Grand Line, Bourgeois Kingdom.
"Your Majesty! Are you truly going through with this?"
The minister drafting the royal decree looked once more at the solemn-faced king. His Majesty's decision was truly…
"Carry out my orders as I have decreed! As king, I must be responsible for my kingdom and its people!"
The king hesitated for a moment, his expression conflicted, but in the end, he declared resolutely:
"Prince Cavendish is to be exiled!"
"The young women of the entire nation are so infatuated with him that they refuse to marry! How utterly absurd!"
"If no new generations are born, our country will face extinction!"
The minister sighed. To banish the prince… this was truly…
Absolutely wonderful! His own daughter was among those smitten by the prince, refusing to marry!
The young man he had originally favored—no, in fact, all young men in the kingdom—saw Prince Cavendish as a sworn enemy!
The minister viciously finalized the decree, and the king stamped it with his royal seal.
This decree, carrying the future hopes of the kingdom, was swiftly enacted—
And so, when Prince Cavendish was unceremoniously kicked across the kingdom's borders by the royal guards, he was completely dumbfounded.
"What in the world is going on?!"
Cavendish raged at the guards. "Why would I, a prince so beloved by the people, be sentenced to exile?!"
The guards exchanged glances, stealing a look at the 74 loyal followers standing behind Cavendish and the luggage cart filled with 500 million Berries.
This is supposed to be exile?
The king couldn't even take a concubine because no young woman in the country was interested. And you, Prince, have no self-awareness as to why the king might resent you?
"Ah~ my life! This is the lowest point of my life!"
Just as the guards were about to speak, Cavendish mounted his white horse, Farul.
"We ride! Let us leave this insignificant kingdom behind!"
"My—no, this young master's—handsome visage is meant to dazzle upon the world stage!"
"My beauty is for the entire world to admire! I shall command global fame!"
"Neigh~ Neigh~"
Farul snorted and nodded solemnly, fully supporting his master's ambitions.
The guards turned away and left without another word.
His Highness is beyond saving… someone else can deal with him.
...
"Lieutenant Kuina, there's a matter that requires your investigation."
The fearsome-looking Captain T. Bone examined the documents in his hands as he addressed the woman before him.
Having recently been assigned under T. Bone's command, both Kuina and Tashigi had reinforced his deep understanding of Wright's trust—
Wright had entrusted him with his own junior apprentice and a newcomer personally recruited into the Marines. Furthermore, they had just contributed significantly to a recent operation. Typically, such promising elite candidates were mentored directly by high-ranking officers, who would not only guide them but also ensure their protection.
Thus, T. Bone was all the more determined to produce results worthy of Vice Admiral Wright's confidence!
"Understood, Captain T. Bone! Please issue your orders!"
Kuina showed no hint of arrogance despite being Wright's junior apprentice. She remained disciplined, which only elevated T. Bone's already high opinion of her.
"Recently, a so-called 'paranormal event' has been occurring in the Rommel Kingdom."
"It's said that as soon as night falls, a mysterious gust of wind sweeps through the streets, cutting people down out of nowhere. This isn't a rare occurrence—it happens frequently."
"So far, there haven't been any fatalities, but many have been injured. Based on the wounds, they appear to be inflicted by a sharp blade."
"This strange phenomenon has been dubbed the 'Kamaitachi of Rommel.' As Marines, we must uncover the truth before any casualties arise!"
"Since it involves sword slashes, Kuina, as an exceptional swordswoman, you should be well-suited for this investigation."
"I will complete the mission!" Kuina responded confidently. If this so-called paranormal event involved swordplay, then there was no reason for her to back down!
After receiving her orders, Kuina led a team of Marines to the Rommel Kingdom.
"Lieutenant Kuina, we've questioned the locals. This 'phantom wind' has only been appearing for a short time, but it exclusively manifests at night."
A Marine responsible for gathering intelligence reported back: "The phenomenon is most common on the main street near the clock tower. While it has been spotted in other areas, its frequency there is significantly lower."
"Understood. We'll establish a defensive perimeter near the clock tower and see if the phenomenon appears after nightfall."
Kuina issued her orders. "Everyone, remain on guard. The appearance of this 'phantom wind' is unpredictable, and its slashes are powerful. If this is the work of a skilled swordsman, they could be a dangerous adversary!"
"Yes, Lieutenant Kuina!"
As night fell, Kuina and the Marines stood watch before the clock tower, awaiting the arrival of the 'Kamaitachi of Rommel.'
Swish—Swish—Swish—
Soon, Kuina's keen ears picked up the sound of wind. That sound—
"Defensive positions! This is a swordsman's slashes!"
With a sharp command, Kuina drew her Great Grade sword, Wado Ichimonji, and leapt toward the source of the 'phantom wind.'
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
The Marines reacted swiftly. In a dazzling display of skill, Kuina deflected the incoming 'Kamaitachi of Rommel' slashes, parrying each strike with precision!
"Lieutenant Kuina is incredible!"
"As expected of Vice Admiral Wright's junior apprentice—her swordsmanship is amazing!"
The Marines quickly encircled the area, leveling their rifles as the shadowy figure before Kuina gradually came into view.
"Identify yourself!"
Kuina demanded, her tone firm. The figure had just exchanged dozens of strikes with her, and the sword they wielded was clearly on par with her own Wado Ichimonji!
Such a warrior could not be an unknown figure!
As the silhouette became clearer, Kuina frowned. The person before her exuded an uncanny presence.
Dressed in a white… nightgown? Wielding a jewel-encrusted, double-edged longsword, the golden-haired individual had a twisted expression. Their lips curled into a sinister smile, and their eyes flickered between vacant and violently crazed.
"Are the winds caused by sword strikes too fast to be seen? This person's swordsmanship is formidable… but there's no sense of purpose behind their attacks."
"Haa… Haa…"
The golden-haired swordsman stood in an eerie posture, as if sleepwalking, barely holding themselves upright. Their murmurs were indistinct.
"White… Horse…"
"White Horse? Is that his name?"
Kuina's expression flickered, but the man before her had already launched another attack!
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Blades clashed, and in the blink of an eye, Kuina had already exchanged dozens of blows with him.
This man who called himself "White Horse" wielded his sword with incredible speed. However, having received meticulous instruction from the great swordsman Wright, Kuina was not the least bit intimidated. On the contrary, she was exhilarated—her opponent was a swordsman, making this the perfect opportunity to hone her skills!
The surrounding Marines hesitated, unwilling to charge forward. Their hands gripped their firearms, yet they dared not fire. All they could do was secure the perimeter and disperse the gathering crowd.
Kuina's swordsmanship was slightly inferior to her opponent's. While their duel seemed evenly matched for now, stamina was a crucial factor.
As a girl, Kuina should have had a natural disadvantage in terms of physical endurance. Yet, despite the strength behind her opponent's attacks, she could keenly sense that his stamina was not significantly greater than hers.
It was as if, despite being a genius, he had lived a pampered life, never truly prioritizing physical conditioning!
"What a waste of talent!"
Realizing this, Kuina felt increasingly irritated as the fight went on. He was squandering his potential! And his mental state—what was going on with that?
Their fierce exchange of blows left deep sword marks across the pavement.
As the battle progressed, Kuina could feel herself drawing ever closer to the realm that her senior brother had once described to her—the mark of a true swordsman.
The legendary skill of "cutting steel"!
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