"We’re here to..."

Faced with the clerk’s aristocratic bearing, Helmeppo felt a sudden wave of inadequacy. The atmosphere was unlike anything he had ever experienced, even back when his corrupt father took him to the most exclusive high-end boutiques in the neighboring kingdoms.

He felt intensely awkward, suddenly doubting if their crumpled prize vouchers would even be accepted in a place like this. Had they walked into the wrong store? Was there a cheaper shop down the street?

Before he could stammer out an excuse, Zoro cut in.

"We’re here to purchase swords." Zoro didn’t care about the atmosphere in the slightest. He pulled out the wrinkled voucher and shoved it forward. "Bring out your blades for us to see. And don’t try to pawn off any junk on me."

Helmeppo’s face stiffened at the blunt demand, but Zoro’s absolute lack of shame eased his own embarrassment. He quickly pulled out his own voucher. "Can we use these here?"

"Please wait a moment," the clerk said, ignoring Helmeppo’s nervousness. He took both slips of paper, examined the watermarks carefully, and looked up with a warm smile. "You can indeed. You two must be the champions of the Tower Building Competition, the Straw Hat Contractors! Congratulations."

A murmur ran through the nearby wealthy patrons.

"They’re from the Straw Hat Contractors?"

"That’s the Three-Sword Style Lumberjack, and his Two-Sword partner!"

"I heard the grand prize included Purchase Vouchers. Are they really cashing them in here?"

Hearing their ridiculous team name echoed through the elegant hall, Helmeppo wanted the polished marble floor to swallow him whole. If only he had picked a cooler name.

Noticing the discomfort, the well-trained clerk offered a subtle, apologetic bow and gestured smoothly. "If you would please follow me."

He guided them to a private viewing area centered around a massive, imposing table carved from a single slab of solid black stone. It exuded heavy, quiet wealth. Just the table alone looked like it cost a fortune.

"May I ask what type of weapons you prefer, or if you have specific dimensional requirements?" the clerk asked politely. "If you’re unsure, our resident Weapon Appraisers can select suitable blades based on your grip habits, height, and combat style. Would you care for a consultation?"

’Weapon Appraiser?’ Helmeppo looked entirely lost. That made sense if they were commissioning custom pieces, but they were just here to grab a couple of swords off the rack.

Before Helmeppo could voice his confusion, Zoro waved a hand impatiently. "No need. Just bring out the swords for us to see. Why is getting a weapon here so complicated?"

"Is that your preference? Very well, please wait a moment." Unbothered by the gruff tone, the clerk clapped his hands sharply. "We will retrieve our premium selections for you now."

Two attendants immediately scurried out from a side room. One carefully positioned a rolling velvet-lined ladder against the wall, while the other solemnly held out an exquisite wooden lockbox.

The first attendant climbed the ladder with agonizing slowness, reverently lifted a blade from its display, and descended just as carefully, placing it into the velvet box like it was a fragile infant.

Every single movement was excruciatingly slow and careful.

Zoro and Helmeppo watched frustrated. Was all this theater really necessary? If the swords were that fragile, what use were they in a fight?

A short while later, three open boxes were placed gently onto the heavy stone table. Inside rested three incredibly striking swords.

One radiated a faint, crimson glow like cooling magma. Another seemed to lower the ambient temperature of the room, giving off a chilling frost. The third was pitch-black from hilt to tip, with a heavy iron chain dangling from the pommel.

"Enrin," the clerk began, his voice dropping into a solemn, rehearsed cadence. "Forged from a meteorite that fell from outer space. During an ancient war, it was bathed in the blood of giant monster. Since then, the blade has turned crimson, birthing a volatile energy. Ordinary men cannot wield it. Only those with unwavering will who survive its trial by fire can unleash its true power."

He gestured to the second. "Fubuki. Forged from heavenly permafrost through lost arts. When drawn, frost fills the air. When it cuts, no blood spills, because the wound is frozen solid with frostbite before the blood can even splatter."

He moved to the final box. "Zangetsu. Forged by the legendary swordsmith Nimaiya Oetsu using miraculous materials. He spent forty-nine years crafting it by hand. Upon its completion, the world plunged into darkness, and a cold moon hung in the sky. Rumor has it a fierce spirit dwells within, visible only to the master it recognizes."

Zoro and Helmeppo stared in disbelief at the three weapons resting on the stone table.

Enrin? Fubuki? Zangetsu?

Those descriptions... were these swords truly that legendary? Even Zoro, who had been irritated moments ago, widened his eyes, his gaze locked onto the blades.

Why had he never heard of them? The 12 Supreme Grade Blades, the 21 Great Grade Blades, the 50 Skillful Grade Blades, he had memorized the catalogs of famous blades. None of them included these names. And yet, the sheer presence of these weapons felt overwhelmingly strong. Since when did the East Blue house such swords?

"These are the best weapons of our Establishment" the clerk said, with a look of satisfaction at their dumbfounded reactions. "Each comes with a certified appraisal of authenticity. Of course, if none of these catch your eye, we have others in the vault. We possess the Zabimaru, Excalibur, Ryujin Jakka, Senbonzakura, Kyoka Suigetsu... ensuring every swordsman finds their destined partner."

Zoro and Helmeppo stood rooted to the spot, completely overwhelmed by the barrage of extraordinary names.

Zoro’s eyes sharpened, silently committing the titles to memory.

"Good grief," Helmeppo muttered, his voice trembling slightly. "Those names sound even more intimidating than the Supreme Grade Blades. But why aren’t they in the encyclopedias?"

"These are independent masterpieces, standing apart from the traditional ranking systems. We obtained them at great cost, and each is priceless. We only present them to swordsmen who earn our recognition," the clerk smiled warmly. "Would you like to proceed with the purchase?"

"Yes immediately!"

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