Pirates: Seeing My Proficiency, I Became a Legend

"Dongze!"

"I really envy that moss-headed idiot's talent!"

To be honest, Roronoa Zoro's future as Monkey D. Luffy's right-hand man and his growth into one of the world's strongest swordsmen wasn't just due to his unyielding willpower. His natural talent was just as terrifying.

For someone to be acknowledged by Koshiro, the master of Isshin Dojo, and later by Dracule Mihawk, the world's strongest swordsman, spoke volumes. Both men had seen something in Zoro that made them invest in his growth—a testament to his exceptional talent.

These weren't just any swordsmen.

One was the number one swordsman in the world, and the other was a direct descendant of the Shimotsuki Clan from Wano Country, a land with a legendary samurai heritage.

From a purely swordsmanship standpoint, these two men stood at the peak.

And yet, both had taken an interest in Zoro.

That alone proved just how monstrous his potential truly was.

Dongze sighed inwardly as he looked at the young girl in front of him.

Kuina.

The girl who had always been ahead of Zoro when they were young.

To him, the fact that Kuina had been able to repeatedly suppress Zoro back then meant that her talent was no less extraordinary. In some ways, it might have even been greater.

The only tragedy was—she never had the chance to grow.

Years of training at Isshin Dojo had given Dongze insight into Koshiro's character. Despite how it looked, Koshiro wasn't the type to discriminate against women.

Yet, his attitude toward his own daughter seemed almost intentional.

His constant lectures, his subtle discouragement—it was as if he was trying to keep Kuina away from the path of the sword.

Perhaps he didn't want her to walk that road.

Because, in the world of swordsmen, battles weren't just fights.

They were life and death duels.

And the world outside the dojo? Even in the so-called "safest" East Blue, there were still pirates, bandits, and even revolutionaries. Even if he—a man—chose to stay hidden in East Blue, how could he possibly let his daughter step out into that cruel world?

Of course, this was only Dongze's speculation.

With Kuina's help, Dongze hobbled toward the dojo, his injuries making every step a struggle.

Halfway there, a sudden spike of pain shot through him, causing him to wince.

Noticing his reaction, Kuina asked softly, "Hey… are you really okay?"

Dongze let out a shaky breath before muttering, "Two broken ribs… I'm going to be out for at least ten days."

(Of course, this is the One Piece world. It might take me half a year!)

Hearing this, Kuina's face flushed with embarrassment.

She had acted on instinct back then—without holding back. And now that she thought about it, she was already strong enough to overpower some adults.

For someone with Dongze's build, taking a full-force kick from her… well, it was a miracle he was even conscious.

At that moment, both Dongze and Kuina instinctively turned their heads toward the dojo's training field.

There, under the scorching sun, a familiar green-haired figure was relentlessly attacking a wooden training post.

"1005, 1006, 1007…"

Each strike was filled with a burning determination.

Nearby, two heavy stone slabs sat on the ground, their surfaces engraved with deeply carved numbers—a sign of just how often they had been used for strength training.

Seeing this, Dongze couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.

"Is this guy even human? Or is he some kind of beast?!"

Of course, this mosshead was none other than Roronoa Zoro.

Noticing Kuina and Dongze passing by, Zoro didn't stop—in fact, his movements became even more intense.

To him, that wooden training post might as well have been Kuina herself—the rival who had always beaten him down.

As for Dongze?

Zoro didn't even spare him a second glance.

After all, Dongze had never once beaten him in their past sparring matches.

Zoro had no interest in those weaker than him.

He respected hard work, and he acknowledged that Dongze worked just as hard—but in his eyes, effort alone wouldn't be enough to close the gap.

What Zoro didn't realize, however, was that Dongze had awakened something special.

There's a saying:

"If you haven't seen someone in three days, treat them with new eyes."

Dongze wasn't the same person he was yesterday.

His gaze toward Zoro became eerily calm—as if he was looking at a stepping stone rather than an opponent.

After an entire afternoon of testing his new abilities, Dongze had finally come to understand them.

And with this power, he was certain he could catch up.

No—he could surpass everything and stand at the pinnacle of the world.

Kuina's eyes flickered with a trace of envy as she watched Zoro train.

Seeing this, Dongze let out a soft sigh.

"Kuina… talent is something you're born with. What's the point of being envious?"

"Even if we admire how fast that mosshead grows, do you think the world will just give us his physique?"

Hearing this, Kuina's expression dimmed.

Dongze was right—no matter how much she envied him, she could never change the fact that she was a girl.

Noticing her frustration, Dongze's mind raced before he added, "But since we can't change it, the only option left is to work even harder."

"Maybe that's the only way we'll be able to rise above the rest."

Then, as if making a declaration, he continued,

"Besides, I don't think your talent is any weaker than that mosshead's."

"Sure, girls might develop physical strength slower, but who said strength alone decides a swordsman's fate?"

"And let me ask you this—why do you think Zoro is pushing himself so hard?"

"Isn't it because he's trying to surpass you?"

"So before he catches up, you'd better not get discouraged!"

Kuina blinked, then suddenly grinned.

"Hmph. Of course, I know that!"

"Do I look like someone who gives up so easily?"

Zoro, who had overheard their conversation, paused for a brief second.

A small smirk crept onto his face before he resumed his training with renewed intensity.

Dongze's words had been meant to encourage Kuina, but they also served as a reminder to Zoro—

He still had a rival to surpass.

Though he didn't particularly like Dongze, he had to admit—at least for now—the guy was useful.

What Zoro didn't realize, however, was that the very person he looked down on today…

Would one day become the goal he would chase after.

That's just how unpredictable fate could be.

"Oi! You back to your senses, Kuina?"

"Yeah, yeah, I heard you!"

With a smirk, Kuina reached out and messed up Dongze's hair, rubbing it hard before flicking away the strands on her palm.

Zoro, watching from the corner of his eye, twitched.

"Damn it… this female Tyrannosaurus!"