Shimotsuki Village.

Taken alone, this name might not ring a bell for most people.

But if one mentions the hometown of that New Era "right-hand man of the King" from One Piece, then everyone should know exactly what place this is.

That's right, it's the birthplace of Zoro, the left-hand sword of the Pirate King, Luffy.

Though Shimotsuki Village is just a small settlement in the East Blue, its history is quite "legendary." According to the elders of the village, this place was founded decades ago by a group of pirates who had washed ashore.

But this tale has faded over the years. Even when it's brought up, people usually just chuckle and dismiss it.

In early September, the island-like climate of Shimotsuki Village had begun to cool.

In the early mornings, you'd need a long-sleeved jacket before stepping outside.

Creaaak,

A wooden door of a roadside home slowly opened. A young woman carrying a vegetable basket stepped out and headed toward the morning market at the end of the street.

Dozens of meters away, she passed by a dojo whose front doors happened to be opening. An elderly man with straight eyebrows, a fishing basket slung over one arm and a rod resting on his shoulder, was heading out.

Noticing him, the woman politely dipped her head in greeting before continuing on to the market.

The old man gave a subtle nod in return and made his way to the coastline.

Tch tch tch...

At the coast of Shimotsuki Village, Shimotsuki Kōzaburō sat cross-legged on the grass, right hand holding his fishing rod, left hand grasping a kiseru smoking pipe, puffing leisurely.

The sunlight was just right, and the breeze was mild, perfect weather for any fishing enthusiast.

After a while, finding his posture uncomfortable, he shifted and reclined slightly, eyes narrowed in drowsiness.

Until,

"Hmm?!"

At an unknown moment, Kōzaburō suddenly opened his eyes, sat up, and squinted toward the sea.

A few breaths later, a mast rose on the horizon, followed by a white sail bearing a blue seagull insignia, clearly visible now.

"A Marine ship... and a powerful one at that."

He murmured, eyes narrowing at the sight of the approaching dog-head warship.

"Vice Admiral Tsugikuni, there's someone on the coast," Issho said calmly. "And he's strong."

Aboard the warship, Yoriichi stood at the railing, enjoying the chilly September sea breeze against his face.

Issho slowly walked up behind him, his [Observation Haki] having swept across the island the moment it came into view.

A strong presence had been detected right by the shoreline.

"As long as there's no hostile intent, there's no need to mind him," Yoriichi replied calmly.

Shortly after Issho's warning, Yoriichi also picked up on that powerful presence with his own [Observation Haki], though Issho's range was still slightly broader at this stage.

Issho gave a slight nod but didn't leave, choosing instead to stand beside Yoriichi, facing the island.

Ten minutes later, the dog-head warship docked at the harbor.

Following Garp's lead, Yoriichi and his two subordinates disembarked. Garp hadn't brought a large force, just Yoriichi, Issho, and Kyros, while the rest of the Marines were sent for resupply.

Garp walked straight into the village, heading toward the home where Dragon and his wife were said to be living in seclusion.

Shimotsuki Village had an old-fashioned charm, reminiscent of a mountain village from the 1990s. The morning market buzzed with activity, smiles on villagers' faces showing a peaceful happiness, not wealthy but content.

Having traveled through many countries and regions, both Kyros and Issho were surprised to find such a quiet, simple place. Their expressions gradually softened.

"What a wonderful village," Issho said with a sigh. "If only everyone in the world could live in peace like this…"

Idealists always have more to say. Though Issho couldn't see, he could sense it, the tranquility of this place stirred something deep within.

Kyros nodded in agreement, eyes drifting toward Garp.

He knew that this peaceful East Blue was largely thanks to Garp and the local Marines' efforts.

Garp made it a point to return to East Blue every year to visit family. There weren't any big-name pirates here, just small fry easily handled by local branches.

That was why East Blue's security had remained remarkably stable.

"It will happen… once we enter the New World and clean up the big pirates there, the people living there might enjoy peace like this, too," Yoriichi said, glancing around at the smiling villagers.

"Eh? A kendo dojo in a place like this?"

As they passed by a dojo, Kyros paused in surprise at the building, which stood out from the surrounding homes.

"Ittoryu Dojo... quite the bold name," Yoriichi added, looking up at the signboard.

Then, something seemed to click in his mind. He stopped at the dojo's entrance.

"Hey? Yoriichi, what's up?" Garp, walking ahead, turned to ask.

"I've got something to take care of, Vice Admiral Garp. You go find that guy yourself," Yoriichi said, waving casually before turning toward the dojo stairs. "Issho, Kyros, let's go."

Garp mumbled under his breath, "A grown man doing doorstep challenges? What a child…" Then, without bothering further, he continued on his way.

At the entrance, Yoriichi knocked firmly.

Tok tok tok!

The door was ajar, and with the knock, it slowly creaked open, but Yoriichi and his men didn't walk in uninvited.

A few moments later, a young man with round glasses, wearing loose gray training clothes and holding a bamboo sword behind his back, appeared before them.

Seeing the Marines' capes, the young man smiled and asked, "Hello, I'm the master of this dojo, Shimotsuki Kōshirō. May I ask what brings the Marines here?"

Though his smile was calm and his tone polite, both Yoriichi and Issho could sense the subtle wariness hidden beneath, a feeling identical to when they met Tom in Water Seven.

"Hello, Mr. Shimotsuki Kōshirō," Yoriichi said, offering a light nod. "I'm Vice Admiral Tsugikuni Yoriichi of Marine Headquarters. I've long admired your name. I came to ask whether you'd be interested in joining the Marines."

"My unit, Dawn, is missing a practical kendo instructor. I wonder if you might be willing to consider it?"

Yoriichi had instantly recognized the man before him as Zoro's teacher.

Hearing this offer, Kōshirō was clearly stunned.

Behind Yoriichi, Kyros looked on in disbelief, while Issho burst into quiet laughter. Yoriichi never failed to surprise.

"An instructor for the Marines?" Kōshirō muttered, still processing. His gaze lingered on Yoriichi's face, clearly not expecting this kind of proposal.

Then, his eyes dropped to the long blade at Yoriichi's waist, and his pupils shrank sharply.

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100 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter

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