Pirate of Darkness (si)

Listening to her father's words, Monica looked at Teach.** At this time, Teach had gotten up from the ground, his body slightly unsteady. He held onto a nearby bracket with his right hand to stabilize himself.

"Teach, are you okay?" Monica trotted to his side, supporting him with her hands.

"Thief hahaha! How could something be wrong with me?" Teach laughed, lifting his sleeve to wipe his mouth. "That was quite a powerful punch."

Teach lifted his head slightly, staring at Modi's figure. The memory of the punch replayed in his mind—the unbeatable power and speed were terrifying. Modi could easily become a force to reckon with on the seas.

"Thief haha, Uncle Modi, your way of saying hello is truly unique. Thank you for your mercy," Teach said with a grin.

"You brat, get out of here. Don't disturb my Monica," Modi growled, clenching his fist.

"Don't say that. I brought a gift this time," Teach replied, ignoring Modi's tone. He went outside and returned with two large bags filled with a strong medicinal scent. "I picked these herbs in the mountains. I'll leave them to you for processing. They should be useful."

Monica recognized the herbs immediately. They were rare and precious, still carrying the scent of earth, indicating they were freshly picked. The mountains were dangerous, filled with poisonous insects and beasts. She couldn't imagine how Teach had managed to gather them.

"Thief haha! These things will only be of use in your hands. I can't wait long. I'll be setting sail soon. Over the years, I've been grateful for your care," Teach said with a laugh, turning to leave. According to the news, the Whitebeard Pirates had already arrived in this sea area and would soon come to Aska Island to rest. That was when Teach planned to board their ship.

Teach wasn't a heartless person. He knew it was time to say goodbye to those who mattered.

Watching Teach's retreating figure, Modi said nothing, but his eyes softened slightly.

---

**Flaming Dojo, in a quiet room,** two men sat across from each other at a square table. Haier took a sip of tea, his eyes closed as if deep in thought. A breeze blew outside, and he opened his eyes.

"Have you decided, Teach?" Haier asked with a serious expression.

"Yes, I've made up my mind. I'll board the Moby Dick of the Whitebeard Pirates," Teach replied without hesitation.

Seeing Teach's determination, Haier sighed, then smiled faintly. "Well, a good man belongs everywhere. You can't be tied to this small place. Your talent in kendo is exceptional. Over the years, I've taught you everything I can. From now on, you'll need to find your own path."

Haier stood up and walked to the back of the room. He took down a long sword hanging on the wall. The blade was crimson, with flame-like patterns etched into it. Holding the sword with both hands, he placed it in front of Teach.

"This... this is..." Teach's eyes widened. Though he didn't know its name, he had seen it many times. It was undoubtedly a famous sword. Through the scabbard, he could faintly feel a trace of heat emanating from it.

This was Haier's treasured sword, a priceless weapon. Teach had a hunch about what it meant for Haier to present it to him, but he couldn't quite believe it.

"Teach, I'm giving this to you. My grandfather was once a great swordsman. To create a sword that matched his Flame Swordsmanship, he went through great hardships, gathering precious ore and commissioning the finest craftsmen to forge this blade—the famous sword, Purgatory." Haier's eyes grew distant, filled with emotion as he reminisced.

"But..." Teach began, only to be interrupted by Haier.

"I know what you want to say. This sword has been gathering dust with me. Though you're not a pure swordsman, only in your hands can it truly shine. Or, perhaps, you'll find a master more suited to it."

Haier stared at Teach intently. Seeing this, Teach nodded solemnly.

*Thud!*

Teach knelt on the ground, bowing deeply. "I swear to make the name of Purgatory ring across the seas and let its light shine brightly."

Hearing Teach's words, Haier smiled. "Take it. And don't come back unless you have something important."

"Yes," Teach replied.

Teach turned and left with the sword on his back. He didn't know how long it would be before he returned—five years, ten years, or even longer.

---

**Walking down the street,** Teach was greeted by familiar faces.

"Oh, it's Teach! You look much stronger again!"

"Thief haha! Uncle Tom, you look good too! Aunt Mary, would you like another one? I've got a fresh tiger whip for you. Soak it in wine and enjoy!"

"Teach, you're looking handsome again. How about I introduce you to my daughter?" a stout woman called out.

"No, no, Aunt Carli. I'm still young. Let's forget it," Teach replied with a laugh, quickening his pace. The image of Aunt Carli's daughter flashed in his mind. She was quite pretty, but now wasn't the time.

Teach was something of a local celebrity in the small town. At a young age, he could hunt the beasts in the mountains, clear out gangs, and protect the town.

---

**Teach returned to his home, a small house on a slightly raised hill. It was clean and tidy, though modest. Inside, he opened a hidden cellar beneath a floorboard. Inside was a wooden box containing his treasures: a sword, a Devil Fruit, a booklet, and a manual on Thunder Electric Swordsmanship.

The booklet was a Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, which included the Dark-Dark Fruit. Teach had memorized the names and appearances of every Devil Fruit listed, though the book was incomplete.

One of the swords, Thundertooth, was taken by Teach when he stole the Thunder Current Kendo manual. The Devil Fruit and the other sword were discovered by Teach while exploring the ruins on the island.

Aska Island was once home to the Kingdom of Akas, which had been destroyed centuries ago. The ruins, hidden in the dense forests, were dangerous but filled with treasures. Teach had found many during his explorations but left most behind, knowing they could bring disaster if taken.

The island itself was remote, with only a small town of 100,000 residents. Its location in the New World and lack of valuable resources made it unappealing to most pirates.

---

**"Thief hahaha! I've waited so long. Finally, it's here."** Teach gazed at the massive pirate ship appearing on the coastline. It resembled a giant whale, and the pirate flag flying above confirmed it—the Moby Dick of the Whitebeard Pirates.

This was the only port in Akas Town, a gateway to the outside world. Merchant ships, pirate vessels, and fishing boats dotted the harbor.

Following the original timeline, Teach would have been just an ordinary fisherman. But now, he was ready to make his move.

Teach had packed his belongings, wearing two long swords—Purgatory and Thundertooth—at his waist. The Longyuan sword, taller than his body, was strapped to his back. A large pack containing essentials and his collection rested on his shoulders.

---

**"Teach, are you leaving?"** Monica sat alone at the door, as if waiting for him. Seeing Teach dressed for travel, she knew the time had come.

"Thief hahaha! My chance has arrived. It's time to go," Teach said with a grin. "But when I become a great pirate, I'll definitely return."

Monica smiled, feeling a mix of emotions. She knew she couldn't stop a man from pursuing his dreams. "I know. I'll wait for you," she said, hugging him tightly. She had come to realize her feelings for him.

Teach left, running toward the port.

---

**"Aren't you going to watch him board the ship?"** Modi appeared beside Monica, his voice soft.

"Dad..." Monica replied, her eyes fixed on Teach's retreating figure.

"That kid... I approve," Modi said. "Take one last look. Who knows when we'll see him again?"

---

**Teach sprinted toward the Moby Dick,** his breath heavy. The massive ship, like a giant whale, loomed closer. This was the first time Teach had seen such a colossal vessel up close.

As the Moby Dick docked, crew members began disembarking to gather supplies. Teach recognized many familiar figures—Whitebeard, towering at six meters tall with his iconic crescent-shaped mustache, Marco, and others.

Spotting Whitebeard, Teach sped up, running straight toward him. His determination caught the attention of the crew, and even Whitebeard noticed the young man approaching with purpose.