One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

"However, for now, there's nothing we can do about him."

Wright stated a fact that Sengoku had no choice but to acknowledge.

"Exactly. We don't have any evidence to prove that King Riku has been replaced. Even if we send elite operatives, there's no excuse to interfere in the domestic affairs of a member nation."

After a moment of thought, Sengoku sighed in frustration. "We guarded against him in every way possible, yet Doflamingo still managed to succeed. Hoping that we're wrong at this point is unrealistic."

"We can only intensify our surveillance of Dressrosa. Doflamingo won't be able to operate without eventually making a mistake!"

Wright nodded in agreement. "That's all we can do for now. Fortunately, his methods ensure that he won't act too recklessly. He'll likely slow down, proceed cautiously, and change his approach to avoid arousing suspicion among the royal family and citizens."

"Yes… the Navy's intelligence operatives also need more training."

"You should rest for now, Wright. There's more work ahead…" Sengoku said, flipping through a stack of documents. "Lately, it's not just pirates—many nations are experiencing unrest."

"The Kingdom of Shikkearu on Kuraigana Island recently erupted into war, destroying almost the entire island. Both sides wiped each other out in the end—an ironic twist."

"But there's been a recent report that the area has become extremely dangerous. Ships—whether pirate or merchant—passing through have failed to return."

Wright raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Interesting. Is there a troublesome presence on that island?"

"More than one," Sengoku replied grimly. "Our intelligence suggests a decently strong armed group has taken root there. Yet the remnants of the war have shown no signs of activity."

"Do you need me to check it out?" Wright asked, a glimmer of interest in his eyes. An unknown, strong, armed force—could it be a notorious pirate crew? Though a pirate group acting so quietly seemed unlikely.

"It's not urgent. Rest first, then head over. Whether it's pirates or some other force, we need to know what they're after."

"Got it."

...

The next day.

After a satisfying sleep, Wright woke up feeling refreshed and energized.

"For an investigation like this, there's no need for a full fleet. I'll handle it solo."

He made a quick visit to the Navy academy to see Kuina, then assigned Captain Drake, who had recently been promoted, to lead Ain aboard the Lightbringer and rendezvous with Smoker and Rosinante at G-3. With everything arranged, Wright set off alone for the island of Shikkearu.

"This island name sounds familiar... but it's so convoluted I can't quite place it."

In just a few days, Wright arrived at Shikkearu. Gazing at the gloomy and ominous environment, he shook his head.

"The climate is peculiar. Was this caused by the war, or is it naturally like this? Anyone living here must have nerves of steel."

Walking toward the island's center, he encountered ruins of buildings, remnants of war, and scattered remains of both humans and animals.

"Looks like the war ended some time ago."

"Hmm? Something's here!"

As soon as Wright activated his Observation Haki, a shadow lunged at him. Drawing his blade, Ashes, he blocked the strike. "What on earth is this?"

The attacker was a massive baboon wielding a giant sword, attacking with surprising skill and ferocity.

"..."

Through Observation Haki, Wright sensed several more baboons hidden in the surrounding woods and ruins, waiting to ambush him.

"Ah, I see what this place is now."

"A formidable armed group? It's this band of 'human imitators,' isn't it?"

"And that guy… he really is one of a kind. This is a golden opportunity; I've wanted to meet him for a long time!"

"The World's Strongest Swordsman—Dracule Mihawk!"

"Come on out, you foolish monkeys!" Wright shouted.

The intelligent baboons, clearly displeased at being called "foolish," emerged one after another, wielding a variety of weapons. They surrounded Wright, brimming with hostility.

"Baboons that mimic human techniques… Mihawk hasn't been here long, has he? They haven't had the chance to learn his swordsmanship yet."

Wright observed the baboons. At this stage, they still wielded a hodgepodge of weapons—swords, clubs, axes, spears, and more. In the future, when Zoro arrived on this island, he would be overwhelmed by these creatures, who would have mastered swordsmanship to the level of cutting steel. If they were taught Mihawk's techniques, they would become far more formidable.

"You're not there yet, and I'm not Zoro," Wright said as he leveled Ashes, its golden blade gleaming.

"Super: Sacred Storm!"

Without using Haki, Wright unleashed a wide-range attack, relying solely on Ashes' near-Supreme Grade quality and its Holy Fire ability.

"They're not dead, right? These critters are rather unique."

Watching as the Sacred Storm sent a horde of baboons flying amidst screams, Wright continued forward. "Not bad. Maybe I'll take a few back for Ain and Kuina to spar with."

"I wonder how proficient they are in martial arts… hmm, worth testing out."

...

Meanwhile.

"Oh? It seems we have a guest."

At the center of the island, in a towering castle, the World's Strongest Swordsman, Dracule Mihawk, finished his glass of red wine and turned his hawk-like gaze toward Wright's location.

"A skilled fighter…"

"Interesting. I haven't been here long, so few should know of my presence. It seems those amusing baboons have drawn some attention."

"Perhaps I should teach the baboons some swordsmanship. They'd make decent guardians for the island—keeping out anyone who can't defeat them."

After dealing with a few more waves of baboon attacks, Wright reached the massive castle at the island's center.

Using his Observation Haki, he sensed Mihawk inside. The swordsman glanced in his direction and then stepped outside with a faint smile.

"Well, well, Vice Admiral Wright. I didn't expect to see you here."

Mihawk, with his iconic short beard, black hat adorned with white fur, crimson-patterned shirt, black coat, white pants, and black boots, radiated an overwhelming presence.

Around his neck hung a cross-shaped pendant knife, and on his back rested the world's strongest blade, Yoru, the first Supreme Grade blade Wright had seen in person.

"Dracule Mihawk," Wright said with admiration. "I didn't expect… that a simple mission from Sengoku would lead to meeting the World's Strongest Swordsman. What an honor!"

As a swordsman and a swordmaster, who wouldn't aspire to reach the pinnacle of their craft?

And before him stood the greatest of them all—the World's Strongest Swordsman!

"I've heard Shanks mention you," Mihawk replied with a faint smile. "To have sparred with someone like him in the East Blue proves your exceptional strength."

"And that sword of yours…"

"I've heard quite a bit about it as well."

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