Edge sliced skin.
Metal crossed flesh.
Both figures blurred throughout the arena, crimson liquid marking the places they passed as they danced from one spot to another.
"...Huff... huff... huff..."
Zoro looked at the person opposite him, his determination spiking as he stared at the similarly exhausted fighter.
Equal in ability?
Not even close.
Zoro had known there was a gap between them, but breaching it hadn't seemed impossible.
Yet now, he found himself still standing in this fight for only one reason.
"You have a stronger insight into swordsmanship than anyone I've ever seen... excluding those monsters from the Grand Line."
Vanse's eyes remained sharp with vigilance and grim determination. He said nothing in response to Zoro's words.
Adjusting the Wado Ichimonji in his mouth after swallowing the saliva that had accumulated, Zoro returned his full focus to his opponent.
"...Your blade hasn't grown weaker."
A sudden swish echoed through the arena as he dashed toward Vanse without hesitation, battle lust igniting in his veins.
"But your will..."
Zoro's eyes sharpened.
"YOUR WILL HAS LONG WITHERED!"
---
"...Heh. I'm reminded again why I once considered this guy my favorite."
Takumi munched on an apple as he watched the Golden List, his expression carrying a faint trace of interest. The apple in his hand was already halfway eaten.
"...That broccoli head was once your favorite?"
A sliced piece of apple suddenly appeared near his mouth just as he prepared to take another bite.
Munch!
He ate it without the slightest hesitation, his gaze landing on the girl as he reached out and gently placed a hand on her head.
Ain didn't react to the hand playing with her hair as she continued peeling the apple in her hands.
"Mm~ That 'broccoli head' is one of those born with the King's disposition."
"No way!"
"I'm serious."
Catching another piece of apple in his hand, Takumi tossed it into his mouth, a blissful expression appearing in his eyes as he savored its juicy flavor.
He remained completely uncaring toward the restless head squirming beneath his hand.
Ain's eyes were nearly bloodshot.
She was feeling a magnitude of emotions right now.
Panic at the fact that she had almost interrupted Takumi-sama's relaxation.
Irritation toward Zoro's qualifications.
And disbelief at the fact that the broccoli head actually possessed that qualification.
No, this can't be serious!
That guy was only ranked 100th!
How the hell did he have that much potential?
Finishing the fruit in his mouth, Takumi smiled knowingly.
"The world is a big place, and what we see is only the surface level. The title of genius is never appreciated. Do you know why?"
Ain looked at Takumi in slight confusion, racking her brain around the question before eventually shaking her head to indicate that she didn't know.
Raki, who had been somewhat confused by the surprisingly normal interaction between master and disciple, pondered the question herself.
"Is it because few geniuses ever really reach the top?"
She asked him while raising her head back toward the screen.
Takumi chuckled before chewing on another piece of apple.
"...Geniuses are few because few ever survive long enough to enter the world's eyes."
He looked at the confusion on both girls' faces before continuing.
"...Regardless of that reason, there is still a never-ending supply of them."
He took the final bite of his apple before reaching for another one from the basket resting on Ain's lap.
"Why would people be shocked over geniuses when we've already seen so many?"
He looked at Ain and smiled.
"The only reason you're so shocked is because you don't know the limits of Heaven and Earth."
Seeing that neither of them seemed to understand the reference, Takumi sighed, lamenting the fact that nobody ever seemed to get it before continuing.
"Those born with the Conqueror's spirit are a perfect reflection of this. Does everyone with Conqueror's Haki possess overwhelming strength? No. But do they have the potential to possess it?"
He smiled.
"Definitely."
Raki nodded in understanding.
"So you're saying that to reach the peak, one cannot do without Conqueror's Haki?"
Takumi smiled before looking toward the sky.
"That's where opinions might vary. But for me personally..."
His gaze returned to the Golden List.
"Power, no matter its origin or shape, is ultimately the same. If it helps you move forward, then it's effective."
---
Golden List Chatroom
[Flower Sword Vista: That young man has tremendous spirit, but sometimes, great determination isn't enough.]
[Figarland Shamrock: Ugh. The rambling of mortals. Ability is everything. Spirit? Determination? Next, you'll tell me someone can become strong with just two hundred times the effort.]
[Takumi: ...Why do I... You know what? Never mind. That hasn't happened yet. But anyway, hey, big brother Zoro! You wanna join me? I really like your spirit! Big fan of you already!]
Takumi, who had jokingly sent the message, stared at the screen in silence.
The... message...
The one sent by him...
Takumi...
Leader of the Broken Compass...
Had been completely ignored.
"Green-haired broccoli, you..."
He sighed before shaking his head.
"I see why you have the Conqueror's spirit. Your nerve is otherworldly."
Takumi shook his head and smiled helplessly.
"...Man, this is embarrassing. Those guys are probably eating this up right now."
He looked up at the List.
Sure enough—
[Shanks: We've both died on the same day, Takumi~ I died physically, you died socially.]
[King: You died twice, Red-Hair.]
[Mihawk: Don't waste such a grand opportunity. That brat Takumi never shuts up. Let him suffer a bit longer.]
[Takumi: Hawk-chan... Never knew you had this side to you.]
[Hawkeye: No surprise there. Every time I see you, I have the urge to unleash a flying slash.]
[Takumi: I can understand that, but why does that slash have to be directed at me?]
[Rayleigh: Takumi, my boy~ What Hawkeye is trying to say here is—]
[You're annoying.]
[Swordsman-Ain/Monet/Issho: Annoying!]
Takumi: ...🥲
---
Meanwhile, in the East Blue, Rice Field Island.
"Zoro-aniki! Are you okay?!"
"Waah!? That's Vanse Kurosaki, bastard! Just wait until I get my hands on him! The reputation of the Sword Saint! I'll put it on the table!"
"Yeah! I'll put my name as the Sword God on the line too! We will definitely avenge Zoro-aniki!"
Zoro sat on the floor, staring at the Golden List with a slightly unfocused gaze.
Death was something...
He really couldn't describe it.
His eyes drifted toward the sky, a slight smile appearing on his face.
So the dead can come back, huh?
His thoughts drifted toward someone he hadn't seen in years.
Kuina...
Zoro's smile widened slightly.
Maybe I'll pull you from Heaven just to show you my rise to the top.