Blades of the East: Ren’s Journey in One Piece

Chapter 8: The Dojo’s Judgment**  

Sneaking **out** of the village was one thing.  

Sneaking **back in—covered in dirt, blood, and carrying a mysterious sword—was another.**  

Koshiro stood at the dojo entrance, arms crossed.  

“I see you two had… an eventful night.”  

Ren and Kuina **froze.**  

She whispered, “We’re dead.”  

Ren whispered back, “Very dead.”  

Koshiro sighed. “Inside. Now.”  

---

Sitting in front of their master, Ren recounted everything—the **shrine, the wolves, the sword.**  

Koshiro’s eyes lingered on the blade.  

“This sword…” He reached out, running his fingers along its **weathered hilt**. “This is not an ordinary weapon.”  

Ren nodded. He could **feel** it.  

Koshiro’s gaze softened. “You were reckless.”  

Kuina and Ren flinched.  

“…But you survived. And you protected each other.”  

Silence.  

Then—**a rare smile from their master.**  

“You have potential.”  

Ren’s chest tightened. It wasn’t just **approval.**  

It was **recognition.**  

Kuina grinned at him. “Guess we’re not in trouble after all.”  

Ren exhaled, a small smile tugging at his lips.  

**They had taken their first step into somethi

ng bigger.**  

And it was only the beginning.