ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

He wasn't afraid that this person would deceive him. After having deterred the other party just now, he was confident that they wouldn't dare try anything reckless.

After being intimidated, the man's attitude immediately became submissive.

"It's like this. We found out that the man traveled through the Goa Kingdom and later headed to a small island in the southeast of the kingdom."

"This is the map—look, here it is."

He took out a map of the Goa Kingdom and pointed to a small, obscure island.

The Kingdom of Goa was surrounded by dozens of large and small islands, but this particular one was nothing more than an inconspicuous village, located at a considerable distance from the main kingdom.

Caesar nodded, motioning for him to continue.

"According to our sources, Shimotsuki Kozaburo did indeed establish a dojo on that island. He named it the Isshin Dojo."

"He also has a son, around seven or eight years old, who has fully settled there, and..."

"Over time, that small village prospered because of the dojo. It is now called Shimotsuki Village."

Brad let out a sigh of relief. "We finally found him. That was a hell of a search."

Caesar nodded in agreement. "Yes."

His eyebrows furrowed in thought. Since it's Shimotsuki Village, there's no mistake.

A short while later, the three of them arrived at the shore where their boat was docked.

Brad confidently climbed aboard. "Let's go."

"Well! I'll leave the job of sailing to you, Gnaly."

Veins popped on Gnaly's forehead, and he roared, "I'm the vice-captain, not the damn helmsman!"

Caesar glanced at him and calmly stated, "You're the most familiar with these waters. Naturally, it makes sense for you to take the helm."

Gnaly was stunned for a second before realizing that this guy had skillfully manipulated him.

With a sigh of resignation, he took the helm, lamenting the unreliability of his two companions.

The boat wasn't very large, but it was spacious and comfortable enough for the three of them to travel with ease.

And so, they set sail toward the small island where Shimotsuki Village was located.

---

Shimotsuki Village – Isshin Dojo

Clap! Clap!

The rhythmic sound of wooden swords striking filled the air.

Inside the Isshin Dojo, dozens of children in training uniforms swung their practice swords vigorously, paired up and sparring, sweat dripping from their foreheads as they panted from exertion.

Shimotsuki Kozaburo stepped forward, instructing the disciples to take a break and form a circle.

Among them sat his son, Shimotsuki Koushirou, looking up at his father with admiration in his eyes.

"The way of the sword is a test of one's inner strength—"

Before he could finish, Kozaburo suddenly turned his head toward the dojo entrance, his smile vanishing.

"Teacher, what's wrong?" one of the students asked with concern.

Kozaburo's frown deepened, a hint of unease flickering in his eyes.

Why… was a powerful stranger approaching?

And with such clear intent?

Could it be…?

As an unsettling thought crossed his mind, his face darkened.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

Rhythmic footsteps echoed, drawing everyone's attention to the entrance.

A few drops of cold sweat slid down Kozaburo's face. He gripped the wooden sword beside him, his body coiled like a taut spring, ready to strike.

A moment later, the source of the footsteps revealed himself.

Kozaburo's eyes narrowed. The man was unfamiliar—not from Wano.

But that didn't mean he would lower his guard.

"Who are you? What do you want here?"

Caesar smirked. One glance at this man, and he was certain—this was Shimotsuki Kozaburo.

Though the old man held only a wooden sword, the aura of a master swordsman was unmistakable.

Caesar and his companions stepped into the dojo.

"You are Shimotsuki Kozaburo," Caesar stated confidently. "I've come to find you… because I want you to forge a sword worthy of me."

[41] The King of Brats? Kozaburo Accepts the Challenge!

Kozaburo immediately frowned, suspicion in his gaze.

The man before him knew exactly who he was.

Kozaburo shut his eyes briefly, hiding the turmoil within.

When he opened them again, his stare was cold and resolute.

"Sorry. I stopped making swords long ago."

Brad and Gnaly exchanged anxious glances and were about to interject when Caesar gestured for them to hold their tongues.

Without a hint of disappointment, Caesar calmly sat down.

At Kozaburo's silent command, the students moved to the woods behind the dojo to continue their training.

Caesar's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. He wasn't frustrated by Kozaburo's rejection.

His gaze shifted to the corner of the dojo, where countless wooden swords were neatly arranged.

"Ordinary swords in my hands are no different from these wooden practice blades. After a fierce battle, they shatter."

"Finding a worthy sword is a time-consuming effort."

He paused, then continued.

"But Mr. Kozaburo, a great sword chooses its wielder."

"And I—" his voice grew firmer, "—am the kind of man worthy of a supreme blade. A legendary sword will only reach its true potential in the hands of someone strong enough to wield it."

"Just as a powerful warrior seeks a sword that can unleash his full strength."

Kozaburo's slightly narrowed eyes flickered with intrigue.

He's right.

A great sword was meant for the hands of the mighty.

Much like a master searching for the finest steed, a swordsman and his blade were bound by fate.

Kozaburo thought of Enma, the blade he had forged long ago. In Kozuki Oden's hands, it had found its purpose.

He exhaled deeply, shaking his head. "Sorry. I still can't agree."

Caesar sensed the old man's stubbornness and sighed softly.

"Very well. Then I'll wait here. I believe Mr. Kozaburo will change his mind."

"You…!"

Kozaburo was momentarily speechless at this brazen declaration.

---

For the next five days, Caesar remained in the dojo.

He didn't pester Kozaburo constantly, yet his presence was undeniable.

Every day, he sat with the children during lessons and sparred with them, just like any other disciple.

At first, the children were wary of the strange new oniisan.

But Caesar showed patience, guiding them through kendo techniques, never treating them dismissively.

"Brother Caesar, are you really strong?"

"Is the Grand Line beautiful?"

"Is it more amazing than the East Blue?"

During breaks, the children surrounded him, bombarding him with questions.

Gnaly, watching from the window, scoffed. "This is ridiculous. Does he look like a pirate to you?"

"If the old man won't forge the sword, why not just beat him until he agrees?"

Brad chuckled as he dragged Gnaly away. "Come on, we need to resupply."

Kozaburo watched from inside the dojo, his gaze lingering on Caesar.

A headache began to form. He sighed.

---

Seven days later.

The dojo was empty after training. Caesar turned to leave.

"Wait."

Caesar's back was to Kozaburo. A slow, triumphant smile spread across his face.

Turning around, he feigned curiosity. "What?"

Kozaburo sighed. "Fine. I agree."

He had seen Caesar's wanted poster.

A newcomer with a 300+ million bounty, a member of the Rocks Pirates—sooner or later, the Marines would come looking.

He couldn't risk drawing the World Government's attention.

"That's excellent news."

"Don't get ahead of yourself." Kozaburo handed him a list.

"Gather these materials. The rarer they are, the greater the sword's quality."

Caesar scanned the list, eyes gleaming.

"Challenge accepted."