Once Dreamed of Traveling the World with a Sword

"Although it's not that detailed in the Marines' intelligence system, it's not hard to figure out with a little careful analysis.

First, the surname Shimotsuki is quite famous in Wano Country's history, starting with the dragon-slaying feat of the dragon-slaying swordsman Shimotsuki Ryoma, which has been passed down among swordsmen on the sea for generations.

Second, there was the former captain of the Whitebeard Pirates' second division, Wano Country's General Kozuki Oden. Later, for some unknown reason, he joined Pirate King Roger's ship. His strength was that of a dual-wielding great swordsman, wielding Ame no Habakiri and Enma. It is rumored that Enma was forged by the head of the Shimotsuki family at that time.

Third, this island has not experienced any pirate invasions, and the nearest Marine branch has not received any distress signals from the island. And this place is called Shimotsuki Village, and you are opening a dojo here. Perhaps before I came, there was still a possibility of doubt about sharing the same surname, but the moment I saw the dojo master, I was certain."

As the saying goes, flattery will get you everywhere. Hearing praise for his family and affirmation of his strength from a powerful individual, Koshiro was overjoyed and beaming. He quickly poured tea for Mo Xingchen and William and said, "You flatter me, you flatter me! Mr. Mo, since you want my father to forge a suitable blade for you, and combined with your achievements in the newspapers, you must also be a powerful swordsman. May I spar with you?"

Seeing the change in Koshiro's tone and attitude, Mo Xingchen felt that he had slightly let down his guard. If they were to discuss swordsmanship further, this matter would likely be settled. So, he took a sip of the hot tea and said with a smile, "It is rude to engage in combat upon first visiting a host's home! Mr. Shimotsuki, why don't we simply enjoy some tea and discuss the Way?"

Although Mo Xingchen did not agree to a sparring match, his polite response made Koshiro even happier. He raised his teacup in a toast and began to explain his swordsmanship:

"I cultivate the family's swordsmanship in Wano Country. In my youth, I reached the realm of a swordsman, but I was stuck at a bottleneck. So, I went out to sea to seek a breakthrough. I fought pirates in the New World for several years, and finally, by chance, I came here, met my wife, and only then did my state of mind become complete, allowing me to break through.

Mr. Mo, you also see that my dojo is named Isshin Dojo. I pursue the power of the heart, because human strength is limited, but the human heart can be infinitely vast. Without being bound by any single move or technique, by honing the heart, body, and sword to the extreme, and then uniting them, one can unleash a single strike filled with their own beliefs, achieving 'no self, no cut.' What do you think, sir?"

Mo Xingchen finished his cup of hot tea in one gulp, slowly stood up, waved his Justice Coat, and spoke eloquently:

"In my humble opinion, swordsmanship is divided into five stages.

Sharp Sword Realm: In this stage, the swordsman pursues divine weapons and sharp blades. The characteristic is sharpness and ferocity, unstoppable. The moves are spirited, and the swordsmanship is full of confidence!

Soft Sword Realm: With the growth of age and the tempering of life experiences, the swordsman's swordsmanship tends to mature. The characteristic of the soft sword is agility, but it lacks attack power relatively. In this stage, one no longer focuses on the sharpness of divine weapons but concentrates on refining swordsmanship!

Heavy Sword Realm: Its characteristic is great skill disguised as simplicity, that is, by driving swordsmanship with one's own strength to achieve the realm of lifting heavy as if it were light. In this stage, one no longer excessively relies on the sharpness of the weapon but is guided by strength, displaying a new concept of swordsmanship!

Wooden Sword Realm: In this stage, swordsmanship becomes more free and unrestrained. Grass, wood, bamboo, and stones can all become swords. Thus, one breaks through to the realm of lifting light as if it were heavy. At this stage, swordsmanship has transcended material constraints, reaching a state of spiritual freedom and ease.

Swordless Realm: This signifies the sublimation of swordsmanship to a completely new level, that is, 'defeating with no sword as if having a sword.' This is achieved by comprehending the laws of nature and philosophical principles, allowing swordsmanship to reach a height that cannot be predicted or countered by the opponent. In this stage, swordsmanship has surpassed the traditional scope of techniques and integrated into a higher level of the Way!"

Koshiro and William listened as if entranced. The realms of swordsmanship were so meticulously divided by Mo Xingchen. Perhaps William's realm was a bit lower, and he couldn't quite understand, but Koshiro, as a great swordsman, found his own Way validated.

He was currently at the Soft Sword Realm, unable to achieve the state of lifting heavy as if it were light. This was truly not about not holding a sword to reach the final Swordless Realm; it was a pursuit of the Way! If you tried to spar with Hawk Eyes without a sword, you'd likely be chopped into a fool.

"You are a man of great talent! You have found the path beyond that of a great swordsman for us swordsmen. Please accept my bow!"

Koshiro excitedly stood up and bowed 90 degrees, performing a grand salute. Mo Xingchen accepted it calmly, because swordsmanship in this world was that simple. Being a great swordsman was the pinnacle; beyond that, it was truly difficult to progress further without exceptional talent. However, this set of theories directly pointed to the higher levels of swordsmanship. Perhaps Koshiro's talent was limited and he couldn't reach the final Swordless Realm, but at least he had found a way to continue improving his swordsmanship.

"May I ask what realm you are currently in, sir?"

"I should have just reached the third level, the Heavy Sword Realm."

Just as Koshiro was about to say something more, a gentle and virtuous woman carrying a baby pushed open the study door. She was startled to find guests inside and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I didn't know you were entertaining guests, Koshiro-kun. I wanted to call you for a meal."

Koshiro stood up and gestured invitingly, "This is my wife and daughter. If you don't mind, would you and your companion care to stay for a simple meal?"

"Then we shall be imposing on you!"

After a simple dinner with Koshiro's family, the four returned to the study. Koshiro explained Mo Xingchen's swordsmanship theories to his father, his words filled with admiration. After listening, Kozaburo also exclaimed in awe.

Mo Xingchen also clarified his purpose: to request the old man to forge a sword for him.

"May I ask what kind of blade you wish to have forged? Do you have a design or specific dimensions?"

Kozaburo asked enthusiastically. He had already closed his forge and no longer made swords, but after his son's explanation, he believed Mo Xingchen's future was limitless. Who could refuse to forge a sword for someone who could potentially surpass a great swordsman in the future?

Mo Xingchen took out the sword-forging blueprint he had painstakingly thought about during his voyage. In the long river of China's five-thousand-year history, there were countless famous swords, and honestly, he suffered from indecisiveness.

Thinking that some legendary swords might be difficult to replicate in this world, he finally decided to forge an Eight-Sided Han Sword for himself.

"Old sir, here is the blueprint. I hope you can increase the sword's weight as much as possible according to the dimensions."

"What a beautiful weapon! I will need time to consider the materials for forging."

Kozaburo looked at the Han sword on the blueprint, murmuring as if he had seen a peerless beauty.

"Then I shall trouble you, sir."