One Piece: I Am The Greatest Swordsman

As the group of men returned from the mountain and learned the truth, they erupted into cheers. After all, not everyone wanted to risk their lives sailing as pirates on the unpredictable seas.

Wasn't it better to stay home with a warm bed, a loving wife, and a child?

The celebration began smoothly. Weiss normally didn't enjoy such festive scenes, but with Ace around, the atmosphere didn't get too dull. Maybe the three brothers did share a few things in common?

"Ace, my brother! Eat, drink—don't be shy!" someone said, handing him a drink. Ace never turned down a toast and knocked it back without hesitation.

But the next person who came to challenge him to a drinking contest couldn't wake him up no matter what. One pat on the back—and Ace's face fell straight into the bowl of liquor.

"Someone's dead!" A shrill scream shattered the lively noise of the banquet.

Everyone turned to look. Sure enough, seeing the way Ace was slumped over, they all thought he was dead. The feast instantly fell into silence.

Then Ace suddenly raised his head, lifted his cup, and said cheerfully, "What's the big deal? Come on, let's keep drinking and dancing!"

"You were asleep?!"

"Who sleeps like that?!"

...

...

False alarm—party continues!

"How do you like the vibe here?" Weiss asked the quiet and brooding Kadun beside him. Everyone else was happily drinking, but Kadun sat in silence.

"The atmosphere here is great," Kadun said after a moment. "The islanders may be strangers, but they're kind. It's a good place to live."

"So, you're planning to settle here?"

"I'm not sure... I want to, but... I don't think my life should end this way. I've sailed for ten years and have nothing to show for it."

"In the beginning, I followed merchant ships everywhere, just doing grunt work. Later, by chance, I learned navigation skills and became a navigator. That's when I finally earned a bit of status onboard."

"After that, I joined a pirate crew, hoping to make a name for myself—but I got cut down in a single strike."

"Then I got captured."

"If I settle down now, it'd feel like giving up. It'd make all those years of struggle at sea meaningless."

Weiss shrugged. "Up to you. You're free now—not a prisoner anymore. Stay or leave, doesn't matter. If you feel this island isn't right for you, I can take you to the next one."

"Really, Captain Weiss? Then I..."

"But," Weiss cut in, "you'll have to pay, same as Ace and the others."

Kadun hesitated. "Then... maybe I'll think about it some more?"

Weiss just shrugged again, not bothered. Kadun wasn't a bad guy—hadn't killed anyone, and was honestly a bit of a coward. Just a scrawny navigator with no fighting skills. No one in their right mind would put him on the front lines.

Weiss had planned to leave him here anyway. If not, he wouldn't have listened to all that rambling. But there's a difference between a prisoner and a free man.

After parting ways with Kadun, Weiss dove back into drinking with a group of people, not even sure how many rounds he'd had.

"You're strong. Really strong. I can't beat you," a man named Jack approached, refilling Weiss's empty glass.

Weiss wanted to say, "A lot of people can't beat me. Who do you think you are?" But when he saw the fierce battle hunger in Jack's eyes, he changed his mind.

Another damn battle maniac. Can't afford to piss this one off!

"I want to sail with you," Jack said seriously.

Weiss nearly spat out his drink—right onto Ace, who was showing off a flame trick with his fingers. The fire sputtered out. Ace shot him a resentful glare, and Weiss gave a sheepish grin.

"I want to go to sea. There's no one left on this island who can match me. I'm the strongest here," Jack declared. His whole aura shifted as he spoke.

"I'm the best marksman on the island. No matter how big the prey, I can take it down in one shot."

"I want to see the world. I don't want to rot on Valan Island forever."

"Please, take me with you."

Weiss was stunned. Did I radiate some kind of powerful aura this morning and accidentally recruit a follower with my sheer presence?!

Couldn't be, right?

He never thought of himself as someone with charm. He was just a laid-back guy who liked drinking. In his mind, future crewmates would either be hired or picked up by chance—not someone actively asking to join.

"Why me?" Weiss took a sip of wine.

"Because you're strong—and younger than me. I believe you'll lead me to see amazing sights. That's enough," Jack said firmly.

"What's your dream?"

"To see the whole world—with no regrets."

Weiss hesitated.

Just then, Rayser walked over and, seeing Weiss's uncertainty, spoke up. "Hey, Weiss. Take this kid in. He's an orphan and has had it rough these years."

"Every year, he asks crew members to bring back books and knowledge about firearms. Under my guidance, his shooting skills now rival a Marine Captain from the East Blue."

"He's a real talent."

"Besides, you can't sail the seas alone forever. You'll need crewmates to back you up. No one survives the Grand Line alone."

"Look at the Four Emperors and the Seven Warlords—none of them made a name for themselves without loyal comrades."

"The world's strongest swordsman is a solo act," Weiss replied.

...

"Sure, he's the strongest swordsman. But you? You're—" Rayser paused, glancing at the sword lying next to Weiss. He couldn't bring himself to say "you're nothing."

Right. Weiss was only eighteen and already a swordmaster. Becoming the world's number one didn't seem far off.

Rayser suddenly found Weiss's handsome face irritating. Damn kid, no respect for his elders.

Ugh, unlucky!

"I'm not going to be a Marine or a pirate. Neither side might accept me. You still want to follow me?" Weiss asked Jack.

"I only know that true strength transcends everything. So what if they don't accept us?" Jack's eyes burned with conviction.

"Fine. You're my sniper now."

"Yes, Captain!" Jack beamed. The two locked eyes—then burst into hearty laughter.

"Uh, Captain Weiss... can I stay on the ship too?" Kadun asked.

"As a crew member," Weiss said.

"I'm the best navigator in all of East Blue," Kadun added quickly, puffing out his chest, afraid Weiss would ask for payment again. After ten years at sea, he had earned that confidence. If those past captains hadn't ignored his warnings, their ships wouldn't have sunk.

Weiss thought, If Nami heard that, she'd beat you up. But instead of hiring someone new, why not just use Kadun? He's free.

"Alright, fine."

"Yesss!"

The party went from noon until late into the night. Weiss no longer felt like sailing that evening—night sailing wasn't ideal anyway. With Rayser's warm hospitality, the celebration became a full-blown bonfire party.

Weiss, drunk out of his mind, raised his cup and started dancing some bizarre dance, chanting doom-ch doom-ch doom-ch.

The islanders had never seen such a dance before, but they joined in anyway. No way they'd let a guest party alone!

---

Currently at chapter 160 on Ko-Fi

https:// ko-fi.com/sami27