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"Captain Ikki, are you truly giving me this sword?" Viola asked, reaching for the hilt but pulling her hand back hesitantly. After witnessing the sword's power, she found it hard to believe he would entrust such a treasure to her, especially since he mentioned the "Evil Dragon's Blood Armor," a defense she knew was far superior to even Vergo's Armament Haki.
"Of course," Ikki replied with a smile. "Every member of my crew has received a powerful weapon from me." He gestured toward the swords at the waists of Nami and Shyarly, and it was then that Viola and the others realized the true purpose of those seemingly decorative blades.
"As a partner on the Explorer, I grant each of my crew members a Zanpakuto. However, I don't have one on me at the moment, so I'm giving you this sword instead," Ikki explained as he handed her the sword. "Don't worry, the sword's power is not inferior to a Zanpakuto. When I have the chance, I will make a Zanpakuto specifically for you."
Viola took the sword, still looking at it and Ikki in a state of wonder. She didn't fully understand the difference between the swords but understood that she would be getting another weapon in the future.
"Um, Captain Ikki, can I ask you a favor?" Viola requested.
"What is it? Tell me," he responded.
"I was wondering if this sword could be given to my brother-in-law, Kyros, instead," she said. "I'll wait for the Zanpakuto you mentioned."
Ikki raised an eyebrow in surprise, then looked at Kyros, who was equally stunned. "Wait, Viola, you can't just give such a powerful weapon to me! I can't accept it," Kyros insisted.
"Please listen to me, brother-in-law," Viola said firmly. "I will be sailing with Captain Ikki, so I won't be able to protect Dressrosa constantly. You, on the other hand, will definitely be staying here. Leaving this sword with you will give me peace of mind. Since that bastard Doflamingo isn't in the country right now, this sword will surely help you if he suddenly returns after Captain Ikki sets sail."
Kyros was speechless. He didn't want to accept the sword, but Viola's words made sense. Doflamingo was a serious threat.
"Captain Ikki, I know this might be selfish," Viola continued, "but please agree to my request. My brother-in-law is a skilled swordsman, but I'm not. It would take me a long time to master the sword, but Kyros could master its power and even the 'Evil Dragon's Blood Armor' very quickly. Please agree! I will do anything you ask in the future."
Ikki frowned, lost in thought as Viola bowed ninety degrees before him. After a moment, he nodded. "I had hoped you would use your own hands to deal with the Donquixote Family, which is why I was giving you this sword to quickly increase your power," he said, helping her up. "However, since you've asked, I have no choice but to give this sword to Kyros."
"Thank you, Captain Ikki!" Viola smiled brightly. "I think my brother-in-law wants to take on the Donquixote Family with his own hands even more than I do." She felt a wave of emotion, realizing that Ikki had planned to give her two weapons to give her the power to take on the Donquixote Family directly.
Ikki patted Viola on the shoulder and turned to face Kyros. "My weapons are only used by those I approve of, and Kyros, you are a good man, which is why I'm honoring Viola's request," he said, holding out his hand. "Now, hold out your hand, accept Balmung, and let me engrave the Explorer's seal upon you."
Despite his hesitation, Kyros finally accepted the Balmung, encouraged by Viola and his own desire to avenge himself against the Donquixote Family. The Explorer's seal was engraved on his right arm, and with that, the inheritance of Balmung was complete. With its power, Kyros easily defeated the challenging sword shadow.
A system notification appeared before Ikki's eyes:
[Ding! Host's partner Kyros has defeated the Mountain-Cutting Realm swordsman Zenitsu. His personal attributes have been refreshed. Please check them yourself.]
[Name: Kyros]
[Age: 42 years old]
[Weapon: Balmung]
[Life Force: 43000 (S-level)]
[Kendo Realm: Sky-Cutting Realm]
[Kendo Style: Thunder Destruction Sword]
[Special Ability: Intermediate Observation Haki]
Ikki thought, 'I never expected Kyros to be a swordsman of the Sky-Cutting Realm. If I had known, I would have had him challenge the sword shadow earlier. He already mastered the "Thunder Destruction Sword" and with his level, he can easily defeat Diamante, who killed his wife, without even using Balmung's power. Ikki's mind raced as he watched Kyros walk out of the arena gate.'