Early morning.
Isshin Dojo was already packed.
Countless disciples had arrived ahead of time, hearts pounding with excitement, curiosity, and nervous anticipation as they stepped through the doors.
The moment they entered—
They felt it.
Pressure.
Even though the two main fighters hadn't arrived yet, the air itself felt heavy, as if the dojo were holding its breath.
Groups of disciples moved to the edges of the hall, leaving the central area wide open—reserved for the duel everyone had been waiting for.
Among those gathered—
Zoro was already there.
After three days, his skin was even darker, and fresh cuts and bruises marked his arms and face.
The signs of hellish training.
"Who do you think will win?"
Someone finally voiced what everyone was thinking.
"I don't know… but Senior Brother and Kuina are both strong. This duel is definitely going to be amazing."
"Yeah, Senior Brother is really strong, and Kuina isn't any weaker. Their battle will be intense for sure—I doubt they'll be able to decide a winner quickly."
"Zoro, what about you? What do you think?"
Several pairs of eyes turned toward him.
Zoro frowned, thought for a moment, then answered:
"That guy… has the higher chance of winning."
"You mean Kuina might lose to Senior Brother?"
The disciples exchanged uneasy looks.
"Quiet, the master's here!"
With that shout, all the murmuring died down.
Koushirou stepped into the dojo, the same gentle smile on his face, eyes half-closed behind his glasses, wide kimono swaying as he walked to his usual spot.
"Have they arrived yet?"
He sat cross-legged on the wooden platform and asked, still smiling.
"Master, Kuina's here!"
The hall suddenly erupted in whispers.
Kuina stepped out from the crowd, wooden sword in her arms. Her delicate, youthful face was filled with a fierce battle intent.
Three days of seclusion had hardened her.
Her swordsmanship had indeed improved.
"Father," Kuina greeted.
"Are you ready?" Koushirou asked with a soft smile.
"Yes."
Kuina nodded solemnly.
Seeing her like this, Koushirou couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Kuina's sword talent was indeed extraordinary.
Unfortunately—
She just happened to run into someone she shouldn't have.
Time passed.
The crowd stirred again.
"Make way, Senior Brother's here!"
"Everyone clear the center—let Senior Brother in!"
From within the disciples—
Ryukawa walked forward with steady, unhurried steps, crossing the dojo floor until he stood at the center, less than ten meters away from Kuina.
The moment she saw him—
Kuina's battle spirit flared even hotter.
To the side—
Koushirou watched Ryukawa with a complicated emotion.
Three days.
Just three days.
And yet—
The Ryukawa standing before him now felt… completely different.
Like a rebirth.
The change in his strength and swordsmanship was especially terrifying.
With just a glance, Koushirou knew—
Ryukawa's aura had undergone a complete metamorphosis.
Three days ago, his presence had been like a small stream.
Now—
He was a surging river.
Koushirou felt his thoughts drift, remembering Kozaburo's words from that morning—words filled with rare, genuine shock.
"A genius."
"That brat Ryukawa is a terrifying genius."
"I never believed someone could grow stronger every minute, every second, without stopping."
"But this kid… he did it."
"I watched him for three days. All he did was those same simple practice swings… yet his swordsmanship climbed non-stop. It never plateaued."
"Not just his basics—he even pushed the killing move I taught him far beyond entry level. He's already using it at a refined level."
"My conclusion is this—"
"This kind of genius… is unprecedented and unmatched."
Koushirou could still picture his father's helpless, almost defeated expression.
The old man had taken quite a hit over the last three days.
"Huff…"
Koushirou let out a slow breath, putting those thoughts aside.
"Ryukawa," he called, "are you ready for this duel?"
"Anytime," Ryukawa replied with a nod.
"Very well. Then I hereby declare—"
"The duel begins!"
As his words fell—
The duel that had captured the attention of every disciple in Isshin Dojo…
Finally began.
Zoro's eyes were glued to Ryukawa. He didn't dare blink.
Even though he wasn't the one fighting, he wanted to see—
Just how much Ryukawa had grown in these three days.
All around, expectant and curious eyes focused on the two figures standing opposite each other in the center of the dojo.
The tension stretched.
The battle—
Was about to explode.
Kuina lifted her wooden sword.
Her gaze locked onto Ryukawa.
Her face was unusually calm, her big eyes serious and cautious.
"Senior Brother… please," she said earnestly.
Seeing her so serious—
Ryukawa remained relaxed.
Almost casual.
"Kuina," he said quietly, "do you have any idea what three days mean to me?"
"You can't begin to understand how much someone's strength can grow in just three days."
"Don't forget—"
"In those three days, you weren't the only one improving."
"Compared to my growth—"
"My cute junior sister…"
"You're still far behind."
With a thought, his status panel opened before his mind's eye.
[Host: Ryukawa]
[Strength: 95 (+35)]
[Speed: 94 (+36)]
[Stamina: 99 (+24)]
[Skills: Swordsmanship Lv18 (+7), Iai One-Sword Slash Lv13 (+5)]
[Total sword swings: 5033]
This—
Was the terrifying level of power Ryukawa had reached…
In just three days.
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