Roronoa Zoro snorted and rushed toward Karl.
"Three Sword Style—
Ikkōriki Rō! Nikōriki Rō! Nikōriki Slash!"
He shouted a long string of move names.
Karl didn't even bother figuring out what they meant.
It looked flashy though.
Karl casually raised Raven across his chest.
Clang!
The blades collided with a clear metallic sound.
"Your technique is fine," Karl said calmly.
"But your strength is lacking."
"Put more force into it."
"I can handle it."
Zoro's face darkened.
"Don't underestimate me!"
He raised both swords and slashed down at Karl's shoulders.
Clang!
Karl blocked again.
Then he kicked Zoro in the chest.
Boom.
Zoro flew backward and slammed onto the floor.
"Your strength is passable."
"But your openings are everywhere."
"Again."
Zoro jumped up immediately.
"Damn it!"
"Three Sword Style—Oni Giri!"
He crossed his blades to trap Karl.
The sword in his mouth blocked escape routes.
Karl didn't move.
Clink.
Raven's tip touched Zoro's two swords.
The third blade struck next.
Karl twisted his wrist slightly—
Then lifted.
Both swords flew into the air.
They landed on the ground with clattering sounds.
Karl looked at him.
"A sword is a swordsman's life."
"And you can't even hold onto yours?"
"This is the courage you used to challenge me?"
Zoro stared at the fallen swords.
His face pale.
His lips trembling.
Karl continued calmly.
"You're not even a third-rate swordsman right now."
"If you want to stand at the peak of swordsmanship…"
"It takes more than words."
Zoro lowered his head.
Silent.
After a long moment, he spoke hoarsely.
"…Then what should I do?"
Karl answered immediately.
"Your foundation is good."
"Your technique is decent."
"But your body is weak."
"No matter the fighting style—"
"Physical strength is the foundation."
Zoro swallowed.
"You mean… my training isn't enough?"
Karl didn't reply.
Instead—
A golden light gathered in his hand.
Holy energy flowed into Zoro's body.
"This… what is this?"
The moment the light entered him—
Warmth spread through his entire body.
But that wasn't the main point.
Zoro could clearly feel it.
He was stronger.
His muscles felt filled with endless power.
Karl said:
"Your body has been strengthened."
"Try again."
"And don't use complicated techniques."
"Use the most basic attack."
Zoro nodded.
He held Wado Ichimonji in both hands.
Then—
A simple downward slash.
During the swing—
Zoro already understood.
Why Karl said physical strength mattered most.
This basic strike was stronger than his previous three-sword techniques.
Clang.
Karl blocked easily.
"Well?"
"Does it feel different?"
Zoro smiled slightly.
"Yes."
"I understand."
"The stronger the body…"
"The stronger the strike."
Karl nodded approvingly.
Swordsmen who wanted quick improvement should train their bodies.
Just look at Charlotte Linlin.
She never called herself a swordsman.
Yet with pure strength she could crush countless sword masters.
Sometimes—
Power simply breaks all techniques.
Karl himself was moving toward that path.
Returning to simplicity.
Koshiro's Insight
Nearby, Shimotsuki Koshiro clapped quietly.
"Vice Admiral Karl's words are enlightening."
"I've seen many swordsmen chase technique endlessly…"
"Only to lose the true path."
Just then a dojo student called out.
"Master! Dinner is ready!"
Koshiro turned to Karl.
"Please join us."
"Zoro, come as well."
Zoro shook his head.
"No."
"I want to be alone."
Koshiro nodded gently.
"Very well."
Zoro's Resolve
After they left—
Zoro sat cross-legged on the ground.
He stared at Wado Ichimonji.
"Kuina…"
"Today I fought the Marine great swordsman Karl."
"I lost."
"But I learned something important."
"Give me more time."
Behind the door—
Koshiro removed his glasses.
Quiet tears fell.
Then he sighed and walked away.
The Next Morning
Karl prepared to leave.
Koshiro and Zoro stood at the dojo gate.
"Safe travels, Vice Admiral."
Karl grinned.
"See you again if fate allows."
He climbed onto Raven.
"Let's go!"
"Caw!"
The raven carried him into the sky.
Only after Karl disappeared did Koshiro speak.
"Zoro."
"You're almost an adult."
"What will you do next?"
Zoro looked toward the sea.
"Kuina's memorial day is coming."
"I'll visit her one last time."
"Then I'll sail."
Koshiro raised an eyebrow.
"The sea is dangerous."
Zoro smiled.
"That's the point."
"I'll challenge every swordsman out there."
"And climb step by step to the top."
"Only then…"
"Will I be worthy to face Karl again."
"And the world's greatest swordsman—"
Dracule Mihawk.
Koshiro placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Go."
Sky Island – Upper Yard
Meanwhile in Upper Yard.
The Kuja tribe worked hard.
Their new home was taking shape.
In a few months—
It might truly resemble Amazon Lily again.
Marigold ran toward her sister excitedly.
"Look!"
"We found gold!"
A mountain of it.
She sparkled with excitement.
But Boa Hancock simply waved her hand.
"Relax."
"It's just gold."
Then she said calmly:
"Use some as building materials."
"This is our new home."
"It must be magnificent."
Suddenly—
"Caw!"
Hancock instantly looked up.
Her face lit up with joy.
"Darling!"
"You came already?!"
Karl landed beside her.
He had originally planned to come later.
But…
The ceremony was still a day or two away.
And certainly—
He wasn't here just because he wanted to see Hancock's new outfits.
Definitely not.
He cleared his throat.
"I came to inspect construction."
Hancock hugged his arm happily.
"Then walk with me."
Karl bowed slightly.
"My honor."
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus (OP)Chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus (OP)Chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read 60 (OP)Chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested: patreon.com/SwipeSage