As Ryu and Musashi walked back toward their house, the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet seemed to fade into a distant hum. Ryu's gaze wandered, lost in what he just witnessed—Roger's execution replayed vividly in his mind. He remembered the wide, fearless grin on Roger's face, the fire blazing in his eyes, that seemed to challenge the heaven itself.
Ryu's chest tightened, a strange thrill coiling within him, mingling with awe. His heartbeat quickened, echoing like a drum in his ears, and for a moment, the world around him—the gentle sway of trees, the muted rustle of leaves—seemed to pause, honoring the fierce image he carried inside.
'That fierce grin… the wild fire burning in his eyes… and that enormous smile he wore even as he faced his execution.'
'It was not the smile of a man who had been defeated.'
'It was a smile of a proud man I wonder are there interesting men like him in sea if so I would love to meet them.'
Ryu smiled softly, his eyes calm yet thoughtful, then he looked at Musashi, his gaze burning with determination.
"Grandfather,I have made up my mind. I've decided… it is time for me to leave Logue Town."
Musashi's eyes softened, a rare gentle warmth spreading across his usually stern face. He tilted his head slightly and offered Ryu a small, knowing smile—one that carried pride, understanding, and unspoken encouragement.
Ryu met his gaze, feeling a warmth in his chest at that gentle smile. "Then… I suppose this is really it," he said, his voice calm but tinged with determination. The morning breeze carried the scent of the sea, and the Logue Town seemed unusually quiet, as if holding its breath.
Musashi placed a hand lightly on Ryu's shoulder. "Wherever you go, Ryu… make sure your heart stays true. That's all that matters."
Ryu nodded, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and resolve. "I will. And… when we see each other again, I'll be stronger than ever."
Musashi chuckled and nodded his head, his eyes full of pride as he looked at his grandson, then asked softly
"Tell me, Ryu… what made you decide to leave Logue Town now?" His voice carried a mix of curiosity and quiet pride. "It's been six months since I advised you to start your own journey, and back then… you seemed hesitant. What changed?"
Ryu sighed softly, a long exhale that seemed to carry the weight of his thoughts, yet his lips curved in a gentle smile that shows his resolve. His eyes, calm yet distant, lingered on the horizon as if searching for something just beyond reach. The sunlight caught the strands of his black hair, glinting like threads of gold, and for a moment, the world felt both big and alive.
He finally turned toward Musashi, his expression a mixture of peace and determination, and spoke with a soft but steady voice.
"I've made some interesting friends in this town… if I leave, I'll miss them. But… seeing Gold Roger's execution today… it completely stunned me."
Musashi raised his eyebrows in confusion, his usually calm eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Ryu's expression. The wind rustled the leaves around them, carrying a tense silence that seemed to stretch longer than usual. "What… do you mean by that?" he finally asked, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity.
Ryu looked seriously at Musashi and started explaining.
"When Gold Roger walked toward his own execution, not a trace of fear touched his eyes. His gaze blazed with ferocity, and his grin radiated pride and unshakable resolve. In that moment, he did not look like a man facing death—he looked like a victor claiming his own victory."
"On top of that… he died with a huge smile on his face. I never imagined I'd witness someone facing death with such pride, grinning as if he had already won."
"I want to set sail, to meet people as extraordinary as him… and maybe, one day, I'll find a goal and an ambition worth living—and dying—for… just like you told me six months ago."
Musashi's eyes widened as if struck by lightning, frozen in surprise for a heartbeat. Then, like a dam breaking, laughter erupted from him—rich, unrestrained, and full of warmth. It rolled through the air, his body shaking as joy danced in every movement. For a fleeting moment, the stern warrior, the disciplined mentor, was gone—replaced by an old man who couldn't contain the sheer delight in his heart.
"BWAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Ryu's eyes sparkled with quiet amusement, a soft grin tugging at his lips as he watched Musashi's booming laughter fill the air.
Ryu tilted his head, captivated by the rare sight of his usually stern grandfather letting go completely.
"Grandfather, why are you laughing?"
Musashi chuckled softly, the sound low and warm, like a gentle ripple across still water. He didn't answer Ryu's question. Instead, his gaze lingered on his grandson, and in that quiet look, the usual steel in his eyes softened, replaced by a rare, tender warmth.
"Ryu… I believe you're ready to set sail on your own. I have something important to give you. Follow me, kid."
Without waiting for Ryu's response, Musashi's footsteps suddenly quickened, the sound of his sandals striking the concrete path echoing like a drumbeat. Ryu quickly matched his pace, the wind whipping through his long black hair as he ran to keep up. The world around them blurred, leaves and sunlight streaking past them as they make their way to their house.
________
At Musashi and Ryu's house
After Ryu and Musashi stepped into their quiet house, Musashi moved with a deliberate calm, his footsteps soft on the wooden floor as he disappeared down the corridor to his room. He reached for a low shelf and pulled out two scrolls. One was wrapped in deep midnight black silk, the other in a dark blue.
Musashi's fingers hovered for a heartbeat over the two scrolls, then, with a quiet grace, he slid them into the folds of his kimono, the soft rustle of fabric echoing softly.
He then turned to a black wooden box atop his desk. He cradling it gently and stepped out of his room, the soft creak of the wooden floor beneath his feet echoing through the silent hallway.
After stepping into the lounge, Musashi settled into the seat across from Ryu. Ryu's eyes, wide with curiosity, flicked between the black wooden box and the two scrolls Musashi had brought. The soft clink of the box on the table seemed louder than usual in the quiet room, and for a brief moment, the air itself seemed to hum with anticipation. Musashi's gaze lingered on Ryu, a subtle amused smile tugging at the corners of his lips..
Musashi suddenly flicked his wrist, sending the two scrolls flying through the air toward Ryu. Startled, Ryu's eyes widened for a split second, but his body moved on instinct—his hands shot out and caught the two scrolls cleanly before they could fall.
Musashi's expression turned serious, as his gaze locked onto Ryu's, sharp and unwavering, as though he wanted every single word he is about to say to be carved itself into the boy's soul.
"Listen, Ryu… and listen well." His voice was low, firm, and heavy with meaning. "The day you truly believe it is time for you to ascend to the next level in your swordsmanship… that is the day you may open the blue scroll."
Ryu's eyebrows arched in surprise at Musashi's words, his gaze dropped to the blue scroll in his hand before lifting back to Musashi, a flicker of uncertainty and curiosity passing through his eyes as he asked,
"How will I know it is the right time to open the blue scroll?"
Musashi let out a low, quiet chuckle, but there was no warmth in his gaze. His eyes were sharp—keen as drawn steel—and carried a gravity that made the air around him feel heavier. The faint smile on his lips remained, yet the seriousness in his expression was unmistakable, as though behind that soft amusement lay words of great importance.
"When the time is right… your heart will know, kid. Believe in yourself… and trust your instincts."
Musashi's voice was calm and steady, carrying the quiet weight of experience. His gaze rested firmly on Ryu, sharp yet reassuring, as if he could already see the path the boy had yet to walk. There was no doubt in his eyes—only a silent confidence that made his words feel less like advice and more like a truth carved into steel. The air between them grew still, the moment settling heavily in Ryu's chest, as if those words had awakened something deep within him.
Ryu stared at the blue scroll, doubt flickering in his eyes. His fingers tightened slightly around them before he gave a slow, uncertain nod, the motion small but filled with quiet resolve. The hesitation on his face was clear, yet beneath it, there was also trust—trust in his grandfather, and trust that when the time came, he would understand.
Musashi looked at his grandson, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips as warmth and quiet pride flickered in his eyes. For a brief moment, the stern edge in his expression softened, making him seem less like an unshakable master and more like a grandfather savoring the sight of the boy before him.
"Ryu."
Ryu looked at Musashi, only to be met with a sharp, piercing gaze that made his breath hitch for a moment. In that instant, the playful warmth from before vanished, replaced by the stern intensity of a seasoned master whose eyes seemed to cut straight through him. The air between them grew heavy, and Ryu instinctively straightened under that look, sensing that whatever Musashi was about to say carried far more weight than ordinary words.
"Men who waver will forever remain weak, Ryu. Never doubt yourself—never doubt your instincts or your heart. True strength comes from an unbreakable will… from believing in yourself completely, without even the slightest ounce of doubt."
"Never forget these words… let them carve themselves into your heart, your very soul. Let them become the fire that guides every step you take."
Ryu froze for a heartbeat, his eyes locking onto Musashi's, and then a slow, wide smirk spread across his face, it was sharp and wild filled with intensity.
"Understood grandfather."
Musashi's lips curled into a faint, approving smile as he took in Ryu's wide smirk, the spark of determination blazing fiercely in Ryu's eyes. The old warrior's gaze softened for just a heartbeat, yet remained sharp, like a blade honed to perfection. "Good," he said, his voice calm but carrying the weight of conviction. "That fire… that's the heart of a true swordsman. Never let it falter, Ryu." His hand rested lightly on the hilt of his katana, not in threat, but as a silent reminder of the path Ryu had chosen. The air between them seemed to pulse with energy, as if the very room acknowledged the bond between them.
" Ryu, the blue scroll contain the legacy of the Miyamoto clan—that passed down from one generation to the next. Every stroke of ink, every line, carries the spirit of those who came before you… the warriors who shaped our name."
"In the scroll even mention the origin of our clan keep it safe Ryu."
Ryu's gaze lingered on the blue scroll, his eyes shimmering with a mix of curiosity and interest. The weight of Musashi's words seemed to settle in his chest, and slowly, with a deep, deliberate nod, he acknowledged the trust and wisdom passed down to him from Musashi.
Musashi's eyes narrowed slightly as he pointed toward the black scroll in Ryu's hands, his voice calm but carrying an unspoken weight.
"As for the black scroll… you must first master the legacy of our clan, Ryu. Only when you fully mastered it, and when you found something precious you'd protect it with your very life… only then may you dare to open the scroll."
Ryu listened carefully to Musashi's instructions, his eyes sharp and unwavering, and he nodded solemnly. Musashi then pushed the black wooden box toward him and said.
"Inside this black wooden box is a rare ore…" he began, his eyes locking onto Ryu's with intensity, "an ore that came from Elbaf, an island in the Grand Line. Its quality…" he paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air, "rivals even the greatest ores in Wano."
"In the past… I intended to let fate itself guide you to your destined blade. After all, a sword is no mere tool—it is a soul that chooses its wielder."
"I got my hands on this ore just a few days ago… Since you've decided to set off on your journey, it seems fate has chosen you. You were meant to find this ore… and forge a sword from it."
Ryu's eyes glimmered like twin sparks of lightning, his pulse quickening with anticipation. Without a second thought, his hands shot forward, and the black wooden box creaked open.
Ryu's eyes widened in shock as the lid of the black wooden box revealed its contents. The ore inside glimmered a dark crimson, like molten blood frozen in solid form, casting a faint, ominous glow that reflected off his sharp gaze. His breath caught for a moment—he could feel the raw power of it's aura emanating from it, as if the ore itself had a pulse.
Musashi smiled when he saw Ryu's reaction tilted the sake bottle to his lips, the dim light catching the amber liquid inside. A soft chuckle escaped Musashi as he savored the drink, his gaze never leaving Ryu.
"This ore is called the Crimson Blood Ore," he said, his voice low but intense. "It is extremely rare—finding it is not a matter of skill, but of sheer luck."
Ryu nodded dumbly his eyes were locked onto the ore, his jaw slightly slack, as if the world had narrowed down to the dark crimson stone in front of him. The deep, blood-red hue seemed to pulse faintly under the light, and for a long moment, he couldn't breathe, couldn't speak—only stare. Every fiber of him was drawn into its strange glow, leaving him dumbfounded, utterly mesmerized.
Musashi's eyes softened as he lowered the sake bottle, the faint scent of rice wine lingering in the air. He let out a quiet sigh, before turning his gaze toward Ryu.
"Ryu… the first thing you must do," Musashi's eyes narrowed, his voice calm but edged with weight, "is go to Shimotsuki Village. Seek out the old geezer, Shimotsuki Kouzaburou… only he can forge a sword worthy of this ore."
Musashi's eyes gleamed with mischief as he continued, his voice steady yet charged with anticipation. 'He owes me a favor… and I'm certain he'll be intrigued by the chance to forge a new sword from the Crimson Blood Ore.'"
Ryu chuckled and nodded his head.
"Understood grandfather."
Musashi nodded and took another sip of his sake bottle and looked at Ryu in interest.
"So… tell me, kid. Have you decided where you will go after that old geezer forge the sword for you?"
Ryu's eyes glimmered with a mix of determination and excitement as he nodded slowly. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips, sharp yet full of resolve, and his voice carried a quiet fire as he said.
"Yes… my plan is to first travel across the other Blues, to face every renowned swordsman that dares to call themselves a master. Once I've defeated them all… only then will I set foot in the Grand Line."
"First, I will set sail for West Blue. Once I've faced and conquered the greatest swordsman there, my journey will take me to either North Blue or South Blue… the seas themselves will decide my path."
Musashi drained the last drop from his sake bottle with a satisfied sigh. He set it down with a soft clink, and he slowly rose to his feet. The room seemed to shift with his presence as he spoke.
"Heh… then it seems we need to go to the Black Market. So you can sail to the West Blue ."
Ryu's brows knitted together, his sharp eyes narrowing as a faint glimmer of confusion surfaced within them. Tilting his head ever so slightly, he looked up Musashi and asked, his tone is filled with confusion.
"Grandfather… why do we need to go to the Black Market?"
Musashi let out a long, weary sigh at Ryu's question, his expression turning serious as he slowly began to explain.
"Listen, kid… if you want to sail from here to West Blue, you'll have to cross the Calm Belt."
He paused for a moment, letting the weight of those words sink in before continuing.
"That place is the nest of the Sea Kings… and worse, there's not even a single breath of wind there."
His eyes narrowed slightly, his tone growing serious.
"Normally, any ship foolish enough to wander into those waters ends up stranded… and once that happens, it's only a matter of time before the Sea Kings turn the sailors into their next meal."
Ryu's eyes widened in shock at what he was hearing, disbelief flashing across his face. But Musashi paid no mind to the boy's reaction. Folding his arms across his chest, he fixed Ryu with an unwavering gaze.
"In other words, kid… crossing the Calm Belt isn't just dangerous— it's practically walking straight into death."
Ryu nodded solemnly, finally understanding the gravity of Musashi's words. He had never shown much interest in studying navigation, nor had he ever bothered to learn the ways of the sea. Because of that, the existence of the Calm Belt was completely new to him, and the revelation left him quietly stunned.
Musashi then continued.
"However, there is another way for you to travel across the Blue Seas… with the help of the Black Market, or merchant vessels."
Ryu's eyes lit up in an instant, a spark of excitement blazing within them.
"How so, Grandfather?"
Musashi's lips curled into a faint smile, the kind that carried both wisdom and amusement. He folded his arms across his chest, his sharp eyes settling on Ryu.
"The Black Market can pose as ordinary merchant ships… even gaining the World Government's permission to use the Red Line elevator to reach the Blue Seas."
"This is the method they use to transport their goods across their branches around the world."
Ryu's fierce grin stretched from ear to ear, his eyes sparkling. A surge of excitement danced across his features, making his whole face radiate with unstoppable energy.
Musashi chuckled softly, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he watched Ryu burning with excitement.
"Alright, Ryu, let's go meet Willy," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "it is time to get everything ready for your journey out of East Blue!"
Ryu nodded he followed Musashi and exited the house they then made their way towards the Black Market to meet up with Willy.
______
A Week Later
Ryu and Musashi walked steadily toward Logue Town's bustling port. As they approached, Ryu froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. There, waiting on the dock, were the Monkey Face and the rest of his friends, their familiar faces lighting up the otherwise busy port. Even Doll, the captain of the Logue Town Marine Base, stood among them, her stern gaze softened just slightly as her eyes locked on Ryu.
Ryu's heart thumped in surprise—he hadn't expected all of them will come and see him off..
The moment the monkey-faced figure spotted Ryu approaching the port, he bolted forward, his friends right on his heels.
"God, R-Ryu-sama… please, don't go! We… we need your wisdom… your guidance… to unravel the mysteries of love!"
Musashi, standing beside Ryu, blinked once in confusion… and then suddenly, laughter burst from him like fireworks, echoing through the air.
"BWAHAHAHAHA!… those kids are absolutely hilarious! But… wait—why on earth are they calling you 'God,' brat?! Don't even think about catching a god complex, or I swear, I'll kick your ungrateful little ass into next week!"
Ryu tilted his head slightly, a cocky grin stretching across his face as his sharp eyes locked onto Musashi's. The air around him seemed to crackle with confidence, every inch of his posture radiating daring arrogance.
"Grandfather… didn't you know? I am the god of love!"
A hushed calm settled over the port as Ryu's words faded into the air. Only the soft whistle of the wind cut through the silence, carrying a quiet tension that seemed to make the world hold its breath.
Out of nowhere, Musashi's sheathed katana whistled through the air, connecting sharply with Ryu's head. Ryu staggered, eyes widening in shock as a swirl of pain and disbelief painted his face.
"AAAGGHH! THAT HURT GRANDFATHER."
Musashi let out a sharp scoff, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as amusement danced in his eyes.
Ryu rubbed the back of his head, a faint warmth creeping into his expression. His eyes softened as they landed on the monkey-faced and his other friends gathered around. A gentle smile curved his lips as he spoke, his voice calm but carrying a quiet strength.
"I… I really enjoyed every moment with you all. I'm so glad I got to know you… and to call you my friends. But now… it's time for me to go. This isn't goodbye forever—I promise, I'll come back to see you again!"
The monkey-faced friend and the others began to wipe away their tears, their eyes shimmering as they tried to smile through the sadness.
"God Ryu-sama… please don't go! Stay with us! Without your guidance, we'll never uncover the mysteries of love… we need you!"
Musashi let out a sharp snort, his eyes full of amusement at words he just heard..
Ryu let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head with a playful glint in his eyes.
"Listen, guys… a man must sometimes follow his heart! I want to meet the interesting people out in the sea… I want to sharpen my sword, to face the greatest swordsmen in the world and emerge victorious! Staying here… staying here won't make me stronger… I need to move forward!"
The monkey-faced and his friends nodded solemnly at Ryu's words, their expressions a mix of determination and respect. Doll stepped forward, her sharp eyes narrowing as they locked onto Ryu, the air around her crackling with silent intensity.
"You better not be thinking of becoming a pirate! If you dare set foot on that path, I'll hunt you to the ends of the world and throw you straight into Impel Down myself!"
Ryu's eyes sparkled like twin flames as he dropped to one knee, taking her hand gently into his own, his fingers brushing hers with a tender reverence.
"Oh, my sweet, radiant moon… if you're going to chase me to the ends of the world, then I know it was fate that brought us together! In that case… I'll become a pirate! Chase me, and let us love each other across all eternity!"
Doll's cheeks flared crimson, her eyes blazing with righteous anger, as she lunged forward, swinging a fierce punch straight at Ryu's face.
"BAAM!"
"You damn pervert."
Ryu tumbled across the ground, his cheek burning from the punch, eyes flashing with a mix of pain and joy.
Musashi let out a low, amused chuckle, a sly smile tugging at his lips. With a graceful flick, he lifted his pipe to his mouth, the curling smoke spiraling around him like a lazy spirit dancing in the sunlight.
Ryu pushed himself up effortlessly, his cloak swaying with each step as he strode toward the merchant ship, eyes gleaming with intensity while smiling softly.
The ship groaned as its anchor lifted, slicing through the gentle waves. Ryu stood at the railing, his scarf fluttering in the wind like a banner of farewell. With a bright smile, he raised his hand high, waving frantically toward his friends gathered on the dock.
Musashi's eyes met his, and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to pause—for them. The sea sparkled under the sun, carrying Ryu farther away from Logue Town, Musashi lips curved upwards as the ship disappeared in the horizon.
Musashi let out a low chuckle, the orange glow of the sunset reflecting off the waves. He drew deeply from his pipe, the tip glowing briefly, and as the smoke curled around him, he exhaled slowly.
"Kid! Show the world just how sharp your sword is! I can't wait to hear the chaos you're about to unleash!"
With a faint smirk curling on his lips, Musashi pivoted sharply and strode away from the bustling port, his steps echoing as he walked back to his house..
________