With a single slash, Shirogai cleaved an island in two.
The modified technique's power had increased far beyond his expectations.
Shirogai, who had only intended to carve a deep gash, was just as surprised.
He turned, subtly sliding the Wado Ichimonji back into Zoro's scabbard, and offered a faint smile to the still-dazed swordsman.
"Sorry for using your sword without asking. I truly apologize."
"…"
The entire Going Merry fell into stunned silence.
Everyone was speechless, their mouths agape, unable to utter a word.
Even Luffy bolted to the ship's railing, eyes sparkling as he stared at the two islands in the distance, split neatly in half by that single strike.
"Wow…!"
After a long moment, Luffy finally looked away and shouted excitedly:
"Whoa, Shirogai! That was amazing! Even Zoro can't cut an island in half!"
"Luffy's right. Even though it's not a huge island, I can't do that," Zoro admitted, his tone honest and straightforward. "You're strong… stronger than me right now."
Zoro never hid his admiration for the strong, nor his ambition to surpass them.
Nodding with conviction, he locked eyes with Shirogai and spoke in a steady, determined voice:
"I can't unleash a slash like that yet, but I will. Someday, I'll surpass you. The title of the world's greatest swordsman will be mine!"
Shirogai hadn't expected that on his very first day aboard the ship, he'd become a target for Zoro's ambition.
"You're making me feel a bit pressured," Shirogai replied with a faint, amused smile.
"But don't worry, Zoro. I have no interest in the title of world's greatest swordsman. I won't be competing with you for it."
Then, with a slightly mischievous glint in his eyes, Shirogai added:
"But if I could join your crew, wouldn't you have a sparring partner anytime you wanted? Someone who's not afraid of a little trouble."
Zoro swallowed hard, his throat moving visibly. His heart stirred.
A powerful swordsman as a crewmate, one who was willing to spar anytime?
He'd never felt so moved by a man's offer before.
Seeing Zoro fall silent, Shirogai smiled.
One down.
Next target: Black Leg Sanji.
Shirogai turned toward Sanji, who was still reeling from witnessing an island casually split in half. But even with that, his instincts and sense of responsibility made him wary of this new arrival.
Feeling Shirogai's gaze, Sanji glared back and gritted his teeth.
"I don't care how strong you are. I still don't trust your reasons for coming aboard. I won't let a violent outsider stay on this ship. You might hurt Nami-san."
From a corner of the deck, Nami called out in support:
"Good job, Sanji! Hurry up and kick that monster off the ship!"
"Right away, Nami-san!" Sanji instantly perked up, energized by her words. He raised his head defiantly and scowled at Shirogai.
"Hey, did you hear that? Get lost!"
Shirogai didn't respond. He simply stretched his legs, then vanished from Sanji's sight.
Sky Walk.
No — a modified version.
Divine Concealment.
"This guy just disappeared using pure leg techniques…?"
Sanji's eyes narrowed, body tense, warily searching for any trace of him.
But it was hopeless. The difference in legwork and perception was immense. If Shirogai wanted to, he could end this fight instantly.
A cold bead of sweat formed on Sanji's temple.
Then, in the next second, Shirogai appeared beside him.
He leaned in close and whispered in a low, devilish voice:
"Want to learn a leg technique that lets you move faster than the eye can see? I can teach you."
Invisibility… slipping into the women's bathhouse, catching a glimpse of bathing beauties…
Sanji's heart pounded uncontrollably.
His hand trembled as he lit a cigarette and took a long drag, eyes filled with envy.
"…Alright! Deal! I'll let you stay — for now."
This scoundrel's already done it, hasn't he? Damn it — that's my dream!
The thought that he too could one day use this technique to sneak into the women's bathhouse left Sanji's cheeks flushed.
Even the way he looked at Shirogai softened slightly.
Deep down, Sanji swore to himself:
'Three days. I'll master this technique in three days, then toss this guy overboard. One swordsman's enough. I'm not letting a second one aboard!'
Shirogai smiled knowingly.
Don't worry, he thought to himself, you won't achieve the invisibility effect until you awaken your genetic potential and unlock your exoskeleton. I'm not going anywhere.
Sure enough, Sanji had fallen to temptation without a fight.
Another one secured.
Next… Nami.
Shirogai's gaze shifted toward Nami, considering how to win her over. Would it be with money? Or charm?
Just then, the God-level Comprehension System's notification echoed in his mind.
[Host observed: Master of Advanced Navigation Techniques. Comprehended: Perfect-level Navigation Techniques.]
Hearing the system prompt, Shirogai's lips curled into a faint smile. He had a plan now.
Nami noticed his stare and immediately shrank back against the wall, trembling.
"D-Don't come near me! I'm just a poor girl with no money!"
This guy's scarier than Arlong! Even that fish-man couldn't cleave an island in two.
"Oi, Shirogai," Sanji cut in, standing in front of Nami. His voice was cold.
"Don't think you can just stare at Nami-san like that now that you're on board. She's off-limits."
Shirogai shrugged, a mild smile on his face.
"Relax, I've got no bad intentions. I just happen to know a thing or two about navigation. Thought I might help with map-making."
Nami's curiosity briefly overcame her fear. She peeked out.
"How'd you know I'm a navigator?"
"Intuition," Shirogai replied smoothly. "A woman as beautiful as you must be both smart and capable."
Nami was slightly pleased by the compliment. She edged forward a little.
"…How do I know you're not bluffing?"
"If you don't mind, lend me a pen and some paper. I'll prove it."
"Wait here. I'll get it!"
As Nami dashed off, Sanji sidled up to Shirogai, gritting his teeth.
"Listen, you bastard. Don't you dare have any funny ideas about Nami-san. Touch her and I'll braise you alive and feed you to the Sea Kings."
Shirogai merely smiled.
Seeing no reply, Sanji kept grumbling:
"You hear me?! Nami-san's an angel. No one lays a hand on her…"
Ignoring the seething cook, Shirogai turned his gaze to Usopp, who was hiding behind Luffy.
"Hey, Usopp. I'm also good with inventions. We should swap ideas sometime."
And it wasn't a lie. Earlier, when he'd observed both Luffy and Usopp, the system had triggered.
[Host observed: Master of Intermediate Sniping Techniques. Comprehended: Advanced Sniping Techniques.]
[Host observed: Master of Beginner Weapon Proficiency. Comprehended: Intermediate Weapon Proficiency.]
[Host observed: Master of Beginner Repair Techniques. Comprehended: Intermediate Repair Techniques.]
At the time, he'd been too focused on Luffy's abilities and Conqueror's Haki to notice.
Though Usopp wasn't the strongest fighter, his versatility made him invaluable.
Usopp's eyes lit up at the mention of weapons and inventions. Without hesitation, he shoved Luffy aside, puffing out his chest.
"Ahem! Since you're humbly asking for advice from me, the great inventor Usopp, I don't mind giving you a few pointers in my spare time!"
Another one down.
Shirogai smirked inwardly.
Good. Things were progressing smoothly.
---