"Have you heard? The Roronoa family is changing their ways. They're no longer practicing the Blade Way; they've actually started training in the Sword Way!"
"Isn't it true? Ever since those powerful experts from the other continent defeated ours, they've taken over. Naturally, they're pushing their own culture. I heard a young man from the Roronoa family was even found to have a Sword Soul, so they had no choice. Now, those who practice the Blade Way are either lunatics or incredibly strong. But the strongest in the Roronoa family are only at the fourth level—that's far too weak."
"I wish someone would uphold our Blade Way! After all, it's our continent's own tradition!"
"Are you all trying to get yourselves killed?! Our continent is currently ruled by outsiders. If they hear us, we'll all be punished! That's their business; it has nothing to do with us!"
Whispers rippled through the streets, laced with fear. It was as if a taboo hung in the air. This dread stemmed from a war a year ago—a clash between Blade and Sword. Those who wielded blades had been defeated by the invading swordsmen.
This loss led directly to their subjugation. Now, their cherished blades had become forbidden. While some swords existed here before, blades were dominant, and many powerful practitioners of the Blade Way had once thrived. But now, owning a blade meant being a rebel, an automatic death sentence!
So, many began reluctantly practicing the Sword Way, finding it incredibly unfamiliar.
The Roronoa family was just a large clan in a city in the southern part of the continent, though this area was quite backward, essentially a remote region with no significant power. Yet, the Sword Faction had still infiltrated, establishing a stronghold here to better solidify their rule.
A level-ten swordsman held dominion over this territory, facing virtually no opposition. His power was immense; rumors claimed his sword techniques could carve canyons through mountains—a strength far beyond normal human capabilities. And the area he managed was just a remote backwater, offering no truly strong opponents.
Recently, however, someone with a Sword Soul had been discovered. Though only a child, his strength had already reached the tenth level. With proper training, he could control that immense power. And this child was a member of the Roronoa family.
As soon as such a talent emerged, the level-ten swordsman immediately seized him. Such an individual could not be allowed to join the Blade Faction; he had to become one of them.
The Roronoa family's last hope was gone. They were forced to practice the Sword Way—a sad and unavoidable reality.
A Strange Encounter
Zoro emerged from the deep mountain forest. He wasn't sure why, but he felt a strange sense of familiarity as he wandered aimlessly. He'd stumbled upon a populated area, either because it was naturally dense with people or perhaps because he hadn't gotten lost after all.
As he walked, he noticed many people giving him peculiar looks, as if they'd seen someone truly out of place. He paid them no mind, though. All he wanted was to find someone and ask for directions, but he couldn't quite make out what these people were saying.
"What are these people talking about? Why can't I understand them? And why does it feel like there are some pretty strong guys around here? I don't know the situation yet, so I shouldn't cause any trouble."
He sensed something odd, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was. Still, he was used to being free, unburdened by others' concerns. He'd always been that way.
Eventually, unable to resist, he approached someone to ask for information. But the moment he spoke, he was met with instant confusion. He found it incredibly strange. What was going on?
"Hello, excuse me, where am I? And do you know where Sabaody Archipelago is? I got separated from my friends. Can you tell me?" Zoro asked. He didn't know what else to say; he just needed to find out where he was first. Once he knew that, things would be much simpler.
However, the passerby's answer shocked him. How did this person know who he was? Wasn't he from the Roronoa family? But why did no one understand what he was saying? This was truly bizarre!
"I don't know what you're talking about. You should ask someone else!" The person walked away instantly. Zoro was utterly bewildered. Why did they just leave because he didn't understand them? How odd.
"What's that supposed to mean?! Are all the people here this strange?"
He didn't know what was happening, but he understood he had to keep asking. Otherwise, he'd get nowhere. He still needed to find his friends in the Grand Line! And what was up with the people here?
He asked several more people, but no one understood what he was saying. Finally, he realized he couldn't communicate with these people at all. Where had he ended up?!
If he couldn't even communicate, how was he going to leave this place?
"Isn't that the Roronoa family's young master, the one who disappeared a month ago?"
"It really looks like him! Go tell the Roronoa family—there might be a reward!"
"Right, right! Let's hurry and spread the word! This is an opportunity!"
Some people recognized Zoro. Indeed, he was the young master of a prominent family in the area, missing for a month. Now that he'd finally reappeared, there was sure to be a reward! After all, his family was known for its wealth.
"What is going on here? Why can't they understand me, but I can somehow vaguely understand them? This is too strange!"
Zoro couldn't comprehend what was happening, but he knew one thing: if he couldn't communicate, he had no way of knowing where he was! He couldn't stay here indefinitely! His friends were waiting for him!