This is Unscientific!
"Qian Zang, I wonder if you could share your swordsmanship experience with me. If there's a way to practice, that would be even better."
Qian Zang was momentarily stunned but didn't hesitate for long. He smiled and said, "Alright, no problem."
Charlotte was slightly surprised. He had only asked on a whim, never expecting the other party to agree so readily.
After all, swordsmanship techniques were often closely guarded secrets, passed down only from master to disciple, generation after generation.
Charlotte studied Qian Zang's straightforward demeanor and couldn't help but chuckle.
"Then, I'll share some of my insights on the path of the sword. I hope you can join the ranks of true swordsmen soon."
Qian Zang's eyes widened in disbelief before lighting up with excitement. "Really? Mr. Charlotte?"
Charlotte nodded solemnly.
"Thank you so much!"
Qian Zang was so overwhelmed with joy that he was at a loss for words. The insights of a swordsman could offer him an immeasurable source of inspiration.
He had begged other swordsmen before, but they all dismissed him, claiming he lacked talent, rejecting him outright.
Yet today, he had finally obtained what he sought. Tears of gratitude welled up in his eyes.
Charlotte froze for a moment, taken aback. As expected, people in this world had emotions that fluctuated too intensely.
He had no particular attachment to keeping his knowledge to himself. After all, every swordsman had their own unique path to walk.
Besides, Qian Zang already had his own inherited style of swordsmanship. He didn't need to follow Charlotte's methods.
Charlotte sighed and waited for Qian Zang to regain his composure.
"Mr. Charlotte, I don't understand why you're collecting swordsmanship techniques. With your talent, you must have already gained valuable insights just from this exchange. Why go out of your way to seek them?"
The answer was simple.
Charlotte collected these techniques for the sake of training his subordinates. If he could nurture even one or two talented swordsmen, it would only make his life easier.
It was similar to how the Marines systematically trained their recruits, refining their combat abilities over time, allowing new talents to emerge continuously.
If not for the World Government intentionally keeping the Navy in check by dispersing its forces, they could have long wiped out many of the pirate crews in the New World with a concentrated effort.
After all, Marineford itself was a heavily fortified location. Few dared to launch a direct assault on it. It was one of the safest places in the world.
Of course, exceptions like Golden Lion Shiki and Whitebeard's invasion of Marineford were rare, isolated incidents.
With such examples before him, why wouldn't he take inspiration from them?
Charlotte smiled. "It's just a hobby of mine."
"I want to gather the swordsmanship experiences of various warriors around the world and establish a dojo where people can train and study different techniques. Imagine how many skilled swordsmen might emerge from such a place."
Qian Zang stared at Charlotte in astonishment before admiration filled his gaze.
How much courage did it take to conceive such an idea?
In all his years, he had never heard of anyone doing something like this.
No wonder Charlotte had achieved such strength at a young age.
His vision was simply too grand!
Charlotte himself found the idea rather brilliant. Naturally, not just anyone would be accepted. Those who wished to join the Heberfil Pirates could not only study swordsmanship but also learn from other warriors.
He would even personally offer guidance.
However, those unwilling to join wouldn't be forced. At the very least, they had to leave behind their insights or training methods in exchange for learning.
If they had nothing valuable to contribute and refused to join, they would only be given access to basic training methods.
More importantly, treacherous or wicked individuals wouldn't be allowed in.
Otherwise, it would be a disaster waiting to happen.
Charlotte wasn't worried about managing the rest. Other matters could be delegated. His main focus was exchanging knowledge with strong swordsmen, which would also help refine his own skills.
Why not?
However, when Charlotte turned his gaze toward Qian Zang, he noticed something odd. The man's expression was borderline fanatical. His face had gone pale.
Had he misunderstood something?
"You..."
"Lord Charlotte! I admire you too much!"
...What?
Charlotte blinked in confusion. In a span of mere moments, Qian Zang had addressed him three different ways, each more respectful than the last.
No, hold on. Why was he suddenly being admired?
"That's—"
"Say no more, Lord Charlotte! I understand!"
???
Charlotte stared blankly. What do you understand?!
He had no idea how things had escalated like this.
As he tried to make sense of the situation, the sound of furious scribbling reached his ears.
Turning his head, he spotted Mitis, diligently writing in a notebook. He had no idea what she was recording, but her expression was unusually serious.
Mitis glanced up and grinned at Charlotte.
"As expected of Captain Charlotte! Every idea of yours is simply astonishing!"
Mitis was overwhelmed with admiration, convinced that Charlotte's vision was legendary enough to be recorded in her 'Mitis Travels'.
At that moment, Beta, who had been struggling to hold back, suddenly blurted out,
"Boss! Should we also start collecting physical training techniques and experiences?"
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected Beta to think of that. It was actually a great idea.
Currently, in addition to the physical training regimen he had devised, he also had knowledge of Rokushiki (Six Powers), Armament Haki, and Observation Haki training methods.
They were already powerful techniques.
But there were still other martial arts worth gathering.
Fish-Man Karate, Hasshoken, King's Punch, Ryusoken, Seimei Kikan (Life Return)...
They were all formidable combat techniques.
Of course, collecting them all would be difficult.
But even so, Charlotte nodded in approval. After all, the world was vast—who knew how many different styles of training existed?
Beta's eyes immediately gleamed with excitement, brimming with enthusiasm for discovering new fighting techniques.
It was clear he was a battle-hardened warrior, obsessed with combat.
Charlotte sighed, choosing to ignore him, and turned back to Qian Zang.
"By the way, Mr. Qian Zang—"
"No, no, no! Lord Charlotte! Just call me Qian Zang!"
Charlotte stared at him, baffled. What's wrong with this guy?
"...Alright, Qian Zang..."
Qian Zang's face was filled with utter devotion, as if this was the most natural thing in the world. Charlotte sighed.
The man must have serious issues.
"Do you know if there's something on this island that interferes with Observation Haki?"
Qian Zang immediately nodded.
"It's because of the Sweet Potato Tree."
Charlotte blinked.
"...The what?"
Qian Zang explained, "The Carrot Tree. It's the largest tree in the region and grows all over this town."
Charlotte finally understood. It had an odd name, but apparently, it could block Observation Haki.
...That made no sense!
Then again, in a world where Devil Fruits exist, islands can float, and people can cut mountains in half, was this really that strange?
Charlotte sighed, shaking his head.
"This world is way too unscientific."