A terrifying slash, so fast that ordinary swordsmen could never react, let alone see the strike, flashed again.
Last time, Hiroto had won because One Sword Style: God Slaying Spear had been faster and fiercer than Three Thousand Worlds, smashing straight through the move to defeat Zoro.
But now, things were different.
In Hiroto's senses, the 'breath' of a sword suddenly became vivid.
Fingers tightening around the hilt, he swept out a horizontal slash.
Bang!
A sharp screech rang out as steel scraped steel, sparks spraying in a shower.
Zoro was hurled backward, slammed into the ship's rail. A deep wound split his chest, blood gushing as though it cost nothing.
The two long blades he'd held and the one clenched in his teeth shattered in an instant into a hundred fragments that clattered across the deck.
'Lost!?'
Zoro stared, dazed, at the broken steel.
Hiroto had even set aside Wado Ichimonji of course, Zoro wasn't wielding any famous blade either—both men fought with ordinary steel. Under normal circumstances, his sword should never shatter against steel of the same make.
Which meant…
"The Breath of All Things?"
Ignoring the wound across his chest, Zoro looked up in shock.
Hiroto, still savoring the feeling, gave a teasing smile. "Guess."
Zoro: "…"
For a moment, he felt every word Hiroto had said since coming aboard had been a lie.
Claims of just starting out, self-taught tricks, relying on Devil Ability—all fake.
Hiroto was a true swordsman who could unleash flying slash.
Then again, Zoro realized Hiroto had no reason to lie.
But if so…
He couldn't help asking, "How did you do it?"
Only a fellow swordsman who had likewise touched the level of the Breath of All Things could understand the impossible feat Hiroto had just performed.
This is human?
"Effort." Hiroto's grin was radiant.
With my astonishing wisdom, transcendent talent, and diligent effort, progress is only natural.
"…"
Zoro's expression shifted again and again, the answer hitting him like a sledgehammer.
Had it involved wealth or status, he wouldn't care how someone rose so fast.
But swordsmanship...
This "Breath of All Things" he had pursued bitterly without the slightest advance, had been grasped by a self-taught rookie who'd asked him for basic teachings, a man recently beneath him in skill, someone who'd forged his swordsmanship under his very pressure.
The contrast struck Zoro with crushing force.
"In this world there are always those beyond common sense, called geniuses or monsters." Koushirou spoke slowly now, a mentor's weight in his tone.
"Zoro, to others, you were once such a monster. Now you've met one even more monstrous, more gifted. That is what I want you to learn: however high you climb, there's always a higher mountain."
As he spoke Koushirou walked to Wado Ichimonji. His broad hand closed over the hilt, eyes sharpening with a rare edge as he looked at Zoro almost in interrogation.
"After witnessing a talent that eclipses your own, do you still believe in your ambition?"
"…"
Zoro said nothing, gaze fixed on Wado Ichimonji.
Memories of his rivalry with Kuina and their promise to compete for the title of the world's greatest swordsman filled his mind.
After his friend's death, he had begged their teacher for this very Wado Ichimonji, swearing to climb to the pinnacle for Kuina's sake as well.
"If heaven truly exists, I will stand as the world's strongest swordsman and let my name resound even there."
Eyes resolute, Zoro rose slowly. "So Kuina will know our promise is fulfilled."
Koushirou's voice was heavy. "Even though you've now lost once? Even blocked by someone once your inferior, yet now your better, and perhaps forever beyond your reach?"
"No matter how many times I'm knocked down, I'll rise again. That promise is the one thing I must keep."
Zoro's burning gaze met Hiroto. "Captain, one day I will defeat you."
Hiroto answered, solemn, "I'll be waiting."
Koushirou smiled in satisfaction. "This match ends with Hiroto's victory, your vow continues."
His look toward Hiroto was warm with approval and the gentle regard of an elder.
...
The duel between Hiroto and Zoro concluded. What followed was a feast. After all, master and student reuniting without sharing a meal would be unthinkable.
Of course, it was Binmock who suggested it. More friends meant more paths and he was eager to connect with Hiroto and Zoro—both in East Blue, both destined for greatness.
When he heard Hiroto's group aimed for Syrup Village, he promptly claimed trade ties with its wealthy family and offered to travel together.
"Anything I can assist with, Hiroto-san, just name it." Binmock thumped his chest in goodwill.
"In that case, there is something you could help with." Hiroto seemed struck by an idea.
"What is it?" Binmock asked eagerly, enthusiasm worthy of praise.
"You'll know when we get there."
Hiroto kept it vague, glancing at Koushirou who was eating at a leisurely pace.
Noticing the look, Koushirou lifted a hand to adjust his round glasses.
"If you have something to say, speak plainly, Hiroto. You've glanced my way more than once, I hardly think I outshine these two ladies."
Carina and Nami burst into laughter, the mood turning even warmer.
Hiroto didn't hide it either. "I wish to consult you, paid, on Armament Haki, Ryuo training."
Armament Haki?
Ryuo?
Zoro, bandaged across the chest and tearing into meat, blinked in puzzlement.
"Knowing Armament Haki is common, but hearing Ryuo surprises me."
Koushirou looked genuinely startled, he couldn't recall the last time he'd heard "Ryuo" outside Wano Country.
"Devil Fruit Abilities have their miraculous sides." Hiroto credited his foreknowledge to a Devil Fruit.
Koushirou asked no more.
Zoro frowned. "What are Armament Haki and Ryuo?"
"Before, I feared you'd aim too high, so I kept it from you. After your years out in the world, you're barely qualified to touch Armament Haki now."
Koushirou turned to Hiroto. "No payment needed, I'm not blind to favors. Consider it part of my guidance to my pupil."
He began explaining Armament Haki in detail. Only then did Zoro realize his teacher was far deeper than he'd ever imagined.