https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1170-World-s-Greatest-Swordsman-/13541510/
Chapter 1171: They've Put Their Lives on the Line!
Chapter 1171: They've Put Their Lives on the Line!
Zoro's ultimate goal has always been to surpass Dracule Mihawk, the World's Greatest Swordsman. But now, this arrogant Incense Burner dares claim that title for himself?
If it were anyone else, Zoro would dismiss it as mere ambition. But judging from this man's combat prowess, this isn't just empty talk.
"What's it to you?" Kuro snapped. "Aren't you Dracule Mihawk's disciple? If you survive this, you can go ask him yourself."
Come to think of it, Kuro felt like he was really burning bridges with Mihawk - first kidnapping his friend, now trying to kill his apprentice. Still, life and death struggles are common on the Grand Line.
"One Line Sky!"
A black-gold slash erupted from the heavens, streaking toward Zoro. He barely tilted his head back in time, Shusui biting his teeth as he slashed forward.
Clang!
Shusui's blade rang with crystalline clarity, deflecting the black blade that materialized mid-air - Autumn Water wielded by Kuro.
"I saw it!" Zoro grinned viciously, eyes locked on Kuro. "Finally caught your speed!"
Kuro narrowed his eyes, Autumn Water's black blade sliding down Shusui's edge toward Zoro's chest.
Clang!
Wado Ichimonji Iii, glowing with Haki, blocked Autumn Water's blade. Zoro's grin widened. His right hand swung Yamato through the air, a black arc of Haki slicing toward Kuro's neck.
Normally opponents would retreat here, giving Zoro an opening to strike. But Kuro scoffed, "Treating me like a child? Your current state doesn't warrant my retreat!"
Kuro's arm trembled, sending Autumn Water vibrating free from Wado Ichimonji Iii. He lunged forward, his body suddenly radiating Haki. A cross-shaped mark glowed on his brow, tear streaks etched beneath his eyes.
Zoro clicked his tongue, sidestepping sharply. His spinning body retracted Yamato's swing, Shusui still in his mouth, crossing blades with Autumn Water to slow its advance.
"Pointless."
Bang!
Kuro's arm blurred, Autumn Water releasing an air current that slammed into Zoro's chest, sending him hurtling backward.
In that instant, Kuro vanished, reappearing above the airborne Zoro.
Shshsh!
Autumn Water erupted with golden light, cleaving downward.
But Zoro spun again, his body erupting with Conqueror's Haki aura. Three phantom heads and six arms materialized - nine spinning blades forming a vortex.
"Ghostly Aura!"
Clang! clang! clang!
The whirlwind of blades intercepted Autumn Water's strike, halting its descent. Still spinning, Zoro twisted mid-air, landing gracefully with all nine Haki-infused blades converging on a single point.
"Ox Needle!"
Clang!!
Kuro felt immense force reverberate through Autumn Water, his blade bouncing upward. Zoro pivoted, blades flashing, his form coiling like a panther.
"Nine Sword Style - Leopard Cannon!"
Kuro vanished upward, dodging the assault. Looking down at Zoro radiating battle intent, he remarked, "I must admit, you've grown - that three-headed, six-armed Ghostly Aura with Conqueror's Haki infusion shows remarkable progress. Not yet perfected, but combined with Unified Haki and improved swordsmanship, you're finally worth fighting."
"If you were in your prime, we'd have a real duel. But your current condition?"
Kuro flicked Autumn Water, stabilizing its crackling energy, "You're far from ready."
"But I'm here too - Gum-Gum!"
Boom!
A black blur rocketed upward. Kuro barely raised Autumn Water in defense as thunderous force slammed into him, pushing his body backward through the air.
Luffy's fist, elongated by rubbery elasticity, slammed into the blade, his grin widening.
"Physical strength restoration?"
"Your opponent is me!" Luffy roared, sucking in air. His body expanded into a muscular combat form, steam billowing with each breath. His straw hat blew back from his head, hair standing on end.
"Gear Five! I'm ready!"
"Physical strength restoration?" Kuro asked, watching the steam. "I must ask - was achieving your goal worth this sacrifice?"
Luffy's grin widened, "I just want to be King of the Pirates! Everything else can burn!"
Kuro sheathed Autumn Water. With a flick of his fingers, the blade floated upward. From the sky descended a golden light.
"Honestly, you've been a nuisance for years. Only Garp's sake spared you repeatedly. But now..." The golden light solidified into a long, ornate blade with a dark golden hilt. "This time, let's settle this seriously."
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Kaido had fallen, Big Mom was weakened... but Luffy's relentless progress demanded his full power.
They've put their lives on the line!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
