Pirate: I have a Hollow living inside me

Rocks patted Zoro on the shoulder and encouraged him, "Work hard, Zoro! I believe you will definitely become a strong person in the future, and the title of the world's third greatest swordsman will definitely be yours!"

Why is it third?

Because he is first, and Kuina is second.

Zoro can only fight for third place...

Zoro's expression was a little strange: "You don't mean to say that you will be the world's greatest swordsman in the future, and Kuina will be the second, do you?"

Rocks glanced at Zoro in surprise: "Not bad, you've gotten smarter in the years I haven't seen you."

Zoro: "..."

Where does this guy get such confidence?

He admitted that his opponent was strong, but not in swordsmanship.

He really couldn't give a proper evaluation of the opponent's swordsmanship...

"Alright, I'm not going to waste any more time chatting with you here. I'm going to Isshin Dojo to see Koushirou-sensei and Kuina. Want to come along?"

"I want to go to the dojo too."

"You still say you're not lost? Don't worry, I won't laugh at you. Everyone here knows you have no sense of direction."

Zoro: "..."

I really want to fight this guy for three hundred rounds.

He secretly made up his mind that he would definitely show his opponent the power of his Three-Sword Style later!

That's it.

The two, who hadn't seen each other for a long time, chatted casually as they walked toward the Isshin Dojo.

The two arrived at the Yixin Dojo in just over ten minutes.

Looking at the familiar building, memories flooded back: "It's still the same, not much has changed."

After a sigh, a red light flashed in Rocks' eyes, and his Observation Haki spread out, illuminating the Isshin Gym.

I sensed two familiar auras in one location...

After consuming the Mythical Zoan type Hollowform Blackwing Daima no Mi, Rocks awakened Observation Haki.

Haku was born with the ability to sense spiritual pressure.

This ability is presented here as Observation Haki.

That's why Duke believed Rocks was someone who was born with Observation Haki...

"I'll go find Mr. Koushirou and Kuina first."

After saying something to Zoro, Rocks tapped his feet and disappeared from the spot as if he had teleported.

This is one of the abilities of the Void—Resonance!

"So fast!"

Upon seeing Rocks vanish in an instant, Zoro's pupils contracted sharply, and a look of shock appeared on his face.

He didn't even see how the other person moved; he just felt a blur before his eyes, and the other person vanished right before his eyes...

That's too fast!

If you were fighting yourself, with that speed, would you be able to react in time?

"How can this guy be so strong? Has his swordsmanship improved so much?"

Zoro muttered to himself, feeling a strange pressure in his heart.

His current target is not only Kuina, whom he has never lost to, but also Lox, who once defeated Kuina...

……

At the same time.

The backyard of the Isshin Dojo.

Just as Rocks swept across with his Observation Haki.

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

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

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

Realizing something, Koushirou put down his teacup and smiled: "It must be that kid. It's been years. That domineering young man..."

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

If asked which student at the Isshin Dojo left the deepest impression on him,

That was undoubtedly Lox.

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

He was born with Observation Haki and possesses a certain Zoan-type Mythical Beast ability.

The only pity is that the opponent's swordsmanship talent is really 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, "Judging by 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 Lox? I've been waiting for him for a long time!"

Are you confident?

"I will not be defeated in swordsmanship!"

"Three years can change a lot of things. Perhaps Locke's 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, flicked 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."

"During this time, I haven't neglected my swordsmanship!"

That's the truth.

Rocks never stopped practicing swordsmanship.

His swordsmanship has improved considerably compared to before!

Then Rocks waved to Koushirou and said, "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 at which Lockes had just unleashed his power.

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

I wonder what level Rocks' strength 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 War!

Upon hearing this, Locke stared intently at Koushirou: "Before Kuina and I set sail, how about we have a battle, Koushirou-sensei?"

"I also want to experience the swordsman's strength."

In the original work, Koshiro is not shown fighting, but his opponent is 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.

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

This kid never holds back when he hits someone.

Others might test the waters first in a fight, but this kid goes straight for the kill, saying things like "even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit"...

That's the principle.

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 want to challenge Father even though you haven't even defeated me? Rocks, do you think I'm no match for you?"

Kuina looked at Lox with her beautiful eyes, releasing a sharp aura: "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 going to sea sooner or later, and had even made a promise to go out to sea together.

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

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

We'll listen to whoever wins!

Whoever wins becomes the captain!

"It's as if no one is the one who isn't."

Rocks looked at the battle-ready Kuina and smiled, "The captain can only be me. I will not be subordinate to anyone!"

In the past three years, the little girl has grown into a graceful young woman.

She bears a striking resemblance to the Tashigi I remember.

However, Kuina possesses a more heroic air than Tashigi, like a sharp blade drawn from its sheath, her beauty imbued with a fierce and ruthless edge, and her overall demeanor is also more outstanding.

She is a beautiful and determined young woman.

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

His smile was very attractive, but it also conveyed the swordsman's unwavering determination and confidence.

She is no longer confused.

So what if she's a woman?

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!