"One Piece:The True Codex"Chapter 372: The Sword of Miracles
William declined the offer to join Shanks, but Shanks showed no sign of anger. After all, this wasn't the first time William had turned him down. Instead, Shanks enthusiastically invited William to stay for the evening's bonfire party.
Before the party began, during a drinking session, Shanks acted like a mischievous child, constantly whispering in William's ear about how "BIG MOM" Charlotte Linlin was large, broad-shouldered, and stout, trying to persuade William to reconsider. William, smiling faintly, watched Shanks' performance without giving any response.
As the bonfire party was about to begin, William's expression froze for a brief moment. However, with his composure, he quickly masked it, returning to his usual demeanor so seamlessly that no one noticed anything unusual.
Later that night, when the bonfire party ended amidst the sound of snoring, William, reeking of alcohol, bid farewell to the drunken Shanks. The two, like a pair of overindulgent drunkards at a roadside stall, loudly shouted promises of meeting again. Only then did William return to his ship, the Starlight, without incident.
As soon as William stepped aboard, Gin and Selkirk rushed to greet him. Hearing the commotion, Brook, Portia, Perona, and several others poked their heads out of the cabin, trying to discreetly eavesdrop.
After all, William had gone to meet one of the Four Emperors, an individual standing at the pinnacle of all pirates. Meanwhile, William himself was the most talked-about rookie pirate of the moment. Everyone was naturally curious about what might have transpired during their meeting.
"We're heading back!" William announced the moment he stepped on deck, addressing Gin and Selkirk.
The two immediately tensed at William's words, assuming his urgency to leave meant some conflict had arisen with Shanks.
Gin, ever cautious, cast a wary glance in the direction of the island and asked, "Did something happen?"
"This has nothing to do with Shanks. He just served me poor-quality wine," William replied with a slightly tipsy smile. But his tone quickly turned serious as he continued, "It's about Dampier. His negotiations must have succeeded."
"How do you know?" Selkirk blurted out, unable to suppress his curiosity.
William waved his hand dismissively, choosing not to explain further. "Let's focus on making the most of our time and get moving. Becoming one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea doesn't mean we can relax. On the contrary, it means we'll have even more to deal with. Every second counts."
Though William spoke of not being able to relax, his expression seemed rather unhurried. Leaning on Gin for support, he made his way toward his quarters. As they passed the cabin where Portia and Karslana were lurking, William laughed heartily and said, "Miss Portia, we'll soon be returning to the Grand Line's first half. Would you be interested in inviting me to visit your hometown, the City of Cuisine, Puchi?"
Portia felt that William, under the influence of alcohol, seemed less composed than usual. His gaze carried a certain boldness, making her lower her head without daring to respond.
Karslana, however, was braver. Seeing her friend lower her head, she couldn't help but step in on her behalf. "You're being hunted by the Marines and had to seek help from a Yonko, yet you still dare talk about visiting Puchi? Let me tell you, Puchi is near Enies Lobby, which is connected to the Judicial Island by the Sea Train. And near Enies Lobby is Marine Headquarters!"
"Don't worry. Not only will the Marines not trouble me in Puchi, but I'll also be treated as an honored guest," William replied with a chuckle. Without waiting for Karslana to retort, he walked away.
"What nonsense," Karslana muttered, rolling her eyes. Turning to look at Portia, who still stood with her head lowered, she assumed her friend was worried about William pestering her. "Don't worry," she said reassuringly. "He's just bragging."
Portia, however, lifted her head, her expression thoughtful rather than worried. "But judging by Mr. William's behavior lately, he doesn't seem like the type to brag," she murmured.
From her experience in her hometown, Portia had met many young men around William's age—he was only twenty-three, after all. But compared to his peers, William possessed a maturity and steadiness far beyond his years, even to the point of seeming overly serious. He wasn't the kind of person who would boast just to impress others.
With his current level of fame, he didn't need to.
Watching William's retreating figure, Portia whispered to herself, "Something must have happened that we don't know about."
Back in his quarters, William collapsed onto his bed, his mind already immersed in the Plaza of Fate.
Earlier, while drinking with Shanks, the momentary change in his expression had been caused by the sudden flood of information cascading through his mind from the Plaza of Fate.
[Reversing Heaven and Earth]: Your preparations before entering prison are beginning to take effect. Leave this place, regain your freedom, and fundamentally alter the situation.
Mission Reward: Special Feat [Sword of Miracles]
[Sword of Miracles]: The trials and tribulations you've endured have led you to grasp the true essence of swordsmanship. Where your heart reaches, your thoughts follow, and the energy, technique, and momentum of the sword align as one. This is the Sword of Miracles—the sword of inevitable victory!
William's pupils contracted. At his current level, the basic techniques of swordsmanship—slashes, thrusts, parries, and the like—had already been mastered. There was little left to learn in terms of physical technique. What remained was the refinement of strength and speed. However, to claim that the journey of swordsmanship ended there would be a grave mistake. At this stage, the focus of swordsmanship shifted to the realm of the mind and spirit. This was the path of the sword—swordsmanship elevated to sword "Dao."
The concept of "cutting steel" in swordsmanship, for instance, involved mental and spiritual techniques. Additionally, during his training, Koushirou had once demonstrated a seemingly simple technique to William and the other students at the dojo. With an unremarkable slash, Koushirou cleaved a wooden log in two. Moments later, the log burst into flames.
Koushirou wasn't a magician, nor was he playing tricks. As he explained, the key lay in eight simple words: "Where the heart reaches, the thought follows." The fiery intent in his heart had been transmitted to his sword and then unleashed upon the log.
In the original story, Zoro, after training under Dracule Mihawk, returned to face a Logia-type user of the Snow-Snow Fruit. With a single technique, "Great Shock," Zoro immobilized the Logia user without using Haki, splitting them in two and preventing them from reforming.
For a top-tier swordsman, mastering the basics of swordsmanship was only the beginning. Beyond physical strength and speed, they honed their spirit and willpower until their very presence became as sharp as a blade.
A true master could intimidate their opponent without drawing their sword—just one look was enough to create the illusion of an imminent strike.
While the Steam-Steam Fruit and the Overheat state could enhance William's physical abilities, they couldn't provide the spiritual elevation offered by the Sword of Miracles.
(End of Chapter)
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