"An organized human-trafficking ring…
And it's operating around the waters near Shimotsuki Village?"
Koushirou's brows lifted slightly as he fell into deep thought.
This was… a troublesome development.
He couldn't predict whether such a group would eventually disturb the peace of Shimotsuki Village. And even more concerning—
which power in the world might be backing them?
The information Dragon brought served as a dire warning.
"But you don't need to worry too much," Dragon added calmly. "From what I understand, most of these groups are only dangerous in numbers. Strength-wise, they're mediocre—upper-mid level at best for the East Blue."
"Take that genius disciple of yours, Ryukawa, for example. That boy alone could probably flatten them without breaking a sweat."
Koushirou couldn't stop the corner of his mouth from twitching.
Dragon went on:
"In the East Blue, who do you think could possibly be strong? This isn't the Grand Line. Aside from a few hidden monsters, East Blue remains the weakest sea."
"Even human traffickers won't deploy bounty-over-100-million pirates to this little corner of the ocean. That'd be a waste of manpower."
Koushirou nodded thoughtfully.
"This must be handled. If left alone, Shimotsuki Village might very well lose its tranquility."
"How about this," Dragon suggested. "I'll leave a squad behind. Let Hack lead them. And if you're willing… have Ryukawa join them."
"It'll be good training. With his ability, this level of job is nothing but a warm-up."
The fish-man martial artist Hack responded immediately, face solemn.
For a fish-man, slave trafficking was an unforgivable sin.
Letting evil thrive was unacceptable.
Koushirou fell silent for a while… then exhaled.
"Letting Ryukawa temper himself through real missions… isn't a bad idea."
Yes—
Shimotsuki Village could not contain someone like Ryukawa forever.
A talent terrifying enough for even the Revolutionary Army to attempt poaching…
He deserved a stage far wider than the East Blue.
And so the plan was set.
Dragon eventually departed—
bringing Ivankov, their supplies, and the rest of the Revolutionary Army back onto their ships.
They came quietly.
They left quietly.
No villager even realized the infamous Revolutionary Army had just passed through.
Except—
As Dragon left, he issued one final order:
Hack, Sabo, and a ten-man squad were to remain.
Their mission: purge the human-trafficking syndicate plaguing these waters.
This would also serve as Sabo's training.
Just as Ryukawa was Koushirou's chosen successor—
Sabo was Dragon's.
When Koushirou returned to the dojo, he immediately summoned Ryukawa.
The two spoke privately in the rear courtyard.
"Ryukawa," Koushirou asked with a faint smile,
"Do you want to set sail?"
"…Huh?"
Ryukawa blinked.
He really hadn't expected that to be the first thing Koushirou said.
Setting sail?
To be honest…
He had already been thinking about it.
And as his strength grew, the desire only got stronger.
But he never imagined Koushirou would be the one to bring it up.
Koushirou chuckled at Ryukawa's expression.
"Before we continue, let me ask you—do you know who those visitors today really were?"
"The Revolutionary Army," Ryukawa replied without hesitation.
This time, Koushirou was the one caught off guard.
"You… knew?"
But Ryukawa's face remained calm.
"As for what I think of them? Nothing much. Whether it's Marines, pirates, or the Revolutionary Army—none of them mean anything to me personally."
Koushirou laughed.
"You certainly have a peaceful mindset."
He then relayed Dragon's message about the human-trafficking ring.
A few minutes later, Ryukawa understood.
"So you want me to partner with their squad and eliminate the traffickers operating around Shimotsuki Village?"
"Correct."
Koushirou nodded.
"But I won't force you. What do you want to do, Ryukawa?"
Ryukawa did not hesitate.
"I'll go."
Koushirou smiled approvingly.
"Then tomorrow morning, you'll depart with Hack and the Revolutionary Army squad. Use tonight to prepare. And remember to speak with your junior disciples before you leave."
And so—
Ryukawa spent the rest of the day doing only one thing:
Swinging his sword.
Sword swings.
More swings.
Endless swings.
Even in the weakest sea—
the world was still dangerous.
Strength was the only guarantee of survival.
Not luck.
Not someone else's protection.
Only power.
And Ryukawa planned to raise that power as high as possible before stepping onto a ship.
Then—
A crisp sound echoed in his mind.
[Ding! Total swings: 8,500]
[Reward: Armament Haki – Beginner Awakening]
Ryukawa's eyes widened slightly.
Armament Haki… awakened.
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