But that strength was only impressive relative to his previous life.
In this world, it likely only meant he had finally caught up to the average level of a capable fighter. Dunn was well aware of this. Fortunately, the prompt indicating his "rapid transformation" hadn't disappeared, meaning his body was still growing stronger.
This was likely due to the Devil Fruit; after all, its description mentioned a continuous strengthening of the user's physique.
As for his swordsmanship, he knew he didn't actually possess any refined techniques. However, his practice of basic slashes, stabs, and his focus on power control had been enough to raise his skill level by one tier.
For the coming period, he planned to stay in Shimotsuki Village to polish his strength. He wasn't going to be overly ambitious.
As long as his constitution kept improving, he was satisfied. He didn't expect to achieve "Awakening" with his Devil Fruit anytime soon, but he wouldn't neglect its training either.
His goals for coming to Shimotsuki Village were clear: reach the "Steel-Cutting" realm to become a true master swordsman, and at the very least, awaken the two basic forms of Haki. As for Conqueror's Haki, he wasn't sure if he had the disposition for it.
However, the confidence provided by his Data Panel told him that even without Conqueror's Haki, he would never be inferior to anyone on this sea. Mastering the two standard forms would be enough.
As the ship docked, Dunn stepped onto the gunwale and looked back at the crew on deck.
"The charter ends here, everyone!"
With that, he leaped down and landed on the small pier of Shimotsuki Village. There were people at the dock, but not many, and they paid little mind to the arrival of a merchant ship, going about their business. Dunn asked for directions to the dojo and headed straight there.
Back on the ship, the crew stared at his departing back.
"What are you looking at? We're not like that gentleman. Get moving! Buy supplies, and I'll go see if there's any cargo we can haul out," the Captain barked, sending the crew into a flurry of activity.
Whack!
A bamboo sword struck a head, producing a hollow, echoing thud.
Zoro, about ten years old, clutched his head where a large bump was already forming. His face was a mask of stubborn defiance.
"That's 1,959. You lose!"
A girl around the same age held her bamboo sword, her expression calm. This had happened nearly two thousand times since Zoro joined the dojo; she was used to it—numb, even.
"Just you wait! I'll definitely beat you next time!"
Zoro let go of his head and gripped his fallen bamboo sword, his eyes burning as he glared at Kuina. He looked passionate and heroic—or he would have, if it weren't for his bruised face and the comical bump on his head.
It was so ridiculous that a laugh escaped from the entrance of the dojo.
The laughter instantly drew Zoro's ire. He turned around, annoyed, and saw a teenager about fourteen or fifteen years old leaning against the dojo gate, watching them.
The boy wore loose white clothes, had slightly long black hair, and possessed soft, handsome features. He didn't look particularly fierce; in fact, he looked quite approachable. But his current grin made Zoro feel mocked.
"Who are you?" Zoro demanded, sizing him up.
"I'm here to learn the sword," Dunn replied. He stepped inside, his eyes scanning the wide courtyard before settling back on Kuina and Zoro.
"Learn the sword? Wait here, I'll go tell my father!"
Kuina wasn't surprised. Plenty of people came to the dojo to learn, though this one didn't look like a local.
Once Kuina left, Zoro marched up to Dunn, looking up at him with a defiant tilt of his head.
"What are you looking at?"
Dunn looked down at the little green-haired brat. Comparing him to the memory of the "Right Hand of the Pirate King" who would eventually tank a combined attack from two Emperors and defeat King the Conflagration, Dunn couldn't help but laugh out loud again.
If only he had a Vision Dial or a Camera Snail, he would definitely take a picture of Zoro right now. This was pure blackmail material for the future.
"Still laughing? I'll defeat Kuina one day!" Zoro wiped some blood from his nose, his voice full of grit.
Dunn shook his head. Beating her was impossible under normal circumstances, but since Kuina was still alive, he figured he might as well save her if the opportunity arose. As for whether that would change Zoro's destiny, he didn't really care.
"If you're joining the dojo, that makes me your senior brother," Zoro said, his mind quickly jumping to the hierarchy.
Dunn shook his head again. "Since we're both here to learn the sword, naturally, the stronger one is the boss."
"Oh? Is that how it works? Does that mean if I beat Kuina, she has to call me 'Senior'?" Zoro's eyes widened, staring at Dunn in disbelief.
"Impossible. You will never defeat me!" Kuina's voice rang out before Dunn could answer.
Koshiro walked out alongside Kuina, who still looked annoyed.
"I challenge you!" Zoro roared, pointing his bamboo sword at her.
Ignoring him for a moment, Kuina glanced at Dunn and her father before walking toward the practice area outside. Zoro followed her immediately. It seemed another duel was about to begin.
"I apologize for the display. My daughter and this disciple enjoy their squabbles," Koshiro said with a smile. As he spoke, he observed Dunn. Behind his spectacles, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes when he looked into Dunn's.
"It's no problem. They are students of the sword; things usually only end when a victor is decided or one side yields. From what I can see, neither of them is the type to yield easily," Dunn said with a light chuckle.
"You have a keen eye," Koshiro nodded. He gestured for Dunn to follow him.
Inside a room in the dojo, Koshiro sat in a formal seiza position and invited Dunn to sit. Dunn sat down casually, his eyes fixed on Koshiro.
[Top-Tier Master Swordsman (Extremely Dangerous)]
A blood-red marker hovered over Koshiro's head. Compared to the pirates and civilians he had seen so far, Koshiro was the most dangerous person Dunn had encountered yet.
"You aren't from Shimotsuki Village, are you?" Koshiro asked, curious about Dunn's gaze but remaining perfectly polite.
"No. I arrived on a merchant ship today. I heard there was a dojo here that teaches swordsmanship, so I came," Dunn explained calmly.
"Then tell me, why do you want to learn the sword?" Koshiro asked.
Dunn raised an eyebrow. "Is that important?"
"In a way, yes," Koshiro nodded.
Dunn fell silent, his head lowered in thought. A moment later, he looked up and gave his answer.
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