After donating 200 million berries to the Loguetown Marines, Bane was treated with exceptional courtesy across the town. Over the next few days, he visited Smoker frequently, asking detailed questions about Haki and Rokushiki training methods.
To his credit, while Smoker's later feats might have been underwhelming, he was a former protégé of Z, and his theoretical knowledge was solid. He helped clear up many of Bane's doubts.
However, the Haki training notes Smoker handed over only covered foundational concepts. There was nothing advanced like Ryuo (Flowing Haki) or future sight—none of the high-level applications.
Bane didn't press. Whether Smoker was simply unaware of such techniques, or just unwilling to share, it didn't matter. The absence of that knowledge already spoke volumes.
Still, Bane had another potential lead—Koshiro. After a short stay in Loguetown, he finally boarded a merchant vessel heading to Shimotsuki Village.
At the Loguetown harbor, Smoker stood silently, biting down on his usual trio of cigars as he watched Bane's ship disappear over the horizon.
Daschi, standing beside him, tilted her head curiously. "Captain Smoker, you seem a little... out of it."
Smoker didn't turn around. "Daschi… do you think that guy will really join the Marines someday?"
"Hmm… I think so?" she said after a moment. "He seemed to really admire the Marines. Why?"
Smoker chuckled softly. "Just thinking… if he does join, he'll probably surpass me someday."
Daschi blinked. "Is it because he's stronger than you?"
"No…" Smoker opened his mouth, then shook his head. "You'll figure it out eventually. Let's head back."
Half a month later — Shimotsuki Village
As the merchant ship docked at a small pier, one of the ship's waitresses hesitated in front of a cabin door. She looked hopeful, but also a little reluctant.
Before she could knock, the door opened. Standing there shirtless and drenched in sweat, towel draped around his neck, was Bane. His toned chest and abs were unmistakable proof of a grueling workout—on the floor behind him were massive stone weights used for strength training.
"Hey, Meia. Good afternoon," Bane greeted her with a smile. "Is it lunchtime already? Sorry you had to come knock again."
Meia swallowed hard. Between the glistening muscles and the natural scent of sweat in the air, she felt her heart skip a beat. She'd practically fought off the other waitresses just to be the one to bring Bane his meals every day.
It wasn't just his physique—Bane also tipped generously.
"N-No, Mr. Bane," she stammered, blushing. "I'm not here about lunch. We've reached Shimotsuki Village."
"Already?" Bane blinked. Then he gave her a soft smile. "I'll miss you all. It's been a pleasant voyage."
Her eyes lit up with a flicker of hope. "The captain really admires your strength. If you're willing, he'd be happy to have you stay aboard as a guard—"
"I appreciate it, but I've got important business to attend to," Bane said gently, shaking his head.
After disembarking, Bane asked around and quickly learned the location of the Isshin Dojo—a place so famous in the area it hardly needed directions.
The dojo's owner, Koshiro, was not only the largest landholder in the village, but his family—the Shimotsuki clan—was the very origin of Shimotsuki Village itself. The name of the village was a reflection of their legacy.
Rumor had it that before the Shimotsuki family settled here, the place was once called "Simoshiki Village."
The Isshin Dojo stood just outside the village, modest and traditional. Despite being the estate of the wealthiest family in the region, it appeared humble and unassuming.
Just as Bane stepped up to knock on the gate—
Creeeak. The door opened from within.
Out walked a green-haired young man, three swords strapped at his waist, casually carrying an empty sake jug.
The moment Bane saw him, he recognized him immediately.
Roronoa Zoro—the man who would one day become the world's greatest swordsman.
Zoro eyed Bane's imposing build with intrigue and asked bluntly, "Who are you? Here to challenge the dojo?"
He could sense it—this guy wasn't ordinary. Stronger than any of the dojo's students. Maybe even a worthy opponent.
Ever since Kuina's death, Zoro had been starved for real competition. The other students combined couldn't give him a challenge, and his master never fought. Zoro had already been thinking about leaving to find stronger adversaries out at sea.
And indeed, Zoro would set sail before Luffy—by the time they met, he'd already earned a name as a skilled bounty hunter in the East Blue.
Bane chuckled. "Nah, nothing like that. I'm here to meet your master, Koshiro."
Zoro's interest visibly faded. "Oh. A friend of the old man? He's inside. I'll take you to him."
Zoro had originally planned to go buy more sake, but when he noticed the fancy liquor Bane was carrying as part of his gift… he figured it might be worth tagging along. Maybe he could sneak a taste later.
As they walked through the dojo grounds, Bane passed groups of young swordsmen mid-training—some practicing swings, others sparring. They glanced at him curiously at first, but after seeing Zoro escorting him, they quickly returned to their drills.
Passing through the courtyard, they arrived at a guest room. Bane was mildly impressed.
Huh. The moss-head didn't get lost after all. I had my doubts…
Zoro turned around, looking sheepish. "Um, what's your name again?"
"Bane," he replied smoothly.
"Right. Bane. Wait here, I'll let the old man know."
A few minutes later, Bane heard footsteps approaching.
Entering the room were Zoro and a gentle-looking man with glasses—Koshiro, the head of the Isshin Dojo.
Koshiro gave Bane a polite once-over before speaking. "Mr. Bane, have we met before?"
"No, sir. This is our first meeting," Bane replied respectfully. "I've come here today to learn. I wish to train under you to become stronger."
Koshiro blinked, then smiled in realization. "Ah, I see. So you've come to apprentice here?"
"Something like that." Bane nodded and slid forward the gifts he had brought. "I hope you'll consider taking me in."
Koshiro chuckled warmly. "No need to be so formal. If you're willing to learn, I'm happy to teach."
He clearly assumed Bane, like most who came, was seeking to learn swordsmanship.
After a brief pause, Koshiro continued, "Our Isshin-Ryu sword style has several branches. Zoro, for instance, practices the three-sword style. Have you studied any swordsmanship before? What techniques are you interested in?"
Bane cleared his throat. "To be honest, Master Koshiro, my main goal isn't swordsmanship—though I'd be honored to learn some. I've come in hopes that you might teach me… about Haki."