Shogun's Palace.
Led by several samurai, Renault and Linlin arrived at a typical Japanese-style room.
As soon as they walked in, they saw a person kneeling on the floor, seemingly having waited for a long time.
Once the two entered, the samurai gently slid the door shut.
Renault and Linlin walked to the opposite side of the person and sat down cross-legged.
Sit in seiza (formal kneeling)? Forget it.
The person didn't seem to mind their casual posture.
"Guests, I am the Shogun of Wano Country, Kozuki Sukiyaki."
Kozuki Sukiyaki spoke first, introducing himself.
"I'm Renault. She's Linlin."
Out of politeness, Renault briefly introduced them by name.
"Are you two from outside Wano Country??" Kozuki Sukiyaki asked softly, looking at the clothes on Renault and Linlin that were so incompatible with theirs.
An hour ago, the palace samurai had reported that suspected outsiders had arrived in Wano. To be cautious, Kozuki Sukiyaki had invited Renault over.
"Correct."
At this point, there was no need for Renault to hide it.
"Then may I ask what your intentions are in coming to Wano Country?!!"
Sukiyaki felt immense pressure coming from Renault and Linlin; they were undoubtedly powerful. If they had ill intentions...
Renault glanced at the sliding door, seemingly casually, and said calmly:
"Rest assured, we have no malicious intent, nor do we wish to come into conflict with you."
Receiving Renault's assurance, Sukiyaki secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He didn't know why, but he had a faint feeling—even though they had the advantage in numbers, if a fight truly broke out, they wouldn't stand a chance of winning.
"Since you have no malicious intent, did you come to Wano Country just to appreciate the local customs, or do you have other purposes??"
Sukiyaki continued to probe.
"Both. We came here to experience the culture, but we also have another purpose," Renault answered truthfully.
Since the other party had already found them, there was no need to lie.
Sukiyaki nodded slightly; it was roughly as he had guessed. Due to Wano Country's natural defenses, not just anyone could easily enter.
He also wouldn't believe that they went to all this trouble to come here just to appreciate the local customs; they definitely wanted something.
"If you have any needs, please let me know. If it's something I can help with, I won't decline."
While probing for Renault's true purpose in coming to Wano Country, Sukiyaki was also trying to build a relationship with Renault and his group. Judging from their aura, Renault and Linlin were undoubtedly powerful. And so far, they hadn't shown any malicious intent. If he could establish good relations with them, it would be quite beneficial.
"That would be best."
Although he knew Sukiyaki was testing him, Renault didn't mind. After all, he was the Shogun of Wano Country; he had to consider the entire nation. It was understandable to be wary when so many outsiders suddenly showed up for no reason.
"We have only one goal: forging swords!"
"We hope to find a master swordsmith capable of forging Supreme Grade Swords (Saijo O Wazamono) to craft two of them for Linlin and me!"
"Two Supreme Grade Swords???" Upon learning Renault's true request, Kozuki Sukiyaki looked shocked.
One must know that swords in this world were ranked. Setting aside the most common blades, the rest were divided into:
Skillful Grade Swords (Ryo Wazamono) - 50 in total.
Great Grade Swords (O Wazamono) - 21 in total.
Supreme Grade Swords (Saijo O Wazamono) - 12 in total.
Of course, besides these, there were also cursed swords, rapiers, and the like. But among them, Supreme Grade Swords were the most precious and scarce. To date, only twelve had been forged.
For Renault to ask for two Supreme Grade Swords right off the bat—anyone would be astonished.
Sukiyaki gave Renault and Linlin a meaningful look and hesitated before saying, "If I'm not mistaken, you two must be swordsmen at the Master Swordsman level, correct??"
"For you, Skillful Grade Swords should be sufficient to meet your needs. There is absolutely no necessity to forge Supreme Grade Swords."
Skillful Grade Swords?!
Renault smiled and shook his head at Sukiyaki's words.
Whether for him or Linlin, Skillful Grade Swords couldn't fully bring out the power of their techniques. Since they were going to forge swords, they naturally wanted the best grade. On this matter, he couldn't settle for second best.
Directly ignoring Sukiyaki's suggestion, Renault continued:
"Although there are many master swordsmiths outside, compared to Wano Country with its long heritage, they are somewhat lacking in skill. I believe there must be a craftsman here capable of forging famous swords suitable for us!"
"I heard that within the Shimotsuki family, there is currently a craftsman who can forge Supreme Grade Swords."
If he remembered correctly, at this point in time, Shimotsuki Kozaburo was still in Wano Country.
Shimotsuki Kozaburo, the father of Zoro's master, Shimotsuki Koushirou. The Wado Ichimonji and Enma in Zoro's hands were forged by him.
Renault had come specifically for him.
Of course, the Twelve Supreme Grade Swords and the Twenty-One Great Grade Swords weren't exclusively made in Wano. But as for the other famous craftsmen capable of forging such blades, he didn't know a single one. Finding them was out of the question.
It was fortunate he arrived in time for Shimotsuki Kozaburo. If he had come a year later, Kozaburo might have already left Wano Country. That would have added a lot of trouble.
"It seems you indeed came prepared."
Sukiyaki wasn't a fool; Renault had all but named him directly.
"You are correct. There are indeed some master swordsmiths in the Shimotsuki family, and Shimotsuki Kozaburo is the best among them, capable of forging the Supreme Grade Swords you need."
"He must be the target of your trip, right??"
"Since you came to Wano Country solely to forge swords, I naturally won't stop you."
"However, getting Shimotsuki Kozaburo to agree won't be easy."
"Whether you can persuade him to forge swords for you depends on your own ability, but I can send someone to take you to him."
"That's fine. As long as you take us to him." Renault waved his hand indifferently.
Being newcomers with no prior relationship, Sukiyaki naturally wouldn't pressure Shimotsuki Kozaburo for their sake.
Regarding Shimotsuki Kozaburo, Renault had a certain degree of confidence.
The pursuit of a top-tier swordsmith was the hope that the famous sword they forged would find a worthy master and become renowned across the seas along with its wielder!
For example, the Supreme Grade Sword Murakumogiri in Whitebeard's hands. The Black Blade Yoru in the hands of the world's strongest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk, in the original story. Ace in Roger's hands. The gravity blade in Fujitora's hands.
...
These Supreme Grade Swords might not be widely known on their own, but because of their masters, everyone from the strong to the commoners across the New World and the Four Blues knew their names.
For the swordsmiths who forged them, wasn't this a form of glory??
Conversely, if an unknown pirate accidentally obtained a Great Grade Sword, what would be the result??
Not only would it gather dust in his hands, but it might even be ridiculed for having such a master.
Seeing the inexplicable confidence in Renault's eyes, Sukiyaki didn't say much more.
If he could persuade Shimotsuki Kozaburo, Sukiyaki wouldn't stop him. If he was rejected, there was nothing Sukiyaki could do.
However, he wasn't optimistic about Renault's chances. After all, even he, the Shogun, had been turned away several times. How could Renault, a newcomer, persuade Shimotsuki Kozaburo??
"In that case, I'll send someone to take you to him now."
Renault naturally had no objections.
...
Ringo Region.
Shimotsuki Kozaburo lived in Ringo, one of the six regions of Wano Country, located southeast of the Flower Capital.
Led by several samurai, Renault and his group arrived at a cemetery filled with swords.
The leading samurai whispered, "Shimotsuki Kozaburo lives here."
Actually, he didn't need to say it; Renault had already sensed it. Inside a house not far away, a man was kneeling on the floor, carefully wiping a longsword.
The man's appearance perfectly matched the memory in his mind; it was undoubtedly Shimotsuki Kozaburo.
Upon reaching the destination, the samurai didn't leave immediately. They took some effort to introduce Renault and Linlin to Shimotsuki Kozaburo and then explained the purpose of their visit.
"You want me to forge two Supreme Grade Swords for you?!!"
"I refuse!!"
Shimotsuki Kozaburo's eyes widened, and he spoke sternly.
Was this a joke?
Even after the Shogun of Wano, Sukiyaki, wore out his lips pleading, Kozaburo had only forged one Great Grade Sword, Enma.
These two brats he had just met opened their mouths and asked for two Supreme Grade Swords?? How could such chillingly absurd words come out of their mouths?!
The samurai looked at each other, suppressing their laughter, and bid farewell one by one, leaving the place.
This situation was exactly as they had expected. How could Shimotsuki Kozaburo possibly agree to such a ridiculous request from Renault?
"They've all left. What are you still doing here?!"
"Don't tell me I don't know you. Even if I did, I wouldn't forge swords for you. I have serious business to attend to. You should leave immediately."
Shimotsuki Kozaburo couldn't wait to issue the eviction order.
"Mr. Kozaburo, don't be in such a rush. At least let me finish speaking, won't you??"
Renault didn't mind the other party's attitude and continued to smile lightly.
Kozaburo opened his mouth to refuse again but seemed to think of something and swallowed the words back down.
After all, these people were brought here by Sukiyaki's men. If he just drove them away like this, it would be too disrespectful to the Shogun.
He might as well listen to them finish before kicking them out. It wouldn't take much time anyway.
"Say what you want to say," Kozaburo urged impatiently.
Renault didn't get angry and spoke slowly:
"Senior Kozaburo, as a world-class swordsmith, your lifelong pursuit is nothing more than wanting the famous swords you forge to find a wise master and become renowned across the seas along with their wielder, known to all the world."
"Am I correct??"
"So what??" Kozaburo glanced at Renault, still unmoved. "Not just me—all swordsmiths have this thought. It's nothing strange."
He thought Renault would come up with some fancy reason, but this was it?!
Renault pulled Linlin to his side and continued:
"Senior Kozaburo, Linlin and I possess exceptionally gifted physiques; no one in the entire sea can match us!"
"Both of our swordsmanship skills have reached the level of Great Swordsman, and we have awakened the one-in-a-million Conqueror's Haki!"
"At the same time, I possess the power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, the most destructive among Logia types, and Linlin possesses the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, the most destructive among Paramecia types!"
"Although Wano Country is isolated, you should have heard a little about these two Devil Fruits, right??"
At this point, Renault's eyes burst with unprecedented confidence.
"Linlin and I will sooner or later become top-tier powerhouses of the world. There are very few in the entire sea who can stand shoulder to shoulder with us."
"If the famous swords you forge accompany us, not only will we prevent them from gathering dust, but they will become famous across the seas because of us!"
"By then, everyone will know the names of these two Supreme Grade Swords, and likewise, they will know your name!"
Renault gradually calmed down, looking at Kozaburo and emphasizing each word:
"Senior Kozaburo, I wonder if this reason... is satisfactory to you?!"
Renault's words were like an enchanting melody, echoing ceaselessly in Kozaburo's mind. The dismissive look in Kozaburo's eyes gradually faded, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness.
Only now did he truly scrutinize Renault and Linlin before him.
From the first moment he saw Renault, he had felt an invisible aura radiating from him. He guessed that Renault and Linlin were strong, but if Renault's description was accurate, "strong" might not be enough to describe their true power.
Meeting Renault's gaze, he also enunciated each word clearly: "Prove to me that everything you just said is true."
Hearing that there was a chance, Renault naturally wouldn't refuse such a small request.
Over the next few minutes, Renault and Linlin successively demonstrated their prowess in four areas: physique, swordsmanship, Haki, and Devil Fruit abilities.
Having witnessed the scene before him with his own eyes, Kozaburo fell completely silent.
A physical body impervious to swords and spears. Flying slash attacks capable of cutting a hundred meters, executed with ease. A dark red aura (Conqueror's Haki) that pierced the sky. Silver lightning thick as a bowl, and vibrational power that cracked the very atmosphere.
Every single claim matched Renault's description perfectly, without a hint of exaggeration.
At this moment, Shimotsuki Kozaburo's heart was in turmoil, as if a giant boulder had been thrown into a calm sea, creating waves that would not settle for a long time.
In this vast sea, he wasn't the only one capable of forging Supreme Grade Swords. But up until now, which of them had truly become famous across the seas? Even he, at present, was merely somewhat well-known within the industry and recognized by a few larger factions and powerhouses.
Famous across the seas? Far from it!
The strength Renault and Linlin just displayed had truly moved him.
Most importantly, Renault and Linlin were clearly young and possessed limitless potential. He genuinely saw hope in Renault.
This was a temptation he absolutely could not resist!
Invincible physique! Top-tier Great Swordsman! One-in-a-million Conqueror's Haki! Heaven-defying Devil Fruits!
Any one of these could make a person a powerhouse. Let alone possessing all four!
"Sigh... Renault, you win!" Shimotsuki Kozaburo's long silence finally dissolved into a soundless sigh.
He couldn't muster a shred of courage to refuse Renault. Perhaps this was the only chance in his lifetime. To have the famous swords he forged become renowned across the seas was his ultimate pursuit as a swordsmith.
If Renault truly became one of the few apex figures on the sea as he claimed, then even if other master craftsmen forged Great Grade Swords of better quality or power than his, the world would only remember him because of Renault, not the others!
"You really drive a hard bargain..."
"In that case, I entrust this matter to you, Mr. Kozaburo." Renault laughed loudly, his mood extremely joyful.
"Of course, I am also aware of the difficulty in forging two Supreme Grade Swords and the immense energy required. I will give you sufficient remuneration."
Renault waved his hand, and a pile of gold appeared out of nowhere in front of Kozaburo. The glittering golden light even reflected onto Kozaburo's face, turning it gold.
"This..." Caught off guard, Kozaburo twitched the corner of his mouth, his lips suddenly dry.
So much gold! He was too generous! Even though money wasn't his pursuit, no one would complain about having too much money.
"Senior Kozaburo, these..."
"Enough! Enough!"
Before Renault could finish, the excited Kozaburo interrupted him.
"Alright then. consider this the deposit. Once the two Supreme Grade Swords are completed, I will pay you the remaining balance!"
"Deposit?? This is only the deposit?!"
Kozaburo shouted, his pupils turning into the shape of gold coins, and he fainted from excitement. (Just kidding)
"Brother, has he never seen gold before?!" Linlin asked, puzzled.
This wasn't even that much. Her brother's little warehouse had way more gold than this.
"Quick, help Senior up. We need to discuss the style and dimensions of the swords."
"Once we settle this, I'll rush back to the Kingdom of Cast!"
...