Becoming a Legend

The day of departure.

Shimotsuki Village was packed with people, heads bobbing everywhere. Nearly the entire village had come.

A few sentimental aunties still could not quite accept it.

"Koshiro really is something else. How could he agree to let you go to sea? You're still so young!"

"Exactly, exactly. Can't you wait a few more years?"

"There's no place like home, and the world outside is full of hardships. Can you take care of yourself?"

"..."

Surrounded by so many well-meaning aunties, Mu Yu was moved, but also rather embarrassed.

There were some questions he simply did not know how to answer.

If he could, he too would have liked to stay in the One Piece World for a few more years, but reality would not allow it.

Before Mu Yu could speak, however, the village men stopped the aunties.

"Move aside, all of you! What do you women know, fussing over every little thing?"

"Nothing can stop a man from pursuing his dreams!"

"Well said! Mu Yu, go out there and make your mark!"

"That's right! Go make a name for yourself and let it resound across the whole world!"

Mu Yu's spirits surged. He would return to the One Piece World eventually.

And legends of him would surely spread across these seas!

"Don't worry, everyone. From now on, just check the newspapers—I'll be all over them. My name will definitely resound throughout the entire world!"

"Well said! That's the spirit a man of Shimotsuki Village should have!"

"Good luck!"

After bidding farewell to the villagers, Mu Yu headed to another corner.

Almost everyone from Isshin Dojo was there, except Koshiro.

"Senior Brother Mu Yu, just wait for us! Sooner or later, we'll catch up to you!"

"That's right! With you as our example, we definitely won't bring shame upon Isshin Dojo!"

Listening to the impassioned words of several junior brothers from the dojo, Mu Yu smiled.

In terms of talent, they were naturally not especially gifted. Without some extraordinary opportunity, their future achievements would probably be quite limited.

But one had to have dreams—what if they came true?

Mu Yu said, "I'll remember that. Let's all work hard. Senior Brother will be waiting for you!"

"Alright."

"Don't worry, Senior Brother. We'll come find you soon!"

Watching Mu Yu laugh and joke with his fellow disciples, Kuina felt somewhat melancholy.

Once he left, who knew how long it would be before they met again?

Kuina asked, "Do you still remember our promise?"

"Of course."

Mu Yu answered without hesitation.

Kuina said, "Then eat properly, sleep properly, don't get sick, don't get hurt, and don't let other women fool you!"

Huh?

Kuina's words left Mu Yu stunned.

He could understand eating properly and sleeping properly, but what was all this about not getting sick, not getting hurt, and not letting other women fool him?

Those were things he could not completely control, weren't they?

Kuina paid no attention to Mu Yu's confusion.

"Did you understand me or not?"

Mu Yu immediately raised both hands in surrender. "I understand. Completely, absolutely understand."

Kuina said, "You must pay attention to not being fooled by other women. Got it? The prettier a woman is, the more likely she is to lie!"

"Cough, cough!"

That sounded rather strange. It was not as if he were Sanji—what woman could possibly fool him?

But at a time like this, Mu Yu could only agree.

Kuina's expression eased slightly. "There are rice balls on the boat that Aunt Sharon and I made. Eat them early, or they'll spoil."

"Alright."

"Aunt Sharon said you've been growing fast, so she made you a few outfits. Don't forget them."

"Yes."

After another round of repeated reminders, Mu Yu's heart felt warm.

Ever since his parents had passed away, he did not know how long it had been since he had felt the care of family.

Only after quite a while had Kuina finished listing every precaution.

Mu Yu walked over to Zoro, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "I'll be waiting for you in the New World."

Zoro's eyes burned with fighting spirit. "I'll definitely come! I'm the one who'll become the World's Greatest Swordsman!"

Mu Yu smiled. "I believe you. Zoro, you'll definitely become a Great Sword Master!"

Zoro was startled.

This was the first time anyone had told him that they believed he would become a Great Sword Master!

Zoro said, "Not a Great Sword Master—the World's Greatest Swordsman. Remember that!"

Mu Yu said, "Save that big talk until after you defeat me. But you won't get the chance."

Zoro said, "I'll definitely defeat you!"

Mu Yu rubbed Zoro's head, giving him a head pat.

"Then do your best!"

Zoro immediately flew into a rage. "Damn it, Mu Yu! You're treating me like a kid again! It's infuriating!"

Hahaha!

Mu Yu smiled, thoroughly delighted. Teasing Zoro really was satisfying!

He looked around but did not spot Koshiro, and he could not help feeling a little regretful.

But no matter how reluctant he was, it was finally time to leave!

On the little fishing boat.

Mu Yu waved his arm. "Everyone, go back!"

"Mu Yu, make sure to take care of yourself!"

"Remember, Shimotsuki Village will always be your home. If you get tired, come back and rest!"

"I'll remember. Everyone, go back!"

Mu Yu shouted, and at that moment, his eyes suddenly lit up.

On a concealed hillock, Mu Yu saw Koshiro drinking.

Koshiro was a man who valued rules. The fact that he was drinking at a time like this was enough to say everything.

Mu Yu cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Master, take care of yourself!"

Koshiro's hand holding the wine gourd froze for a moment, then he revealed a smile.

He had actually been discovered. How embarrassing!

At that moment, Koshiro's eyes suddenly narrowed, and his hand involuntarily gripped the sword hanging at his waist.

Mu Yu's body on the fishing boat also suddenly stiffened.

As for all the villagers on the shore, they trembled in fright.

Th-that... what was that?

A massive creature emerged ahead of the little fishing boat, its body nearly larger than the boat Mu Yu was riding.

Even more terrifyingly, the monster opened its blood-filled maw, clearly intending to swallow both Mu Yu and the boat in a single bite.

Rayleigh's back turned ice-cold with fright as he shouted, "The Sea King! It's the legendary Sea King! Why is it here?!"

The other villagers were also scared out of their wits, shouting for Mu Yu to flee for his life.

Had Mu Yu not noticed it?

Of course he had!

Through his Observation Haki, Mu Yu had detected the Sea King even before the villagers did.

The Sea King—it even caught Mu Yu by surprise.

After all, this creature was truly a legend. It had once bitten off Four Emperor Shanks's right arm.

"Get lost."

Mu Yu spoke softly, uttering a single word as his Conqueror's Haki surged straight into the Sea King's mind.

The next second, the Sea King went completely stiff, cold sweat breaking out all over its body.

One second, two seconds, three seconds!

The terrified Sea King plunged straight into the sea, then fled without a trace, as if it wished it had two more legs.

Shimotsuki Village.

The villagers' jaws all dropped to the ground.

Mu Yu had scared off the legendary Sea King with a single glance?

Mu Yu really was the chosen one!

Soon after, cheers like thunder erupted throughout Shimotsuki Village.

Without question, this incident once again elevated Mu Yu's status in the villagers' hearts to even greater heights!

Even Zoro and Kuina were shocked once more.

Mu Yu had only just stepped out of the village, yet he had already become... a legend!