-Real World-
In the Main Timeline, the people of Dressrosa had been ignited by revelations of Doflamingo's tyranny. They still wanted to live and refused to become giant weapons in his schemes. Citizens began gradually undermining the legal foundation of his rule—a king who lost the support of his people wouldn't reign much longer.
-Broadcast-
The Sky Screen shifted focus from the Rumbling's devastation back to Dressrosa, where the Straw Hat Pirates' core members were locked in combat against Doflamingo's top executives. Only one location remained relatively safe—the King's Plateau where the Rumbling had originated—but even this sanctuary was far from peaceful.
"The Rumbling has finally begun!" a voice boomed across the collapsed palace ruins. "You pirates cannot stop Eren. Simply witness this world's destruction!"
Most of the palace lay in rubble. A hundred-meter stone giant spoke with a voice completely incongruous with his imposing appearance—the massive contrast was genuinely comical. Zoro and Usopp could barely contain their laughter, covering their mouths to avoid being openly rude.
This was Pica, a Donquixote Family executive and wielder of the Paramecia-type Ishi Ishi no Mi (Stone-Stone Fruit). His absurdly high-pitched, feminine voice was a source of constant embarrassment and rage.
The stone giant was extremely sensitive about others laughing at his vocal peculiarity. Seeing the two Straw Hat Pirates struggling not to burst out laughing felt like salt in an open wound.
"You're mocking me! You're mocking me!" Pica shrieked in his incongruously shrill voice. "Die for your disrespect!"
The stone colossus swung his massive fists, attempting to crush the two pirates. Under his Devil Fruit's influence, nearby buildings began merging with his body, making the giant grow even larger—though he couldn't compare to Eren's Founding Titan.
"Usopp, stop laughing and get serious!" Zoro commanded, his expression growing concerned. "We need to finish this quickly." He'd witnessed their captain being launched from the palace and disappearing from sight—Luffy's safety weighed heavily on his mind.
"Can I switch opponents?" Usopp asked desperately. As a sniper, dealing with such a massive target posed significant tactical challenges.
"Hold him off for now," Zoro replied. "I'll help after I deal with Diamante."
The clownish swordsman had approached Zoro's position, the famous blade Hebi no Ken coiled around his body like a living serpent, ready to strike at any moment.
Zoro faced his opponent with only a single sword drawn, which surprised the Donquixote Family executive. Diamante recognized the weapon immediately.
"I didn't expect Yubashiri to end up with you," Diamante observed with interest. "I remember that was the final sword of the Shatorō lineage. It seems our confrontation was destined by fate."
The one-eyed swordsman and clown swordsman engaged in close combat, their skills evenly matched. Hebi no Ken and Yubashiri clashed repeatedly, both blades demonstrating their legendary quality to Sky Screen audiences worldwide.
Zoro was unfamiliar with the "Shatorō" reference. "Yubashiri was given to me by Ipponmatsu-san. I intend to carry his dreams and make this blade famous across the seas."
Swordsmen often conversed during duels, especially when discussing famous blades and legendary warriors. At the mention of these topics, Diamante's enthusiasm ignited.
"Ipponmatsu, Yamamotomatsu, Fujitamatsu—the Shatorō family has countless names throughout history," Diamante explained between sword strikes. "For generations, their ancestors have provided famous swords unconditionally to train the strongest possible swordsmen, all in pursuit of a single goal."
The Hebi no Ken in Diamante's grasp had been a gift from the current Shatorō. Never before had such a philanthropist existed in the world. To verify this wasn't some elaborate fraud, Diamante had researched the Shatorō's history through Doflamingo's extensive underground network. The family's heritage proved remarkably ancient.
"According to folklore and unofficial records," Diamante continued, "the earliest Shatorō legend dates back eight hundred years—before the World Government's establishment. The first Shatorō had already appeared, gifting a Supreme Grade blade called Murasame to a promising swordsman."
"The first swordsman granted this supreme weapon challenged the era's strongest warrior. Despite possessing such a legendary blade, he was defeated after a full day of combat—his sword-wielding hand was severed in the process."
"Murasame became stained with its master's blood, transforming into a cursed demon blade. Its current whereabouts remain unknown. After this initial failure, the Shatorō's descendants continued their ancestor's mission throughout the following eight centuries, cultivating countless sword masters. Yet every great swordsman of their respective eras failed to defeat the same supreme warrior."
Diamante's face showed genuine admiration. "Someone who has lived eight hundred years can no longer be considered human. He has stolen eternal life from the underworld itself. During this time, he has continuously honed his swordsmanship to invincible levels. Calling him merely a 'Great Swordsman' would be insulting. The Shatorō use the title 'Sword Demon' when referring to this legendary figure."
This represented the highest honor any swordsman could achieve. Every era produced its own Great Swordsman, and every Great Swordsman had become this entity's defeated opponent.
"The Shatorō gave you that famous sword without explaining the requirements," Diamante noted, his swordsmanship intensifying. "It seems he has no expectations for your potential. I'll be taking that blade from you."
Despite the increased pressure, Zoro continued responding with single-sword techniques, refusing to draw his other weapons.
Ipponmatsu was probably living quietly in Loguetown in East Blue, either having abandoned his Shatorō identity or becoming disheartened and masquerading as a weapons shop owner. However, when faced with Zoro's courage in testing the cursed Sandai Kitetsu, the old man had been conquered by his spirit and willingly offered his final treasured blade.
Perhaps the gentleman harbored unspeakable secrets, choosing not to mention the Shatorō legacy passed down through generations. This wouldn't shake Zoro's resolve—knowing that sword masters more powerful than Hawkeye existed in the world made his blood boil with anticipation.
"You carry Shusui, which belonged to Shimotsuki Ryoma," Diamante continued his historical lecture. "In his era, he was the world's greatest swordsman. Unfortunately, even such a powerful dragon-slaying warrior was defeated by the Sword Demon. He died several years after returning to Wano Country."
Shusui was a national treasure of Wano Country, but records of Shimotsuki Ryoma were surprisingly sparse. Knowledge of his defeat despite his Great Swordsman status was preserved only through oral tradition within Shatorō families. Diamante had made extensive inquiries before learning these details from the current generation's representative.
Diamante assumed Zoro was a grave robber—the clown swordsman's fighting style was typically despicable and reckless. However, he himself had been influenced by the Shatorō's noble mission and maintained deep respect for legendary swordsmen.
These predecessors who had fallen to the Sword Demon's blade were all worthy of emulation. To become stronger and claim the throne of this era's most powerful swordsman, he needed to defeat the Straw Hat Pirates' vice-captain before challenging Hawkeye Mihawk.
"Hirayana!" Diamante executed lightning-fast swordsmanship invisible to the naked eye, targeting Zoro's sword arm. Even Shichibukai Trafalgar Law had struggled to dodge this technique.
Despite having only one functional eye, Zoro handled the attack with remarkable ease. He tracked Hebi no Ken's aerial movements and effortlessly deflected the famous blade with Yubashiri, causing Diamante's technique to fail completely.
Throughout their entire battle, Diamante had faced Zoro at full strength, yet his opponent had responded using only single-sword style while his other famous blades remained decoratively sheathed at his waist. What did this mean?
Was it possible that Diamante, wasn't worthy of forcing Zoro—a pirate with a bounty under one billion berries—to use his full Three-Sword Style?!