One Piece: Pirate Code

Koshiro planted a few cherry trees in the yard, and by now, it was April. The cherry trees were in full bloom, their pink blossoms fragrant and beautiful.

William stared blankly at the cherry blossoms. He had just attended Vallon's funeral and was still wearing his black suit.

Since the body was never found, they had to place Vallon's usual clothing into the coffin instead.

Aramis was still holding a grudge against Edmond and quietly left after the funeral. Edmond, on the other hand, stayed by Vallon's grave for a long time, muttering to himself words no one could hear.

William wanted some time alone. He was the team's core, its pillar. Tony could despair, Gin could withdraw, Aramis could rage, Edmond could wallow in self-pity—everyone in the team could vent their negative emotions in front of others. But under such adversity, William could not.

He had to keep spirits steady, both internally and externally.

Two sets of footsteps sounded behind him. When William turned around, he saw Koshiro holding Kuina's small hand as they walked over.

"William!" Kuina called out. She had also attended Vallon's funeral, dressed in a plain-colored dress.

Her eyes were swollen from crying at the funeral. Seeing William standing alone under the cherry tree with a sorrowful expression, she couldn't hold back her tears again for reasons she couldn't explain.

In their small group, William always seemed so much older in mind, treating Kuina like a child. Aramis was sharp-tongued, Gin too quiet, and Edmond too proud. Only Vallon had been warmhearted and childlike, treating Kuina the best. Their bond was the strongest.

"Aramis says he's going to set sail to avenge Vallon," Kuina sobbed as she rubbed her eyes. "Please don't set sail. I don't want anything to happen to you too."

The sadness on William's face faded as he turned his gaze to the empty yard without responding. Koshiro sighed softly at the scene and patted Kuina's head, instructing her to bring the Wado Ichimonji.

"I can sense the heavy killing intent in your heart," Koshiro said gravely once Kuina had left. "You are the most gifted student in the dojo, destined to become an extraordinary swordsman..."

William interrupted, "Master, you've probably seen it all these years—I've never been just a pure swordsman. Edmond, Vallon, even Kuina might be willing to walk that path, but I never will."

Disappointment flickered across Koshiro's face, but he did not try to persuade further. From William's rise to becoming a regional smuggling king within a year, Koshiro already knew this young man had a resolute will, clear goals, and the ability to achieve them. He was not someone who could be easily swayed.

The atmosphere grew silent. Moments later, Kuina returned, carrying the Wado Ichimonji. Koshiro finally spoke: "Since you've made up your mind to set sail, William, I'll teach you something more."

"Anger is a kind of strength!"

Koshiro drew the Wado Ichimonji before him, slowly unsheathing it. "But you must master it, not let it master you!"

As the blade was drawn inch by inch from its sheath, Koshiro's demeanor grew colder. The usual warmth in his expression vanished, leaving only a calm steadiness.

He stepped under the cherry tree, held his breath for a moment, then struck the trunk with the hilt of his sword.

The blow was precise; the tree merely swayed slightly, but cherry blossoms cascaded down like snow.

Under the falling blossoms, Koshiro began to move. His sword danced in slashes, thrusts, and parries. His movements grew faster, shedding the rigid patterns he taught his dojo students. Each strike flowed freely, shifting and evolving, carrying an elegant rhythm.

The speed of his swordplay quickened. The swirling wind created by his blade lifted the fallen blossoms around him, encircling him as if enveloping him in a cloud of petals.

Kuina stood wide-eyed in amazement, while William gazed intently at Koshiro, his expression grave.

As Koshiro's pace slowed, the cherry blossoms around him began to settle. Yet none of the pink petals fell intact—they had all been cleanly sliced in half, merging with the soil below.

Soon, the blossoms lay entirely on the ground, save for one perfect petal, which floated delicately within half a foot of the Wado Ichimonji, dancing like a butterfly in flight.

Koshiro's swordplay became slow and deliberate. William could see the petal brushing against the blade's edge multiple times, yet each time, Koshiro's precision diverted the force, leaving the fragile blossom unharmed.

Having trained in swordsmanship for years, William was no longer the novice he once was. He could now grasp the profound mastery in Koshiro's techniques. His eyes shone with understanding as he watched every deliberate motion.

After a while, Koshiro exhaled softly and stopped his movements. The petal, too, began to fall. But before it touched the ground, Koshiro caught it between two fingers and, to William's astonishment, blew gently on it. The petal disintegrated into tiny fragments, scattering into the dirt.

"Your heart defines your perspective," Koshiro said calmly, his breathing steady.

He lightly waved his sword in an almost casual gesture. Yet, within the courtyard, a decorative stone slab five meters away was cleaved cleanly in two as if sliced by an invisible blade.

"When your heart becomes strong enough, you'll naturally master the sword in your hand."

"At that point, your blade will no longer be just a lifeless tool. It will become a part of you—an extension of your body. Like clenching a fist or stroking with an open hand, the interplay of strength and gentleness lies entirely in the swordsman's will." Koshiro sheathed the Wado Ichimonji and spoke lightly.

William instinctively glanced at his hands and then at the sword at his waist, deep in thought.

As he pondered Koshiro's extraordinary swordsmanship and philosophy, a notification appeared in his mind, seemingly out of nowhere:

"[Basic Swordsmanship] upgraded to [Intermediate Swordsmanship]."

"The destiny path [Swordsmanship Prodigy] has been unlocked."

"Acquired special feat: [Zen Swordsmanship]."

"Acquired achievement feat: [Inspired Insight]."

William's heart trembled.

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