Ryuya and Dragon, despite their clash, failed to sway each other. Their fists collided, unleashing a shockwave that ripped through the air w

Ryuya and Dragon, despite their clash, failed to sway each other.

Their fists collided, unleashing a shockwave that ripped through the air with a deafening roar.

Thunder boomed, lightning illuminating the ravaged ground below.

Seizing the opportunity, Dragon retreated. Luffy and his crew had already left the harbor, likely beyond the Marines' immediate reach.

He felt a sense of paternal pride watching his son set sail as a pirate.

Luffy's background was truly unique. His grandfather, a Marine hero, could command the Navy's full might. His father was the Revolutionary Army leader, wielding immense power.

But this also meant Luffy needed rigorous training to avoid being overshadowed by his family's influence.

Ryuya, watching Dragon disappear, didn't pursue him, descending slowly from the sky.

Seeing the devastation, he felt a pang of sympathy.

He addressed Smoker, "I'll donate 10 million Beli to rebuild this town. I hope it helps."

Ryuya then headed towards the harbor, intending to leave. His mission—to counter Dragon—was complete.

Luffy's departure marked the acceleration of the storyline; Blackbeard's actions and the Summit War were imminent.

Even Ryuya's actions couldn't alter the grand narrative's course.

But then, Tashigi stopped him, her face flushed.

"Admiral White Dove, please take me as your apprentice! I want to reach the peak of swordsmanship!"

Ryuya looked her up and down. "Give me a reason."

A smile touched Tashigi's lips. She took a deep breath.

"I crave the pinnacle of swordsmanship. I've studied famous swords, realizing they possess their own spirits and demands of their masters.

I want to meet those demands, to reach my peak! Please accept me. I won't disappoint you!"

Ryuya approached her, his breath ghosting across her face.

"Your reasons are uninspiring. You don't know what you truly want—the peak of swordsmanship, or the swords' approval. You're unaware of these things."

Disappointment flickered across Tashigi's face.

But Ryuya continued, "Though I reject your reasons, I sense your passion for the sword, the way and the spirit.

I'll take you, but you must forge your own path. One day, I'll ask what you truly desire."

Ryuya walked towards the harbor. Tears streamed down Tashigi's face. She turned to the injured Smoker.

"Colonel Smoker, thank you for your guidance. I'm pursuing my own path. Please forgive my impulsiveness."

Smoker felt a pang of sadness. He'd been in her position once, and now she was facing the same choices. He was too weak.

Logia-type Devil Fruits were powerful in the East Blue, but their advantage diminished in the Grand Line, where Logias and Armament Haki were more common.

The sky darkened further, but the lightning ceased.

A heavy rain began to fall. Suddenly, an idea struck Smoker.

This was the entrance to the Grand Line, and Luffy had just set sail.

As Dragon's son, Luffy was a key figure.

Smoker could pursue Luffy, hone his skills, and return triumphantly to headquarters.

Smoker's perspective shifted dramatically.

Before, he'd focused on reducing pirate numbers. Now, he wanted to prove himself, to show he wasn't talentless, that he hadn't wasted his Moku Moku no Mi.

He returned to the Marine base, gathering soldiers willing to join him in the Grand Line.

They set sail on a Marine warship.

And at that moment, Ryuya's other identity, the King Sterry clone…

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