Do you dare say those with narrow eyes aren't monsters?

With Redfield captured, Mo Xingchen had overheard soldiers discussing how Fleet Admiral Kong was still strong in his old age, having once again apprehended a legendary pirate who roamed the seas. He wondered what their reaction would be if they knew the truth – that their own Fleet Admiral had lost, and how their faith would shatter.

Kong Steelbone was an old man who cared deeply about his reputation. Roger's execution would have allowed him a glorious retirement, but then Golden Lion had appeared and caused chaos at Marineford. He had barely managed to suppress the Great Pirate Era, and with new Marine prodigies emerging, the Crimson Earl had shown up. It would have been fine if he had won, but he lost. Sengoku would likely have to wait a while longer before taking over.

Of course, Mo Xingchen wasn't truly planning to seek out a master swordsmith during his year-long leave. With the advantage of his transmigration, he knew that in Zoro's hometown, Shimotsuki Village in the East Blue, his master Koshiro's father was an incredibly skilled sword-forging master. It was rumored that Wado Ichimonji and Enma were crafted by him.

More importantly, the Taoist cultivation method emphasized closeness to nature, entering and exiting the world, and the dual cultivation of life and spirit for perfection. He genuinely intended to see the world, see all beings, and thereby understand and feel the world.

Mo Xingchen had initially planned to travel alone, but he reconsidered, realizing it wouldn't be very convenient. He couldn't rely on hitching rides everywhere he went. Besides, the Marines had detailed maps; why suffer unnecessarily when he could use the convenience?

So, he first went to Vice Admiral Tsuru to requisition a small escort ship and obtain a detailed map of the four seas. Then, he borrowed some men from Vice Admiral Garp. After getting his approval, he went to find William. Thanks to his contributions at Sabaody Archipelago, William had also been promoted and was now a Major in the headquarters.

He explained his general itinerary for the year to William, hoping he could find some soldiers willing to accompany him at sea. Like last time, he didn't need many men, but this time, he needed personnel for all positions, such as maintenance crew and cooks. They couldn't sail the seas on an empty stomach!

A few days later, a Marine escort ship was sailing on the East Blue.

"William, I didn't expect you to come with me."

Mo Xingchen was still the same, lounging in a beach chair on the deck, sipping a chilled drink with a relaxed expression.

"You must know, I'm actually on vacation and traveling this time. There are no military merits to be gained."

William's demeanor was no longer as stern as when they first met. He knew Mo Xingchen's personality fairly well and answered with a smile.

"Heh heh heh, Colonel, you jest. The main reason is that Vice Admiral Garp usually doesn't have missions. If he does, they're definitely not ordinary. With my current strength, I obviously wouldn't be able to contribute much during such missions, and I might even have trouble protecting myself.

Besides, your voyage plan is basically confined to the four seas. With your strength, you can definitely guarantee our safety as soldiers. If we encounter pirates with low bounties, we can also participate and hone our combat experience."

"Heh, you're as clear-headed as ever! Don't worry, although we won't be deliberately hunting pirates this time, we certainly won't turn a blind eye if we encounter them. I can't let the brothers who followed me go hungry! By the way, can you go ask how much longer until we reach Shimotsuki Village?"

"Based on today's sailing conditions, we should arrive at Shimotsuki Village in about 2-3 hours."

"Alright, I'll take a nap first. Wake me when we get there."

"Understood, Colonel." William watched Mo Xingchen close his eyes and rest, then turned to continue his patrol.

With a slight jolt, Mo Xingchen groggily opened his eyes.

"Colonel, we've arrived at Shimotsuki Village."

William's soft reminder came to his ears. Mo Xingchen rubbed his sore eyes and stood up, stretching. He glanced around; the soldiers had already assembled on deck.

"Leave a few men to guard the warship. William, you're with me. The rest are free to move around. Let's disembark!"

Mo Xingchen, with William, inquired about the location of the Shimotsuki Dojo from the villagers while observing their way of life. He noticed that the residents of this island had a high level of happiness. They didn't hate the Marines, nor did they seem to desperately believe they could be saved by the Marines' arrival. It seemed that with Koshiro's strength, he had protected the island well from pirate raids, allowing these people to live in such peace.

Regarding Koshiro's strength, the manga and anime hadn't provided much description. However, considering he was acquainted with Dragon, the future leader of the Revolutionary Army, his combat power should at least be considerable. From his ability to teach Zoro the "cutting iron" technique, he was at least at the level of a swordsman.

Furthermore, judging by his attitude towards his own daughter, Kuina, believing that girls couldn't become great swordsmen due to inherent physical disadvantages, it suggested he might even be a strong swordsman himself. Even if not, he at least understood the standards of a great swordsman. As a swordsman, surviving an encounter with a great swordsman without injury or death meant he was infinitely close. After all, not everyone would go easy like Hawk Eyes!

Considering that they were able to sail from the New World to this place from Wano Country, which was in a state of isolation, Mo Xingchen leaned more towards the latter. After all, according to international convention, squinting eyes are monsters!

After asking for directions, Mo Xingchen and William finally arrived at the Shimotsuki Kendo Hall. It was a courtyard with a distinct Wano Country style. Through the main gate, about ten straw dummies and wooden posts were erected in the courtyard. Two or three youths were practicing slashes with real swords.

"What do you need?"

A young man in a dojo training uniform approached the two at the entrance and spoke up, "We're looking for your master, Koshiro Shimotsuki." Mo Xingchen replied with a polite smile.

"Then please follow me. Master should be in the dojo now."

The youth first assessed the two. Seeing their attire, they appeared to be Marines, and their attitude didn't suggest they were there to cause trouble, so he spoke and turned to lead them inside.

"Thank you for your trouble."

Mo Xingchen and William followed the youth to the entrance of a large indoor training hall and stopped.

"Please wait here for a moment while I inform Master."

Seeing Mo Xingchen nod slightly, the youth walked towards the dojo. Shortly after, a man with glasses and a squinting gaze emerged. He looked at Mo Xingchen and the other man with a slight guard and asked, "May I ask what business you two Marines have with me?"

"Mr. Koshiro, hello. We have no ill intentions in coming here. We merely wish to trouble your father to forge a sword for me."

"This is not a place to talk. Please follow me."

Koshiro bowed slightly, raised an arm, and gestured for them to follow. He led Mo Xingchen and William to a study, where they sat opposite each other across a tea table. Koshiro began to make tea and asked, "I have seen reports about you in the newspaper, Your Excellency. I didn't expect you to be a master swordsman as well. However, there is something I do not understand. How did you know about my father and me?"

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