Pirate: I have a Hollow living inside me!

Yes, that's what Zoro thinks...

"This kid hasn't made much progress in swordsmanship..."

Only Koushirou knew the truth, and sighed speechlessly, "Although it's a bit more methodical, it's still just wild swinging..."

With his keen eye, he could naturally see that Rocks was not suppressing Kuina with swordsmanship, but rather with sheer overwhelming strength.

Physique, dominance, speed, reflexes...

In every aspect, Lox is far superior to Kuina.

Although Kuina was superior in swordsmanship, she could only barely parry the attacks of Rocks, who was stronger in terms of raw power...

"But this kid is a bit more mature than before, not as crazy as he used to be..."

Koushirou was about to say something to praise Locke, thinking that the kid had become much more mature than before and was no longer the reckless young man who would use deadly moves as soon as he made a move.

Before he could finish speaking, what happened next shut him up...

"Alright, warm-up's over, time to get serious!"

In the arena, Rocks raised his sword, forcing Kuina to parry and deflect the force, retreating.

His smile grew even more confident and flamboyant: "Not long ago, I comprehended the Breath of All Things and entered the Realm of Cutting Iron. Now, let me show you my strongest sword strike!"

"This sword strike, which I've named the Ultimate Slash, is the pinnacle of my swordsmanship. Take this..."

"Wait, I give up!"

Before Rocks could finish speaking, and before he could unleash his so-called ultimate sword strike, Kuina interjected, "You've won this battle..."

Although the battle hadn't lasted long, sweat was already beading on Kuina's forehead, and her right arm, which was holding the sword, was starting to feel numb...

He was deeply impressed by Rocks's strength.

What kind of monster is this?

She had already gone all out, while her opponent was just warming up...

The gap between the two is even greater than it was a few years ago.

Despite her nimble and graceful swordsmanship, each strike can cleave rocks in two, and she is only one opportunity away from mastering the art of cutting through iron and understanding the breath of all things.

As a result, it was easily caught by Lox...

How is this played?

She was also aware of Rocks' fighting style; when he got serious, he didn't know his own strength.

If it were a fist technique, the opponent might be able to stop at the last moment, but given the opponent's mediocre swordsmanship, she worried that Rocks wouldn't be able to stop his sword at the last moment...

Chapter 7 The Road Ahead!

Lox: "?"

There's a suffocating feeling, like hitting the air with all your might.

At least let him swing his sword; this in-between feeling is really uncomfortable...

"The winner is Lox."

Upon hearing Kuina concede defeat, Koushirou promptly announced the winner of this "three-year agreement."

However, a subtle change appeared in his gaze as he looked at Lox, and he couldn't help but ponder: 'That sword strike just now actually gave me a faint sense of threat.'

'Has this kid really found the perfect swordsmanship for him?'

Although Rocks' final sword strike did not come out, it still had a certain "sword momentum" to it.

Swordsmanship is inherently very idealistic.

A powerful swordsman can unleash flames, flower petals, lightning, and ghostly energy...

This is one application of "momentum".

Amazing?

But that's the way of the sword!

The idealistic way of the sword!

The ability to comprehend the breath of all things and the higher level of flying strikes are actually applications of "sword momentum".

Unwavering resolve is true strength.

Willpower and conviction can give birth to tremendous strength!

"You've won. From now on, you'll be my captain."

Kuina tucked a strand of hair from her forehead behind her ear.

His expression showed no discouragement, only unwavering confidence: "However, I will not relinquish the title of the world's greatest swordsman, Captain!"

"Please take care of me from now on, Kuina."

Lox looked at the beautiful young woman, his first partner: "I look forward to you challenging me in the future, but that position can only be mine, and Hawkeye Mihawk will have to step aside!"

"Let's wait and see!"

"can."

The two exchanged a smile, both seeing determination in each other's eyes.

They will move towards their goals.

No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, they will not give up.

They are friends, partners, and rivals at the same time!

'It's so good to be young...'

Listening to their conversation, Koushirou smiled gently.

She sighed inwardly, 'But if you want to catch up with Rocks, you'll need to put in much more effort, Kuina…'

Kuina's future path will be difficult.

Women are inherently less physically fit than men, and this gap widens over time.

This is something that cannot be compensated for by exercise alone.

Not to mention that Kuina's opponent is the little monster, Lox.

Even he, a swordsman who had once sailed the high seas, was surprised by Rocks' strength.

Rocks wasn't serious during that last battle...

Such strength at the age of seventeen.

This is incredible.

He had a vague premonition.

This already chaotic sea is about to welcome a powerful monster, a monster capable of shaking the very fabric of the ocean...

……

Two days later.

Location of the dock.

"Are you really not coming with us?"

Rocks looked at Zoro: "Although you are only sixteen years old, age doesn't matter when you set sail."

"No, I'm not going. You have your own path, and I have my own."

Zoro shook his head: "Besides, I still need to perfect my Three-Sword Style. I haven't graduated yet. I'll set sail on my own in the future."

I don't want to go out to sea with them.

He has his own ideas.

"Then you'd better find a good partner, preferably someone who knows the way and can guide you, since you're terrible with directions. Getting lost at sea is very dangerous."

Seeing that Zoro refused again, Rocks did not continue to invite him.

to be frank.

If possible, Rocks would like to recruit Zoro onto his ship.

This kid has good talent and potential; he's capable of vying for the title of the world's second-best swordsman. He'd be a great partner.

As for the original plot, Rocks didn't care...

Unfortunately, the other party refused.

Mind your own business!

Zoro's face darkened; he hated it when people talked about his terrible sense of direction.

Then, with a smirk, he said, "Don't lose to anyone else before you lose to me. Only I can defeat the two of you!"

He also challenged Rocks yesterday.

As a result, they were beaten so badly they lost their bearings.

Although the two were only one year apart in age, the difference in their strength was so great that he felt despair.

If he hadn't been defeated by Kuina more than three thousand times and hadn't become accustomed to defeat, he probably would have lost faith and given up his dream of becoming the world's greatest swordsman...

That's so discouraging!

"That day will never come."

Kuina said calmly and confidently, "Whether I lose to someone else or to you."

Her physical abilities were inferior to those of the monster, Rocks.

But if it were Zoro, she felt the difference wouldn't be too outrageous.

This difference can be made up for with swordsmanship skills.

After losing to Lox once, Kuina had already decided on her future path—

Just hone your swordsmanship to the highest level, and you'll be stronger than all the other swordsmen!