Chapter 888: Through All Four Seasons, A Decade of Unyielding Swordplay
Chapter 888: Through All Four Seasons, A Decade of Unyielding Swordplay
Sam William was indeed his true name—this was confirmed when the World Government arrived in Shelz Town to investigate directly.
Anyone who grew up in that area naturally had people who remembered them.
His real name was Sam William, and curiously enough, he lived as the next-door neighbor of Kuro.
Upon hearing this news, Kuro pondered deeply but couldn’t recall any impression of Sam William.
He remembered the people who lived opposite him—a pair of elderly gentlemen—but couldn’t remember any mention of them having a child.
Of course, photos were obtained, though they held little inference value. The images were of Sam William before he turned seven. According to the elderly couple, their child hadn’t been photographed after the age of seven.
Yes, Sam William’s parents were still alive.
A dirtier individual could easily threaten his parents to force him out of hiding, but Kuro simply couldn’t bring himself to do such a thing.
Whether Navy or pirate, these were personal battles. To drag in one’s family was the work of only the most despicable people.
However, from the Sam Couple’s understanding of their child, a sideways portrait could still be drawn:
"William was actually a very obedient child. Though he’d always said he wanted to become a great pirate, after turning seven, he grew quiet and never mentioned his dream again. His schedule became strictly routine."
"During the day, he practiced swordplay. At first, he used wooden sticks, but later, unable to resist, we bought him a Rapier. We meant it as encouragement—it’s an officer’s weapon. We never expected him to grit his teeth and master the Rapier completely."
"Every morning at 8 AM, he’d wake up, clean his white necktie, then swing the Rapier until 10 PM without fail, rain or shine. At 11 PM, he’d sleep. Before bed, he’d drink a glass of milk and play for an hour. His ‘play’ was strange, though—it seemed like martial arts practice. Then he’d go to sleep, wake up the next morning, and start again. Even when sick, he’d keep training, as if something was constantly pressing him. We never understood why."
The intelligence gathered from the Sam Couple made Kuro click his tongue in frustration. "Why does this sound so familiar…?"
"Of course it does! You’re exactly like that!" Lida couldn’t help exclaiming. "What’s wrong with your Shelz Town? Is this some kind of cultivation method shared by everyone there?"
"Impossible. I was born with my own abilities. My methods are nearly impossible to replicate", Kuro shook his head.
He was born with the Shinmeiryu Style’s Four Great Mystic Arts. Without this cheat ability, he’d never have dared set sail for cultivation. Many of his techniques were developed from this foundation.
An ordinary person, even if they mimicked his methods, could never achieve results.
---
"Speaking of, William, I’ve always been curious—why do you feel such intense pressure despite your overwhelming strength?"
Aboard the flagship of the East Blue pirate fleet, Sverre finally asked as he watched William perform his daily swordplay on the deck.
He’d seen William do this countless times. Even during busy moments, William would carve out time for cultivation. When idle, he’d disappear to nearby islands, seeking ways to hone himself. More often than not, the three of them became his sparring partners.
It was precisely through these sparring sessions that they deeply understood William’s power.
Even without that infuriating Logia ability, his swordsmanship and Haki alone made him a foe none of them could match.
Despite his calm demeanor, his strength was terrifyingly profound.
As Sverre spoke, William’s Rapier never slowed. He kept swinging as he replied, "It’s not like that. I’ve just grown accustomed to it. It’s also about preparing for the future."
His gaze grew distant, recalling the past.
This wasn’t a habit from his childhood—it was forced upon him at age seven.
His family lived directly opposite Kuro’s. From his room’s window, he could see Kuro’s house and observe everything Kuro did.
Though Kuro’s formal cultivation began years later, he hadn’t been entirely idle. Even as a child, Kuro had trained with his blade. William believed this might be Kuro’s secret manual to strength, so he imitated Kuro’s sword swings and daily routine, gradually forming this habit.
It wasn’t without results. Simple training yielded progress. At seven, William had struggled to grip an officer’s Rapier, but by twelve, he could wield it effortlessly.
By then, Kuro had already begun his cultivation journey at sea, and William followed suit.
He wasn’t fully prepared to set sail, but he could still explore areas around Shelz Town.
No matter the world, consistent effort over years always bore fruit.
Through sheer Rapier practice, William eventually forged something from nothing—his slash.
Under an oppressive presence, he advanced relentlessly. Whether learning from an enemy, training through storms or illness, without relying on complex sword techniques, he simply swung his blade. When lacking physical strength, he added weight. With few beasts on Shelz Island, he battled nature itself.
From felling trees to creating smooth cuts, from splitting stones to refining their surfaces, he slashed iron, water currents, waterfalls, spring rains, summer thunder, autumn winds, and winter snow.
Through all four seasons, a decade of unyielding swordplay.
By the time he realized it, William’s Rapier swings could carve slashes effortlessly, slicing through anything with uncanny smoothness, as if he could instantly detect the weakness in all things.
Later, he learned this was the Breathing of a Thousand Things.
At twenty-one, he officially set sail.
He paused mid-swing, staring at his hands, whispering, "Back then, I was forced to it. For my dream, I had to move forward, or I’d never surpass him. But over time, I grew accustomed to this life. It’s not bad. I can feel myself improving every day—it’s visible, not some hollow ideal."
"I despise those who boast of grand goals without action. True goals aren’t spoken—they’re buried in the heart, step by step. Only when you reach that pinnacle should you proclaim them."
William dreamed of becoming a great pirate, known worldwide.
But in the East Blue, where Kuro existed, he couldn’t even become a pirate with a bounty.
Now, though opportunities had come, he still felt unprepared. He needed more—more preparation, more strength, enough to face every challenge in the East Blue. Only then would he earn a bounty there, using it as a springboard to the Grand Line, beginning his journey to fame.
"Captain, I’ve spotted an island ahead! There are countless strange creatures!"
A pirate shouted from the crow’s nest.
"Creatures?"
William furrowed his brow, then shrugged. "Never mind. Let’s dock there briefly to resupply, then continue onward."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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