One Piece Shadow Army - Chapter 9
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The sound of gunfire echoed through the training ground.
After three days of training on gun-handling posture, the Marine recruits finally got to practice shooting.
While the world of pirates boasts a variety of weapons, the firearm remains the deadliest.
Curls had a deep understanding of the power of flintlock guns, having recently used one through his shadow soldier to take down the pirate Yadon, who was much stronger than him overall.
Many sharpshooters in the pirate world, like Ben Beckman and Yasopp, excel in gunplay.
Thus, practicing marksmanship was crucial.
…
Time passed as they trained.
During the first month of recruit training, Curls spent his days learning Marine basics, practicing marksmanship, and training his physical fitness.
After completing the basic Marine knowledge course, Instructor Kahn transitioned to teaching swordsmanship.
In the same classroom.
Kahn stood at the podium, starting the new course with an introduction.
“In battles against pirates, the enemy often engages in close combat, where firearms can become ineffective.
So, from today onwards, I will be teaching you the basics of close combat swordsmanship.”
Curls immediately focused.
Despite being a Devil Fruit user, he never intended to rely solely on his fruit’s power.
Learning swordsmanship was his way of pursuing another path to strength.
At the podium, Kahn removed the black-sheathed sword from his waist and displayed it to the class.
“Before teaching the basics of swordsmanship, I want to explain the quality of blades. Most blades on the market are crafted by ordinary craftsmen and, while suitable for combat, lack durability.”
“Additionally, among the many blades in the world, those forged by renowned swordsmiths are called famous swords. These blades are far superior in material and sharpness.”
“Among the famous swords, the most notable are the 12 Supreme Grade Swords, 21 Great Grade Swords, and 50 Skillful Grade Swords.”
Kahn slowly drew the black-sheathed sword, its gleaming blade illuminating the classroom.
“This sword, named Ember, was crafted by a top swordsmith a hundred years ago and is one of the 21 Great Grade Swords.
Its scabbard is entirely black, the hilt intricately carved with spiral patterns, and the blade, though slightly curved, is sharp enough to slice through stone with ease.”
Hearing Kahn’s introduction, the recruits gazed at the famous sword with envy.
Tashigi’s eyes shone with excitement as she shyly requested, “Instructor, can we take a closer look at this famous sword?”
Kahn didn’t refuse.
“Of course, everyone can have a look.”
Tashigi took the sword Ember and was immediately captivated by the historic Great Grade Sword.
She had always loved famous swords, with a strong interest in collecting them. She even made a special vow to retrieve all famous swords taken by evildoers.
As the recruits passed Ember around, it eventually reached Curls’ hands.
Upon grasping the hilt, Curls felt a strong sense of steadiness.
This was the very sword Kahn had used to block William’s attack for him.
He had only thought it was a high-quality weapon but hadn’t realized it was a Great Grade Sword worth over ten million Berries!
After everyone had examined the sword, Kahn began formally teaching the basics of swordsmanship.
In the training ground.
Each recruit held a wooden sword, practicing basic drills under Kahn’s guidance.
“The basics of swordsmanship lie in your grip, body movements, and breathing techniques. You can call this ‘stance.’ Once your stance meets the requirements, you can naturally master swordsmanship.”
Following Kahn’s instructions, Curls diligently repeated the basic swordsmanship movements, ensuring each posture was correct.
The other recruits did the same.
Repeating the drills several times didn’t bore the recruits; in fact, they found it refreshing.
However, as the repetition continued, the recruits felt their arms ache, their movements faltered, and their breathing became irregular. Only a few could maintain proper posture.
Kahn monitored the recruits’ movements, reminding them to correct their form.
Swordsmanship requires both talent and hard work. If one gives up because of discomfort, they can’t master it.
…
For the recruits.
Daily training was rigorous.
These exercises and courses honed their resilience and willpower, aiming to mold them into competent Marines.
Although they understood this, many recruits found it challenging.
But there were always exceptions.
Tashigi, despite her average talent, was diligent in her swordsmanship studies.
As for Curls.
The recruits called him a “monster!”
Curls not only didn’t find the training tiresome, but he also felt it wasn’t enough.
Late at night, under a starry sky.
The recruits were asleep in their dorms.
But on the training ground, Curls continued practicing the basics of swordsmanship.
After consuming the Shadow-Shadow Fruit, he required less sleep, needing only three hours a day to maintain peak condition, giving him more time to train.
In the dim starlight.
Curls gripped his wooden sword, repeating his drills over and over.
Sweat trickled down his handsome face, dripping off his chin to the ground.
Suddenly, a figure wearing a Marine coat appeared nearby.
Curls stopped his practice and saluted, “Instructor Kahn.”
Kahn nodded, asking gently.
“Why are you still practicing swordsmanship so late instead of sleeping?”
Curls answered honestly.
“Sir, my strength is still too weak. If I reencounter a pirate like William, I won’t stand a chance.
So, I must keep training, sweating, and practicing to close the gap with those stronger than me.”
Kahn sensed the determination in Curls’ words, deciding against discouraging him. Instead, he offered a word of encouragement before leaving.
“Alright, keep it up!”
As Kahn’s figure disappeared, Curls stood there, puzzled.
This didn’t quite match the typical story development, did it?
Shouldn’t the instructor offer to teach him some secret techniques or impart swordsmanship insights upon seeing his dedication?
Those novels can’t be trusted!
Despite not receiving special guidance from Kahn, Curls wasn’t too disappointed. He resumed practicing the basics.
As the saying goes, “Water wears away stone.”
With daily practice, even basic swordsmanship can become immensely powerful.
Over time.
Curls realized that Instructor Kahn was a very fair person, treating every recruit equally without favoritism.
Kahn did share genuine swordsmanship insights during classes, but few could grasp them.
According to Kahn, ‘meditation’ is one way to quickly enhance swordsmanship after mastering the basics.
Mental and spiritual training is just as important as physical practice.
Curls had some knowledge of this.
In his previous life, there was a Kenjutsu style called Shinto Munen-ryu, founded by someone who developed powerful sword techniques through meditation.
In the original manga, Roronoa Zoro often meditated on the ship, later demonstrating immensely powerful sword techniques.
In this world of pirates, mental and spiritual cultivation are crucial for improving swordsmanship.
After fully mastering the basics.
Curls began practicing meditation as taught by Instructor Kahn.
…
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