Koushirou spoke the truth.
Geniuses came in different forms.
Although Ban had only been at the dojo for one month, the talent he displayed left Koushirou amazed.
That was why he gave him such freedom.
“Find a style that suits me?”
Ban murmured, his mind conjuring an image of intense flames.
The Flame-Flame Fruit was currently his strongest power.
Naturally, he thought of fire.
He remembered a certain skinny old man surrounded by flames, whose power was comparable to the sun and could destroy an entire world if he fought seriously for too long.
Ban’s eyes lit up.
He had been developing his fruit abilities non-stop, trying to create powerful moves based on his knowledge.
Maybe he could combine them.
Cool and powerful moves—no man could resist that.
“I see you already have an idea.
But before that, I will teach you the philosophy of the sword.
These are my understandings; you can use them as a reference.”
Seeing the look on Ban’s face, Koushirou smiled.
“Yes, I have some ideas.
It will be very difficult, but I am willing to spend the time to try.” Ban was in no rush.
“Do not neglect your basics.
From now on, practice on your own in the mornings.
In the afternoons, I will teach you Haki and advanced swordsmanship.”
After saying that, Koushirou walked to a wall and pulled a lever.
The wall slid open, revealing racks filled with swords.
“Choose one.
Normally, I wouldn’t give real swords to beginners, but you are different.”
Ban didn’t hesitate.
He stood up and walked over.
He knew that Koushirou’s father, Shimotsuki Kouzaburou, was a legendary swordsmith from Wano Country—the creator of one of the 21 Great O Wazamono, Enma.
Ban picked up several swords, examining them.
Finally, he grabbed one that was exceptionally long, wide, and heavy.
Ban was already over 180cm tall, but this sword was even taller than him.
Seeing Ban return with such an unusual weapon, Koushirou was surprised but said nothing.
They sat back down.
Koushirou looked at the long sword beside Ban.
“These were all forged by my father.
He hasn’t made any in a long time.
You can name it whatever you wish. Visit g.com for the full chapter.
Perhaps one day, it will become a true Black Blade and be famous across the seas.”
“Black Blade?”
Ban knew what that meant.
Black Blades weren’t forged; they were created by the user through countless battles and Haki infusion.
“A Black Blade is a state of being.
Through countless battles and years of flowing Haki, the sword’s nature changes.
It becomes incredibly hard, virtually indestructible.”
Koushirou seemed eager to explain.
“Right now, the man who just became the World’s Greatest Swordsman, Dracule Mihawk, wields Yoru—it is a Black Blade.”
He expected Ban to show some reaction, but Ban’s face remained calm.
“Don’t you want to become the strongest?” Koushirou asked with a grin.
“Not right now.
I’m still far from that level.” Ban shook his head.
“My goal is simply to live freely in this world.
But…
if that swordsman ever stands in my way, then perhaps the title will change hands.”
Hearing Ban say this so casually, Koushirou burst into laughter.
“Hahaha!
Good!
I would love to see that day!
I would be honored to have taught you!”
“Come on, I’m not even a true swordsman yet.
Isn’t it too early to talk about that?” Ban rolled his eyes slightly.
“I believe in your talent.”
“Alright, thanks for the confidence.
But first, teach me Observation Haki.”
“Very well.”
Koushirou agreed without hesitation, even though he wondered why Ban prioritized that over Armament.
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
Ban stood up, grabbed his new sword, and left.
After Ban was gone, a short, elderly man slowly walked out from the shadows.
He held a pipe.
“He knew I was here.
He might have already awakened Observation Haki, he just can’t use it properly yet.”
The old man sat where Ban had just been.
“What do you think of him, Father?”
“If you can’t see through him, what chance do I have?
I can’t read him at all.” Kozaburo shook his head.
He was a master smith and knew some swordsmanship, but his skill couldn’t compare to his son’s.
“However…
he might really forge a Black Blade.
I didn’t expect him to pick that one.”
Thinking about the sword Ban took, Kozaburo sighed.
“That sword is no less powerful than a Great Grade blade.
But when I forged it, my strength was fading, so the finish is rough…
and it is extremely heavy.”
Indeed, the sword weighed more than ten times that of a normal katana.
“His strength is extraordinary.
That weight is nothing to him.” Koushirou said confidently.
Ban’s strength matched his appetite perfectly.
“Teach him well.
He won’t stay here long.”
Kozaburo stood up to leave, then paused and turned back.
“And Zoro!
His talent comes from his grandfather and father…
and even from that legendary swordsman.
Take good care of him.”
“I understand.”
Koushirou believed deeply in bloodlines.
Coming from Wano, he knew Zoro’s ancestors were great swordsmen, so Zoro was destined for greatness.
Ban had indeed sensed someone else nearby while talking to Koushirou, but he didn’t care enough to investigate.
Back in his room, he drew the sword.
It had a dull, matte luster, covered in wave-like patterns.
It was much thicker than normal blades, but the edge was razor-sharp.
Holding the hilt, he brought the blade across his chest.
Whoosh!
Flames erupted from his hand and raced up the blade, engulfing the entire sword in fire.
But right now, it was just for show.
“Monday to Friday – Update 3 Chapters a Day”
“Saturday and Sunday – Off”