At that moment, Shimotsuki Kozaburo appeared at the dojo entrance, immediately drawing everyone's attention inside.

Kyros and Issho were still shocked by the bizarre effect of Yoriichi Tsugikuni's so-called "cursed blade," when they heard something even more astonishing from the old man at the door, Yoriichi apparently held two cursed blades.

One cursed blade nearly took Shimotsuki Kozaburo's life, and this man was wielding two? Did that mean Yoriichi's life force was ridiculously unyielding?

Kyros had heard rumors. They said that people with unusually strong life forces tended to bring calamity to those around them.

In this world, fate was no joke.

"Yoriichi Tsugikuni, huh…"

"You, Marine. Where are you from?"

As he spoke, Shimotsuki Kozaburo took off his straw sandals and leaned his fishing rod outside the door. He stepped barefoot onto the tatami mat, sat down, dusted off his soles, and turned his gaze to Yoriichi.

"From the New World. Marine Headquarters," Yoriichi replied.

"Is there a reason you're asking?"

Kozaburo didn't respond. He looked out the door instead, voice low and solemn.

"Any famed blade will choose its own master."

"And cursed blades aren't called that because they have strange powers. It's because they amplify that trait, choosing their master, into something concrete and terrifying."

"Those without strength or talent will be killed by the sword itself."

"If the blade didn't choose you, but you wield it anyway, it feels buried… wasted."

"To find a more suitable master, these swords will do anything."

As he spoke, Kozaburo slowly rose and walked toward Yoriichi, reaching out to gently touch the blade of Enma.

He didn't treat the sword as an object at all. His tone resembled that of a man describing his own child.

Yoriichi didn't stop Kozaburo's motion. He even held Enma up flat to accommodate him.

After a moment, Kozaburo suddenly glared at Shimotsuki Kōshirō, who was still sitting on the ground.

"Fool!" he barked.

"Reckless idiot!"

"Do you know why Wado Ichimonji wasn't entrusted to you?!"

"It's because a blockhead like you would most likely be killed by it!"

Kyros and Issho exchanged confused looks. This was the first time they'd heard anyone speak about famed swords like this.

Yoriichi furrowed his brow slightly at these words, remembering something that happened in this world.

Wado Ichimonji, like Enma, was forged by the very man standing before him.

Yoriichi vaguely recalled that before Zoro received Wado Ichimonji, the sword had been locked away in an attic by Kōshirō, never used. It only resurfaced because Kōshirō's daughter, Kuina, secretly took it and challenged young Zoro to a duel.

But then something strange happened.

Kuina, a girl who had trained in swordsmanship for years and could defeat grown men at just ten years old, suddenly died from falling down stairs?

That was suspicious.

Children in this world were not like ordinary kids. Even those from civilian families had shockingly high durability. Luffy, for instance, had been tossed into wilderness by Garp since he could walk and survived just fine.

So for a child like Kuina, someone who had clearly stepped into the world of the sword, to die from such a mundane accident?

It didn't make sense.

Now, hearing Kozaburo's perspective, Yoriichi finally understood.

Kuina had likely been killed… by Wado Ichimonji rejecting her.

As someone who had once borne the name "Taiichi" in a previous life, Yoriichi had always remained cautious of such matters.

"…I'm sorry, Father."

Kōshirō finally regained some strength and bowed his head.

Though his face remained calm, his heart was in chaos. He'd nearly died. He'd stared into the abyss. Now, part of him was just grateful to be alive, and curious about the young Marine who could wield Enma so effortlessly.

If his father was right, then this Marine didn't just possess one cursed blade.

But he looked so young… his aura didn't radiate anything particularly fearsome. Why could a man like this wield two cursed swords?

"Sir," Kōshirō asked hesitantly, "could you explain what you meant earlier by 'an unopened cursed blade'? Were you referring to that one…?"

Yoriichi raised the other long blade in his hand.

"You mean this? You're talking about 'Dawnbringer'?"

"Hah, what a terrible name," Kozaburo muttered.

"Yeah, if you mean that sword, then yes."

"Draw it!"

At Kozaburo's instruction, Yoriichi unsheathed Dawnbringer. There was no dazzling gleam of cold steel, just the dull, unimpressive slide of what might as well have been a fire poker.

"Mmm. Just as I thought."

"Young man, haven't you noticed? Your sword has no edge!"

Kozaburo studied the blade briefly before turning his eyes to Yoriichi, whose expression froze slightly.

No edge? Impossible. The sword had cut through pirate skulls like tofu. How could it be blunt?

He ran his fingers along the blade, not even the edge itself, and still felt the unmistakable sharpness. No edge? That couldn't be right.

Kyros leaned in to examine it, staring at the edge and blinking.

"Sir… you must be mistaken. This blade is definitely sharpened!"

Kozaburo snorted. "Ignorant of swords, I see."

"When I say it has no edge, I don't mean the physical grind."

"Dawnbringer has not truly been honed yet."

Yoriichi had wielded swords for many years, but at best, he could only distinguish between good and bad ones. He didn't understand the kind of "edge" Kozaburo was talking about.

But at least he knew to ask.

"So if it's not truly edged yet… what does it take to awaken it?"

"What should a real 'edge' feel like?"

Kozaburo took a few puffs of his pipe before answering slowly.

"A blade meant to kill… needs blood to open its edge."

"As for what happens after… how would I know?"

He chuckled, glanced deeply at Yoriichi, then walked over to help his son to his feet.

"You folks got any more business here?"

"If not, I suggest you leave."

"This boy needs rest. He's in no shape to entertain you."

"And this old man's bones won't be helping anyone, got it?"

Yoriichi had questions, but seeing Kozaburo's insistence, he nodded.

"Then we'll take our leave for now. I'll visit again when the time is right."

He stepped over to Kōshirō, picked up the scabbards for Ame-no-Habakiri and Enma, and prepared to go with Issho and Kyros.

Just as they turned to leave, Yoriichi suddenly leaned in close to whisper something to the father and son:

"Those swords… were spoils from a Marine senior. Taken from a samurai named Kozuki Oden."

"That man came from Wano. And that Ryūō technique Kōshirō used earlier, it was powerful."

"The Marines are short on good fighters these days. I'd truly be honored if someone like Shimotsuki Kōshirō, a real samurai, would consider joining."

"I'll be on this island for one more day. If you're interested, come to the port."

With that, Yoriichi departed with Kyros and Issho, leaving the dojo behind.

Father and son remained rooted in place, still stunned by Yoriichi's words.

Watching the Marine trio disappear from view, Kozaburo suddenly growled in frustration.

"That Marine… he knows Wano too well!"

"Ryūō… samurai… Hah! Ryūō! Samurai! That cheeky brat!"

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100 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter

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