"Yes, you're not mistaken. The man you rescued at sea yesterday—his name is Zeke. He's Master Fedray's final disciple. After inheriting nearly all of Master's skills, he's even taken them to new heights."
"We are deeply grateful to you, Sword Demon. If not for your rescue yesterday, Zeke would've been lost to the sea. And as Master's most cherished disciple, had something happened to him... Master would've been devastated."
At that point, Spike stepped out from behind the desk and bowed deeply to Weiss as a sign of respect.
As for why he had asked so many questions before revealing the truth—it was because, over the past few years, too many people had been searching for Fedray.
Most with bad intentions.
Fedray had changed his name and status, and with his only disciple being the president of a merchant guild, no one had been able to find him.
Had it not been for Weiss's legendary reputation—and the fact that Koushirou had personally recommended him—Spike would've never revealed anything.
The connection to Koushirou was what truly made the difference.
"Well now, fate really does work in mysterious ways," Weiss muttered.
Still, that scrawny man didn't seem to belong in the same category as the burly blacksmiths on the island. Was he really capable of forging rare metals with those arms?
...
...
"When would you like the weapon to be forged, Lord Sword Demon?" Spike asked.
"The sooner, the better."
Everyone already knew that Hawk Eye was scouring the Grand Line for Weiss's whereabouts. Word had spread. Weiss had to get his blade ready before Hawk Eye found him.
Then, a true duel at the peak could begin.
Only by finding his weaknesses could he continue to grow.
"Understood. Please wait a moment, I'll make a call."
As the president of a merchant guild, Spike couldn't just leave abruptly—he had to make proper arrangements before personally accompanying Weiss.
To have someone else guide Weiss would've felt disrespectful.
Every detail mattered when dealing with someone powerful. What if you annoyed them over something as trivial as "one plus one equals two," and they decided you knew too much?
Once everything was arranged, Spike took Weiss with him as they left the guild. Joanne followed right behind.
...
Fedray's house was tucked away in a narrow alley within the town—a perfect place to hide from prying eyes. Staying in town offered the best cover.
His home sat at the end of the alley.
And it was exactly what you'd expect from a master blacksmith.
The building had an unmistakable metallic feel, radiating a bold, rugged aura. Even the surrounding wall was made from stacked raw iron.
On Forge Star Island, iron was never in short supply.
Without knocking, Spike pushed open the heavy iron door and led Weiss inside. There were seven adjoining single-story rooms in a row. From the far left room, even at a distance, one could feel waves of heat.
The rhythmic clang of hammering rang out from within.
"Though Master no longer forges for others, the habit runs deep. He still spends time crafting tools for his own use—it keeps his hands from going dull," Spike explained, having caught the doubt in Weiss's eyes.
"As for your sword, even though Koushirou personally recommended you, it'll still be Zeke who forges it," Spike added quickly, worried that Weiss might expect Fedray to do it himself.
Weiss nodded. He didn't care who forged it—as long as it was the best. Hadn't Zeke already surpassed his master?
"Master, we have an honored guest!" Spike called out once the hammering stopped. He didn't enter the room.
Fedray had a rule: once he started forging, he would finish before doing anything else.
"Who is it?" came a rough voice from inside.
"Someone referred by Koushirou!"
"Koushirou? That brat? Haven't seen him in years. What made him suddenly send someone my way?"
Clang! Clang!
As the sound of gears and machinery echoed, the door slowly opened.
To Weiss's surprise, the "door" was actually a 20-centimeter-thick steel slab.
And instead of a towering old brute, a wiry, robust elder appeared—bronzed skin, lean and muscled, with a snowy beard and slightly hunched back. If not for those two signs of age, he might've been mistaken for a man in his prime.
"Sir, this is Master Fedray."
Fedray stared at Weiss. "This brat's the one Koushirou sent?"
"Master, this is Sword Demon Weiss—the one who saved Zeke and the others at sea yesterday."
Fedray's face lit up the moment he heard that. Without hesitation, he strode over and gripped Weiss's hand tightly.
"I'm truly grateful for saving my disciple. If he'd died, I wouldn't even know where to find another worthy of inheriting my craft."
"Zeke's the most gifted blacksmith on all of Forge Star Island!"
...
Weiss looked at Spike, feeling the warm handshake. This is the man who'd supposedly be devastated if Zeke died?
All he cares about is whether someone can carry on his legacy!
If someone even more talented than Zeke showed up, would he toss Zeke aside without a second thought?
"Well then, since you're Koushirou's referral and you saved Zeke's life, tell Zeke whatever weapon you want forged. If he says no, I'll break his legs myself!"
With a wave of his hand, Fedray made the decision then and there.
"Even without Koushirou's introduction, if Sword Demon Weiss needed a weapon, I would still make it for him," came Zeke's voice from outside.
The door pushed open, and Zeke walked in, looking slightly sulky. He clearly didn't think Fedray was joking.
After all, the old man had broken his legs before—three times in a single month!
Judging by how lively Zeke looked, you'd never guess he was badly injured yesterday.
Well, it made sense. He was trained, in his thirties, and had strong recovery.
"Don't worry about his skill," Fedray said, full of pride. "Under my teaching, Zeke's already surpassed me. Whatever you need—just hand him the design, and he'll forge it!"
Teaching a disciple who surpasses you—that's a true mark of success.
"If I'd known you came to see Master, I'd have brought you here yesterday. My apologies," Zeke said sincerely.
Now Weiss felt a little embarrassed. This whole family is so polite. You didn't even know why I was here—how could you be expected to help?
"What kind of weapon does Lord Sword Demon desire? I'll give it everything I've got!" Zeke said with confidence. He believed no one on the seas surpassed him in forging skill.
"A double-edged sword. Whatever materials are needed, I'll get them."
"No need. We've got a stockpile of rare materials you won't find on the market. No need to search for anything."
"Then name your price. I'll pay in Berries," Weiss said. He wasn't familiar with smithing or materials.
"No need for that either. As thanks for saving my life, I'll forge it for you free of charge!"
"I insist. A favor is a favor—payment is another matter."
The two then discussed the finer details of the double-edged sword. By the time everything was settled, night had fallen.
Since the materials needed prep time, the forging was scheduled for three days later—coincidentally, the day of the forging tournament. Zeke planned to win with Weiss's blade.
Weiss departed, and as he walked, he ran into Kadun—who had a woman with him.
"Captain! I saw a man robbing this lady in an alley today. It was just unforgivable! So I stepped in and saved her," Kadun said quickly as he noticed Weiss looking at the woman.
"And did you ask how much was stolen?" Weiss asked.
"Nine hundred and ninety-eight Berries!"
"And what weapon was used?"
"A stick, apparently!"
"Captain, listen—because of this, she invited me over to her place tonight!" Kadun leaned in, glancing at Joanne with a smug smile.
Weiss gave Kadun a long, deep breath and said, "Kadun. Listen carefully."
"Yes, Captain?"
"Just because you leave early doesn't mean someone hasn't already left earlier than you."
With that, Weiss walked off without another word. As long as Kadun wasn't toying with someone's feelings and it was mutual, Weiss wouldn't interfere.
"Joanne, what did the captain mean?" Kadun asked.
"Pervert," Joanne said flatly.
---
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