[Santoryu: Bull Needle - Learning Successful]
Accompanying the System prompt was a series of metallic clangs and clatters. Zoro's attack struck Mr. 1's body as if hitting steel, failing to cause any damage whatsoever.
Zoro didn't look disappointed upon seeing this; he remained very calm. "In other words, if I can't cut steel, I can't cut your steel-like body!"
Removing his outer robe, Zoro's eyes blazed with Battle Intent. "I sympathize with you. I've been waiting for a predicament like this, just as I was thinking about taking my strength to the next level."
"When I defeat you, it will mean I have gained the ability to cut steel!"
Zoro is so cool!
Taro marveled inwardly, barely resisting the urge to clap and cheer a round of '666'.
"Hmph, you think you can win against me? Ever since I gained the powers of the Dice-Dice Fruit, no swordsman has been able to injure me in the slightest. A swordsman cannot defeat me!"
"That's because this is your first time meeting me!"
Zoro responded flatly.
The two then engaged in a series of rapid exchanges, with Taro watching them intently.
He was frantically learning the basic Moves of a swordsman. After Zoro forced Mr. 1 back with a strike, he bit down on Wado Ichimonji, crossed his arms over his chest while raising his dual blades, knelt on one knee, lowered his head slightly, and gave a low shout:
"Oni Giri: Tiger Hunt!"
His body accelerated instantly as he slashed through Mr. 1's body, appearing behind his opponent. Then he leaped high, following up with a mid-air strike. With a loud 'boom', he slammed Mr. 1 into the ground, kicking up a massive cloud of dust.
[Oni Giri: Tiger Hunt - Learning Successful]
However, from within the dust, a completely unharmed Mr. 1 walked out.
The'smoke but no damage' law was in effect!
"I told you, a swordsman cannot harm me in the slightest!"
"It's my turn now!"
"Sparkling Daisy!"
Mr. 1's palms formed a posture similar to the 'Hadouken' from old arcade games as he slashed toward Zoro.
Taro's mouth twitched at the movement. Hearing the name of the Move made it even harder to take seriously. "I'll skip learning this one!"
Clang!
Zoro held his blade vertically in front of him to block the strike, but the entire building behind him was sliced into several neat segments like a block of tofu.
Mr. 1 exerted more force, and Zoro was pushed back, flying through the air and crashing into the ruins.
Taro's cheek twitched as he watched Zoro, who was already injured, lift a house the size of a small mountain.
This world is full of monsters; this is just too unscientific!
The battle continued. Conventional Moves were unable to defeat Mr. 1. After heavily wounding Zoro once again, Mr. 1 walked up to Zoro, who had barely managed to turn around and face him. Mr. 1 crossed his hands and flicked them upward.
"Atomic Spurt!"
Zoro let out a muffled groan as blood sprayed from his chest. He collapsed, and the building he was leaning against was sliced into countless fragments, crumbling down.
"Die in peace."
Mr. 1 said indifferently, then looked up at Taro. "Do you intend to avenge your companion?"
[Atomic Spurt - Learning Successful]
Hearing Mr. 1's question, Taro shook his head gently. "No, I said I wouldn't interfere."
"Besides, the battle isn't over yet."
Mr. 1 was stunned. He whipped his head around and was astonished to see Zoro, covered in blood, standing back up!
Taro also stood up excitedly, his eyes filled with fervor.
It's coming, it's coming!
High energy ahead!
Zoro swung his sword gently without harming a single leaf, then swung again lightly, and a stone split apart.
He crouched slightly, placing Wado Ichimonji at his side with his left hand gripping the hilt in a reverse hold. He lowered his head and said in a low, deliberate voice:
Ittoryu: Iaido - Lions Song
After a lightning-fast slash, and following the sound of Zoro sheathing his blade, Mr. 1 let out a scream as blood erupted from his chest. His body went limp as he collapsed to his knees and then fell face-first onto the ground.
[Ittoryu: Iaido - Lions Song - Learning Successful]
"So cool!" Taro jumped up on the roof and cheered.
After defeating his opponent in one hit, Zoro was also at his limit. He knelt on the ground, struggling to pull off his bandana while gasping for air. Suddenly hearing a loud shout, his body shook, and he could no longer hold himself up, collapsing onto the ground.
After finally catching his breath, he looked up and roared at Taro, "You bastard, what are you yelling for?"
"Uh, okay, sorry!" Taro scratched his hair awkwardly and apologized sincerely.
"Hey, strange Marine, why are you here?" Zoro asked while leaning against a wall. "I mean, why are you appearing in this country!"
Taro shook his head. "If I said I'm here for tourism, would you believe me? I know you won't, so don't worry about it. You just need to know I have no ill will toward you guys!"
"Oh, also, Zoro, my name is Taro. I think I told you my name back in Kakyasi. Don't call me'strange Marine'!"
Zoro's eyebrows shot up. Every time there's a fight, I see you sitting nearby watching—how are you NOT strange?
Seeing that Zoro had stopped talking, Taro looked up at the sun. "It's getting late. I'll head out first. See you later, Zoro!"
Without waiting for Zoro's response, Taro made several leaps across the rooftops toward the royal palace... "Weakness is also a sin!" Crocodile knocked Chaka down with a casual strike and raised his gold hook, prepared to execute him.
"Hey, Crocodile, our battle hasn't been decided yet. Why did you run off to the Royal Capital first?"
A lazy voice drifted over, and then a figure leaped into the Palace Courtyard.
"So it's you," Crocodile said with a slight start, followed by a disdainful smile as he kicked aside the fallen Chaka. "You're actually not dead yet, Sanji!"
Vivi looked at the suddenly appearing Taro in surprise and doubt. "Sanji?"
Taro smiled at her, then scanned the courtyard. He saw King Cobra, that poor old soul, pinned to the wall like in the original story, looking like a Jesus cosplayer, and his mouth twitched.
Next, he saw Robin in her white robe and hat. Taro flashed a smile, then finally looked at Crocodile, provocatively raising an eyebrow. "Crocodile, let's continue!"
Despite his calm exterior, Taro was actually panicking inside. He had thought Luffy would be here by now, but it seemed he had arrived early.
Crocodile was even more enraged when he saw Taro smile at Robin. This useless woman—once she finished deciphering the poneglyph, there would be no need for her to keep living.
Just as the two were about to clash, another person appeared in the courtyard.
Koza!
"Oho, in the midst of a life-and-death war between two sides, I never expected the leaders of both parties to meet under these circumstances!" Crocodile gave a cold laugh. "How is it? Are you surprised, leader of the Rebel Army, Koza?!"
Taro suddenly began to chuckle. "Sand Crocodile, listen carefully. Listen to the commotion outside!"
"How about it? Are YOU even more surprised?!"
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