After a period of waiting, the doctor crafted a pure gold ring for everyone. Laboon's and Perona's were confiscated—or rather, they were kept safe by Stella.
Rhett took inspiration from the Akatsuki organization, assigning each person a character, but no cloaks were distributed.
The Oro Jackson set sail once again.
"Old Tai, Charlotte Linlin has been going crazy with weddings lately. Do you think she might send us an invitation?"
"Logically speaking, she should. Even the small fry got invites, so there's no reason she wouldn't send one to us. Do you want me to investigate why?"
Rhett waved his hand dismissively. "Heh, just kidding. I went to her place twice with the Pirate King and nearly flattened Whole Cake Island. She probably wants to strangle me—why would she send me an invite? Oh, and that little worm Kaido? He doesn't like me either. If you run into him, better run."
"The strongest creature, Kaido? How did he turn into a little worm in your mouth? And I advise you not to entertain any dangerous thoughts. Our forces are still growing—don't go causing trouble on Whole Cake Island. I'm very busy right now."
Rhett chuckled, genuinely considering the idea. If the sea doesn't come to me, I'll go to the sea. After all, I've already made enemies everywhere.
Suddenly, Rhett remembered something. In the future, when Luffy sets sail, if he wants to reach Laugh Tale, he'll have to deal with Charlotte Linlin again. Heh.
Well, she's the one who has it.
Seeing Rhett's mischievous grin, Tesoro knew his captain was hatching another dangerous plan.
He sighed and rubbed his temples. "Captain, you're not seriously thinking of going to Whole Cake Island, are you?"
Rhett grinned and swung his Black Tide Greatsword. "Ah, Old Tai, what are you talking about? We're bound for Laugh Tale sooner or later. What do you mean 'steal'? I'm just 'borrowing'! Besides, that old hag Charlotte Linlin is always hosting tea parties. I'll go liven things up for her!"
Tesoro stared at him, silently contemplating whether knocking him out might be the safer option.
At that moment, Rhett suddenly frowned and weighed his Black Tide Greatsword. "Strange, why does it feel lighter? I noticed it felt a bit off when I fought Zephyr."
Enel floated over and glanced at it. "Captain, what nonsense are you spouting now?"
"I've been taking good care of it!" Rhett protested.
Lina cautiously touched the blade. "Could it be because the captain has gotten stronger, so the sword feels lighter?"
Tesoro pondered for a moment. "Captain, how about we go to Sword Island to adjust it? Since the rings are done, upgrading our weapons wouldn't hurt."
Rhett thought it made sense. After all, this old companion had been with him for so many years—it was time for an upgrade.
"Sword Island?" Enel raised an eyebrow. "What kind of good swords could come from a place like that?"
Tesoro flipped through the nautical chart and explained, "Sword Island is the most renowned weapon-forging holy land in the Grand Line. The swordsmiths there have passed down their craft for generations. It's said that even four of the twelve Supreme Grade swords were born there."
Rhett's eyes lit up. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
The ship of Crimson Dawn slowly sailed into Sword Island's harbor. The air was filled with the scorching scent of metal mixed with sea breeze. A massive furnace stood at the island's center, its crimson flames illuminating the sky.
The harbor was filled with all kinds of ships, from humble fishing boats to warships flying the Marine flag, all testifying to the island's special status—the "Holy Land of Swordsmen."
"Whoa, this place is pretty lively," Rhett grinned, carrying his Black Tide Greatsword as he stood at the ship's bow.
Tesoro flipped through the logbook and explained, "Sword Island isn't just a forging holy land—it's also a proving ground for swordsmen. Every swordsmith here is at the level of a master swordsman. If you want them to forge a sword for you, you have to defeat them."
"Do we really have to defeat them? That's so strange. Could the captain be in danger?" Lina's voice trembled as she spoke, her timid nature more pronounced on land.
"Simply put," Enel snorted, "you just need to show them what you can cut. You don't even have to do anything—just follow behind me."
Rhett raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
At the harbor entrance stood a massive stone tablet inscribed with ancient characters: "Non-swordsmen are forbidden to enter."
Beside the tablet stood a burly, one-armed old man with a long sword hanging at his waist. He glanced up, his gaze sharp as a blade. "State your names and demonstrate your swordsmanship. This is no place for novice swordsmen."
Rhett grinned and stepped forward. "Rhett, captain of Crimson Dawn."
The old man remained expressionless. "The rules are simple. Using your sword, without Haki, and relying solely on sword aura, leave a mark on this 'Sword Testing Stone.'"
He pointed to a pitch-black boulder beside the tablet, its surface smooth as a mirror, with faint sword marks of varying depths etched into it.
Tesoro whispered, "That's 'Black Mystic Iron.' Due to the island's unique geographical location, its hardness rivals that of Seastone. Ordinary swordsmen can't even leave a scratch."
Rhett whistled. "Interesting."
He lifted the Black Tide Greatsword with one hand, blood mist slowly coiling around the blade. Instead of swinging immediately, he tilted his head and looked at the old man. "Old man, if I break this stone... do I have to pay for it?"
The old man sneered. "If you can break it, every swordsmith on Sword Island will forge a sword for you."
"Deal!"
Rhett's eyes sharpened, and the blood mist erupted! The Black Tide Greatsword transformed into a dark red streak, slashing fiercely at the Sword Testing Stone—
"Mist God Style—Divine Evasion!"
The sword aura surged like a rainbow, and the Sword Testing Stone split open with a jagged crack. Debris flew, and dust filled the air.
The old man's pupils contracted, and his one arm instinctively tightened around his sword hilt. The previously noisy harbor fell silent as all eyes turned toward them.
As the dust settled, Rhett hoisted his sword onto his shoulder and grinned. "Old man, did I pass?"
The old man remained silent for a moment before slowly stepping aside. "...Proceed."
Perona floated in the air, patting Laboon's head. "That old man is terrifying."
Rhett couldn't help but marvel inwardly. As expected of Sword Island. Look at them—this is what professionalism looks like.