A fine drizzle fell from the sky, covering all of Shimotsuki Village in a quiet veil.
Under the veranda of the Isshin Dojo, Light leaned against a wooden pillar.
A cup of tea rested beside him as he read through a freshly delivered newspaper.
Only two reports held his attention.
The first came from the world section.
Portgas D.
Ace, known as Fire Fist Ace and the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, had attacked Drum Kingdom and killed its king, Wapol.
The report hinted that the incident might be connected to a Devil Fruit.
“So he has already reached Drum Kingdom… not far from East Blue now,” Light murmured, taking a slow sip of tea.
Over the past six months, Ace’s name had appeared repeatedly in the papers.
Judging by his movements, he had entered the first half of the Grand Line through Fish-Man Island and was steadily making his way toward East Blue.
Light was certain the Whitebeard Pirates had already traced his location.
After all, while Shimotsuki Village remained quiet, he had made no effort to hide himself in Loguetown.
What intrigued him more was someone else.
Marshall D.
Teach was barely mentioned at all.
That man was patient, calculating, and far more dangerous than the noise suggested.
The situation in Drum Kingdom had already diverged from what Light remembered.
Originally, it was Teach who attacked, and Wapol had escaped.
Now, Wapol was dead.
Light suspected the Devil Fruit from that incident had already fallen into Teach’s hands.
Since Teach knew Light possessed the Dark-Dark Fruit, it made sense that he would begin searching for another path.
The second report came from the East Blue section.
Smoker, formerly stationed in Loguetown, had been promoted and now oversaw the East Blue Marine forces.
He had taken swift action, cleaning up corruption within the ranks.
At Marine Base 153, he dismissed and arrested Axe-Hand Morgan.
He also led an operation in Syrup Village, eliminating Kuro, the former captain of the Black Cat Pirates, who had secretly murdered Marines.
In the paper, Smoker made a firm declaration.
He would continue to enforce discipline across the East Blue and welcomed reports of corruption from anyone.
Light lowered the paper slightly, a faint smile forming.
This outcome was not a coincidence. You are reading on novelping.com, the official source.
Before leaving Loguetown, he had purchased a Transponder Snail and maintained contact with Smoker.
Over the past six months, he had quietly provided intelligence, exposing corrupt officers and uncovering hidden dealings.
Morgan’s connection with the Black Cat Pirates had been one of those reports.
Originally, Smoker lacked the authority to act against other bases.
However, timing had worked in Light’s favor.
Monkey D.
Garp happened to be in East Blue on leave.
Upon visiting Smoker, he learned of everything.
With Garp’s backing, Smoker moved without restraint.
The result was immediate.
Corruption was purged, promotions followed, and several pirate crews were eliminated in the process, including the Iron Mace Pirates.
Light had not paid attention to that name at first, until he realized their captain was Alvida.
Unlucky did not begin to describe it.
At present, only one corrupt Marine remained on Light’s list.
Nezumi.
Light intended to deal with him personally.
There was only one reason.
He planned to recruit the finest navigator in the world.
Footsteps echoed from behind.
Moments later, Koushirou approached.
Light immediately moved to stand, but Koushirou placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him.
“No need,” Koushirou said, taking a seat opposite him and pouring himself a cup of tea.
Rain continued to fall beyond the veranda.
“Where is Zoro?
It is unusual not to see him with you,” Koushirou asked.
Within the dojo, Roronoa Zoro stood alone at the peak.
After the death of Kuina, a gap had formed between him and the others.
No one could keep up with him, and no one could walk the same path.
That loneliness would drive him toward the sea.
Though inferior in swordsmanship, Light surpassed Zoro in overall strength and introduced him to entirely new methods of combat.
Despite Zoro’s rough attitude, he often stayed close to Light whenever he had the chance.
Light, in turn, recognized Zoro’s potential.
A future powerhouse stood before him, and their personalities aligned well.
They had already discussed setting sail together.
“He went to visit Kuina,” Light replied, looking out at the rain.
Koushirou paused, then smiled faintly.
“I almost forgot.
He always goes to see her when it rains.”
Silence followed.
Light said nothing.
He understood that Kuina remained a quiet wound in his master’s heart, one that required no comfort from others.
After some time, Koushirou’s gaze shifted to the newspaper in Light’s hand, lingering briefly on Ace’s name.
“You are planning to leave soon, aren’t you?”
Light smiled.
“Zoro has wanted to see the world for a long time.
As for me, staying here any longer might bring trouble to you, Master.”
“I would never drive away my disciple because of trouble,” Koushirou replied gently.
“And I would rather not burden my Master,” Light answered just as calmly.
Koushirou sighed, then spoke after a brief hesitation.
“You know I have connections with the Revolutionary Army.
If you wish, I can introduce you.”
“No need,” Light said, his grin sharp and confident.
“I did not come to this sea to hide.”
Koushirou studied him for a moment, then smiled.
“That is true.
Strength is forged through hardship.”
After a short pause, Koushirou reached into his robe and took out a notebook, placing it in front of Light.
“We agreed I would give this to you after your training was complete,” he said.
“But it seems there may not be enough time to wait.”