The new sword era

Chapter 3: The Pirate's Path

The wind howled through the sails as Kenshin D. Zuno stood on the bow of his small ship, his gaze fixed on the endless horizon. It had been days since he left Foosha Village, and each passing wave seemed to wash away the remnants of his old life. The sea was vast and unknown, but for Kenshin, it felt like a place where he truly belonged.

He had taken the pirates' treasure, but it wasn't for wealth. It was for the resources needed to survive out here. The gold, the food, the barrels of fresh water—all were essential for his journey. But the crystal-encrusted sword he had claimed from the pirate captain remained the most intriguing prize. Kenshin could feel the weight of its power, even though he hadn't yet drawn it in battle. He knew it would play a significant role in his future.

"I need a crew," Kenshin muttered to himself, running a hand through his short, messy hair. He had always been a lone wolf, but the thought of going through the Grand Line without anyone by his side felt... wrong.

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Flashback: A Conversation with Luffy

Before he left Foosha Village, Luffy had asked him, "Kenshin, do you want to join my crew?" The offer had been genuine, full of the infectious excitement only Luffy could bring.

But Kenshin had declined. "I need to do this on my own, Luffy. I'll be the greatest swordsman, not just a part of someone else's dream."

Luffy had smiled, understanding the passion burning in his friend's heart. "I get it! But if you ever want to join me later, you're always welcome!"

And Kenshin appreciated that. But for now, his journey had to be his own. He needed to prove to himself and to the world that he was worthy of being the greatest.

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Present Day: A Run-In with Trouble

The quiet of the open ocean was shattered when Kenshin heard a loud, screeching sound from behind. He turned just in time to see another ship rapidly approaching from the distance, its black sails billowing in the wind. The Jolly Roger displayed a skull with crossed swords, clearly signaling a pirate crew. More trouble.

Kenshin's grip tightened around the hilt of Seiryu, his mind instantly focusing. It wasn't the first time he had encountered pirates, but the ship looked different—bigger, more menacing. A sudden thought crossed his mind: Could this be a crew that was specifically targeting him?

Without hesitation, he began to prepare for battle, running to the mast and adjusting the sail to catch the wind. The enemy ship drew closer, and within moments, a crew of rough-looking men began to yell orders from their ship.

"Get him! That ship belongs to us!" A man with a wide grin shouted, his voice carrying across the wind.

Kenshin didn't need any more reason to fight. "Not happening," he muttered, unsheathing Shinshin and Ketsurin.

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Battle: Kenshin vs. The Pirate Crew

As the pirate ship closed in, the pirates quickly jumped across to his vessel, landing with a heavy thud. They rushed forward, wielding a variety of weapons—cutlasses, daggers, and axes—ready to overwhelm him.

Kenshin's heart pounded in his chest, but his face remained calm. He had faced larger battles before. "You'll regret this."

The first pirate lunged at him, swinging an axe downward. Shinshin blocked the blow with ease, and Kenshin quickly retaliated, spinning around and slashing across the pirate's midsection. The man howled in pain before crumpling to the ground, his weapon falling from his hands.

Another pirate came at him with a cutlass, aiming for Kenshin's chest. But Kenshin was already in motion. He dodged to the side, his three swords moving in perfect harmony. He used Seiryu to parry the incoming strike while bringing Ketsurin up to slice through the pirate's legs. The man collapsed in a heap, no longer a threat.

"Is this the best you've got?" Kenshin sneered, his confidence growing as the pirates began to hesitate, realizing they were outmatched.

But the leader of the crew, a burly man with tattoos covering his arms, was far from intimidated. He stepped forward, cracking his knuckles.

"I'll deal with you myself, brat."

The pirate leader pulled out a massive, two-handed sword, far larger than any of the weapons the other pirates had used. His eyes glinted with malice. "Let's see if you're as strong as they say."

Kenshin tightened his grip on his swords. "I'm not just some 'brat.'"

The leader swung his giant blade, aiming for Kenshin's head. But Kenshin was faster, using Shinshin to block the strike while spinning with Ketsurin to deliver a swift cut across the leader's side. The pirate roared in pain but quickly recovered, bringing his sword back for another swing.

But Kenshin was already several steps ahead. He spun around, his swords moving in unison to create a perfect defensive wall. "Seiryu!" he shouted, pushing forward with a thrust that sent the leader staggering back.

With a roar of frustration, the pirate leader raised his sword for one last, desperate strike. But Kenshin was faster. He darted forward, using the momentum of his three swords to slash in a single, fluid motion. The leader fell to the ground, defeated.

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Aftermath: The Pirate's Fall

Kenshin stood over the fallen pirates, his swords gleaming in the sun as the remaining crew members fled in fear. He wasn't interested in chasing them down; the victory was already his.

"Pathetic," Kenshin muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow as he sheathed his blades.

But even as the pirates fled, Kenshin knew that this was only the beginning. The world of pirates was unforgiving, and he was just getting started. His ship may have been small, but with his swords and his will, he could take on any challenge the sea threw at him.

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Later That Night: The Decision to Form a Crew

As the sun set and the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Kenshin sat at the stern of his ship, staring into the glowing horizon.

"A crew…" Kenshin said quietly, looking over the treasure he had taken from the pirates. It wasn't just about wealth anymore; it was about building something greater. "I need a crew to truly become the greatest swordsman."

With a deep breath, he made a decision. He would seek out those who could stand by his side, those who had their own goals and dreams. Together, they would make a crew that would shake the world. But first, he needed to find them. "I won't do this alone," he whispered to the stars.

And so, Kenshin D. Zuno set his course once again, this time with a new goal in mind. To find those who would join him on his path to greatness—his pirate crew.

Author's Note:

Kenshin's journey has only just begun, and as he faces more pirates and challenges on the open sea, his need for a crew becomes more apparent. Will he find the right people to join him? What new adventures await him in the vast expanse of the Grand Line? Stay tuned to find out!