This Damn Charm Has Nowhere to Go
Rover Town, Izo Dojo
"Okay, I'm home. My master is a very nice person," the young boy, Ropa, said enthusiastically.
Charlotte looked skeptical. He glanced at Ropa, then at the kendo dojo before him.
My goodness, the master teaches swordsmanship, but his disciple rides a beast as a mount. There's no connection at all!
The beast was majestic, yet its personality was as docile as a lamb. To those unfamiliar with it, the creature might seem intimidating, but in reality, it was gentle and obedient.
Ropa, oblivious to Charlotte's thoughts, urged everyone to enter the Izo Dojo.
---
"Ha!"
A series of sharp cries echoed through the hall as wooden swords clashed. The dojo was filled with disciples practicing basic sword forms, their movements synchronized in disciplined precision.
"Master! Master! I'm back!" Ropa called out, ignoring the focused students around him.
A lean man with a katana at his waist stepped forward, his face stern. Before he could say a word, Ropa quickly interjected, "Master, we have guests! Guests!"
The man shifted his gaze toward Charlotte and his crew, his expression easing into a welcoming demeanor. "Ah, welcome. May I ask who you are?"
Beta, ever the impulsive one, immediately declared, "We are the Heberfil Pirates!"
Charlotte felt his heart drop. This smug idiot! The mere mention of 'pirates' often struck fear into civilians, unlike the special status King Luffy had gained through his actions.
"Pirates... Pirates!" Ropa stammered, his face paling. He couldn't reconcile the fact that these seemingly kind people were actually pirates.
Clang! A firm fist landed atop Ropa's head, forming an immediate red lump. "Master, why did you hit me?!" he asked, on the verge of tears.
"Don't be rude. Guests are guests," the dojo master scolded.
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. This was an unusual reaction. Most people panicked at the mere presence of pirates.
"Forgive my disciple's manners. My name is Kenzan. I have friends who are pirates, and you all seem disciplined. I trust you are not wicked men."
Charlotte was stunned. This level of carefreeness was unexpected. He couldn't help but think, Master and student truly are cut from the same cloth—both are utterly reckless!
"We were caught in a storm and ended up here unexpectedly," Charlotte explained. "We need to rest for a while. We won't cause trouble for the locals."
Kenzan nodded approvingly. "As long as you are not evildoers, you are welcome."
Charlotte observed Kenzan more closely. His attire and name carried the distinct style of Wano Country. Curiosity piqued, he asked, "Mr. Kenzan, you don't seem like you're from around here. Where are you from?"
Kenzan chuckled, scratching his chin. "I hail from Wano Country. I was once a retainer of the Kurozumi family."
Charlotte's mind reeled. The Kurozumi family... The name was notorious in Wano's history.
Wano was once ruled by five major families under the Kozuki Clan: Shimotsuki, Fugetsu, Amatsuki, Uzuki, and Kurozumi. However, the Kurozumi family, driven by ambition, attempted a coup and was ultimately executed for treason. The lone survivor, Kurozumi Orochi, became a vengeful wanderer, waiting for his moment to strike.
But at this point in time, Orochi should still be lurking in the shadows, biding his time...
Charlotte scrutinized Kenzan. Loyalty between a retainer and his lord was supposed to be unbreakable. Why had this man abandoned his oath?
Kenzan, sensing Charlotte's doubt, smirked. "My duty is fulfilled. I have repaid my debts. Now, I just want to teach my disciples and live in peace."
Charlotte's eyes lit up. This philosophy resonated with him. For the first time, he regarded Kenzan with true appreciation.
He chose not to pry further—everyone had their own past. Digging too deep could be troublesome.
---
Soon, the conversation turned to swordsmanship. Kenzan and Charlotte exchanged insights, sparring briefly to test their techniques.
Izo, the most talented disciple of the dojo, watched in awe. He hadn't expected Charlotte to possess such refined swordsmanship at his age.
"Master," Izo said with newfound respect, "I have learned much from this exchange. My understanding of the sword has deepened."
Kenzan smiled. "A swordsman must always seek growth. You should be grateful for the opportunity to learn."
The other disciples, though less experienced, recognized that Charlotte's skills were far from ordinary.
---
"Captain Charlotte's swordsmanship is extraordinary," Mitis noted. "He could establish a grander dojo to train future swordsmen."
"That's a good suggestion," Lina agreed. "I'll report it to the captain."
She genuinely hoped that more skilled warriors would gather around Charlotte, strengthening their crew.
Then, as if recalling something, Lina turned to Mitis. "By the way, have you eaten the Devil Fruit yet?"
Mitis nodded firmly. "Yes. I won't let Captain Charlotte down."
When Charlotte had offered him the Book-Book Fruit, Mitis had hesitated, overwhelmed by disbelief. But he quickly realized the immense potential of the ability.
Lina smiled slightly. "Then you must work hard to develop its power."
"I will!" Mitis clenched his fists. Charlotte had mentioned that the Book-Book Fruit could bring one's imagination to life—an ability with boundless possibilities. He needed to experiment with its applications.
---
"Haha! Wano swordsmanship truly is unique," Charlotte laughed, clearly pleased with the exchange.
"Mr. Charlotte, you are too modest," Kenzan replied with great respect. "I have gained much from this encounter. Thank you for your guidance."
His gratitude was sincere. For a swordsman, such an exchange was a rare and valuable experience.
The dojo's disciples watched in admiration. Though many were still beginners, they understood that to earn their master's respect, Charlotte had to be an exceptional warrior.
"You're too kind," Charlotte said, smiling. "For me, this has been an enriching experience as well. Growth in strength doesn't come solely from battle."
At Kenzan's insistence, Charlotte and his crew were invited to stay at the dojo for a while. Though he wasn't concerned about paying for lodging, rejecting such hospitality felt inappropriate.
As they settled in, Charlotte couldn't shake the feeling that his encounter with Kenzan was far more significant than it seemed.
Sometimes, the past had a way of creeping back when one least expected it...