One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

Under the barrage of "stay safe," "be fully prepared," and "make sure Rosinante has enough crystals" from Sengoku's fatherly nagging, Wright made his retreat.

Leaving Sengoku's office, Wright headed to check on Rosinante's preparations.

During Wright's absence, Rosinante had largely stayed out of the public eye. He had been holed up in the Marine Headquarters' secure conference room, surrounded by stacks of intelligence on Wano.

As a nation isolated from the outside world, Wano's information was fragmented and scarce.

Yet, thanks to Rosinante's exceptional analytical skills, he could piece together useful insights from the scattered details. Understanding Wano's clothing, customs, speech patterns, eating habits, and communication styles was essential for their mission.

In the original story, the Straw Hats had Kin'emon and his group, natives of Wano, as well as Robin's expertise to guide them, ensuring things went smoothly. Now, however, Rosinante had to do it all himself.

"So, Rosinante… what's with this outfit? Merchant? Yakuza?"

Kneeling on a cushion, Rosinante donned a black kimono adorned with pink cloud patterns, holding a red-and-white paper umbrella. His blond hair was tied into a traditional topknot, completing the look of an educated young man from Wano.

"Address me as Rosijiro!" Rosinante said sternly, flipping a page of the book he was engrossed in.

"...Alright, Rosijiro."

Wright twitched at the corner of his mouth. "Ready to go?"

"Absolutely!" Rosinante nodded confidently. "I've carefully studied all the Wano-related documents I could find during this time. I've learned their habits, mannerisms, and speaking styles. I shouldn't expose any flaws!"

"Good…" Wright considered for a moment but decided against suggesting that Rosinante carry a sword. In Wano, where powerful samurai roamed, Rosinante's lack of swordsmanship would only make a blade more of a liability.

"Then you'll set off for Wano in a few days. My speed is faster, so I'll leave tomorrow to scout the way ahead!"

"Drake will arrive later. He needs to gain some notoriety among the pirates before it makes sense for him to infiltrate Kaido's ranks."

"Understood!"

"...And don't die this time!"

"This time… if I can't win, I can at least escape!"

"Confident, aren't you? Here, fifty Lightforged Crystals and ten Lightforged Beacon Crystals—Drake has some too."

"Thanks…"

"Idiot."

"Hmm… this is already close to Kaido's territory."

Aboard a patrol ship from G-1 Branch, Wright traveled toward the vicinity of Kaido's domain, preparing to reach Wano.

"Shanks hasn't yet claimed the title of 'Emperor of the Sea.' There isn't even a term like 'Yonko' yet."

"'Three Emperors'? What next, Five Emperors?"

"Heh, considering the Shichibukai hasn't fully formed yet, with only six members so far."

Wright took some satisfaction in personally dragging Doflamingo out of the Shichibukai ranks and stomping on him—twice. The World Government still hadn't managed to find a seventh member for the group.

After all, most major pirates were too proud to submit to the Government's leash. Only someone like Mihawk, whose power transcended such concerns, could join without care.

Currently, the New World was largely outside the Navy's control. With only two Marine bases—G-1 and G-5—their influence in the region was minimal.

The G-1 Branch, adjacent to the Red Line and led by the veteran Vice Admiral Momonga, provided a stable Marine presence, ensuring safe passage through the Calm Belt between the North and West Blue.

As for G-5…

The Marines stationed there were practically pirates in uniform—disobedient, brutal, and unruly, often torturing pirates and flouting discipline.

Sometimes, Wright wondered if not for Kuzan's oversight and Hina's frequent interventions, Smoker might have been sent to G-5 before even being promoted to Commander.

"Speaking of G-5… Originally, that guy Vergo should have been close to climbing the ranks to the upper echelons of G-5 by now."

Pushing aside these thoughts, Wright refocused. He was ready to begin his journey toward Kaido's Beasts Pirates headquarters in Wano.

"Waahhh… Waaahhhh!"

Just as he prepared to set off, Wright heard a cry from the ship's hold.

"Huh? What's going on?"

Halting his steps, Wright frowned at the sound.

"Vice Admiral Wright!"

A Marine hurried over to report. "It's a distress signal! Someone nearby is calling for help!"

"Distress signal?"

"Yes!" the Marine confirmed. "Though distress signals are only about 50% reliable… The Navy often uses them to bait pirates into ambushes!"

Classic entrapment tactics—uh, I mean, righteous enforcement!

"However, some brutal pirates also use fake distress signals to lure small Marine patrol ships into ambushes!"

Evil scum!

"This area is near the territory of one of the 'Sea Emperors,' Kaido, who is known for attacking Navy ships."

Wright's expression hardened. "Take me to it! This is already on the edge of Marine-controlled waters. If it's a patrol ship encountering Kaido…"

The Marine broke out in cold sweat. "Yes, sir!"

Following the Marine, Wright reached the den den mushi broadcasting the cries. He picked it up.

"This is Vice Admiral Wright of Marine Headquarters! Identify yourself!"

"Vice Admiral Wright! It's Vice Admiral Wright! Help!!"

"State your identity!"

"This is G-5 Unit 04! We need help!"

"What's the situation? Report your location!" Wright's forehead twitched. G-5's rabble couldn't even issue a proper distress call.

"Our location… It's Nucas Island…"

"Kaido! Vice Admiral Wright! It's Kaido!!"

"What?!"

Wright's eyes widened, and the Marines around him erupted into chaos.

"Explain clearly!" Wright roared.

"Kaido… We were resupplying on Nucas Island when that lunatic descended from the sky and started attacking us!!"

"Unit 04's three ships… He's already sunk one! Help!!!"

"I'm on my way! Escape! Protect yourselves and abandon the ships if necessary!"

"Yes, sir!!"

Slamming down the receiver, Wright barked orders. "Get me the log pose to Nucas Island! Prepare to rendezvous at any time!"

"Yes, sir!"

Clutching the log pose, Wright summoned his Holy Light Wings and soared into the sky. "Damn it! That lunatic Kaido is attacking Marine ships solo again!"

"The G-5 unit may be a bunch of rogues, but they're still Marines!"

"I have to save them… How many can I still rescue?"

"The 'Strongest Creature'? Invincible in single combat?" Wright gritted his teeth. "Looks like I might have to face him ahead of schedule!"

A golden streak flashed across the sky as Wright disappeared into the distance.

-------

Want to read ahead of schedule?

Join here: patreon.com / juanpiece

There are more than 60 advance chapters available for you!