admiring a rare beauty. Every time Kōshirō took out the "Wado Ichimonji," Edmond looked at it this way, and William often suspected him of having a fetish for it.

Gathered in their usual group, Aramis leaned over to William and whispered, "No 'big philosophy' lesson today? Why is Kōshirō-sensei holding his sword?"

"How would I know?" William replied without turning his head.

Kōshirō eventually began the lecture with some swordsmanship theory, dispelling Aramis's curiosity.

He drew the Wado Ichimonji, its blade gleaming coldly as it emerged from the simple scabbard, captivating Edmond, whose expression grew even more entranced.

Sensing Edmond's gaze, Kōshirō smiled in his direction and beckoned him forward.

As Edmond approached, Kōshirō handed him the Wado Ichimonji, smiling encouragingly. "Do you like it?"

Edmond nodded eagerly. Kōshirō moved the sword closer and said, "Hold it."

Disbelieving, Edmond gripped the famed blade, grinning at Kōshirō, awaiting further instruction.

Pointing to a bundled straw mat, Kōshirō instructed, "Cut through that mat." Edmond, holding back his excitement, quickly stepped forward.

Although Edmond could be quite laid-back, he composed himself by the mat, taking a step and delivering a swift downward slash, easily slicing the mat in two.

While this technique might have seemed impressive in William's previous world, it was nothing remarkable here at the Isshin Dojo, especially with such a fine sword. But to Edmond, it demonstrated the blade's reputation; as he swung the Wado Ichimonji, he felt no resistance, as if slicing through butter.

This experience only made Edmond's admiration for the Wado Ichimonji grow.

Kōshirō nodded at Edmond's form during the slash, recognizing his solid technique. But then he took the Wado Ichimonji back from Edmond and set it down, retrieving an even simpler sword, an old and poorly maintained katana with a chipped and rusted blade, and handed it to Edmond.

Pointing to the mat, Kōshirō gave the same instruction: "Cut through that mat."

Edmond examined the blade, and upon seeing its condition, his expression soured. The students also noticed, some stifling laughter.

Nevertheless, Edmond approached the mat, took a breath, and performed the same downward slash.

The mat was cut cleanly, but this time, everyone noticed something different. The blunt and damaged blade's resistance altered Edmond's form slightly, as he worried the blade might snap.

Some students assumed Kōshirō was merely teaching them to appreciate and care for their swords.

Aramis smirked, "I get why Edmond admires the Wado Ichimonji now."

"It's not that simple."

As William finished speaking, Kōshirō turned to the mat again and, in the same tone, addressed the Wado Ichimonji as if it were a person: "Cut through that mat."

---

(NOTE: Kōshirō refers to Wado Ichimonji with a pronoun as if it has life, which is intentional.)

______________________________________________

If you want 15 chapters ahead, check out my Patreon: 

patreon.com/PureParadox