One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

"This guy has been provoking me since the moment I stepped in..."

Wright's lips curled into a smirk. "Is he provoking my 'Ashes'? Or... provoking me?"

"..."

Hitetsu's expression changed. "You can sense it?"

"This... this is a cursed blade called the Nidai Kitetsu, one of the '21 Great Grade Swords'!"

Seeing that Wright had already noticed the sword, Hitetsu sighed in resignation. Powerful swordsmen could easily sense powerful blades, as if they resonated with each other.

"The '21 Great Grade Swords,' huh... fitting."

Wright nodded. "Well then, do you mind if I take a closer look?"

"Would you stop if I said I minded?"

Hitetsu grumbled but reluctantly got up under Wright's amused gaze, took the Nidai Kitetsu from its stand, and handed it to him.

"This blade was forged by my ancestor, Kotetsu. It's a cursed blade—every one of its wielders has met a tragic end!"

Hitetsu warned seriously. "Even if you fancy it, you... well, you'll probably be fine. But if you're thinking of giving it to your junior disciple..."

"The curse of Kitetsu is not something a novice can withstand!"

Wright examined the Nidai Kitetsu in his hands. The moment he held it, he could feel the oppressive, violent aura emanating from the blade.

Shing—!

Drawing the sword from its sheath, Wright narrowed his eyes, carefully studying the exquisite craftsmanship, blade patterns, and the flawless edge of the Great Grade Sword. He nodded appreciatively.

"A fine blade!"

"Though, a bit unruly. If Zoro were to wield it right away, he'd probably end up in trouble."

"Infusion of Holy Light—Purification!"

A blinding golden light surged from Wright's hand, completely enveloping the Nidai Kitetsu.

Hitetsu stood in shock, watching as the oppressive aura of the cursed blade seemed to dissolve. It was as though the sword let out a faint, anguished wail before its sinister presence became serene and tranquil.

After a long while, the Holy Light dimmed. Wright inspected the now-purified sword, its once-dark aura replaced by a clean, calming energy.

"Hmm, much clearer now. The power of Holy Light is a natural counter to such negative forces."

Turning to the stunned Hitetsu, Wright sheathed the Nidai Kitetsu. "It's settled. It's no longer a cursed blade!"

"Hitetsu-san, rest assured, I won't take the Nidai Kitetsu for free."

Wright's words snapped Hitetsu out of his daze. "This... this is unbelievable sorcery...!"

"Is this the same technique you used to forge that golden sword? To even cleanse Kitetsu's curse..."

Hitetsu sighed deeply, realizing he had no way to stop this man from taking the sword.

As a swordsmith, Hitetsu's combat skills were decent, and he had a fine blade for self-defense. But against someone like Wright, he stood no chance.

"Well then, what are you willing to offer in exchange for this sword?"

Wright raised an eyebrow. Hitetsu's response indicated that he acknowledged both Wright's skill and strength, and that the Nidai Kitetsu, while valuable, wasn't irreplaceable to him.

"Hitetsu-san, please take a look."

Wright retrieved a golden crystal orb—the "Purification Crystal" he had once given to Magellan of Impel Down.

"Having arrived in Wano, I've come to understand the dire situation your people face. Food and water have been polluted under the tyranny of Orochi and Kaido. It's truly unforgivable!"

"But for now... it's not yet time to settle accounts."

Hitetsu's gaze lingered on the crystal before shifting back to Wright.

"This crystal... could it be?"

"Exactly!"

Wright nodded with pride. "This is a 'Purification Crystal' of my own creation. It can neutralize toxins—especially food poisoning!

"This particular crystal has been specially modified. When someone suffering from poisoning approaches within half a meter of it, the crystal will activate automatically. When inactive, it consumes no energy.

"This crystal can purify toxins in food and water approximately 1,000 times!"

"T-This..."

Hitetsu's hands trembled as he accepted the crystal, his lips quivering.

"Dozens of villagers die every year because of poisoning, with no effective treatment...

"If this crystal truly works as you say, then it could save nearly a thousand lives if used wisely!"

Compared to the food poisoning Magellan dealt with, the environmental contamination in Wano was a graver crisis. As such, a crystal that lasted three months in Impel Down could purify toxins 1,000 times here.

"Hitetsu-san, feel free to test its effects on any poisoned person or animal nearby."

Wright smiled. "I doubt you'll have trouble finding a suitable target, or perhaps you'd prefer to test it yourself?"

"Of course! This is far too important to entrust to others!"

Hitetsu hurriedly fetched a jar of river water—polluted river water.

Ignoring Wright's barely concealed grin, Hitetsu downed the entire jar and sat quietly, waiting for symptoms of poisoning to appear. He placed the Purification Crystal two meters away.

Soon enough, the symptoms hit—dizziness, dry mouth, and a feverish forehead.

"Alright then, let this old man's life be the test!"

Hitetsu saw Wright nod, pushed the golden crystal toward himself, and instinctively reached out to grab it. The moment he did, the crystal emitted a golden glow.

"Huh? My dizziness is gone! And... no more fever?"

Hitetsu checked his forehead—it was fine.

"Deal!"

Hitetsu clutched the crystal tightly, as if afraid Wright might take it back. "Take that sword and leave already! This... this 'Purification Crystal' is a lifesaver!"

"..."

Wright's face darkened. The Nidai Kitetsu, which Hitetsu had been so reluctant to part with, had suddenly become "that sword."

"Hitetsu-san, one more thing—"

Wright produced another Purification Crystal, and Hitetsu's eyes widened instantly.

"I don't have any more famous swords!" Hitetsu growled through gritted teeth. "Had I known you had another crystal, I wouldn't have agreed to trade the Kitetsu for just one!"

"You misunderstand. This crystal is for another purpose."

Wright handed Hitetsu a compact device—a portable third-generation Lightforged Beacon.

"Please take care of this little item for me and ensure no one else discovers it. The Purification Crystal is your reward."

"What is this?"

Hitetsu examined the device curiously. Outsiders always seemed to bring strange and fascinating gadgets.

"It's... a contingency measure related to my business in Wano. No need to ask for details."

"When the time comes, you'll understand."

"Very well..."

Hitetsu hesitated before nodding. The Purification Crystal's importance was undeniable, leaving him no choice but to agree.

"Then, Hitetsu-san, I'll take my leave. Until we meet again!"

With a smile and a nod, Wright disappeared in a flash of golden light, leaving Hitetsu once again stunned.

"That guy... who on earth is he?"

-------

Want to read ahead of schedule?

Join here: patreon.com / juanpiece

There are more than 60 advance chapters available for you!