One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

"Master, Mistress, we're back!"

In the East Blue, at Shimotsuki Village, Wright stepped into the Isshin Dojo with Kuina.

However...

Before Koushirou and his wife could even step outside to greet them, the dojo erupted with deafening cheers.

"Senior Brother! Senior Brother is back!"

"Kuina's back too!"

"Wow~ Kuina has become so beautiful!"

"Senior Brother is so cool!"

"Senior Brother's Justice Coat is even cooler than he is!!"

...

Wright's face darkened as he listened to the chaotic clamor. Who on earth said my Justice Coat is cooler than me? Step out right now—I swear I won't beat you to death!

Kuina chuckled softly. Moments where Senior Brother was visibly irritated were becoming increasingly rare.

After a brief chat with Koushirou and his wife, Wright left behind a portable Lightforged Beacon Crystal to ensure they had access to him whenever needed, then gave the family some private time.

Activating Observation Haki, Wright effortlessly located the green-haired swordsman engaged in his grueling daily training.

"Yo, Zoro! How's the training going?"

Zoro looked up in surprise as Wright descended gracefully, golden wings glimmering. Dropping the heavy stone he was lifting, Zoro dashed over. "Senior Brother! Where's Kuina?"

Thunk!

Wright flicked Zoro on the forehead. "Idiot! Aren't you supposed to greet me, your senior brother, first?"

"...Hello, Senior Brother."

"You're as insufferable as ever."

Wright shook his head before unfastening a blade from his waist—a long sword with a violet hilt and sheath. "Recognize this?"

Zoro blinked in confusion and shook his head.

"Eh? Senior Brother, I thought you practiced one-sword style. Why are you carrying two swords, and why are they so different in size?"

The sword Zoro referred to was Nidai Kitetsu, similar in length to Kuina's Wado Ichimonji, both measuring under 120 cm. However, when compared to Wright's Ashes, which measured 160 cm, the disparity was stark.

"One of the 21 Great Grade Swords, the Nidai Kitetsu. It's of the same caliber as Kuina's Wado Ichimonji!"

Wright tossed the Nidai Kitetsu towards Zoro, who fumbled to catch it. "Wow! This is incredible!"

Shing!

Drawing the blade, Zoro gaped in awe, mesmerized by the exquisite craftsmanship and elegant patterns on the blade. "It's... beautiful..."

Despite having wielded Wado Ichimonji, Zoro had never scrutinized it like this. Compared to ordinary swords, the Nidai Kitetsu was leagues apart in craftsmanship.

"This sword used to be a cursed blade—the Kitetsu series are all cursed swords. But I purified it through special methods. Otherwise, it might have already started influencing you."

Another forehead flick snapped Zoro out of his daze. Rubbing his head, he exclaimed, "You're amazing, Senior Brother!"

"...At least you know that much."

Wright chuckled. "Alright, stop gawking. You're one step away from licking the blade!"

"This sword is yours now. You'll have plenty of time to admire it."

"??!"

Zoro's sharp ears caught the words 'yours now.' "Senior Brother is so generous! I can't believe this is real!"

Whack!

This time, Wright's "fist of love" planted Zoro firmly on the ground, a sizable lump sprouting atop his green head.

"Ow, ow, ow! Thank you for the sword, Senior Brother!"

"Ahem... Alright, put the sword away and come with me to see Kuina."

Glancing at Zoro, who was practically glowing with excitement, Wright sighed. "I'm giving you this sword for Kuina's sake. She wields the Wado Ichimonji, a Great Grade Sword. It wouldn't be fair for you to compete against her with ordinary blades."

"You two have dueled 2001 times already, haven't you? Kuina has just graduated at the top of her class from the Marine Headquarters Academy, while you've been training here diligently for years. It's time to test your progress."

"With the Nidai Kitetsu, the gap in your weapons is temporarily closed—hey! What's with that look?"

Wright glared as Zoro sneakily eyed his other three swords lying on the ground. "Still thinking about using three Great Grade Swords for your Three-Sword Style? Why don't you just ascend to the heavens already!"

"If you want more, go find them yourself! This vast sea is full of miracles and treasures. Acquiring another Great Grade Sword isn't impossible."

"But remember what I told you last time: If you're not strong enough, you won't even be able to protect your own sword!"

After a stern scolding, Wright softened his tone. "Rest up. Tomorrow, I'll personally witness your 2002nd duel with Kuina. Show me if you're worthy of this blade that countless people would kill to possess!"

"Yes, Senior Brother!"

...

"Kuina! Now that I have the Nidai Kitetsu, I won't lose to you!"

At 14 years old, Zoro had grown taller and now looked less awkward wielding three swords.

"It seems your strength has improved, but my time at Marine Headquarters was anything but a vacation!"

Kuina drew her sword, assuming her One-Sword Style stance. A confident smile curved her lips, her bright eyes narrowing slightly. "Come at me!"

Zoro charged forward, gripping the Nidai Kitetsu in his right hand, while two ordinary swords were held in his left hand and mouth. "Mphrrr! (Here I come!)"

The two dashed at each other. Kuina, leveraging the power and speed of a two-handed grip, executed a flawless forward slash. Zoro crossed his blades to block her strike just in time.

"Heh!"

Twisting his neck, Zoro parried Kuina's attack with his three swords, forcing her to retreat. Seizing the momentum, he launched a flurry of rapid strikes.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Zoro's Three-Sword Style boasted incredible attack speed. After over two years of grueling training, even the sword in his mouth contributed effectively to his offensive.

However, Kuina was unyielding. Her single blade sliced, slashed, thrust, and parried with precision, nullifying Zoro's relentless assaults.

"Your sword lacks killing intent!"

Kuina's shout erupted like a thunderclap as her aura shifted dramatically—this was the aura of someone who had faced life-and-death battles.

Seizing the moment when Zoro faltered, Kuina delivered a powerful upward slash, scattering Zoro's swords. She closed the gap instantly, her blade moving in tandem with her body.

"One-Sword Style: Mountain Splitter!"

As they passed each other, Kuina calmly sheathed her blade. Crimson droplets slid down the edge of the Wado Ichimonji, a sword that had already tasted blood countless times.

Thud!

Zoro collapsed to the ground, his three swords clattering beside him. His chest throbbed in pain as blood slowly seeped out, staining the floor.

"This... this is what a true swordsman's duel feels like?"

"So this... is the gap between us..."

"Killing intent... Without experiencing true battle, how can one be called a swordsman..."

As Zoro's consciousness began to fade, his blood draining rapidly, a warm golden light enveloped him.

"Holy Light!"

A soothing warmth spread through Zoro's body, healing his injuries completely.

"Senior Brother!"

Zoro leapt to his feet, only to see Kuina smirking beside Wright, wrinkling her nose at him.

"You've got a long way to go!"

Indeed, with Senior Brother here, Kuina had fought with the intent to kill me just now!

The 2002nd duel: another crushing defeat for Zoro!

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