Pirate: I have a Hollow living inside me

Yes, that's what Zoro thinks...

"This kid hasn't improved much in swordsmanship..."

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

With his keen eyesight, he could naturally see that Rocks was not suppressing Kuina with swordsmanship, but rather overwhelming her with sheer physical 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 Rocks, who was stronger in sheer physical strength...

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

Just as Koushirou was about to offer a word of praise to Locke, he realized that the boy had become much more composed than before, no longer the impetuous young man who would resort to deadly moves at the slightest provocation.

Before he could finish speaking, what happened next silenced him...

"Alright, warm-up's over, now I'm getting serious!"

In the arena, Rocks raised his sword, forcing Guinag to deflect the force and retreat.

His smile grew even more confident and flamboyant: "Not long ago, I comprehended the breath of all things and entered the realm of 'severing iron.' Now, let me show you my strongest sword strike!"

"I've named this sword strike 'Extreme Slash,' 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 preemptively declared, "You've won this battle..."

Although the battle was short, sweat was already beading on Kuina's forehead, and her right arm, which was holding the sword, was starting to go numb...

He was deeply impressed by Rocks's strength.

What kind of monster is this?

She had 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. She is only one opportunity away from mastering the art of cutting through iron and understanding the breath of all things.

As it turned out, Rocks caught it with ease...

How can we fight like this?

She was also aware of Rocks' fighting style; when he got serious, he didn't hold back.

If it were a fistfight, 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 being hit hard by the air.

At least let him swing his sword; this awkward, half-hearted feeling is really frustrating...

"The winner is Lox."

Upon hearing Kuina's surrender, 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 actually land, it still contained a certain "sword stance" to it.

Swordsmanship is inherently very idealistic.

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

This is a kind of mockery of "power".

Amazing?

But that's the way of the sword!

The idealistic way of swordsmanship!

The realm of swordsmanship that comprehends the breath of all things, and the higher level of soaring strikes, are actually a disparagement of "sword power."

Unwavering determination 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 sign of 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 your challenge to 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."

They smiled at each other, 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!

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

Listening to their conversation, Koushirou smiled gently.

But she sighed inwardly: 'However, 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 cannot be remedied by training alone.

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

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

Rocks wasn't taking that battle seriously...

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 pier.

"Are you really not coming with us?"

Rocks looked at Zoro: "Although you are only sixteen years old, there is no age limit for going to sea."

"No, I won't go. You have your 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 have no sense of direction. Getting lost at sea is very dangerous."

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

To be honest.

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

This kid has great talent and potential; he's capable of competing for the title of the world's second-best swordsman. He'd be a good 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 brought up his terrible sense of direction.

Then, with a smirk, he said, "Don't lose to anyone 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 are only one year apart in age, the difference in their abilities is so great that he feels hopeless.

If he hadn't lost to Kuina over three thousand times and 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 devastating!

"That day will never come."

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

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

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

This gap can be bridged with swordsmanship skills.

After being defeated by Rocks once, Kuina had already decided on her future path—

If only I could master swordsmanship to the highest level, surpassing all other swordsmen!

This is her path to becoming the world's greatest swordsman!

Rocks looked at Zoro, raised an eyebrow and said, "Then let's meet again on the high seas. I'll show you the power of your now-perfected Three-Sword Style."

Zoro's potential needs no further explanation.

He will not give up his goal because of changes in the plot; on the contrary, he will work harder because Kuina is still alive and because of his existence.

With unwavering will and extraordinary talent, Zoro will undoubtedly be among the very top tier of talents in the future, barring any unforeseen circumstances!

Zoro nodded and said, "I will."

Now is not the time to go to sea; he needs to perfect his three-sword style.

When the time is right, he will set sail to fulfill his dreams and goals!

"come on!"

Rocks smiled.

Then, looking at Koushirou, her voice became serious as she assured him, "Koushirou-sensei, I'm entrusting Kuina to you. I will protect her!"

After all, he had abducted the other party's daughter.

Rocks naturally needed to protect Kuina for the other party.

This was his promise to Koushirou.

With him around, Kuina will be fine!

"..."

Kuina glanced at Lox.

This sounds like she's going to marry him?

Although she had feelings for Rocks, things hadn't progressed to that level yet...

“I was mentally prepared for this when you made this three-year agreement.”