After donating two hundred million Berries to the Loguetown Marine, Light began receiving exceptional treatment within the base.
Over the next few days, whenever Smoker had time, Light sought him out to ask about the difficulties of cultivating Haki and mastering the Six Styles.
Although Smoker’s combat performance in later years might not have been impressive, he was still the disciple of a renowned Marine instructor.
His theoretical foundation was solid, and his explanations helped Light resolve many uncertainties.
However, the notes Smoker shared only covered the basics of Haki.
Advanced applications such as Ryūo and Future Sight were completely absent.
Light did not press the matter.
Whether Smoker lacked that knowledge or chose not to share it, the result was the same.
There was no need to push further and create unnecessary tension.
With this in mind, Light stayed in Loguetown for a few more days before boarding a merchant ship bound for Shimotsuki Village, where Koushirou resided.
At the harbor, Smoker stood on the dock with a cigar in his mouth, watching the ship gradually disappear into the distance.
Beside him, Tashigi tilted her head slightly.
“Mr.
Smoker, what are you thinking about?”
“Tashigi, do you think that guy will really join the Marine someday?” Smoker asked quietly.
“Probably.
He seems to genuinely admire the Marine.
Is something bothering you?” she replied after a moment of thought.
Smoker gave a short laugh.
“If he joins, his future will definitely be brighter than mine.”
Tashigi looked puzzled.
“Because he’s stronger than you?”
Smoker opened his mouth as if to answer, then simply shook his head.
“Figure it out yourself.
Let’s go, it’s time to head back.”
Half a month later, a merchant ship slowly docked at the small harbor of Shimotsuki Village.
Inside one of the cabins, a young waitress stood at the door, hesitating before knocking.
Her eyes carried a mix of anticipation and reluctance.
Moments later, the door opened.
Light stood there with a towel draped over his shoulders, his upper body bare, his breathing slightly heavy.
It was obvious he had been training.
Inside the room, stone weights lay scattered across the floor.
“Meia, good afternoon.
Is it already time to eat again?
Sorry for making you come all the way here every day,” Light said with a faint smile.
The waitress, Meia, could not help but swallow as she looked at him.
His well-defined physique, the sheen of sweat, and the faint heat in the air made her momentarily distracted.
She had even competed with the other waitresses just for the chance to handle this task.
It was not only because of his appearance.
“I’m sorry, Mr.
Light.
I’m not here about food today.
We’ve arrived at Shimotsuki Village,” Meia said softly.
Light paused, then smiled.
“Already?
Time passed quickly.
Leaving like this feels a bit unfortunate.”
Her eyes brightened at his words.
“The captain thinks highly of you.
If you are willing to stay as a guard…”
Light shook his head before she could finish.
“I have other matters to attend to.
I cannot stay.”
Not long after, Light disembarked and stepped onto the port.
After asking a few locals for directions, he quickly learned the location of Isshin Dojo.
The dojo’s reputation in the village made it impossible to miss.
The Shimotsuki clan held significant influence here.
Most of the village depended on them in one way or another.
Despite that, the dojo itself was modest in appearance, simple and unadorned.
Just as Light was about to knock, the door opened from within.
A green-haired man stepped out, three swords hanging at his waist, an empty sake bottle in hand.
Light recognized him instantly.
It was Roronoa Zoro, the man who aimed to become the world’s greatest swordsman.
Zoro glanced at Light, his eyes sharpening with interest as he sized him up.
“Who are you?
Here to challenge the dojo?” he asked directly.
He could sense it immediately.
Light was far stronger than the other disciples.
Finally, someone who might offer a proper fight.
Since Kuina’s death, Zoro had not found a satisfying opponent.
Even all the disciples combined could not match him, and his master rarely engaged in combat.
Recently, Zoro had begun considering leaving to seek stronger opponents at sea.
“No, I came to visit Mr.
Koushirou,” Light replied with a slight smile.
Zoro’s interest faded a little.
“So you’re not here to fight.
Fine.
I’ll take you in.”
Originally, he had planned to go out and buy sake.
However, he noticed the expensive bottles among Light’s belongings and reconsidered.
If he escorted him inside, he might get a share later. Visit g.com for the full chapter.
Inside the dojo, disciples trained diligently.
Some practiced swings, while others sparred.
A few cast curious glances at Light, but upon seeing Zoro leading him, they quickly returned to their routines.
They passed through the courtyard and soon arrived at a guest room.
Light felt a flicker of surprise.
Zoro had led the way without getting lost.
“That’s unexpected,” Light thought to himself.
Zoro turned back slightly.
“Guest… what’s your name?”
“Light.”
“Alright.
Wait here.
I’ll inform Master.”
A few minutes later, footsteps approached.
Soon, Koushirou entered the room alongside Zoro.
His calm demeanor and gentle expression gave him an approachable presence.
Koushirou observed Light briefly before speaking.
“Mr.
Light, have we met before?”
“No, this is our first meeting,” Light replied politely.
Then he went straight to the point.
“I came here to learn and improve my strength.”
Koushirou nodded.
“So you wish to train here.”
“You could say that.”
Light pushed forward the gifts he had prepared.
“I hope you will guide me.”
Koushirou smiled lightly.
“There is no need for such formality.
Anyone willing to learn is welcome here.”
He assumed Light had come to study swordsmanship like the others.
“Our Isshin-ryu has several styles,” Koushirou continued.
“For example, Zoro practices Three-Sword Style.
Do you have any prior experience with the sword?
What do you wish to learn?”
Light gave a small cough.
“To be honest, my main purpose in coming here is to learn Haki from you.
Swordsmanship is secondary.”