PIRATE:SEEING MY PROFICIENCY I BECAME A LEGEND

"Dongze!"

"I really envy that moss-head's talent!"

To be honest, the fact that Roronoa Zoro would go on to perform so brilliantly in the future and even grow to the point of becoming Monkey D. Luffy's right-hand man wasn't just due to his indomitable will. His raw talent as a swordsman was undeniable.

Being recognized by both Koshiro, the renowned master of Isshin Dojo, and Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman, and being trained by both, spoke volumes about his exceptional potential. Even in a world filled with monstrous talent, Zoro's swordsmanship stood out.

These two mentors weren't ordinary figures. Mihawk sat at the very pinnacle of swordsmanship, a legend feared across the Grand Line, while Koshiro hailed from the prestigious Shimotsuki lineage, a family deeply connected to Wano's samurai heritage. In terms of swordsmanship, they represented two of the highest echelons of the art.

It was precisely because of this that Zoro's potential was so remarkable. However, as Dongze gazed at the young girl in front of him, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Kuina, the girl who had always been just a step ahead of Zoro in their youth, possessed a talent that, in some ways, even surpassed his.

Too bad she never had the chance to grow.

Having spent years in Isshin Dojo, Dongze had come to understand Koshiro's character. He was not the kind of man who discriminated against women, yet his seemingly dismissive attitude towards his daughter's ambitions puzzled him. The way he constantly preached to Kuina about her limitations—perhaps it wasn't sexism, but fear. Maybe he simply couldn't bear the thought of his daughter setting foot on the blood-soaked path of a swordsman, where life and death were determined by the blade.

After all, the seas were a dangerous place. Even in the relatively peaceful East Blue, there were pirates, bandits, and even whispers of revolutionary movements. If Koshiro himself, a master swordsman, chose to remain hidden here, how could he feel at ease letting his daughter go?

But of course, this was only Dongze's speculation.

Kuina helped Dongze to his feet, allowing him to lean on her as they made their way back toward the dojo. Halfway there, a sharp pain caused Dongze to grimace. Seeing his discomfort, Kuina frowned and asked softly:

"Hey! Dongze, are you really okay?"

Dongze pressed a hand to his ribs and winced. "Two broken ribs. I'll be laid up for ten days, maybe two weeks! (Though in this world, it might not even heal in half a year!)"

Hearing this, Kuina blushed slightly. In the heat of the moment, she hadn't held back her strength. Despite her age, she was already stronger than many adults. It was no surprise that Dongze had taken serious damage after taking a direct hit from her.

As they passed the training grounds, both of them glanced toward the wooden posts where a certain green-haired boy was relentlessly swinging his practice swords.

"1005, 1006, 1007…"

Beside him lay two heavy stone slabs, clearly meant to increase his endurance. The numbers scrawled onto them made Dongze's mouth twitch involuntarily.

He cursed inwardly, "What kind of monster is this? Is he even human?!"

Of course, that moss-headed freak was none other than Roronoa Zoro. Seeing Kuina and Dongze passing by, Zoro didn't stop his training—in fact, he intensified his strikes, his eyes filled with determination. It was as if the wooden stake in front of him were Kuina herself, the rival who had always been just out of his reach.

As for Dongze? He was insignificant. Zoro never once considered him a real competitor, having defeated him in every single spar they'd had.

Zoro only respected those stronger than him. No matter how hard Dongze trained, the swordsman simply didn't believe he could ever catch up to his level.

But what Zoro didn't know was that Dongze had awakened an ability that changed everything.

As the saying goes, "If you don't see someone for three days, you should reevaluate them with fresh eyes."

When Dongze looked at Zoro again, his gaze was steady and unreadable.

After an afternoon of testing his newfound ability, he finally understood its potential. With this power, he could catch up, surpass everything, and carve his name into history alongside the legends of this world.

For most people, the hardest part of growth wasn't persistence, but the uncertainty of whether their efforts would ever bear fruit. Yet now, Dongze no longer had any doubts. The only thing left was to push forward, to endure, and to keep moving toward his goal.

He noticed a flicker of envy in Kuina's eyes and sighed.

"Kuina, talent is something you're born with. What's the point of envying it?"

"Would whining about Zoro's monstrous growth make the gods suddenly grant us his freakish endurance?"

Kuina's expression darkened. She knew he was right. No matter how much she wished for it, she would never have Zoro's ridiculous physique.

Seeing her disappointment, Dongze smirked and added, "But if we can't change it, then we just have to work harder. Maybe that's the only way to rise above the rest. Besides, I don't think your talent is any weaker than that moss-head's. Strength alone doesn't determine who is the better swordsman."

"And look at him—why do you think he's training like a madman? It's because he wants to surpass you. If he refuses to give up, then why should you?"

"Hmph, got it! And besides, do I look like someone who gives up so easily?"

Hearing Dongze's words, Zoro hesitated for a split second.

"Not bad."

The corner of his mouth curled slightly before he resumed his relentless training.

Dongze's words were meant to encourage Kuina, but in truth, he also wanted Zoro to keep improving. After all, a strong rival would only push him further.

Zoro still didn't think much of Dongze, but at least he acknowledged that he had a use: keeping Kuina motivated.

But little did he know that the very person he looked down upon today would one day become his greatest challenge.

Such was the irony of fate.

"Hey! Are you spacing out again, Kuina?!"

"Ugh, I heard you! You don't have to yell!"

With a smirk, Kuina suddenly reached out and ruffled Dongze's hair, messing it up completely before flicking away the stray strands between her fingers. She acted as if nothing had happened, but the gesture made Zoro's eye twitch in irritation.

Looking at the tuft of hair in Kuina's hand, Dongze muttered to himself, "Damn, this girl really is a tyrannosaurus…"