Chapter 685

The swordmaster Geng Geng Silang of the Ichirin Dojo.

Moreover,

If you're lucky…

You might even run into Zoro.

Or perhaps,

Kuina!

But after thinking it over, Lu En felt the chance of encountering Zoro was low.

From what he remembered,

Zoro didn't go to challenge the Ichirin Dojo until he was about six or seven, and was swiftly defeated by Kuina, after which he stayed at the dojo to train relentlessly with the goal of surpassing her.

At this stage,

Zoro is barely a toddler, probably can't even hold a wooden sword properly, let alone train in swordsmanship.

"Still…"

"Meeting Geng Geng Silang, a hidden top-level swordmaster, would make this trip worthwhile."

Lu En thought.

After all,

They were now very close to Windmill Village; a little extra time wouldn't matter.

Next,

Bear took the lead, guiding Lu En to the Ichirin Dojo in Frost Moon Village.

Along the way,

He remained silent, occasionally asking trivial questions.

For instance,

He asked Lu En why he had suddenly returned to the East Blue.

The answer, naturally, was…

Having completed his mission, he wanted to visit his hometown for a look.

"I heard,"

"The young master has mastered all three forms of Haki?"

Bear asked.

"If I hadn't mastered all three forms of Haki, I wouldn't stand a chance against monsters like Doflamingo."

Lu En chuckled.

"True."

Bear nodded in agreement.

After a pause,

His eyes grew distant as he sighed, "To rise to the top of this sea through one's own strength alone—that alone proves how terrifying the young master truly is."

"Though this sea is filled with countless strong individuals…"

"Few can grow stronger through pure physical power alone."

"Most rely on the power of Devil Fruits."

"Yet you, at just five years old, have reached the top-level tier of this sea through no external aid whatsoever. That is truly admirable."

Bear sincerely admired Lu En.

He knew well,

Without his Devil Fruit…

His strength would never have reached this level.

In fact,

He might never have attained top-tier combat power at all.

His strength comes from his Devil Fruit!

Precisely because of this,

He deeply admired Lu En—the genius who reached the top of this sea solely through personal effort.

At least,

He couldn't do it himself!

Yet a boy of only five had accomplished it.

Thus,

He couldn't help but hold Lu En in high esteem.

"Those who reach the top of this sea without relying on Devil Fruits are exceedingly rare."

"And you, young master, are one of them!"

"You are a true, genuine genius—a prodigy of unparalleled caliber!"

Bear spared no praise.

"You flatter me."

To be praised so highly by a top-tier powerhouse of the sea, even Lu En found himself slightly unaccustomed.

Wasn't it…

That this guy Bear was supposed to be quiet?

And usually silent?

Not one to smile or joke?

How come, at a time like this, he's suddenly become so talkative?

Still, he had to admit.

Being flattered by a top-tier powerhouse of the sea truly made Lu En feel refreshed, even the air he breathed here seemed to become especially crisp.

A moment later.

Bear's footsteps came to an abrupt halt.

"We're here."

"That place over there is Isshin Dojo."

He pointed at a dojo ahead, introducing it to Lu En beside him.

"This is Isshin Dojo?"

Lu En narrowed his eyes slightly, carefully sizing up the dojo.

On the surface, it looked very ordinary.

Just like an ordinary little courtyard.

No flashy, excessive decorations.

Nor too many traces of personnel 107's presence.

Presumably…

The number of disciples in Isshin Dojo wasn't large.

The environment here was very quiet.

Backing onto Gaoshan,

in front was a small stream, flowing gently on and on.

All in all.

This place was very suitable for retirement.

But it wasn't suitable for a young man full of drive like Lu En.

"That one over there is Isshin Dojo's master, Geng Geng Silang."

"Want to go pay him a visit?"

"He's a true sword dao grandmaster. Even the Chief spoke highly of Mr. Geng Geng Silang's swordsmanship. Presumably, although Mr. Geng Geng Silang doesn't show off, his strength is absolutely beyond doubt at the top level."

Bear raised his hand and pointed ahead, launching into an introduction.

Following the direction Bear pointed…

In an instant,

Lu En saw a thin, middle-aged man, wearing glasses, sitting cross-legged by the dojo's door, a wooden sword resting on his knees, seemingly merged with the surrounding environment.