Dispelling [Shadow Exchange], Hiroto roughly understood why it was only purple grade, as it had advantages but also obvious disadvantages.
A half-second exchange time is not enough in front of top-tier powerhouses, and only localized positions can be swapped.
But that doesn't mean it's useless. Don't forget that Hiroto has the active precognition of [Incoming Chaos]. When the two are used together, aside from the high consumption, it would be completely shameless.
Furthermore, unlike the Logia type, unless one has high-level or top-tier Armament Haki, anything below that level cannot harm Hiroto in his shadow form.
'Gluttony is truly awesome, it can even pluck away the ability of a Devil Fruit.'
Satisfied, Hiroto turned his attention to [Gluttony].
He had originally intended to get himself a high-level Constitution entry through devouring Moria.
Unexpectedly, [Gluttony] happened to catch the moment just as the Devil Fruit power was about to transfer and reincarnate. The residual devil power in Moria's body was forcibly plucked out, forming this purple entry.
Now it seems that [Gluttony] is likely a high-level entry just a hair's breadth away from breaking through to gold grade.
"Hiroto—"
Koushirou's voice suddenly rang out.
The gentle man wearing glasses was now looking at Hiroto and Shusui in his hand with a complex expression.
"Sensei, thank you for this time. Your sword..."
Hiroto hurriedly stepped forward to return the sword.
"It's nothing—"
Koushirou took it back casually, but before he could say anything more, he felt the sheathed Shusui in his hand buzz, conveying a sense of dissatisfaction.
Koushirou: "..."
"This is..."
Hiroto, who possessed [Swordmaster], also noticed Shusui's buzzing and felt surprised.
He knew that famous blades had spirits.
Just like in Loguetown, the cursed blade Sandai Kitetsu chose Zoro, not harming him in the slightest during that gamble.
Or Enma in Wano Country.
He just didn't expect Shusui to be so... fond of him?
Koushirou said in a low voice, "It seems it has chosen you. Ever since Issho brought it back, Shusui has been radiating dissatisfaction. As a national treasure enshrined in Wano Country, the sword of my ancestor, Sword God Ryuma, it should have served as a ritual vessel symbolizing protection, guarding that country as it always has."
"But now, it has reacted so strongly to you. This puzzles me as well, but perhaps this is fate."
"Wano Country..."
Hiroto's expression turned strange, and he hesitated to speak.
At that moment, Issho landed near them from the sky, clutching a strange man.
He had gone to check the battlefield ahead. The fight there was over, and Zoro and Carina were finishing up.
And at this time, the sniper who had fired that shot showed himself, wanting to meet Hiroto.
At the same time, Issho also heard Koushirou's words and saw Hiroto's expression.
He immediately said, "If you already know something, like when you first met me, you might as well tell your teacher."
Koushirou's eyes flickered upon hearing this. With his experience, he could naturally understand what Issho meant.
Knowing something before meeting...
A Devil Fruit Ability?
"Wano Country, huh..."
Hiroto really did know.
He glanced at the man who had been brought over, then looked at Koushirou curiously. "Sensei, what era was it before you left?"
"The Shogun of Wano Country at the time was Kozuki Sukiyaki." Koushirou answered briefly, his eyes carrying a hint of testing.
"Then let's start with his son, Kozuki Oden..."
Hiroto decisively explained the history of how Wano Country changed hands from the perspective of an 'observer.'
Koushirou grew more silent as he listened. When he heard that Oden danced naked for five years only to realize he had been deceived, his face turned dark.
Finally, he squeezed out, "Fool."
From his expression, he clearly had much to say, but was held back by his traditional values.
However, it seemed the root cause of Shusui's vibration had been found. It wasn't just because it met a suitable sword master like Hiroto, but also because Wano Country had reached the point of being on the verge of total annexation.
As a national treasure, Shusui naturally had the duty to protect the country and slay evil, just as his ancestor Ryuma slew the dragon that attacked Wano Country.
Beside him, Issho listened in silence, his expression strange and even somewhat angry.
Kozuki Oden, such an irresponsible, reckless, and laughably naive fellow, was a well-known troublemaker in his youth. He didn't think Oden was a wise ruler back then, and it seemed he was right.
The two sighed together and looked at each other.
Suddenly, Issho said, "Don't back out on my shochu."
As he spoke, Issho scanned the battlefield and saw Moria's corpse.
Although he had expected that with Hiroto's abilities and mindset, he wouldn't fight an unprepared battle and had also noticed earlier that Moria's strength had declined severely, being even weaker than when they had first met, Issho still couldn't help but feel a bit surprised upon actually seeing Hiroto kill Moria.
To him, the Seven Warlords of the Sea were one of the three powers that maintained the world's balance. Even if his strength had declined severely, Moria's current level was at least around 200 million berries. Devil Fruit Abilities don't decline just because of one's spirit.
Koushirou tacitly changed the subject with a bitter smile, "I naturally won't go back on my word."
"What do you mean?"
Hiroto was a bit surprised and asked a few questions.
Koushirou said frankly, "It's just that I felt challenging a Warlord of the Sea with your current ability was a bit overstepping, the risk was too great. Now it seems I underestimated the speed of your progress."
"It's truly astonishing. How long has it been since we parted? You've already progressed your Armament Haki to an intermediate level and even learned imbuement."
Hiroto smiled. "After all, I am a genius."
Koushirou nodded but didn't respond, instead fixing his gaze on Shusui in his hand.
The sense of dissatisfaction remained, and after Hiroto mentioned the changes in Wano Country, the reaction became even more intense.
But he certainly couldn't violate his ancestral teachings and return to Wano Country.
In that case, why not...
His eyes flickered, seemingly moved by an idea.