Pirate: I have a Hollow living inside me!

This is a matter of life and death.

Even if his adoptive father Duke didn't want him to go to sea, Rocks would go to sea on his own.

To have enough to eat, to survive.

He had no choice but to go to sea!

At the same time, Rocks also longed for this sea.

Come here.

As a time traveler, Locke could not possibly live a secluded life in this small East China Sea.

He wanted to experience the local customs and culture of this seaside region!

Upon hearing Lox's words, Duke's eyes lit up: "You've already chosen your partner? It's Kuina, right? Hahaha, not bad, not bad, that girl is strong and pretty too..."

"You two are sure to achieve great things and make the name Rocks famous throughout the world once again!"

"..."

Rocks' face darkened.

My inner monologue: Brainless fans are disgusting!

However, I've gotten used to the old man's personality and can't be bothered to pay him any attention...

Chapter 2 Setting Sail!

It is now the year 1517 of the Haiyuan calendar.

Rocks didn't remember the exact timeline of One Piece very clearly.

Anyway, Rubber Man Nika hasn't gone to sea yet, and there are no related reports in the newspapers.

The sky was just beginning to lighten.

Rocks then woke up.

After washing up, I began my daily practice.

Rocks first practiced the boxing technique he learned from Duke—the Duke-style boxing technique that is said to be able to defeat the Four Emperors!

of course.

The claim that he could defeat the Four Emperors was just old Duke's boast.

It's true that this old man was once a member of the Rocks Pirates, but apart from being quite knowledgeable, his strength was actually just average. Otherwise, he wouldn't have come to the East Blue to retire...

'boom! '

Rocks threw a straight punch, the blade rippled with energy.

The punch struck the tree stump in front of him squarely, and the force surged and exploded instantly.

With a muffled thud, a crater suddenly exploded behind the tree stump, scattering wood chips everywhere...

"I've completely mastered this technique of generating power. You're truly worthy of me!"

Looking at the destruction he had caused, Locke nodded in satisfaction: "Old Duke may not be very strong, but his boxing skills do have some merit."

"If it could be used in conjunction with advanced Armament Haki, the effect would be even better..."

Old Duke's strength was average; he was no match for Rocks.

However, the Duke style of boxing that the opponent created does have some merit.

Once mastered, it can unleash shockwaves and punches.

Similar to striking a cow through a mountain or a punch penetrating the body, it can cause direct damage to the internal organs.

Rocks thought to himself that this kind of fist technique, when used with high-level Armament Haki, should double its effect.

It's a formidable style of boxing!

"Even Old Duke doesn't know how to cultivate advanced Haki. I'll have to rely on myself in the future. How can someone like that call himself a member of the Rocks Pirates?"

Rocks then made another sarcastic remark about his adoptive father.

Old Duke was indeed very knowledgeable, even knowing how to cultivate basic domineering aura.

Otherwise, Rocks would definitely have thought that this "member of the Rocks Pirates" was just something the other party was bragging about...

"We've practiced fist techniques, let's practice swordsmanship. We can't afford to lose to Kuina in a few days, otherwise we'll have to follow her lead..."

Rocks majored in boxing and swordsmanship.

Compared to boxing, Rocks valued swordsmanship more.

There's no other reason, I just think swordsmen are cool.

In fact, Rocks had another ambition: to become the world's greatest swordsman!

"Let's begin!"

Rocks picked up his sword—a fairly well-made katana.

He began practicing his swordsmanship with great effort.

They practiced the basic swordsmanship of the Isshin Dojo.

However, compared to his fist techniques, Rocks' swordsmanship was rather unbearable to watch.

It's not that it lacks any structure, but it just looks very awkward.

It's no different from waving a fire poker around randomly...

"This is terrible..."

Old Duke, who was watching Rocks practice his swordsmanship, covered his face, unable to bear it any longer.

He took a drag of his cigarette and said slowly, "Young man, listen to this old man's advice, you're really not suited to using a sword..."

"You don't understand. Using a sword is a man's romance, and my abilities also destined me to become a powerful swordsman in the future."

Lockes ignored him and confidently declared, "If there are different levels of swordsmanship, I have already reached the level of 'cutting iron'."

His ability is Mythical Zoan type, Hollow form, Blackwing Demon, how could he not know how to use a sword?

Ulquiorra is a master swordsman.

He believed that his swordsmanship would definitely not be weak in the future.

No, not even the future. His swordsmanship is already quite strong, having reached the level of "cutting iron"!

Old Duke: "..."

I don't understand why this kid is so obsessed with swordsmanship.

Physical skills are clearly the opponent's strength.

This kid's talent in physical combat is so good that he can even "master" the Duke-style boxing technique he fabricated, and actually deliver impacts that can cause internal damage...

He was shocked!

I knew this kid was talented, but I never imagined he was this exceptionally gifted.

This kid is so irresponsible; he actually wants to become a swordsman, even though he has almost no talent in swordsmanship...

Reaching the realm of cutting through iron...

It can indeed cut iron.

But he had no skill whatsoever; he relied solely on the kid's astonishing strength.

This is all thanks to the Devil Fruit, okay...?

It belongs to the kind of approach where strength is so great that bricks fly, and brute force can overcome any skill.

What kind of "Iron-Cutting Realm" is this?

'Forget it, once this kid has seen the vastness of the sea, he'll realize how poor his swordsmanship talent is...'

Old Duke shook his head, feeling truly helpless.

I've said it all, and I've tried to persuade them.

The kid just wouldn't listen, and there was nothing he could do.

I simply stopped thinking about it.

Once he sees the vastness of the sea, this kid will realize that swordsmanship is not for him...

Taking a puff of his pipe, old Duke asked again, "When are you going to sea?"

“A merchant ship will be heading to Shimotsuki Village in a few days. I need to go to Isshin Dojo to fulfill my promise to Kuina, since we share the same goal.”

Rocks didn't stop practicing his swordsmanship, and took a moment to reply.

Because of his obsession with swordsmanship, Rocks naturally wanted to learn it.

By chance, he entered the Isshin Dojo and practiced basic swordsmanship with Shimotsuki Koushirou for a period of time.

Nature.

Rocks knew Kuina and Zoro, who were also training at the Isshin Dojo.

Because of Lox's presence, the tragedy of Kuina falling to her death down the stairs was averted.

Locus also made a "three-year agreement" with Kuina.

Judging by the time, it's about time. I should go and fulfill my promise to Kuina!

……

a few days later.

Rocks is preparing to set sail.

Location of the dock.

Besides old Duke, other people came to see him off; they were villagers from the island village.

The simple and honest villagers got along fairly well with Lockes and old Duke.

Although these people looked reluctant to part, they couldn't hide the joy in their eyes.