Fiona struck first. Six gleaming blades appeared before her in midair, flying toward Koushirou from every possible angle.
The sudden onslaught caught the swordmaster slightly off guard, but his years of battle experience quickly took over. With calm precision, Koushirou parried and deflected each attack, his sweeping sword strikes steady and commanding.
But Fiona's sword control was never that simple.
Her fingers flicked in a blur, and the six blades suddenly split into twelve. Each illusionary copy shimmered with the same deadly aura as the original her self-created technique inspired by Doflamingo's Shadow Cavalier. Though these blades were only manifestations, they were no less lethal.
Twelve streaks of cold steel whistled through the air like a storm. Their relentless assault pressed Koushirou to his limit.
He took a deep breath and channeled his inner force into his blade. With a sharp twist of his wrist, he unleashed two arcs of swordlight, slicing through the air like lightning. The strikes collided with two flying blades, sending them spinning away with a ringing clang.
Using that brief opening, Koushirou moved his form flickered like a phantom as he escaped the net of blades. But before he could catch his breath, the remaining knives turned sharply in midair, tracking him like hungry beasts.
"Impressive control," he muttered, his expression tightening.
Drawing on his Haki, a dark aura surged around his body like an invisible shield. His blade shone with a deep, ominous light black and brilliant, like the moon swallowed by night. With a full-force swing, Koushirou sent a sweeping gust through the dojo. The oncoming knives shattered midair and fell to the floor with metallic clatters.
But before he could relax, Fiona suddenly appeared before him like a phantom, her sword Snowdrinker gleaming with icy brilliance. She thrust straight toward his chest with lightning speed.
Koushirou's pupils shrank. Years of combat instinct kicked in he twisted his body at an impossible angle and drew his blade back just in time to block.
Clang!
Steel met steel, sending a burst of sparks through the room. The clash was so sudden that Koushirou barely managed to deflect it. The shock traveled through his arms, numbing his hands. Using the recoil, he leapt backward, widening the distance between them.
But Fiona's speed was faster than he expected. As he retreated, Snowdrinker swept across his chest, slicing through his robe and leaving a deep, bleeding gash.
Blood blossomed across his clothes.
Fiona pressed forward, her shadow dancing across the floor as the scattered blades rose again, launching from every direction. Koushirou now found himself in a deadly crossfire, barely holding on.
From the sidelines, Kuina and young Zoro watched in tense silence. Seeing her father injured made Kuina's hands clench, but both children knew this battle was far beyond their reach.
Half an hour later, Koushirou finally dropped to one knee. The outcome was decided.
Fiona had won.
The fight had been under her control from the start especially her Shadow Cavalier technique, which had caught Koushirou completely off guard. Without that surprise, the duel might have been more even, but the result was undeniable.
As the tension faded, Kuina rushed forward. "Father, you're bleeding! You need to treat your wounds quickly!"
Koushirou smiled faintly and patted her head. "I'm fine, Kuina. It's not deep."
But his pale face betrayed the truth.
"You're remarkable," he said, looking at Fiona. "So young, yet already this strong."
Fiona smiled humbly. "I just got lucky, really. You didn't know my abilities at first. If we fought again, I might not win."
Koushirou shook his head but said nothing. He knew she was being polite. Even at full strength, he doubted the outcome would change.
"I want to challenge you!" Zoro suddenly shouted, eyes burning with determination.
"Idiot," Kuina said flatly. "Beat me first."
"Fine! Then I'll challenge you for the 599th time! This time I'll win!"
"Even if you fight me a thousand times, you won't," she said, helping her father to his feet. "No sparring today. I'm taking Father to get treated."
Zoro bit his tongue and stayed quiet, frustration brewing in his eyes.
Later that evening, after Koushirou had been taken to rest, Kuina approached Fiona again. "Miss Fiona," she said shyly, "do you think I could ever become as strong as you?"
"Of course you can," Fiona said warmly. "If you train hard, you might even surpass me someday."
"Really?" Kuina's face lit up, but then she lowered her head. "But Father says girls can't become great swordmasters."
Fiona chuckled. "Tell me, Kuina who's stronger, your father or me?"
"You, obviously. You beat him," Kuina said without hesitation.
"Then that settles it," Fiona said gently. "No one gets to decide your future not even your father. Yes, women may be physically weaker than men, but strength comes in many forms. You're still young. Build your foundation well the title of 'Great Swordmaster' will come in time."
Kuina's eyes gleamed with renewed resolve. "I'll prove it to him. I'll show Father that women can become swordmasters too!"
She looked up. "Fiona, can you teach me?"
Fiona smiled. "I'd love to, but my swordsmanship relies heavily on my Devil Fruit ability. It's not well-suited for you. But my captain would be a better teacher he's a true master swordsman."
Kuina blinked. "Captain Eli Winters? But… he doesn't look that old. How could he be a master?"
Fiona laughed. "Don't let appearances fool you. He's one of the strongest swordsmen in the world. You've heard of Dracule Mihawk, right? The World's Greatest Swordsman?"
Kuina nodded quickly. Of course she had. For a sword devotee like her, Mihawk was a legend.
"Well," Fiona continued proudly, "that same Mihawk recently lost to my captain."
Kuina gasped. "Captain Eli defeated Mihawk?! That's incredible!"
"See? You should ask him to teach you," Fiona said with a wink. "Who knows he might just say yes."
"You think he'll agree?" Kuina asked nervously.
"Only one way to find out," Fiona said. "Even if he refuses, I can still help you. But his lessons would take you much further."
Kuina nodded firmly. "Alright. I'll ask him!"
Meanwhile, on the other side of the village, a certain green-haired boy had found Eli first.
"Eli Winters! I challenge you!" Zoro declared, fire in his eyes. "Even if it costs my life!"
Eli raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? Why challenge me, kid? I'm not exactly someone you can beat."
"Don't lie. I've read about you in the papers you're a famous swordsman!" Zoro said stubbornly.
Eli grinned and reached down to pinch his cheek. "So you know who I am, huh? Then aren't you afraid to die, little seaweed head?"
"Stop calling me that! I'm not a kid!" Zoro protested, flailing as Eli laughed.
"Alright, alright," Eli said. "Since you're so eager, I'll grant your challenge."
Zoro's eyes lit up. "Really?! You'll see I'll show you my strength!"
He grabbed three wooden swords one in each hand, one clenched between his teeth and took his stance.
Eli's playful smile faded. A surge of power rippled from him, and for a moment, Zoro felt as if he'd fallen into hell itself.
Eli didn't even draw his sword. With a flick of his finger, a burst of sword energy split the ground behind Zoro, leaving a trench several meters long.
Zoro froze, drenched in cold sweat. "S-so strong…" he whispered. His will to fight vanished. That kind of power was beyond imagination.
Eli placed a hand on his head and said softly, "The world is vast, Zoro. Don't rush. When you've truly seen the power of this world, then come challenge me again. I'll be waiting at the top."
He turned and walked away, his silhouette framed by the fading light a vision of strength and confidence.
Zoro watched him go, clenching his fists. "One day," he vowed, "I, Roronoa Zoro, will surpass you. I'll become the world's greatest swordsman!"
Later, Eli returned to his temporary home in Shimotsuki Village arranged by Koushirou himself. While the old master recovered, Eli was asked to oversee the students' training. Fiona, of course, had gracefully declined and shoved the job onto him.
He sighed. "I didn't injure him, I didn't volunteer, yet somehow I'm the one stuck with this."
Not long after, Kuina appeared at his door, nervously clutching her sword.
"Eli… could you teach me how to use a sword?" she asked softly.
"Of course," he said simply.
Her eyes widened. "Really? That easy?"
"Your father asked me to train everyone while he recovers," Eli replied.
"Oh… I see." Her voice dimmed with disappointment.
Eli chuckled. "What's wrong, Kuina? Is that not what you came for?"
After a moment's hesitation, she looked up, determination burning in her eyes. "Eli, please… take me as your student. I want to learn from you personally."
Eli blinked, a little surprised. "Why me? Your father's already an excellent teacher."
"Because I want to become strong strong enough to be a true swordswoman. Fiona said you're a great swordmaster. I want to learn from the best."
Eli sighed. Fiona again. I swear, one day I'll strangle that woman…
Still, he saw no reason to refuse. Kuina's talent was remarkable, and with proper guidance, she could indeed change her fate.
"Alright," he said finally. "If you can pass my test, I'll take you as my apprentice."
"Really? I won't let you down, Master Eli!" Kuina said, eyes shining.
Eli smiled faintly. "Clever girl."
As he looked at her so full of life and determination he thought quietly to himself: perhaps this time, he could change the ending she never deserved.
Meanwhile, far away in his room, Koushirou still had no idea his beloved daughter was about to be stolen by another master.
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