Besides the factor of Kuina, deep down, Laino wasn't enthusiastic about joining the Revolutionary Army. He even felt some resistance to it.
Why?
Laino didn't know either.
Perhaps, the Revolutionary Army was Dragon's Revolutionary Army.
Could he replace Dragon?
Impossible!
After the Ohara Incident, Dragon led the Revolutionary Army in their struggle. No matter how hard Laino worked, he could never surpass him.
What he wanted to be was the first in history!
Even being a pirate captain was better than joining the Revolutionary Army and working for someone else, right?
Therefore, regardless of whether it was the Marines, the Revolutionary Army, or any other force, Laino would not join.
A dignified transmigrator, working for someone else?
He'd truly be a subordinate for life!
Are kings and nobles born, or made?
Laino made his decision.
Laino looked up, met Dragon's gaze directly, and said, "I'm sorry!"
"I still have a lot to learn at the dojo. I have no plans to go out to sea within a year."
Kozaburo and Koshiro couldn't help but look at him.
He refused?
Nowadays, which young person could resist the temptation of going out to sea and heading to the Grand Line?
But Laino's words were clearly well-considered.
His calm and composed demeanor, free from arrogance and impatience, earned the admiration of everyone in the hall.
Dragon was stunned for a moment, then a smile appeared on his face. "Alright. I hope to hear your name on the Grand Line!"
"You will!" Laino said.
Ivankov came closer.
"Oh, you've got ambition, Laino-boy! The Grand Line isn't like the East Blue. There are plenty of monsters there!"
Laino smiled, "Monsters? I look forward to it!"
"Hee-haw! What a surge of manliness! Laino-boy, when you get to the Grand Line, you must come to Kamabakka Kingdom!"
From his pocket, he took out a transparent glass sphere and handed it to Laino.
"This is an Eternal Pose for Kamabakka Kingdom. Be sure to keep it safe. With it, you can find me."
Dragon glanced at it. Handing over an Eternal Pose for one's country to a young man one has just met was a dangerous thing to do. But Dragon knew Ivankov's intentions. By leaving this behind, they would have another chance to recruit Laino in the future.
Once Laino entered the Grand Line, perhaps he would change his current way of thinking?
Laino didn't refuse. He accepted the Eternal Pose and examined it curiously. Inside was an unmoving magnetic needle. No matter how he turned it, one end of the needle never changed direction.
Truly magical.
Laino actually wanted to have a match with Ivankov, but time did not permit. They had to leave as soon as possible. Every minute the Revolutionary Army stayed, the danger to the dojo increased.
His fight with Dragon had alarmed the villagers, but fortunately, the Shimotsuki family had enough prestige here.
In the latter half of the night, the Revolutionary Army left with the food and medicine. The Wind Granma, shrouded in wind and rain, sailed into the deep sea.
The dark clouds dispersed, and the moonlight was exceptionally clear.
"This is my father, Kozaburo!" Koshiro introduced the old man to Laino.
The old man wore Wano-style clothing, his hair in a high ponytail. He held a bamboo pipe, his beard messy and white.
Kozaburo said, "It's right that you didn't immediately go to the Grand Line. In the realm of a great swordsman, there is still much to learn!"
"Yes, you're right. Learning is endless, and knowledge is boundless!" Laino nodded humbly.
Being a great swordsman was just the beginning. Kozaburo and Koshiro surely possessed even higher levels of power.
Seeing him like this, the Shimotsuki father and son admired him even more.
An idea struck Kozaburo. "Let me see your sword!"
Laino drew his sword and handed it to Kozaburo.
His fingertips brushed against the blade. The sharp edge did not harm him in the slightest.
The next moment, the blade was dyed a layer of black, and wisps of aura coiled around it, mysterious and dangerous.
Haki?
Laino feigned surprise. "What is this?"
Kozaburo said, "When you slashed at Dragon just now, did you feel a special power?"
Laino nodded slightly.
"Haki! The power you need to master next. I will train you personally!" Kozaburo said.
Was it Haki? Laino felt it wasn't. It was more like the "demonic aura" that Zoro possessed, yet it wasn't quite demonic aura either. It seemed to be released from the [Sword Heart] talent?
While Laino was deep in thought, Kozaburo briefly introduced the three types of Haki.
Armament, Observation, and Conqueror's!
Each of the three types of Haki had its own use. Among them, Armament and Observation were powers that everyone possessed within their bodies. As long as one trained continuously, they could be acquired. Only Conqueror's Haki could be awakened by those who possessed a king's disposition.
Laino looked up, coughed lightly, and said, "Um, I think I've awakened Conqueror's Haki!"
Laino knew that Kozaburo was the powerhouse who had forged the Wado Ichimonji and Enma. The fact that he wanted to train him personally proved that he valued him. Laino hoped to raise the stakes, to get Kozaburo to forge a custom-made sword for him.
Would a graded sword, even a great grade sword, be better than one custom-made by a master craftsman?
"Eh?!"
Kozaburo was at a loss for words, his eyes wide. "What? You've awakened Conqueror's Haki? What's going on?"
Koshiro was also astonished.
Laino recounted the backstory he had long since fabricated.
He grew up in a mountain village that was suddenly raided by bandits. To survive, he was forced to become a bandit, suffering their bullying and insults. Just as he was about to be killed by the bandit leader, he awakened his Conqueror's Haki, knocking everyone out and killing the leader in return.
He stole the bandits' treasure and went into hiding. He happened to meet a swordsman and, after inquiring about the Isshin Dojo in Shimotsuki Village, came here with a reputation.
The story was a mix of truth and lies, but Laino's sincere emotions left Kozaburo and Koshiro without a shred of doubt.
"Can you release your Conqueror's Haki for me to see?" Kozaburo asked.
Laino said, "I can't control it well, it will..."
"Ahem, that... let's try it when no one is around!" Koshiro quickly stopped him.
Was he kidding? If he released Conqueror's Haki in the dojo, half the village would faint.
Kozaburo returned the sword to Laino. "Starting tomorrow, come find me at the lighthouse for Haki training."
After the Revolutionary Army left, the dojo returned to its tranquility.
Laino walked out of the main hall, a smile playing on his lips.
Tonight was a huge win!
In his duel with Dragon, he had gained some enlightenment and stepped into the realm of a great swordsman.
He had gained Kozaburo's recognition and would begin special training in Haki.
And he had also obtained a talent from Dragon. He hadn't had time to check it just now.
Full of anticipation, Laino looked at the system's records.
[Ding! Defeated by opponent. Scanning talent: Wind Control (SS-Rank)]
[Talent successfully copied.]
[Talent Description: The untamed wind will always be with you. By controlling the wind, you will gain its blessing.]
Hiss?