One Piece: Legendary Family

Chapter 36: So Direct It's Cute

Charlotte had just left the lab when an out-of-breath subordinate ran up to her.

"Report, boss! The captain of the Fifth Squadron of the Flying Pirates has arrived."

Huh? Charlotte was surprised. Dassok, the dual-wielding swordsman? She didn't know him well. Why was he here? They hadn't even spoken at the party.

"You can go back to your duties."

Charlotte then headed to the port of Ratti Island.

Soon, she saw Dassok, standing still with his two swords, like a statue. He had a serious expression.

Charlotte didn't really want to get too involved with the Flying Pirates, but Dassok's sudden appearance made her uneasy. She didn't know what kind of trouble might arise.

"Hello!" Charlotte greeted him cheerfully, trying to find out what Dassok wanted.

"Hello!" Dassok responded seriously, and then... nothing.

His concise manner left Charlotte a bit puzzled.

Huh? This guy is really cold! Especially cold.

"What brings you here?" Charlotte decided to get straight to the point with someone so direct.

"A duel!"

Two short words, and then Dassok fell silent, though his eyes showed a passion for battle.

"You want a sword duel with me?" Charlotte asked, a bit unsure. She didn't understand why someone would travel so far just for a duel. It didn't seem very reasonable.

"Yes!" Another concise response, and Charlotte, seeing the determination in his eyes, couldn't help but feel a little frustrated.

What a man of few words!

But understanding Dassok's true motive, Charlotte felt relieved. She was worried about being dragged into some unexpected conflict, which could increase her bounty and attract the Navy's pursuit.

Luckily, it was just a duel.

Dual swords, huh?

Actually, she was interested. Practicing with different sword styles could also benefit her.

 

Charlotte quickly agreed.

Soon, they arrived at one of the beaches where Charlotte usually trained. It was a quiet place, far from the crowds and the port—a good spot for a duel.

It was very discreet.

Soon, they were ready.

Charlotte observed Dassok. His combat presence was entirely different, full of determination.

Before, he seemed a bit awkward, but now he showed a sharp aura.

Dassok bent slightly, and in an instant, with swords in hand, he launched himself at Charlotte like a shadow.

Charlotte, with a single sword, blocked Dassok's attacks, deflecting his swords with a skillful movement.

Dassok quickly retreated, using the momentum to continue his attack.

The sound of clashing swords echoed in the air, accompanied by sparks.

With quick and precise movements, Charlotte faced Dassok without using all her strength, focusing only on sword techniques.

It was a unique feeling, with no complex moves, just pure swordplay.

After a while, Dassok stopped, breathing heavily, while Charlotte remained calm.

Charlotte looked at Dassok with admiration.

Dassok wasn't a master swordsman yet, but he had impressive skill and surprising techniques.

In her opinion, given time, Dassok would undoubtedly become a master swordsman.

Charlotte was satisfied. This duel had given her a better understanding of the dual-sword style and had been a valuable experience for improving her own swordsmanship.

"Thank you!"

Dassok, now without his sharp aura, returned to his serious and reserved demeanor.

He spoke few words, but Charlotte could feel his sincere gratitude.

Maybe his emotions were deep, but his serious face hid them.

Charlotte shook her head. "No problem. I've also learned a lot. It was mutually beneficial, that's all."

Dassok lifted his head slightly, seemingly surprised.

"Good!"

Charlotte couldn't help but smile. This guy really saved words, but he was interesting.

 

He was definitely a pure swordsman, someone whose only goal was to improve his sword skills.

"I hope you become a master swordsman. Then we can have another duel."

"Good!"

Charlotte felt a bit frustrated. She had spoken so much, and Dassok solved it with just a few words.

Really peculiar, right?

They both returned to the port, and Charlotte grew more interested in Dassok.

However, his responses were always brief: yes, good, right... answers that could be frustrating.

To Charlotte's surprise, Dassok planned to stay on the island for a while.

Charlotte had no problems with that. In a way, she liked his company.

A pure swordsman wouldn't worry about intrigues and conspiracies.

His direct and simple personality was comforting, though Charlotte didn't understand how someone like him could be under the command of a cunning pirate like Shiki the Golden Lion.

They spent two days where they faced each other amicably several times.

Charlotte found she could understand Dassok even without using her Observation Haki, as if their communication had become more intuitive.

On the third day, Dassok handed her a map.

"Senflavor Island, there."

Charlotte was surprised. She suddenly understood what Dassok meant.

"Are you saying that on Senflavor Island there is an expert doctor?"

"Yes."

Without more words, Dassok turned and left quickly.

Charlotte was surprised. She had only casually mentioned her search for an expert doctor.

Then, she smiled.

Dassok was really a guy who didn't know how to express much, but his frankness was adorable.

Charlotte focused on the map.

"Senflavor Island, huh?"

She tapped the table with her fingers, thoughtful.

Soon, she stopped and started organizing her departure, temporarily entrusting the care of Ratti Island to Dassok.

Although she had just obtained her Devil Fruit, she didn't yet feel completely confident leaving only Ivan and the giant Dahl to protect the island.

With the presence of the Shadow Knight Order, she had to be very cautious.

She didn't want to get news that her base had been attacked just after setting sail.

Relying on Shiki the Golden Lion for help... better not even think about it.

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