Pirates: Martial Arts Masters on the Straw Hat Ship

Ronan's pupils contracted slightly, and he thought to himself, "It's here... the Sandai Kitetsu."

This is destiny.

No matter how things changed, this cursed sword that was searching for its master eventually ended up in Zoro's hands.

"etc!!"

The shop owner, Ippon Matsu, who had been sitting behind the counter, jumped up as if he had seen a ghost the moment he saw the knife, shouting in panic:

"That...that knife isn't for sale!!"

Ronan, feigning ignorance, joked, "What? Is it a precious sword? Do I have to pay extra?"

"No...it's not about the money!"

Ipponmatsu's face was deathly pale, cold sweat pouring down his forehead. He pointed at the sword in Zoro's hand, his voice trembling, "That...that's something that can't be sold to customers!"

Zoro completely ignored the boss's attempts to stop him.

He raised the knife, staring directly at the flame-like blade patterns, his eyes reflecting a cold glint:

"It's a demon sword, isn't it?"

Ippon Matsu was taken aback: "You...you knew? You figured it out?"

"No."

A fanatical smile crept across Zoro's lips, his beastly instincts making his blood boil: "I can feel... its killing intent."

"That's right..." Ippon Matsu swallowed hard, his voice lowering, "That's the Sandai Kitetsu."

"From the first generation of Kitetsu onwards, the swords forged by the Kitetsu school have been exceptionally sharp and rare. But... every single one of them is a cursed demon sword!"

Ippon Matsu seemed to recall some terrifying rumor, and his body trembled slightly:

"Those famous swordsmen who once wielded the Onikiri... without exception, all of them met a violent end!"

"Some went mad, some were killed by their own swords, and some met with inexplicable misfortune on the battlefield..."

"No one in this world dares to use the Onikiri anymore! Even possessing it is a source of fear!"

"That's why I mixed it in with the discounted items, trying to sneak it away... like it was cursed!"

"Put it down! I don't sell that! If you die because of it, wouldn't that be the same as me killing you?!"

The store was deathly silent.

Only the sound of Matsumoto's rapid breathing could be heard.

Zoro did not put down his sword.

Instead, he gripped it even tighter.

He felt the cold, stinging, yet incredibly exciting sensation emanating from his palm.

This knife thirsts for blood, for battle, and for a master who can subdue it.

"I see……"

Zoro looked at the Sandai Kitetsu in his hand, his smile gradually widening, becoming somewhat ferocious, yet filled with unparalleled confidence:

"I like it. This is it!"

"Idiot...you idiot! Didn't you understand?!" Ipponmatsu jumped up and down in exasperation. "You'll die!"

"Since it's a cursed demon sword..."

Zoro slowly raised his head, his eyes burning with a power that would make even demons and gods retreat:

"Okay then."

He tossed the Sandai Kitetsu into the air, assuming a pose that would suffocate everyone.

He stretched out his left arm, holding it horizontally at his side with his palm open.

"My 'luck'... and this guy's 'curse'..."

"Let's see... which one is stronger!!"

"Wh...what?!"

Ippon Matsu was so terrified his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. He covered his head with his hands and let out a desperate scream:

"Stop!! Are you crazy?! That really could cut off your arm!!"

Ronan, standing to the side, also held his breath.

Although he knew the outcome, he was still shocked to witness it firsthand.

This is no longer just about swordsmanship or strength; it's about courage and the mindset of a true strongman who disregards life and death.

"interesting."

Ronan activated his Observation Haki to its fullest extent, and in his eyes, the world seemed to slow down.

"Whoosh—whoosh—"

The Sandai Kitetsu spun in the air, its sharp blade cutting through the air with a chilling sound.

It began to fall.

The spinning blade hurtled straight toward Zoro's unprotected left arm.

One inch. Two inches.

Ippon Matsu closed his eyes in despair, unable to bear the sight of the blood splattering everywhere that followed.

However, Zoro's eyelashes didn't even tremble.

"bring it on!"

Just as the blade was about to touch Zoro's skin—

"Whoosh—!!"

Time seemed to distort at that moment.

The rapidly spinning demonic blade somehow managed to make an extremely small arc in the air.

The sharp blade grazed Zoro's outer arm, even severing a few hairs, and carried a chilling gust of wind—

"Do!!!"

A muffled thud.

The sharp tip of the Sandai Kitetsu pierced deeply into the wooden floor next to Zoro's arm, penetrating three-tenths of an inch into the wood. The blade was still trembling slightly, emitting a crisp hum.

Unharmed.

The entire room fell silent.

One of them shakily opened his eyes, saw the intact arm, his jaw slammed to the ground, and he collapsed to the floor.

"This...how is this possible..."

Ronan let out a long sigh of relief, his eyes full of admiration: "Such strong luck, such strong will. This sword has recognized its master."

Zoro slowly withdrew his left arm, looked at the cursed sword stuck in the ground, and a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.

He reached out and grasped the hilt of the sword, drawing the Sandai Kitetsu in one swift motion. He casually twirled the sword, feeling the fighting spirit that was connected to his bloodline.

"I'll take this one!"

Zoro turned around and looked at the boss, who was completely dumbfounded:

"So? Can you sell it to me now?"

Ipponmatsu stared blankly at Zoro, as if he were looking at a monster.

It took him a long time to come to his senses.

The merchant's mercenary nature and greed had completely vanished in the face of that breathtaking scene.

He took a deep breath, as if he had made a major decision.

Without saying a word, Ippon Matsu turned and ran into the inner room.

"Feed? What's wrong?" Zoro asked, puzzled.

A moment later, Ippon-matsu emerged carrying a long, ornately decorated, jet-black sword.

"This sword is called 'Yubashiri'."

Ipponmatsu stroked the blade, his eyes filled with reluctance and solemnity:

"It belongs to one of the fifty finest knives. It is exquisitely crafted, light, and sharp. It is a family heirloom."

He suddenly handed the snow-covered horse to Zoro:

"Take it!!"

"Huh?" Zoro was stunned. "I don't have any money..."

"It's free!!"

With a loud roar, tears welling in his eyes, Ipponmatsu exclaimed, "That Onikiri... and this Yuki-zuri, I'm giving them all to you for free!"

"this……"

"Stop talking nonsense! A man should make a name for himself in this chaotic world!"

Ipponmatsu looked at Zoro, his tone sincere and passionate:

"I once had dreams too... but I lacked the courage. Today, I've witnessed what a true swordsman is! That sword, the Onikiri, has found its best master!"

"Take them with me! To the Grand Line! And bring my dreams with you!"

Zoro took the two new swords, feeling their weight, and nodded solemnly:

"Ah, I'm so grateful."

Ronan watched this scene from the side and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

That's the charm of One Piece; even a supporting character has their own romance and shining moments.