Soon they reached the main Marine building.
After settling Gojo into the reception room, Smoker left for his office. Nearly half an hour passed in silence. Gojo, sitting with his eyes closed, could hear faint footsteps and distant voices echoing through the corridors. When the door finally opened again, he knew Smoker had returned—and this time, he wasn't alone.
A second pair of boots followed the heavier steps.
Smoker stopped in front of Gojo and gestured toward the marine who stood beside him. "His name is Rick, and he's from the Frauce Kingdom. The conditions you mentioned are all there—you can go to that kingdom. There's a proper forest for hunting, where you can hunt for animals and earn money. The village he comes from has a fine swordsman who's opened a dojo. You can attend that."
Rick gave a polite nod. "Hello."
Gojo, still keeping his eyes closed, replied evenly, "Hello."
Then, after a brief pause, he said, "Okay, I'll go there. I have no issues."
Smoker nodded, stepped forward, and handed him a medium-sized bag. "Inside this is five hundred thousand—the bounty for Finn, captain of the Minnow Pirates. You earned it after defeating him."
Gojo took the bag from Smoker's hands and said, "Thank you very much for helping me this much. I will never forget this favour."
Smoker gave a brief nod. "I have other work to do. Rick will guide you from here on. There's a ship heading in that direction, and I've given Rick two days' leave so he can help you settle down in his village."
Gojo inclined his head silently. Then, together with Rick, he left the reception room, stepping into the bustling corridor of the Marine building. The faint scent of polished wood and ink filled the air, mingling with distant orders shouted by patrolling soldiers.
"There's still about three hours before we depart for the Frauce Kingdom," Rick said as they moved out onto the busy streets of Loguetown. "Till then, what would you like to do?"
Gojo thought for a few moments, his eyes still closed, the before noon sun warming his face. "I'd like to buy a good sword. Do you know of a place here where I can get one?"
Rick grinned. "Absolutely. I know a great sword shop—you can find some of the best blades there. Come, follow me."
He started walking briskly, and Gojo followed, the rhythmic click of their boots echoing against the cobblestones. The street smelled faintly of salt from the nearby sea, mixed with smoke from street vendors and the metallic tang of hammering from nearby blacksmiths. Gojo could hear children laughing in the distance.
As they walked, Gojo asked calmly, "Can you tell me more about your hometown—the place I'll be going to?"
Rick turned slightly as he walked, gesturing with one hand. "It's not really a town—it's my home village, Clover Book. About an hour's walk from there is a town called Shell Point. Just a few hundred meters from our village lies a large forest called Whisperwood. It's filled with wild animals, and occasionally dangerous ones like bears or tigers wander close to the village. But our dojo master handles them. He's the protector of our village, respected by everyone."
Gojo nodded thoughtfully, his lips pressing together. "Can you tell me more about this sword master? How powerful is he?"
Rick chuckled lightly. "No one really knows his full strength. But he's far stronger than me. Those beasts I mentioned—he can cut them down with a single strike. From what we've heard, he once left East Blue in his younger days, probably seeking challenges. After traveling far and surviving, he returned and settled in Clover Book to live out his retirement. People say even pirates and bandits wouldn't dare to challenge him."
Gojo tilted his head slightly, a faint smile touching his lips. If that's true, then he's no ordinary swordsman. Surviving the Grand Line isn't something a weak man can do, and returning alive is proof enough of skill and strength.
Soon, they arrived at their destination. Rick pointed ahead. "That's the sword shop—one of the most famous in Loguetown. You'll find a fine sword there, fit for a capable fighter."
Gojo nodded and followed him inside. The bell above the door jingled softly. As they stepped through, a short old man appeared from behind the counter, his face breaking into a wide, cheerful smile.
"How may I help you?" he said. "I have all kinds of swords—blades of every shape and size. Just tell me your price range, and I'll show you the finest sword you can get."
Gojo inclined his head slightly, his eyes still closed, listening to the man's warm voice and the faint metallic hum of blades hanging neatly on the walls, reflecting the sunlight streaming through the shop windows.
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