Pirate: I have a Hollow living inside me!

Just as Rocks' Observation Haki swept across...

Sipping his tea, the middle-aged man in a kimono watched a beautiful young girl with a ponytail practicing swordsmanship before him. He seemed to sense something and showed a surprised expression: "Hmm? Observation Haki?"

With his knowledge, he was naturally aware of the existence of domineering aura.

However, such domineering aura is extremely rare in the East China Sea...

Realizing something, Koushirou put down his teacup and smiled: "It must be that kid. It's been a few years, and his use of domineering aura has become even more profound."

"I wonder if this kid's swordsmanship... well, has it improved..."

If he had to name the student at the Isshin Dojo who left the deepest impression on him,

That was undoubtedly Lox.

Putting aside the other party's swordsmanship talent, in other aspects alone, he had never seen anyone more outstanding.

He was born with Observation Haki and possesses the abilities of a Mythical Zoan.

The only pity is that the opponent's swordsmanship talent is really quite poor...

Not suitable for practicing swordsmanship!

"Father, what happened?"

With her hair tied in a single ponytail, a pretty face, and a slender, curvaceous figure, Kuina, who looked quite dashing, couldn't quite hear her father's whisper. She stopped what she was doing and looked over curiously: "What? Has your swordsmanship improved?"

"That kid has come to keep his promise to you."

Koushirou pushed up his black-rimmed glasses and chuckled, "If you calculate the time, the three-year agreement is less than two months away..."

"Agreement?"

Guina repeated a sentence.

Then his eyes lit up, clearly remembering something, and he immediately flashed a handsome smile: "Is it Rocks? I've been waiting for him for a long time!"

Are you confident?

"I will not lose in swordsmanship!"

"Three years can change a lot of things. Perhaps Rocks' swordsmanship is not what it used to be. We can't be too careless."

"I won't be careless again!"

Kuina sheathed the Wado Ichimonji, brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, and said earnestly, "This time I will win!"

"You seem quite confident, Kuina."

Lox appeared in the backyard as if by teleportation, just in time to hear Kuina's words. He replied with a smile, "But a day apart feels like three autumns; it's been almost three years since we last met."

"I haven't neglected my swordsmanship during this time!"

This is the truth.

Rocks never stopped practicing his swordsmanship.

His swordsmanship has improved considerably compared to before!

Then Rocks waved to Koushirou and greeted him: "Koushirou-sensei, it's been a long time. You're still as charming as ever."

Looking at the handsome young man he hadn't seen for nearly three years, Koushirou chuckled and said, "You've changed quite a bit too, even I can't quite figure you out anymore, Rocks."

Even he was quite surprised by the speed that Lockes had just unleashed.

This kind of speed is not something that ordinary people can achieve.

I wonder what level of strength Rocks has reached in the past three years?

Even he was incredibly curious...

Compared to nearly three years ago, Rocks's demeanor has undergone a complete transformation.

Even he couldn't quite see through the other person...

Chapter 5: The Promised Battle!

Upon hearing this, Rocks stared intently at Koushirou: "Before Kuina and I set sail, how about a battle with me, Koushirou-sensei?"

"I also want to experience the strength of a swordsman."

In the original work, there is no scene of Koshiro making a move, but his opponent was definitely a highly skilled swordsman.

Rocks was told by his unique Observation Haki that Koushirou was a powerful figure who posed a threat to his life!

"Haha, your personality hasn't changed at all; you're still as confident as ever."

Koushirou smiled, then shook his head: "But never mind, my old bones can't compare to you young people."

"You're already waiting to retire, you should go find someone else..."

He never liked fighting.

He had no desire to fight that little monster, Rocks.

This kid never holds back when he hits someone.

Others would probe first in a fight, but this kid goes for the killing move from the start, saying things like "even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit"...

That's the logic.

However, he had no interest in fighting such a madman...

"OK then."

Rocks was somewhat disappointed.

Knowing Koushirou's personality, he didn't force him.

"You haven't even defeated me, yet you want to challenge my father, Rocks? Do you think I won't be your match?"

Kuina looked at Lox with her beautiful eyes, and a sharp aura emanated from her: "I have been preparing for this battle and for this agreement for nearly three years."

"This time I will not lose again, I can only be the captain!"

Rocks shares the same goal as her—to become the world's greatest swordsman.

The two were bound to go to sea sooner or later, and had even made a pact to go to sea together.

But once at sea, who should you listen to, and who is the captain?

This was an unavoidable problem, which led to the three-year agreement.

Whoever wins, we'll listen to them!

Whoever wins becomes the captain!

"It's as if nobody is any different."

Rocks looked at the battle-ready Kuina and smiled, "I can only be the captain. I will never be subordinate to anyone!"

After nearly three years apart, the little girl has grown into a graceful young woman.

She bears a striking resemblance to the Tashigi I remember.

However, Kuina is more heroic than Tashigi, like a sharp blade drawn from its sheath, beautiful yet sharp and ruthless, and her temperament is also more outstanding.

She is a beautiful and determined young woman.

Upon hearing Rocks' words, Kuina laughed: "Then let's settle the captaincy with a battle. If I win, I'll listen to my rules; if you win, you'll listen to yours!"

His smile was very attractive, but it also exuded the swordsman's indomitable spirit and confidence.

She is no longer confused.

So what if she's a girl?

Who says women are inferior to men?

Women can hold up half the sky too!

The boy's words were etched in her mind, making her no longer confused or discouraged.

All that remains is unwavering determination and an indomitable belief.

She will steadily advance towards becoming the world's greatest swordsman!

Lox cracked his knuckles with one hand, grinning as he said, "Of course, that was the agreement."

Kuina tightened her grip on the Wado Ichimonji in her hand, and then said, "You should remember the details of the three-year agreement, right?"

"This is a battle of swordsmanship, and only swordsmanship!"

"A promise I made with you when I was a swordsman."

Rocks simply said, "Naturally, the battle will be decided by swordsmanship."

He is not a pure swordsman.

However, since the agreement was made as swordsmen, the winner will naturally be decided by swordsmanship.

Moreover, after nearly three years of arduous training, Rocks believed that his swordsmanship was no weaker than his fist skills.

It has already reached the level of "cutting iron".

With a little more effort, one can unleash a flying slash.

This is a watershed moment.

Swordsmen who can unleash flying slashes are known as sword masters on the high seas.

This is a symbol of strength!

"Then I'll be the referee for this agreed-upon battle."

Looking at the two boys and girls, Koushirou's eyes showed satisfaction, and he said gently, "Would you like to start now or wait until after lunch?"

After thinking for a moment, Lockes said, "Let's have lunch. I'm a little hungry now; I didn't eat enough on the ship."

He was indeed a little hungry.

Because of his internal weakness, he had an enormous appetite.

The food on the merchant ship was too mediocre and the supply was limited, so he couldn't eat as much as he wanted.

After glancing at Lox, Kuina nodded, "That works too. I also used up a lot of energy during my training."