The new sword era

Chapter 5: the navigator compass



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Chapter 5: The Navigator's Compass

The bustling streets of Loguetown were filled with merchants peddling their wares, sailors preparing their ships, and the occasional pirate causing a ruckus. For Kenshin D. Zuno, this port town was a crucial stop. He had the strength of his swords and the size of his crew, but there was one glaring weakness: the lack of a reliable navigator. The Grand Line wasn't a place to navigate by gut instinct alone.

Kenshin walked through the crowded streets, his brow furrowed as he thought about his next move. He needed someone who could guide him and his crew through the treacherous waters ahead. Someone with experience, skill, and a steady hand.

After wandering for a while, Kenshin spotted a small shop nestled between two larger buildings. The sign read "Navigator's Compass"—exactly what he was looking for.

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The Encounter with Rolan

Inside the shop, the air was calm, a sharp contrast to the chaotic port outside. The shelves were filled with maps, compasses, and nautical tools. A young woman stood at the counter, carefully examining a map with sharp green eyes. She had long brown hair tied back in a ponytail, and her outfit was simple—just a loose shirt and trousers—but her demeanor spoke of someone who knew her craft.

As Kenshin entered, the woman looked up, assessing him in an instant. There was no sign of fear, just a cool curiosity.

"You're looking for something?" she asked.

Kenshin stepped forward, his voice steady and direct. "I need a navigator. Someone who can guide us through the Grand Line."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she put the map down, taking a moment to study him. "The Grand Line? That's not a trip you can make with just any crew."

"I'm not just anyone," Kenshin replied. "I have a purpose. A goal. And I need someone with the skill to navigate the Grand Line's seas. Someone who can handle it."

She considered him for a moment longer, her sharp gaze lingering on his demeanor. Finally, she nodded. "Alright. I'll join you. But don't expect me to be your personal guide for every storm you encounter. I'm here to help you get to your destination, not babysit."

Kenshin's face softened into a small smile. "That's all I need. Welcome aboard."

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A Pirate Encounter in Loguetown

With Rolan now on board as their navigator, Kenshin and his crew made their way back to the ship. But their peaceful departure was interrupted by a loud shout from the docks.

A group of pirates, clearly looking for trouble, had spotted them. The leader was a tall, muscular man with a scar across his face, his hand resting on the hilt of a massive sword.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" the pirate captain sneered, his eyes narrowing when he spotted Kenshin's fish-man features. "Another fish-man, huh? Don't get many of those around here. And what's this? A little navigator girl at your side?"

The rest of the pirate crew laughed, clearly expecting easy prey. Kenshin's eyes narrowed, his fingers gripping the hilts of his swords. "This is your only warning. Leave."

The pirate captain's laughter grew louder. "Or what? You think you can take all of us on, fish-man?"

With a calm breath, Kenshin unsheathed his two swords and got into position. He glanced at Toran, who stood nearby, towering over the rest of the group. "Stay out of this. I've got it covered."

Toran nodded with a smile, stepping back and letting Kenshin handle the confrontation.

The pirates charged forward, weapons drawn. The captain swung his massive sword down at Kenshin, but he easily sidestepped the attack, his swords flashing in the air. Kenshin's movements were precise, quick as lightning, each swing calculated to neutralize the pirates.

The pirate captain swung again, but Kenshin blocked with one sword, then countered with a quick strike that left the captain disarmed and stumbling backward.

Kenshin moved like a blur, disarming one pirate after another, his swords flashing in a deadly dance. One pirate tried to rush him from behind, but Toran moved just in time, grabbing the pirate by the collar and tossing him aside effortlessly.

Kenshin's gaze fixed on the last pirate, who was trying to flee. He didn't give chase. Instead, he pointed one sword at the man. "Leave. Or I'll make sure you regret it."

The pirate stopped, trembling, and bolted, not looking back.

With the scuffle over, Kenshin sheathed his swords, his expression calm but firm. He turned to Rolan and smiled. "Thanks for the backup."

Rolan chuckled, wiping a bit of sweat from her brow. "Not bad yourself. You can handle yourself well."

Toran let out a loud laugh, slapping Kenshin on the back. "I knew you had it in you, captain!"

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Back on the Ship

With the pirates out of the way, Kenshin and his new crew were finally ready to leave Loguetown. The ship was fully stocked, and Rolan was already working on setting the course.

As they sailed out of the port, the city quickly fading behind them, Kenshin stood at the bow of the ship, gazing out at the open sea. The Grand Line loomed in the distance, its mysteries calling to him.

Rolan approached, standing beside him. "We've got a long road ahead of us, but with the right course, we'll make it."

Kenshin nodded, his voice low but full of conviction. "We will."

As the crew set sail, Kenshin felt a surge of excitement. This was the start of something big. The Grand Line was waiting, and he was ready to face whatever challenges it would throw at him.

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Author's Note:

In this chapter, Rolan officially joins Kenshin's crew as the navigator, and they have their first skirmish with a group of pirates in Loguetown. With the crew now complete (for the time being), they are ready to embark on their journey toward the Grand line.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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