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"Nami, you're just a beginner in swordsmanship now," Ikki explained. "Once you're able to cut through steel, you'll be able to achieve Shikai with Gonryōmaru."
He turned to Nojiko with a smile. "As for your weapon, Nojiko, I'll naturally prepare something powerful for you. But not yet—you'll need to wait a while longer."
In truth, there were no notable swords available to purchase nearby. Ikki also had no way to conduct a lottery that might yield appropriate weapons for Nojiko.
I need to get to Loguetown quickly, he thought, his mind turning to the famous sword carried by Tashigi of the Loguetown Marines. The prospect made his heart race.
What Ikki didn't realize was that Tashigi had already arrived in Cocoyasi Village. She and a group of Marines were currently questioning the villagers about Arlong's crew.
"I'm in no hurry, Captain Ikki," Nojiko assured him, hands clasped over her chest. She turned to Nami with a smile. "More importantly, shouldn't we tell everyone what happened here?"
"Yes, we really should let everyone know right away," Nami agreed. She reached out and took both Ikki and Nojiko by the hand, pulling them out of Arlong Park toward Cocoyasi Village.
"Hey, did you hear the news?"
"What news?"
"They say Arlong's crew has been defeated! The Marines were seen escorting them onto a warship!"
"What?! Arlong defeated? Was it the Marines who did it?"
"I heard it wasn't the Marines. Arlong's crew had already been defeated when they arrived."
"I know who did it, and you'll never believe me."
"You know? Tell me!"
"Haha, it was our very own Nojiko and Nami!"
"Nojiko and Nami? You must be joking! How could they possibly have such power?"
"Heh, I got this from Genzo himself. Nami and Nojiko found a powerful swordsman to teach them. They're incredibly strong now."
An elderly man with white hair thumped his chest confidently. After hearing his declaration, the gathered villagers erupted into excited discussion. Some wanted to confirm with the Marines, others with Genzo. The bolder ones even suggested going to Arlong Park to see for themselves.
"Excuse me," a clear voice interrupted from behind.
The old man turned to see a young woman with short dark hair and glasses approaching.
"Who are you, young lady?" he asked, his sharp eyes noticing the sword at her waist.
"Sir, I'm Tashigi of the Loguetown Marines," she introduced herself politely. "I've come specifically regarding Arlong's crew. I'd like to ask if your village has truly been under their rule for many years."
Tashigi held a notebook, her expression serious. Although Arlong's crew had been captured, she still needed to gather testimonies from the villagers.
"You don't even need to ask," the old man replied, nodding gravely with hatred in his eyes. "Those wretched fishmen ruled this island for more than twelve years." He began recounting to Tashigi everything that had transpired since Arlong's arrival.
Tashigi meticulously recorded every word, planning to use it as evidence of Captain Nezumi's negligence during the upcoming Marine tribunal.
What she didn't realize was that while she worked, a pair of keen eyes had focused on her—or more precisely, on the renowned sword Shigure at her waist.
Smoker didn't come, but Tashigi did? Interesting. I need to find a way to acquire that sword, Ikki thought, observing Tashigi from a distance, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
Tashigi presented a different challenge than Zoro would have. With Zoro, Ikki could simply challenge him directly and win his swords in a fair duel. But Tashigi was a Marine. Unless she willingly agreed to stake her sword in a contest, there would be no straightforward way for Ikki to win Shigure from her—not without directly confronting the Marines, which he currently wished to avoid.
"What's wrong, Captain Ikki? Do you know that person?" Nojiko followed his gaze toward Tashigi, then looked back at him with curiosity.
"I know of her, but we've never met," Ikki replied, turning to Nojiko. "Speaking of which, Nojiko, your abilities have reached the level where you can challenge the sword shadow in the training room. How about it? Before the celebration begins, would you like to attempt the challenge?"
Nojiko nodded slightly. "I'll follow your guidance, Captain Ikki."
"In that case, let's return to the Explorer right away," Ikki suggested. "Nami, go ahead and spread the news about Arlong's defeat. By the way, may I borrow your Gonryōmaru for a while?"
Though somewhat reluctant, Nami agreed.
"One more thing, Nojiko," Ikki added as they walked away, Nami's sword now at his waist. "When you challenge the sword shadow later, I plan to bring someone from the Marines to observe. Don't reveal that you can directly acquire swordsmanship knowledge by defeating the shadow."
"An observer?" Nojiko raised her eyebrows and glanced toward Tashigi. "Is that Marine officer the audience you mean?"
Ikki said nothing, only nodding quietly as they made their way through the celebrating village.