Laino's power evaluation had improved significantly. From a fledgling, he had reached the level of a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral. This level of strength was definitely not weak in the East Blue.
A Headquarters Vice Admiral in the East Blue could easily be promoted a level, right?
Such rapid progress made Laino a prominent figure in the dojo, even more monstrous than Zoro.
But in Laino's heart, it wasn't enough.
The Isshin Dojo, and even the East Blue, was just a starter village. The Grand Line and the New World were his true goals.
Before entering the Grand Line, this contact with the Revolutionary Army in Shimotsuki Village was an opportunity to gain even greater strength.
Under the sea breeze, the afterglow of the sunset made the sea surface sparkle.
A small boat, carrying several people, with its sails full, cut through the waves like an arrow and arrived at the lighthouse.
A tall figure with a huge face, dressed in avant-garde clothing, knocked on the lighthouse door.
Kozaburo opened the door and was startled by the bizarre attire.
"Mr. Kozaburo, we need your help!"
A familiar, deep voice reached his ears.
Only then did Kozaburo notice the man in the dark green cloak who had been squeezed to the side by the large face.
"Dragon?" Kozaburo frowned and asked, "The matter in the Goa Kingdom..."
"It wasn't me who did it in the Goa Kingdom!"
Dragon briefly explained what had happened in the Goa Kingdom to Kozaburo.
"I saved over three hundred people who will become warriors for freedom."
"But before we can return to the Grand Line, my water and food supplies are running low."
"In addition, there are some injured people on the ship who need a batch of medicine."
Kozaburo said, "With such a big incident, the CP and the Marines must be searching all over the East Blue, right?"
"Yes, I can only stay for one night. So, please, here is the money to buy food and medicine!"
Dragon placed a bag in front of Kozaburo and bowed.
"Please!"
Ivankov, Inazuma, and Gild Tesoro followed suit and bowed.
"Since you've come to me, I'll definitely help."
"But, it's a bit unfortunate. There are two new big eaters in the dojo, so our stored food might not be enough." Kozaburo said helplessly.
Ever since Laino arrived, the daily food consumption of the Isshin Dojo had doubled. It wasn't just Laino who ate a lot. Zoro, Saka, and Kuina, probably stimulated by Laino, had all greatly increased their appetites. If it weren't for Laino's money, the dojo would have been eaten into bankruptcy.
"If it's not enough, can we find another way?" Kozaburo said.
"Thank you! To avoid being discovered, my ship will arrive late at night."
"Alright, use your ability to cover your tracks then. I'll go back to the dojo first and have Koshiro prepare."
"Good, see you tonight!"
In the blink of an eye, it was late at night.
The sea breeze blew, swaying the branches, and a light rain began to fall abruptly.
The sleeping Laino opened his eyes. Once again, he keenly sensed a monstrous aura.
A monster in the wind and rain? Could it be...
Laino stood up. Zoro was sleeping beside him, having kicked off a corner of his quilt. Laino's movement also woke him up.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Zoro asked strangely.
Laino put on his training clothes, tied his belt, and said, "Nothing, I just heard a noise. I'm going out to check!"
He took the sword from the rack. The day after he had instructed Kuina, Koshiro had given him a real sword. It wasn't a famous blade, but it was a form of recognition. Only a true swordsman was worthy of a real sword.
"I'm going too!"
The competitive Zoro flipped over and stood up. By the time he was on his feet, Laino had already opened the door and rushed into the curtain of rain.
In the wind and rain, a group of people in raincoats approached the dojo. The sound of the wind and rain covered their footsteps and tracks. Moreover, no villager would be out walking on a rainy night. If the CP or the Marines discovered Shimotsuki Village, it would bring disaster here.
"Hmm?"
Dragon's steps slowed, and he looked up slightly.
"What is it, Dragon?" Ivankov turned his head.
Dragon's gaze focused slightly. He saw a figure leap onto the high wall of the dojo, looking out.
Dragon could feel that the other person's gaze skipped over everyone else and was fixed solely on him.
To lock onto him so accurately? Interesting!
"Who is that?" Ivankov was surprised and worried.
Dragon watched as the other person jumped down from the wall and said in a deep voice, "You guys go in first. It seems he's here for me!"
Whoosh!
In the wind and rain, the mountains and fields were silent.
Laino ran swiftly through the rain, his eyes locked on the tall figure in the dark green cloak.
Dragon! The leader of the Revolutionary Army!
He really came!
Laino was thrilled. He had been waiting for this for a long time. He couldn't miss this kind of opportunity.
"Pirate?"
Before Laino got close to Dragon, he shouted a question. At the same time, he drew his sword, his foot stomping a muddy pit in the ground. He then leaped, gripping his sword with both hands.
Swish!
The blade flashed, tracing a crescent-like arc as it slashed directly towards the other person.
In that instant, Dragon also saw the person clearly.
"The Isshin Dojo's training uniform?"
"A disciple of Koshiro?"
Dragon, who was about to make a move, dispersed the wind blade that had formed in his hand. This time, he was asking for help from the Isshin Dojo. If he were to attack a disciple of the dojo, wouldn't that be a slap in the face to the Shimotsuki family?
Just now, Laino had shouted "pirate," so he probably misunderstood and took their group for those pirates.
Roger had started the Great Pirate Era, plunging the world into chaos and war, and more and more pirates appeared. It was undeniable that there were some who yearned for Roger's will, pure adventurers seeking freedom. But most pirates were unpardonable scoundrels. Too many people had their families destroyed by pirates.
The person before him probably hated pirates too, right?
Numerous thoughts flashed through Dragon's mind. He didn't dodge. He let the sword slash down on his head.
Tshh!
The sharp blade, as if cutting through butter, split Dragon's body in two.
But!
Laino's eyes narrowed. The Dragon that had been split in two had not a single drop of blood flowing from him. Instead, there was swirling wind.
Strands and wisps of wind surrounded him, making him seem like the eye of a storm.
A Devil Fruit!
A Logia-type, the Wind-Wind Fruit