Koushirou looked at the disciple before him as if seeing a stranger. In those eyes, now burning once more, there was neither fear nor hesitation. That open and fearless gaze made him feel at a loss for the first time.
After a long silence, he picked up the thin booklet again and continued reading.
Sometimes his expression was puzzled, sometimes suddenly enlightened. At moments his brows knit tightly, at others a faint smile appeared. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, then he burst into hearty laughter.
A single booklet kept Koushirou reading until the sun dipped below the horizon.
"I understand now. With your spirit, the paths of swordsmanship, martial arts and Haki cannot contain you. But… you are far too dangerous."
"Master, if this puts you in a difficult position, I can leave Shimotsuki Village in a few days."
…
The silence stretched on.
"There is no need. Rest well. Tomorrow afternoon, come straight to the dojo's back yard. There are things in swordsmanship that will help you on your path.
"I am not an expert in Haki, but I can at least lay some groundwork for you."
Ethan looked up in surprise and joy.
"Yes, Master. I will take my leave."
He picked up the booklet and left the dojo with a light heart.
After Ethan left, Koushirou sat alone in the ruined quiet room, lost in thought. After a while he stepped outside and gazed at the silver moon hanging in the sky.
Ancestors… a man beyond comprehension has appeared on these seas. If he survives, he will carve out achievements unlike any in history.
Perhaps these seas will never be calm again. I have no idea whether what I am doing is right or wrong.
Back home, Ethan was equally happy.
If possible, he truly wanted to continue training in Shimotsuki Village. Although Master Koushirou had not said it outright today, the fact that he was willing to keep teaching was more than enough.
When Robin asked why he was in such a good mood, Ethan told her about Koushirou's attitude.
Upon hearing it, Robin was even happier than he was. It meant they did not have to leave the village and could continue living together in this peaceful place.
Seeing her smile, Ethan felt a pang of guilt. He knew why Robin was happy, and he also knew what kind of danger his future path would bring to both of them.
But he had no choice. Robin had no choice. Even the world that had forced them into this corner had no choice.
The World Government's CP units were still secretly hunting the survivors of Ohara. Ethan did not want to see Robin forced to run and hide like in the original story, constantly betrayed or betraying others, only to be captured by CP9 and thrown into a life or death crisis.
For a brighter future, he had only one option: change the world. Let the flames that burned Ohara set the entire world ablaze and force this diseased era to renew itself.
He went over his recent goals in his mind.
In swordsmanship, he had found a path forward, and the same was true for Haki. The flowing Haki of Wano was known even in the New World.
His ideological framework was also taking shape. At the very least, some of the enlightened people of this world seemed to acknowledge it, Koushirou in particular.
As for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Part 1, Phantom Blood, had finished serialization. He was preparing Part 2, Battle Tendency.
This illustrated adventure story had become a sensation across the seas.
Both pirates and marines loved the over the top, cool poses and the lines that were so embarrassing to say that they looped back around to being stylish.
Rumor had it that even the great pirate Whitebeard in the New World was a devoted reader.
This little piece of gossip had come from the chief editor of the World Economic News in a letter.
Naturally, the manuscript fees had climbed to a new level. They had even signed a contract for a collected volume of the first part.
Most of his goals were progressing smoothly. Only the matter of contacting the Revolutionary Army remained completely stuck.
It was still the early days for the revolutionaries, and they were extremely cautious.
Oda had written very little about them, leaving Ethan with almost nothing to go on, so he could only set it aside for now.
If worst came to worst, he could always find Dragon later by following Koala.
…
"In truth, the Shimotsuki style does not have fixed named techniques. None of the truly advanced schools of swordsmanship do.
"All those famous named attacks that echo across the seas were created by top level sword masters themselves from their own understanding of the sword.
"For example, our ancestor Ryuma once used a technique called Dragon Slash, born in the moment he cut down a dragon.
"When facing a powerful opponent, deliberately flashy named moves are meaningless.
"What matters is honing the heart, the sword and the body to the utmost, fusing them together, and then striking with your own conviction. That alone decides victory or defeat."
As he spoke, Koushirou drew Wado Ichimonji and slowly slashed toward the distant forest. A flying slash shot out, and a swath of trees toppled.
He then swung again in front of a piece of cloth hanging nearby, and the fabric remained completely untouched.
"Did you see that? Swordsmanship is simple and difficult at the same time.
"There are swordsmen whose blades cannot cut everything, and swordsmen whose blades can cut anything.
"This is the essence of a sword master.
"Go and feel the breath of all things. When you can cut steel, your swordsmanship will reach a new stage.
"When you can unleash a truly condensed flying slash, you can be considered a sword master."
Basic Sword Style was overwritten by Shimotsuki Sword Style.
Shimotsuki Sword Style: Proficient 5%
A direct explanation of the core, and such a light, effortless description of what it meant to be a sword master. This was the heritage of the Shimotsuki family.
"As for Haki, your body is still not strong enough for Armament. Keep training.
"Observation will come naturally when you comprehend the breath of the sword. That is the proper path of swordsmanship.
"This is the secret medicine recipe for the next stage. Handle it yourself."
Since he had decided to continue guiding Ethan, Koushirou held nothing back. A warrior had to make his own decisions and be as sharp as his blade.
"And one more thing. When you have time, go to the nearby seas and deal with some pirates. Sword masters are not trained in a yard.
"In a year, I will check your progress. If it is sufficient, I will teach you Haki."
Koushirou spoke plainly. A sword was a killing tool, and swordsmanship was an art of killing. No matter how beautiful the words used to dress it up, this was the truth.
His own level as a sword master had been forged through the blood of pirates.
He had even slipped into the Grand Line once. Only opponents there had been enough to push him to the edge of life and death and force out his potential.
Once, a swordsman whose blade shone like moonlight had walked the Grand Line without leaving his name, but he took the heads of dozens of great pirates.
With that, Koushirou turned and left. The rest of the path would be up to Ethan. No sword master was ever raised by hand holding.
Through their conversation, Ethan finally understood how the strong on the seas were defined.
From Koushirou's explanation of sword realms, Ethan aligned them with his own analysis system.
A Master level sword skill corresponded to a sword master. A Perfect level sword skill corresponded to a top sword master, and Transcendent level meant a great sword master.
The future Four Emperors and three admirals all stood at that layer of power. Each of them had at least one aspect at the Transcendent level, and many had more than one.
At that level, they simply did not leave any obvious weaknesses in themselves.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]