thefictionvixens Chapter 256 Zoro vs. Kojiro
Chapter 256 Zoro vs. Kojiro
Chapter 256 Zoro vs. Kojiro
Thousands of meters below the surface, the Thousand Sunny, coated with a protective film, steadily descends into the eternal darkness and stillness of the deep sea.
Occasionally, strangely shaped, bioluminescent deep-sea fish are attracted by the light, curiously approaching and scrutinizing the uninvited guest with their cold eyes.
The phosphorescent light shimmering on their bodies traced fleeting trails in the absolute darkness, adding a touch of fantasy and mystery to the journey to the legendary land, while also highlighting the unknown and oppressive atmosphere of the deep sea.
Inside the ship, the Straw Hat crew did not linger over the spectacular scenery outside the window, but instead made their final adjustments and preparations.
The atmosphere was filled with the excitement of arriving at the destination, but also mixed with a subtle tension.
"Are we finally here? Fishman Island! I heard there are lots and lots of fishmen and mermaids there, and delicious skyfish too!"
Luffy's entire face was almost pressed against the tough coating, his rubber body stretched long, and his eyes shone as he tried to pierce through the darkness ahead, as if he could already see that dreamlike paradise.
"Based on the direction of the recorded pointer and the detailed nautical charts provided by Mr. Rayleigh, we are indeed about to arrive at the outer waters of Fishman Island."
Nami was intently checking the various instruments, her face showing both the anticipation of a navigator about to verify the route and a hint of worry about the unknown situation.
"I just hope that when we arrive, the situation on the island will be better than we've heard."
Zoro leaned against the ship's railing, his eyes closed, seemingly resting, but his fingers on the hilt of his sword occasionally rubbed it slightly.
The brief yet soul-stirring clash of Conqueror's Haki between Roger and Rayleigh, and the unfathomable power of that Hades.
On this vast ocean teeming with powerful heroic spirits, he must become stronger, and faster.
Roger, who had been standing with his arms crossed, looking out at the deep darkness of the city, suddenly burst into loud laughter.
"What's there to be nervous about? We'll deal with whatever comes our way! When I was conquering the seas, what kind of battles haven't I seen?"
"It's just Fishman Island, that Neptune kid has to give me some face!"
His laughter dispelled some of the somber atmosphere, carrying the pride and confidence of a king from a bygone era.
Suddenly, a glimmer of light appeared in the endless darkness ahead, like the brightest star in the night sky.
The light expanded rapidly, piercing through the layers of dark seawater.
Finally, an island that looked like something out of a fairy tale appeared before everyone's eyes!
Colorful corals form a continuous architectural complex, schools of fish of various shapes and sizes swim in the air like birds, and beautiful mermaids sway their gorgeous tail fins, moving nimbly through the water together with strong fish-men.
The entire island was bathed in a dreamlike glow.
However, a closer look reveals that some parts of the massive protective shield near the port area still bear traces of damage that were not fully repaired, silently telling the story of the battle that occurred not long ago.
Guided by the Fishman Island pilot ship, the Sunny slowly sailed into the numbered port.
The security here was noticeably tighter than usual, with guards from the Dragon Palace Kingdom holding weapons and scanning the newly arrived human pirate ship with wary eyes.
As Luffy and his crew descended the gangway and set foot on Fishman Island, they immediately spotted two extremely eye-catching figures.
One of them was wrapped in thick bandages, looking just like a mummy.
He sat listlessly in his wheelchair, his resentful eyes revealing his identity.
Diamanti, one of the Crusaders' leaders. His face was ashen, as if he had just swallowed a whole rotting sea monster.
Standing beside him was someone with a completely different aura.
It was Sasaki Kojiro, the "nameless" swordsman who, according to previous intelligence, killed two Heroic Spirits with a single sword strike, shocking the entire Fishman Island.
"Fufufufu—Straw Hat Luffy, and—what an unexpected and delightful guest!"
A video Den Den Mushi was cleverly placed nearby, projecting Doflamingo's iconic, charismatic, and arrogant phantom image.
"I never imagined we'd meet again so soon, right here beneath this deep sea. Could this be a sign of fate?"
When Luffy saw Doflamingo's image, he immediately frowned and pointed at him without any politeness.
"It's you, you annoying flamingo uncle! What are you plotting?!"
Doflamingo's image emitted an even more exaggerated laugh: "Fufufu, that's what I should be asking you. Fishman Island is now a partner of our Cross Society."
"However, considering that we once fought side by side in Alabasta, I will let bygones be bygones for your uninvited intrusion."
His gaze turned to Kojiro. "Kojiro, it seems our old friends have arrived as well."
Kojiro stepped forward with composure, bowed slightly to the Straw Hat crew, and his gaze first fell on the Skull Musician and the silent shadow beside him.
"Lord Brook, and this gentleman with the aura of a Grand Master. Greetings."
Then, his gaze turned to Zoro, whose fighting spirit was almost tangible.
"My beloved junior, it's been a long time. Your sword intent has become even more sharp and pure."
Brooke let out his signature "yohoho" laugh and gentlemanly tipped his hat in greeting.
"Mr. Kojiro! It's truly exhilarating to reunite with you deep in the ocean, even though I have no heart!"
"Your incredible skills at the port were so amazing that even we back in Sabaody heard about them. It made my bones practically fall apart with excitement!"
Zoro opened his one eye, his sharp, hawk-like gaze fixed on Kojiro, and an invisible sword aura seemed to surge around him.
"Sasaki Kojiro — the heroic spirit of Hawkeye."
"Perfect timing! Let me personally measure just how far my sword is from you guys standing at the top, after all these battles and training!"
Despite Zoro's almost tangible fighting spirit, Kojiro maintained a calm and composed smile, as if he had already anticipated it.
"That is my wish, but I dare not ask. It would be a pleasure to spar with fellow enthusiasts who pursue the ultimate in swordsmanship."
"But this place is a strategic port location, making it inconvenient to maneuver. Wouldn't it be better to find another open area?"
"Hmph, just what I wanted!" Zoro agreed without hesitation.
Just then, a deep, steady voice came like the current of the deep sea: "Everyone, please calm down."
Everyone looked over and saw the hero of Fishman Street, the former Shichibukai, Jinbe the Knight of the Sea.
Accompanied by the loyal seahorse mermaid right minister, he was striding over.
He was as tall and imposing as a mountain, his blue skin gleaming with a metallic sheen under the soft light unique to Fishman Island. His steps were steady, and his aura was profound and majestic.
This was the first time he had met his younger brother, whom Ace had mentioned countless times, in such a formal manner.
His gaze first swept over the images of Doflamingo and Kojiro, and he nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
Then the gaze fell upon Straw Hat Luffy, his serious face bearing a scrutinizing look in his eyes.
"You're Straw Hat Luffy?" Jinbe's voice was deep and powerful.
"That's right! I am Monkey D. Luffy!" Luffy puffed out his chest and met Jinbe's gaze without flinching.
"He's going to be the Pirate King!"
Jinbe nodded: "I am Jinbe. Ace—he often mentions you to me."
He said he has a brother who is always causing trouble, and that guy has an incredible charm and is destined to shake up the world's destiny.
When Ace was mentioned, his tone was clearly filled with nostalgia.
"Ace!" Luffy's eyes lit up instantly, and a bright smile without a trace of gloom bloomed on his face.
"You do know Ace! He's my brother!"
"Yes," Jinbe affirmed, his tone softening considerably.
"He once invited me to join the Whitebeard Pirates. Although I couldn't accept because of my hometown, we are still close friends."
"He specifically sent a message beforehand, saying that you would be passing through Fishman Island, and asked me to take good care of you."
These words acted like an invisible bond, instantly bringing the two of them much closer.
Doflamingo's image was inserted at the opportune moment.
"Fufufu, the touching brotherhood reminiscing can continue later."
"Straw Hat Boy and Roger, you've come at just the right time. Fishman Island has just gone through a period of turmoil and is in dire need of manpower, and our Crusade can provide the shelter and cooperation that this deep sea needs most."
"Of course, any cooperation needs to be based on sufficient sincerity."
His gaze swept meaningfully over Roger and King Hassan behind Luffy, revealing his intention to recruit and exploit them.
Luffy, however, seemed not to have heard Doflamingo's words at all, or rather, he simply ignored them.
He spoke to Jinbe with unwavering resolve, his tone filled with an unquestionable determination.
"Jinbe! We're here to help you! That bastard Blackbeard dared to attack Fishman Island and hurt Ace's friends. I'm going to beat him to a pulp!"
Roger, who had been watching everything with interest with his arms crossed, finally spoke up in a loud voice.
"That's right! The islands under Neptune's rule aren't places where a rat like Teach from the gutter can run rampant!"
"Since Luffy said he'd help, then I'll naturally do my part! Jinbe, right? Someone Ace approves of, I trust too!"
Roger's sudden outburst drew everyone's attention to him.
Even if this legendary Pirate King only stands here as a heroic spirit, his very existence is like a majestic mountain, exuding an aura that captivates the heart.
Jinbe looked at Roger with eyes full of respect for the legendary figure, but also with the composure of a fishman hero.
"Lord Gol D. Roger, I have long admired your name. It is an honor for Fishman Island to have you here."
Doflamingo's image grinned even wider, seemingly pleased with Roger's involvement, after all, Roger's very existence was a huge bargaining chip.
Looking into Luffy's sincere eyes, and then at the powerful figures behind him such as Roger and King Hassan, Jinbe felt reassured.
He said in a deep voice, "This is not the place to talk. Please follow me to the Dragon Palace City."
"As for the duel between Lord Zoro and Lord Kojiro—there is a spacious coral plaza on the east side of the port used for training."
Upon hearing this, Zoro immediately looked at Kojiro.
Kojiro nodded slightly: "When in Rome, do as the host says."
Coral Plaza is composed of countless hard, colorful corals, surrounded by slowly flowing seawater. Light refracts through the seawater, creating a bizarre and surreal spectacle.
Zoro and Kojiro stood facing each other, neither of them immediately drawing their swords.
The energy was constantly rising and colliding.
"Three-sword style? What an amazing style." Kojiro smiled as he looked at the three swords at Zoro's waist.
"Ah, this is the path to becoming the world's greatest swordsman." Zoro bit down on Wado Ichimonji, his eyes sharp as an eagle's.
"Let me see just how high a level of swordsmanship has reached to earn Hawkeye's approval!"
"As you wish."
Kojiro slowly drew his sword from its sheath. The blade was long and narrow with a beautiful curve, and its chilling gleam was particularly dazzling in the dark seabed.
Without warning, Zoro moved!
He charged forward like a cheetah, his three blades tracing sharp lines, carrying the will to cut through everything!
"Three-Sword Style: Demon Slash!"
Kojiro's figure swayed slightly, but he arrived first despite being behind, his blade tip striking the weakest point where Zoro's three-sword attack met with perfect accuracy!
bite-!
With a crisp sound, Zoro's seemingly inevitable attack was easily thwarted, and the powerful recoil made his arm go numb.
"So fast! So accurate!" Zoro thought with a chill.
He could sense that Kojiro's sword did not rely on brute force, but rather on instantly seeing through all the changes and lines in his moves.
"Dual-Sword Style: Double Slash: Ascend the Tower! Sand Pattern!" Zoro quickly changed his move, his sword light like a surging tide and a layer of fine sand, blocking Kojiro's room to dodge.
Kojiro's steps appear leisurely, yet he always manages to dodge the blade at the last possible moment.
His attacks were like a persistent ailment, always striking from unbelievable angles, forcing Zoro to retreat and defend.
His swordsmanship has transcended the realm of technique and is closer to the essence of reason.
Is this... a Heroic Spirit-level technique?
Zoro felt immense pressure, but his blood was also boiling.
This is completely different from the Hawkeye incident! It wasn't a crushing defeat of strength and domineering aura, but an absolute difference in skill and level of mastery!
But—I didn't waste this time!
"Nine mountains and eight seas constitute one world; when a thousand worlds are gathered, they become a smaller world."
Zoro roared, his aura surging, his Haki and sword intent reaching their peak.
"Three-Sword Style - One Great Thousand Worlds!!"
Countless enormous green sword energies swept out like a storm, filling the entire Coral Plaza, as if to tear space apart!
This is Zoro's strongest area-of-effect attack to date, embodying his complete understanding of swordsmanship!
Faced with this overwhelming storm of sword energy, a hint of approval flashed in Kojiro's eyes.
He stopped dodging and clearly drew a flawless arc in his hand, as if it contained the ultimate truth of heaven and earth.
"Secret Sword - Swallow Return".
There was no earth-shattering collision.
The violent storm of sword energy, upon touching that arc, seemed to be drawn to an unknown dimension, or perhaps quietly disintegrated by a higher-level force.
At the center of the dissipating storm, Kojiro's figure appeared before Zoro like a phantom.
Zoro was dumbfounded.
The cold tip of the other's knife had already lightly touched his brow and stopped.
Zoro froze in place, his three swords still in the swinging stance, a bead of cold sweat sliding down his forehead.
He lost, and lost without a doubt.
He couldn't even force Kojiro to use the Kara no Kyoukai (Gate of the Sky).
Kojiro slowly sheathed his sword and smiled, "You flatter me. Lord Zoro, your sword is filled with the determination and power to cut through everything. Given time, it will surely become a great weapon."
"However, the way of the sword is not only about cutting. Sometimes, not killing and protecting can also give birth to a sharpness that surpasses slashing."
Zoro remained silent for a moment, then slowly sheathed his sword. His single eye showed no sign of discouragement; instead, it burned with an even more intense flame.
"I'll remember that. Next time, I'll definitely cut off your Swallow Return!"
Kojiro nodded with a smile: "I look forward to that day."
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