Chapter 279: Shimotsuki Village, Not Weak!
In the Kingdom of Akoslan…
"Lord Yahiko, I just received word—Shimotsuki Village will be attacked by pirates in three days."
Mondo walked up to Yahiko, his tone direct and concerned.
"Pirates?" Yahiko's expression darkened. "Targeting Shimotsuki Village?"
He clenched his fists slightly as he stood, the shadow of responsibility looming over him. From the very beginning, their journey to the East Blue had been under direct orders from Captain Ryuunosuke. Among all their tasks, two were of utmost priority: securing Foosha Village and protecting Shimotsuki Village.
Recently, they had even received urgent notice to safeguard Cocoyasi Village. Yahiko had already dispatched a detachment of Dragon Hunter Pirates for covert defense. Now, with Shimotsuki Village under threat, he couldn't afford to delay.
When it came to intelligence in the East Blue, no one was better connected than the local pirates—the Mondost Pirates. Ever since they submitted to the Dragon Hunters, their info network had been crucial.
Thanks to that wise decision, the Mondost Pirates now enjoyed a peaceful life under Ryuunosuke's rule. Honestly, how many pirate groups, aside from the Seven Warlords of the Sea, could dominate an entire kingdom?
"Truthfully, these pirates don't even seem like pirates," Mondo muttered, almost to himself. "They look more like some strange form of navy—but not the Marines we know. They're not that strong, but they move fast. If they do attack, they could wipe out a village in a day."
"Shall we intervene, Lord Yahiko?"
Yahiko's silence stretched for a moment before he finally answered.
"I'll go myself. You stay here and maintain order. Anyone who dares approach the Kingdom—eliminate them without hesitation."
With that, Yahiko turned, disappearing in a flash.
He hadn't rested much since their arrival. Most of his time had been spent training, refining the overwhelming power that surged within him. As a shinobi, his physical control was already leagues beyond most. Now, he was transforming raw power into precise, deadly force.
At his current level, one Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique) could cover more ground than several Marine "Shave" steps combined.
Upon arriving at the port, Yahiko boarded a small vessel. With the Rinnegan's powers, he didn't need anything fancy—just a boat was enough to face the sea.
---
Meanwhile, in Shimotsuki Village…
"Lord Shemingzhi," a warrior said respectfully as he approached an old man sitting calmly by the water, rod in hand. "Pirates have been sighted nearby. They might be planning an attack. Should we prepare to defend the village?"
The elderly man didn't even glance at him. His attention remained solely on the fishing line in front of him.
"There's no need to do anything," Shemingzhi replied, voice as tranquil as the water. "They're just pirates. Even if we let them walk in, they wouldn't be able to harm this village."
Despite the situation, his calm presence was unshakable. He looked more like an old fisherman than a warrior, but his aura spoke otherwise—this man was a living legend.
"…Understood," the warrior said after a pause, bowing before quietly leaving.
Not long after, he arrived at Isshin Dojo, where Shimotsuki Koshiro stood watching the students train.
"You're still not going to step in?" the warrior asked, unsure of the master's stance.
Shimotsuki Koshiro gave a small, resigned smile. "Why should we? Ryuunosuke respected our wish to stay uninvolved back then. We owe him the same."
He sighed, his eyes reflecting complex emotions.
Back when Shemingzhi was brought out of Wano, there had been an element of moral coercion. But if the old man had stayed in Wano, he likely would've died. That thought haunted Koshiro—something he could never allow.
"So what now, Master?" the warrior asked again.
"We do what Shemingzhi said," Koshiro said as he turned. "They're just pirates. Do you really think all our years of training were a waste?"
He unsheathed a long sword, the metal gleaming under the morning sun.
"We'll show them that Shimotsuki Village isn't some place to be trifled with."
---
Soon, he arrived at the dojo's training ground.
"Hyah!"
"Yah!"
Students shouted as they practiced their strikes in rhythmic unison. Their movements looked simple at first glance, but the precision and discipline behind each swing reflected years of dedication. This was the Isshin-ryu style, and every slash carried intent.
Sensing Koshiro's presence, the students immediately halted. They straightened up, wooden swords lowered, awaiting instruction.
"Saber," Koshiro said.
Just one word, but it sparked an unspoken understanding.
Their eyes lit up with fierce determination as they left the training ground, returning moments later—this time, each holding their own real blade.
Though they usually trained with specially weighted wooden swords, every disciple here owned a personal weapon tailored to their combat style.
"Shimotsuki Village is being targeted," Koshiro began, his voice calm but resolute. "We've lived peacefully here for many years. But now, it's time we honor that peace by protecting it."
"The purpose of our swordsmanship isn't just mastery—it's to protect what matters."
"Now, draw your blades."
Shiiing!
The sound of steel echoed as Koshiro drew his sword. A sharp burst of sword aura rippled through the dojo.
The students followed without hesitation, unsheathing their swords with unwavering gazes.
Together, they stepped out into the village.
---
Elsewhere in the village, two handymen from the Dragon Hunter Pirates watched in awe.
"These people... they're not panicked at all," one muttered, confused. "Don't they realize pirates are coming?"
Back in his old village, word of pirates would send people into hiding. But here? It felt like just another normal day.
"I don't get it either," the other replied, shaking his head. "But Mondo said Captain Yahiko is on his way. If that's true, we don't have to worry."
Despite their own combat experience, both men couldn't shake the chill they felt as a wave of sword energy brushed past them.
They turned to see a squad of uniformed swordsmen approaching with blades drawn and presence blazing.
One villager ran up and handed them food.
"Thank you for your help!" she said, smiling. "Please, return safely."
"Th-thank you…" one of the handymen stammered.
Only now did they understand the calm confidence of the villagers. With such a powerful force of swordsmen ready to defend them, there was no need to fear ordinary pirates.
Even as members of the Dragon Hunter Pirates, these two could feel the overwhelming presence of the Isshin-ryu warriors.
In that moment, they realized—Yahiko might not even need to come.
As Shimotsuki Koshiro and his disciples marched out of the village, the two handymen quickly reported everything back to base.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Check my Pâtreon for Advanced Chapters
Pâtreon .com/Fanficlord03
Change (â) to (a)
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>