"How can that be possible?"
"Was that sword technique released by a Great Swordsman?"
"Without a doubt, that compressed air slash is so formidable that only a Great Swordsman could produce it."
"How did someone so terrifying end up in Loguetown?"
"Quickly issue orders to investigate immediately. Determine if this Great Swordsman is a pirate. We must proceed with extreme caution if that's the case."
The Marines, shocked and horrified by the devastating display of power, fell into tense silence. If this Great Swordsman proved to be a pirate, their base would stand no chance should he decide to attack them directly. Confirming his identity was absolutely imperative for their survival.
"Captain Smoker, you're in charge of the investigation."
"Understood, sir."
Meanwhile, as Ronny and Master Grace discussed the intricacies of iaijutsu and dual sword style techniques, the Loguetown Marine base buzzed with urgent activity. The base commander had issued a direct order to investigate the arrival of this formidable swordsman. This was no minor security concern—it represented a potential threat that could shake the foundation of Marine authority in the East Blue.
In Master Grace's kendokan, the instructor poured tea for Ronny with respectful ceremony and spoke with genuine admiration. "The cultivation methods for iaijutsu and dual sword style are as follows. With your natural talents, Master Ronny, I believe you could master them in just a few days."
Ronny sipped his tea thoughtfully and replied with characteristic humility, "Well, I must admit my learning ability is far from exceptional. When I was first learning swordsmanship, even the most basic sword techniques took me three months to grasp, while younger children in the village mastered them in just two weeks."
According to the information displayed on his status panel, skill levels ranged from one to ten as entry-level, twenty as proficient, thirty as skilled, forty as masterful, and fifty as a level achieved by only the most elite practitioners. However, once he reached the entry-level threshold, his infinite skill points would eliminate any limitations on advancement.
Ronny didn't dwell on the technical details, but he remained acutely aware that his natural learning talent was quite low. Nevertheless, with unlimited skill points at his disposal, the only real challenge he faced was reaching that initial entry-level understanding.
"Master Grace, I deeply appreciate your hospitality and your willingness to teach me these two sword techniques. I promise I won't let your efforts go to waste," Ronny said with sincere gratitude.
"Master Ronny, you're being far too polite. Teaching these two sword techniques to someone of your caliber is both an honor for me and my dojo," Grace replied warmly. "I opened this kendokan with the specific intent of passing on our school's traditional swordsmanship. After all, if we hoard our knowledge and keep it to ourselves, how can the art truly flourish and evolve? So please, Master Ronny, don't hesitate to ask any questions."
"Master Grace, your kindness is truly appreciated," Ronny smiled and inquired casually, "Do you happen to know if there's a skilled blacksmith in Loguetown?"
"A blacksmith?" Grace looked momentarily surprised, then glanced meaningfully at the cursed blade resting by Ronny's side before replying with an understanding smile. "Certainly, for someone of your extraordinary stature, a regular Grade Blade wouldn't do you proper justice. You must have your reasons for seeking such services."
Ronny's expression brightened with a mysterious smile, exuding an air of otherworldly wisdom that made Grace's curiosity intensify.
"Speaking of blacksmiths, Loguetown does have several renowned craftsmen, but they mainly forge swords at the level of Skillful Grade Blades. Obtaining a commission from them typically requires at least a year of waiting, and it would also be quite difficult for them to assist you openly, given your current status as a wanted pirate," Grace explained with obvious concern.
"Hmm," Ronny nodded thoughtfully and clarified, "Actually, I'm not looking to commission a sword from them. I simply want to learn the fundamental art of blacksmithing myself. Master Grace, if you could direct me to an ordinary blacksmith who might be willing to teach, I'd be deeply grateful. There's no need for me to seek out those famous masters."
For Ronny, there was virtually no difference between learning from a famous blacksmith and a lesser-known craftsman. In fact, a renowned blacksmith might attempt to teach overly advanced and intricate techniques right from the start, which he didn't need at this stage of his development. He wanted to begin with the absolute basics of the craft.
Ronny's plan was straightforward: learn a basic sword-forging skill first, immediately maximize its level through his system, understand the perfected form of fundamental blacksmithing, and then systematically learn additional techniques. It would follow the same pattern as his current training with Grace's two sword techniques—without his skill point enhancement abilities, mastering these arts would require years of dedicated practice.
Grace's iaijutsu and dual sword cultivation methods had already passed through Ronny's enhanced comprehension. With his improved learning abilities, he could master them within a matter of days and then begin allocating skill points to reach perfection.
However, blacksmithing represented completely new territory for him, so learning his first blacksmithing technique might require significantly more time and effort to reach that crucial entry-level threshold.
"Finding an ordinary blacksmith is quite easy. If you don't mind the company, I can personally take you to meet one," Grace offered with enthusiasm. "There's a skilled craftsman not far from our dojo who supplies most of the practical weapons in this area. While his blades may not achieve the status of famous swords, they're exceptionally functional and well-made for everyday use."
"That would be no trouble at all, Master Grace," Ronny replied with a warm smile, genuinely appreciating the older man's generosity. It seemed that in addition to being a valuable martial mentor, Grace might also prove to be an invaluable connection in the interconnected worlds of swordsmanship and weapon crafting that defined the pirate era.