When Ron began thinking about it, countless legendary blades flashed through his mind.
In this era, unclaimed famous swords—especially those ranked among the "Great Grade 21" or higher—were almost impossible to find.
And as for the "Supreme Grade 12", they were treasures beyond reach.
Among the Great Grade blades, names like Enma and Second Generation Kitetsu came to mind.
Each possessed immense power, but for one reason or another—whether because of distance or circumstance—they weren't ideal choices.
As for Shusui, the black blade once wielded by Ryuma the swordsman, Ron found it impressive but… incomplete.
He wanted something more.
Not just a weapon forged by another—
but one he could forge himself into a true black blade.
A blade shaped by his will and tempered by his journey.
Even if it started as an ordinary sword, once it carried his intent, it would surpass any name-brand weapon in the world.
That belief settled his mind.
His target would be Thriller Bark, home of the black sword Shusui.
Not for its fame—
but because it could become the first step toward creating his own true blade.
If fate willed it, that sword would be reborn through him.
But before setting sail for such ambitions, something else demanded his attention.
"Have you decided where we're going next?" Nami asked, eyes bright with curiosity.
Ron's lips curved into a playful smile.
"Our destination's set. But it's not going to be easy.
It lies within the Grand Line—Asuka Island."
He paused, eyes gleaming.
"Rumor has it that the island holds a cursed blade… the Seven-Star Sword. They say it brings doom to its wielder."
Nami's brows furrowed slightly.
"Cursed? That sounds dangerous."
Ron chuckled.
"To ordinary people, maybe. But for me? A little curse isn't worth losing sleep over."
The two shared a knowing look.
Neither mentioned the Arlong Pirates.
Nami didn't bring it up, and Ron didn't press her.
But deep down, he already knew.
If he wanted Nami to truly be his navigator—to sail freely without fear—
then the Arlong Pirates had to be erased.
Still, he preferred that she be the one to make that choice.
Because when someone decides to fight for themselves… the victory means more.
"Grand Line, huh…"
The words left Nami's lips in a soft whisper.
Her eyes shone with both fear and wonder.
Ever since childhood, her dream had been to draw a complete map of the world.
The Grand Line was her paradise and her nightmare.
Even the mighty Krieg Pirates had only survived there for seven days.
Could the two of them truly make it through?
But then she thought of Mihawk a man who sailed that sea alone, undefeated.
Her doubt melted away.
"Ron," she said suddenly, her tone hesitant.
"Before we go to the Grand Line… can I go home first?"
"Of course."
Ron grinned, tapping the wooden box beside him that contained Krieg's severed head.
"The Marines's 16th Branch is nearby. We'll cash in the bounty—
and while we're at it…"
He paused, his eyes narrowing.
"…we'll deal with the Arlong Pirates."
And, he thought silently, learn Fishman Karate while I'm at it.
After all, if he possessed a "God-tier aptitude," why not master everything?
Strength, defense, speed—he wanted no weakness.
The next morning, their small sailboat tore across the sea like a streak of lightning.
Ron rowed with absurd strength, each stroke creating waves that carried them faster and faster.
Within a few short hours, they reached the shores of Cocoyasi Village.
The start of their Grand Line adventure was drawing near.
Nami glanced at Ron, who hadn't slept all night yet still looked energized, his eyes alight with curiosity.
She smiled softly.
"Maybe… we should get a bigger boat," she suggested.
Ron laughed.
"You're probably right."
He wasn't tired, but even his boundless stamina had limits.
Better to save his energy for battle for training.
As fate would have it, the perfect opportunity soon appeared.
The Arlong Pirates' ship—the Shark Submerge III—was sitting quietly in the harbor.
It would make a fine replacement for their little sailboat.
And after a few modifications, it could serve as their first real ship.
Nami brightened.
"Ron, when we reach Cocoyasi, you have to try my sister Nojiko's oranges. They're the best in the East Blue."
"Nojiko, huh? I'll take your word for it."
The two chatted and laughed as they walked down the small path toward Nami's home.
The morning air was fresh, the village calm and quiet.
Villagers waved as Nami passed, their smiles warm but… strained.
"Welcome home, Nami! Who's this fine gentleman—your partner?" one joked.
Nami's cheeks turned pink.
She didn't answer—just tugged Ron along quickly.
Their laughter faded down the road.
And when they disappeared from sight, the smiles on the villagers' faces vanished too.
Their expressions darkened, eyes burning with quiet rage.
Two days earlier, Captain Nezumi of the Marines's 16th Branch had raided the village.
He'd accused Nami of "hiding stolen money" in her orange grove and seized every last Berry she had saved.
The villagers had tried to resist but the Marines beat them down mercilessly.
"Poor Nami," an old man muttered bitterly.
"She's been suffering all these years… just to buy our freedom."
"Arlong said a hundred million Berries would free the village," another spat.
"But he lied. He was working with the Marines all along!"
The air grew heavy with anger.
"We can't let her keep suffering for us!"
"Not again. Not anymore."
"She's carried our burden long enough—now it's our turn to fight."
The people of Cocoyasi clenched their fists, hearts burning with guilt and determination.
The little girl who once smiled under the sun had grown up bearing the weight of an entire village.
And this time, they swore to themselves they would not let Nami sacrifice herself again.