Starting as a pirate, he rose to become the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society.

Chapter 12 Roronoa Zoro and Isshin Dojo.

After donating 200 million Berries to the Loguetown Navy, Bane received exceptional treatment from the Navy in Loguetown.

In the following days, whenever he saw Smoker had free time, he would ask him about the difficulties in practicing Haki and the Six Powers.

You know what, Smoker may have been a bit awkward in terms of his subsequent performance, but he is still a disciple of a famous teacher, and his theoretical knowledge is still very solid. He explained and solved a lot of problems for Bane.

However, Smoker's Haki training notes for Bane only recorded the basics of Haki training. As for later elements such as Ryuo and Precognition, they were completely absent.

Bane didn't ask Smoker about these things. Whether Smoker was completely clueless or had some other reason, the fact that he didn't give it to him already had some meaning, and there was no need to go up and make a fool of himself.

Considering that Koushirou should have follow-up information, after staying in Loguetown for a few days, Bann finally boarded a merchant ship bound for Shimotsuki Village.

At the port of Loguetown, Smoker, with a cigar in his mouth, stood on the dock watching the merchant ship that Bane had boarded sail away into the distance.

Tashigi, who had accompanied him to see him off, asked curiously, "Mr. Smoker, what are you daydreaming about?"

"Tashigi, do you think that guy will really join the Navy in the future?" Smoker asked softly.

"Probably? I feel like he really likes our navy. What's wrong?" Tashigi said after thinking for a moment.

"I think he would have a brighter future than me if he joined the Navy," Smoker suddenly laughed.

"Why? Is it because he's stronger than you?" Tashigi asked curiously.

"No," Smoker opened his mouth, but in the end shook his head and said, "Figure it out yourself. Let's go, it's time to go back."

Half a month later, a merchant ship slowly moored in the small harbor of Frostmoon Village.

Inside the cabin, a waitress who should have been working in the restaurant was knocking on the door in front of her.

Her eyes held a mixture of expectation, regret, and reluctance.

Not long after, Bane, with a white towel draped around his neck, bare-chested, and slightly out of breath, opened the door.

It was clear that Bane was practicing his spiritual discipline before the door was opened; through the door frame, one could see some training stone weights on the floor of his room.

"Maya, good afternoon. Is it lunchtime again? It's so kind of you to come and wake me up every day." Bane greeted the young waitress with a smile.

Looking at Bane's muscular chest and abs, the sweat dripping down his back and the smell emanating from him, Maya couldn't help but swallow hard. You see, she almost got into a fight with the other waitresses in the restaurant just to get the job of calling Bane to dinner!

It wasn't just because of Bane's muscular physique, but also because Bane was generous and always gave large tips.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Bane, this isn't to invite you to dinner, but rather to say that we've arrived at your destination, Shimotsuki Village," Maya said softly.

Bane paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "We've arrived so quickly? The thought of parting with you all is truly bittersweet."

Maya's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and she couldn't help but say, "The captain greatly admires you. If you would be willing to join us as a guard..."

"I'm sorry, I have other important matters to attend to and cannot continue traveling with you," Bane said, shaking his head.

Soon, after bidding farewell to the ship, Bane set foot on the port of Frostmoon Village.

He easily found out the location of Isshin Dojo by asking around at the port, mainly because Isshin Dojo was so famous in Shimotsuki Village.

It can be said that the Koushirou family is the largest landowner in the entire Shimotsuki Village, and 90% of the villagers depend on them for their livelihood.

This can be seen from the name of the village, Shimotsuki Village, where Koushirou's family is the Shimotsuki clan.

It is said that before their clan settled here, the village was called Seymour Chiki Village.

The Yixin Dojo is not located within the village or town, but outside of it. It is also quite small, and you would never guess that the owner of the dojo is the wealthiest man in the area; it is very simple.

Just as Ben was about to knock on the door and visit the owner of the house.

The gate to the kendo dojo was opened from the inside, and then a man with green hair, three swords at his waist, and an empty sake bottle in his hand walked out.

Bane recognized the guy at a glance: Roronoa Zoro, the man who aspires to become the world's greatest swordsman!

Zoro spotted Bane's large frame immediately, sized him up, and a hint of interest flickered in his eyes. He immediately asked, "Who's there? Here to challenge us?"

He could sense that Bane was very strong, much stronger than his fellow students in the kendo dojo, and perhaps a good opponent. Since Kuina's accidental death, Zoro had not met a worthy opponent for a long time.

Even his fellow students at the kendo dojo couldn't defeat him when they all ganged up on him, and his master never intervened. As a result, Zoro has recently started considering leaving the dojo to find a more interesting opponent on the high seas.

In fact, Zoro did set sail some time earlier than Luffy. When Luffy set sail, Roronoa Zoro was already a well-known pirate hunter in the East Blue.

"No, I've come to visit the owner of this place, Mr. Koushirou," Bane said to Zoro with a smile.

Upon hearing that he wasn't there to cause trouble, Zoro wore a bored expression and casually said, "Are you Master's friend? He's inside. I'll take you in."

He had originally intended to go out and buy some alcohol, but now he saw that Bane was carrying some gifts, including several bottles of alcohol that looked very expensive.

Not a single mistake, not a single poem, not a single post, not a single piece of content, not a single look!

Therefore, Zoro thought he would take him in, and maybe he could get a couple of drinks later.

Upon entering the kendo dojo, Bane soon saw many swordsmen training. Some were practicing their sword swings, while others were sparring with each other. When these people noticed Bane's unfamiliar face, they all cast curious and questioning glances at him. However, after seeing Zoro leading the way, they quickly stopped paying attention to the place.

After passing through the courtyard, the two soon arrived at a house for entertaining guests.

Bane thought to himself, "I didn't expect that this green algae-headed guy wouldn't get lost!"

He actually had some expectations!

"This guest... uh..." Zoro turned to look at Bane, who seemed to want to say something.

Bane, ever understanding, replied, "My name is Bane."

"Alright, Bane, please wait here for a moment while I go inform my master," Zoro instructed.

He didn't have to wait long, only about five or six minutes, before he heard footsteps outside.

Then, Koushirou, who wore glasses and had a very gentle demeanor, walked in with Zoro.

Koushirou first observed Bane, then asked with some doubt, "Mr. Bane, do we know each other?"

"No, nice to meet you, Mr. Koushirou." Bane greeted him politely, then got straight to the point: "I've come here to learn some skills from you to enhance my abilities!"

Koushirou paused for a moment, then suddenly realized and said, "So, you've come here to become an apprentice and learn martial arts?"

"That's one way to put it." Bane nodded, then pushed the gift he had prepared forward, saying, "I hope you won't hesitate to offer your guidance."

Koushirou smiled and said, "No need to be so polite. As long as you want to learn, I can teach you."

Clearly, he assumed Bane was just like everyone else who had come to him to learn kendo.

After a slight pause, Koushirou continued, "Our Isshin-ryu swordsmanship is further divided into several styles and techniques. For example, Zoro is a three-sword style swordsman. I wonder if you have any knowledge of swordsmanship? And which techniques would you like to learn?"

"Ahem, to be honest, Mr. Koushirou, my main purpose in coming here is to learn the power of Haki from you. As for swordsmanship, that's secondary," Bane coughed lightly and explained.

I've signed a contract! I hope everyone will support me by investing, giving me recommendations and monthly votes, etc. I would be extremely grateful!

(End of this chapter)