Caesar wasn't sure how the Navy taught Haki, but for pirates, whether it was Armament Haki or Observation Haki, one essential element was getting hit!
Armament Haki was about adapting to, guiding, and learning this power through being hit, while Observation Haki required maintaining calmness and amplifying perception during the process of being struck.
If you wanted to grow, you had to endure the harshest beatings!
However, to further enhance this power, simply getting hit wasn't enough.
Thanks to his heightened senses, Caesar's awakening of Observation Haki far outpaced his Armament Haki, yet the difficulty of advancing in the two was completely opposite.
Armament Haki Emission and Internal Destruction required more precise control, a process that demanded intense concentration.
On the other hand, Future Sight in Observation Haki required not just focus but also an indescribable intuition.
For someone like Yamato, with her straightforward personality, this intuition might be easier to grasp than the technical aspects of Armament Haki Emission.
But for Caesar, a materialist transmigrator, anything intangible and untouchable was as difficult to learn as deciphering a book with no words.
Caesar didn't believe he could master such a skill in a single battle like Luffy did.
So, he decided to blindfold himself, intending to perceive the world as a blind man, much like Issho, and learn this power by constantly releasing Observation Haki as part of his training.
Aside from his deficiency in Future Sight, Caesar discovered another issue.
Weapons!
It wasn't that he didn't have one. The Third Generation Ghost Cutter, hidden in Loguetown, had become part of his collection years ago. However, although this blade was a Demon Blade, it was only a Sharp Blade, and using it felt oddly uncomfortable.
It was as if the blade didn't belong to him, and there was always a strange dissonance when wielding it, making it feel awkward and unnatural.
A blade chooses its master.
This was what the shopkeeper, Ipponmatsu, had told him when he acquired the Third Generation Ghost Cutter.
The so-called Supreme Grade Swords - 12 Craftsmen and the Great Grade Swords - 21 Craftsmen didn't have a significant difference in forging techniques. Historically, their rankings had changed multiple times, and the distinction between them often depended more on the user's strength and reputation.
For example, after Whitebeard's death, the Cloud-Cutting Blade had no inheritor and faded into history. Its ranking would eventually be replaced by other famous swords.
Or, if Zoro became the world's greatest swordsman, his Peaceful Path One Word would rise in prominence alongside his strength and fame, replacing a long-lost Supreme Grade Sword.
However, unlike the former two, the differences between Great Grade Swords, Skillful Grade Blades, and the lower-tier Sharp Blades were much more pronounced.
The Third Generation Ghost Cutter was a work forged by Kozuki Sukiyaki, the father of Kozuki Oden, in his youth, modeled after the Second Generation Ghost Cutter. While its forging level was slightly lacking, it was still part of the Ghost Cutter lineage. Although it wasn't listed among the Skillful Grade Swords - 50 Craftsmen, its sharpness was in no way inferior.
In the system's judgment, the Third Generation Ghost Cutter was irreplicable, meaning it indeed possessed a certain level of self-awareness.
Caesar had always thought that his inability to tame this blade was due to his lack of strength.
But now, when he took out the blade again, he found that the strange dissonance hadn't disappeared. Instead, it felt even more pronounced due to his Observation Haki.
In addition to the Third Generation Ghost Cutter, Caesar also collected Ipponmatsu's family heirloom, Snow Stride, one of the Skillful Grade Swords - 50 Craftsmen.
Similarly irreplicable and much more manageable than the Ghost Cutter, though it felt slightly shorter in hand, a trait shared with the Third Generation Ghost Cutter.
It's worth mentioning that both swords were rated as A-grade famous blades. The first, the Third Generation Ghost Cutter, rewarded Caesar with 'Swordsmanship Mastery,' a skill that could dominate the East Blue but fell short of cutting through iron.
As for Snow Stride, being the second sword of the same caliber to be collected, it didn't grant Caesar any additional rewards.
During his previous battle with Kaidou, Caesar noticed that relying solely on fists made it difficult to gain an advantage in combat.
Kaidou could wield his club with both hands, delivering a devastating blow with the Subjugation of the Three Worlds that sent Caesar tumbling. The concentrated power of both arms on a single weapon was something a single fist could hardly match.
With his Haki strength inferior to Kaidou's, relying solely on Snow Stride, a Skillful Grade Blade, would likely be insufficient to withstand Kaidou's Eight Precepts, specifically designed to break the will of kings. Thus, a good weapon was indispensable.
At the Shogun's residence, Caesar summoned Kozuki Hiyori.
Kozuki Hiyori knelt respectfully and bowed her head. "Hiyori greets Lord Caesar."
"At ease."
Caesar waved his hand gently. "I heard you asked Yamato to release the prisoners from the quarry?"
"Yes."
Kozuki Hiyori nodded slightly. "Among them are some samurai who once served the Kozuki Clan, as well as intellectuals who opposed Kurozumi Orochi. With the current need for capable individuals, I can assure you that this will not disrupt the order of Wano Country."
"I'm not blaming you."
Caesar nodded. "I called you here for another matter. Kozuki Oden's sword, Enma, should be in your possession, correct?"
Hiyori was momentarily taken aback. "If you require it, my lord, I can offer it to you."
"Offer it, huh…"
Caesar smiled. "Let me see it first."
Soon, a tachi with a three-lobed tsuba was placed before Caesar.
Caesar picked up the sword. Compared to Snow Stride, Enma was noticeably heavier, with a substantial feel and a faint, ominous aura.
As Caesar gripped the hilt, Kozuki Hiyori quickly cautioned, "Please be careful, my lord. This sword has a tendency to drain the user's Flowing Sakura on its own. Aside from my father, no one has ever been able to tame this blade."
As soon as she finished speaking, there was a metallic clang.
The long sword was unsheathed, its brilliance undeniable.
Feeling his Haki being voraciously absorbed by the sword, Caesar snorted coldly. A faint Conqueror's Haki pressure emanated from him, and the sword in his hand immediately hummed, returning all the Haki it had just absorbed.
Then, Caesar sheathed the sword, and it vanished into thin air, transforming into a card in his palm.
[Collection Item: Great Grade Blade - Demon Blade - Enma]
[Rarity: SS]
[Collection Value: S]
[Achievement Unlocked: Collect a Great Grade Blade]
[Achievement Reward: Swordsmanship Mastery]
[Swordsmanship Mastery: You can always precisely cut through your target, but this is not the limit of swordsmanship.]
Caesar raised an eyebrow. The rarity was higher than that of a Devil Fruit, but the collection value was lower?
However, it's hard to say. Both Devil Fruits and Great Grade Blades are unique high-value collectibles. Perhaps the difference lies in their individual characteristics.
"This sword isn't suitable for me either."
With a flick of his hand, Enma reappeared in his grasp, and Caesar returned it to Kozuki Hiyori.
The system's attitude toward collectibles could be summed up as: it doesn't seek eternal possession, only temporary ownership. It wouldn't revoke rewards just because a collectible was taken out, which was quite considerate.
"Are you concerned about my feelings, my lord?"
Hearing this, Kozuki Hiyori quickly spoke up, "Although this sword is a relic of my late father, if it were in your hands, Lord Caesar, I believe even my father, in the afterlife, would only feel joy."
Caesar chuckled lightly, "You're overthinking it. I'm not concerned about your feelings; it's simply not suitable for me."
Kozuki Hiyori paused, pursed her lips, and looked visibly hurt.
"The matter of land reclamation still requires your attention. If anyone dares to cause trouble in this regard, don't hesitate—have Ulti deal with them immediately. Ensure that farming is restored as quickly as possible."
Caesar gave his instructions and then asked, "Are there any difficult issues you've encountered at this stage?"
"There was a shortage of food a few days ago, but fortunately, it's been resolved."
Kozuki Hiyori bit her lip lightly, as if struggling to speak, "Also, Lord Queen has been pursuing me…"
"I can guarantee your safety from harm, but I can't interfere with normal courtship. For such matters, you should seek Yamato."
Caesar waved his hand dismissively, "If there's nothing else, you may leave."
Kozuki Hiyori's disappointment was palpable. She gave a slight bow and quietly withdrew.
Only after she left the room did Caesar let out an almost imperceptible scoff.
Trying to flirt with me, huh…
Caesar wasn't a clueless straight man; Kozuki Hiyori's subtle intentions didn't escape him.
On the surface, she might genuinely just want to avoid Queen's advances, but if that were the case, Yamato could just as well charge in with her club and beat Queen up. Yamato, though lacking real authority as the shogun, certainly had the physical strength to back it up.
There was no need to bypass Yamato, who was also a woman and naturally sympathetic to her, and instead come to Caesar with such matters. Not to mention, Kozuki Hiyori still had her old retainers to protect her.
On a deeper level, it was possible she was attempting a honey trap, trying to sow discord within the Beasts Pirate Crew or even persuade Caesar to defect.
Either way, it would give the Kozuki Clan an opportunity.
For Caesar, eradicating the influence of the Kozuki Clan was far more important than defeating Kaidou.
Even if it were true that his charm had won over Kozuki Hiyori, he wouldn't make the slightest compromise in this regard.
Kozuki Hiyori could live, basking in the shogun's glory, and the old retainers of the Kozuki Clan could live, repaying the shogun's kindness with loyalty…
But Momonosuke had to die!
Because the shogun's position must remain unshakable!
———
Wano Country, Kuri, Amigasa Village.
Caesar, with a black cloth tied over his eyes and the Third Generation Ghost Cutter hanging at his waist, strolled into the village.
The children playing at the village entrance spotted Caesar and immediately erupted in excited shouts.
"It's Lord Caesar!"
"It really is Lord Caesar!"
Ever since Yamato assumed the position of shogun, Caesar's appearance had been broadcast and etched into the memories of the people.
Now, seeing Caesar, even with his eyes covered, the children recognized him—the man who had ordered the distribution of food, sparing them from hunger.
In the crowd, a little girl looked at Caesar with concern. "Why is Caesar-sama covering his eyes? Is he injured?"
"It's just for training."
Hearing the girl's worried question, Caesar smiled slightly. "Excuse me, does Tenguyama Hitetsu live here?"
"Huh? Caesar-sama is here to see my master?"
The girl's eyes lit up at his words. "My name is Tama, and the Tenguyama Hitetsu you mentioned is indeed my master!"
"So your name is Tama."
Caesar chuckled softly, gently stroking the girl's hair. "Can you take me to see your master?"
"Of course! Please follow me, sir!"
Tama nodded obediently and led Caesar into the village.
They arrived at an old treehouse in the corner of the village. Tama pushed the door open and entered.
Inside the room, a short old man wearing a tengu mask was fiddling with a wooden doll of a beautiful girl, occasionally letting out a lecherous chuckle.
"Master! Caesar-sama is here to visit! It's the Caesar-sama from the shogunate!"
"Huh? Caesar?"
Hearing the name, Tenguyama Hitetsu turned his head sharply, his eyes filled with surprise and a hint of panic.
"Forgive the intrusion."
Though Caesar spoke politely, he walked into the room without hesitation, waving his hand to conjure a soft chair and leaning back into it.
"Tama, you may leave now."
Seeing Caesar's demeanor, Tenguyama Hitetsu's eyes flickered with wariness. He dismissed Tama, his gaze falling on the Third Generation Ghost Cutter that Caesar had placed horizontally in front of him. That blade was one of his own creations from his younger days.
"I am Tenguyama Hitetsu, a swordsmith. Have you come to forge a weapon?"
"Indeed."
Caesar nodded. "But before that, I have some questions about weapons. I hope you can enlighten me, Hitetsu-sama."
Hearing this, Tenguyama Hitetsu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "Please, go ahead."
"This Third Generation Ghost Cutter is a Demon Blade I obtained from a weapon shop in the East Blue."
Caesar's tone was slightly puzzled. "For some reason, this blade has always felt... off to me. I initially thought it was due to my lack of strength, but even as my power grew, this sense of dissonance never disappeared. I wonder what the reason might be."
Hearing Caesar's words, Hitetsu nodded without surprise. "You are not a swordsman, are you?"
"Can you tell that just by looking?"
Caesar was curious. "My swordsmanship... should be fairly decent, no?"
Hitetsu shook his head. "Being a swordsman is not determined by one's skill with the blade, but by..."
"Conviction?"
"Exactly!"
"I knew it..."
Caesar chuckled. This world was one giant conviction!
"Not all strong individuals who wield swords can be called swordsmen. A true swordsman must first possess a heart firmly dedicated to the way of the sword."
Tenguyama Hitetsu explained, "The Ghost Cutter series of blades, while powerful, are difficult to control. Typically, only the most exceptional swordsmen can wield them. A good blade can sense the heart of its wielder. You may have the skill, but without the heart of a swordsman, you cannot fully master the blade in your hand, let alone a Demon Blade, which is inherently wild and untamable."
"I see..."
Caesar nodded. It was true that he hadn't used swords much, and his swordsmanship had mostly come from system rewards.
Though he hadn't personally experienced it, Caesar had heard enough to understand the kind of self-discipline that pure swordsmen like Zoro and Hawkeye demanded—a level of dedication that was hard for ordinary people to comprehend. He had also come across similar ideas in various works, such as the notion that a swordsman must be unyielding and forge ahead without hesitation.
But Caesar, of course, lacked such conviction...
"In that case, I would like to request that you, Master Tenguyama, forge a suitable sword for me. Money is no object—I only hope it can reach the level of a Sharp Blade. What do you say?"
(End of Chapter)