One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

A flash of golden light illuminated a hidden cave outside the Flower Capital, followed by the sound of mechanical clinking.

Moments later, Wright emerged from the cave, holding a small metallic box.

"Dr. Vegapunk is truly remarkable. The base for the Lightforged Beacon Crystal has been made so compact—and foldable at that!"

The box in Wright's hand was none other than the third-generation portable version of the Lightforged Beacon Crystal base, modified by Vegapunk. It could automatically transform into a beacon base, ready to function once a Lightforged Crystal was inserted.

White crystals, common and inexpensive even in Wano, could be bought almost anywhere—just infuse one, and it was good to go!

Thanks to this, Wright had managed to put on an impressive show of mystery in front of Denjiro, leaving him in high spirits.

"The second-generation beacon allows for long-range teleportation, and now this third-generation can even transfer small objects. I can't wait to see what the fourth-generation will bring!"

The night was still young as Wright oriented himself using the moonlight and began making his way to Kuri.

His destination: Tenguyama Hitetsu's treehouse!

During his day in the Flower Capital, Wright had been busy. He'd already pieced together a rough map of Wano Country.

As the former domain of Kouzuki Oden, Kuri remained beyond Orochi's full control—no matter how much the shogun wished otherwise. The bandit groups in Kuri were far too strong to be subdued outright!

Thus, economic sanctions became Orochi's preferred tactic—starving the people into submission.

Living in the forest near Amigasa Village in Kuri, Tenguyama Hitetsu came from a lineage of renowned swordsmiths in Wano.

Entrusted with a heavy responsibility, Hitetsu had hidden his identity for over a decade. Despite being the famed craftsman who forged Oden's legendary blade, Ame no Habakiri, no one had uncovered his whereabouts.

Yet even such a master swordsmith often faced the plight of an empty stomach.

At this moment, Hitetsu, having finally enjoyed a rare full meal, was in his treehouse, meticulously maintaining two treasured swords with contrasting black and white hilts.

"Oden…"

Hitetsu sighed deeply. "When will I finally be able to return these blades…?"

Knock, knock, knock!

"Who's there?"

Startled by the knock, Hitetsu quickly hid the two swords—after all, even the villagers of Amigasa had no idea he possessed them!

"I am Wright, a swordsman seeking an audience with Swordsmith Hitetsu."

Guided by his Observation Haki, Wright had easily located Hitetsu's treehouse after arriving in Amigasa Village. Knowing he would be requesting a favor, he had prepared a gift.

"Swordsman?"

Hitetsu's expression grew serious. The visitor had introduced himself, but his name was clearly not of Wano origin! Moreover, the term "swordsman" rather than "samurai" made it evident this person was not from Wano.

A flood of thoughts raced through Hitetsu's mind before he gritted his teeth and opened the door—if the visitor harbored ill intent, not opening wouldn't deter him.

"You are from overseas?"

Once they were seated, Hitetsu began the conversation. For now, the guest seemed to be adhering to proper etiquette.

"Indeed, I come from overseas. I have certain ties to Wano and came here to take care of some matters. I wished to pay my respects to you during my visit."

"Ties? Matters to handle?"

Hitetsu's sharp instincts caught the keywords. Wano's closed borders made it nearly impossible for outsiders to enter casually.

"Illegal entry?"

"…You could say that. After all, anyone entering legally would be under Orochi or Kaido's banner."

Wright chuckled. "We are allies, not enemies. I mean no harm."

Hmph, as if a bad guy would outright admit they were one!

Suppressing the urge to retort, Hitetsu pressed on. "How can I trust you?"

"Well…"

Wright unfastened the sword at his waist and handed it to Hitetsu. "While I can't offer absolute proof, this blade was personally enhanced by my master. As a swordsmith, perhaps you might notice something?"

Hitetsu's eyes widened. Passing his weapon to a stranger—what kind of move was this? Could this man truly harbor no ill will?

Despite his doubts, Hitetsu accepted the blade. The moment he held it, his eyebrows shot up in surprise!

"This sword…"

Unable to contain his curiosity, Hitetsu drew the blade, only to be immediately dazzled by its brilliance.

"How… How is this possible?!"

Even a master swordsmith like Hitetsu found himself awestruck by the sword named Ashes.

Completely ignoring Wright, Hitetsu began examining the blade from a craftsman's perspective. This sword was like nothing he'd ever seen before!

"Is this… a sword that's been reforged after its initial creation? The technique feels… familiar!"

Hitetsu muttered to himself, then abruptly raised his head. "The Shimotsuki clan! This blade was enhanced by a Shimotsuki swordsmith… no!"

After another close inspection, he shook his head. "No, though the technique is of the same lineage, it lacks the refinement of their other masterpieces…"

Raising his gaze, Hitetsu's expression turned solemn as he looked at Wright. "This blade was enhanced by a descendant of the Shimotsuki clan's swordsmiths! It has been repeatedly infused and tempered with Haki and another mysterious energy. But what's with this color?"

"The color? That's because my Haki is somewhat unique. The mysterious energy comes from my abilities, or what you in Wano might call 'sorcery.'"

Hitetsu's eyes grew dazed as Wright coughed lightly to bring him back to the moment. "We can discuss that later…"

"This blade, as you've surmised, was reforged. The one who enhanced it was my master, Koushirou!"

"Koushirou…"

A flash of realization crossed Hitetsu's face. "I see…"

"It seems that over forty years ago, the Shimotsuki clan's swordsmiths successfully settled overseas…"

His eyes darted subtly toward the spot where Oden's dual blades were hidden. Hitetsu asked, "Does your master have a family heirloom sword?"

"A Great Grade Sword, Wado Ichimonji."

"As expected… there's no doubt."

Hitetsu sighed deeply. "I understand now. You truly do have ties to Wano."

Reluctantly, Hitetsu sheathed Ashes and returned it to Wright. "This sword has evolved from an ordinary weapon to one of the top-tier Great Grade Swords. Its crafting even incorporates techniques for forging a Black Blade…"

"Your strength must be extraordinary. So, what brings you to me?"

Wright took the sword, reattaching it to his waist with a smile. "You're as straightforward as I hoped, Hitetsu. I'm here to find a good sword for my junior disciple.

"Due to certain circumstances, a blade that should have been his is now out of reach. So, during this visit to Wano, I decided to find him a worthy replacement."

"Your junior… also a disciple of Koushirou? Neither of you inherited Wado Ichimonji?"

"Of course not. Wado Ichimonji belongs to my master's daughter—my junior sister. I don't need it, and my junior… well, he's not ready to deserve it just yet!"

Hitetsu looked thoughtful, feeling a mix of admiration and relief that the Shimotsuki legacy continued through the sword's rightful inheritors.

Wait… this man said the blade meant for his junior was out of reach. Could it be—?

Interrupting his own spiraling thoughts, Hitetsu cleared his throat and straightened his posture. "While I once forged Great Grade Swords, times have changed. Wano's current state has kept me from working the forge for years."

"That's fine."

Wright's gaze shifted to the item hanging by the doorframe, radiating an unusual aura from the moment he entered.

A long sword with a purple hilt and scabbard!

"That one seems… rather intriguing!"

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