The morning sun spilled over Shimotsuki Village, golden and warm, illuminating the dojo courtyard with a soft radiance. Mist lingered, curling between cobblestones and wooden rooftops.
The village awoke slowly—blacksmiths pounding metal, merchants setting out goods, children laughing and chasing each other—but all activity faded to a whisper in the shadow of the coming duel.
The courtyard had been cleared and leveled. A hush fell over the gathered crowd: villagers, dojo students, and children from the orphanage Ash once called home.
They stood in anticipation, whispers of excitement rippling through the crowd like a living current.
Near the edge, Master Koushiro observed calmly, his hands folded. Nami leaned against the railing, eyes scanning the duel area, mind calculating potential profits and advantages.
The children—Miki, Taro, Kaede, Haru, Ichika, Jiro, and Riku—pressed closer to the action. Their small hands gripped railings, eyes wide with awe.
Miki whispered, "It's… it's really them…"
Taro grinned. "Ash and Zoro… I can't wait!"
Kaede muttered to her brother, "Watch closely… you won't see skills like this again."
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Earlier, Ash had visited Master Koushiro in the dojo. The old man poured tea into two cups, his serene expression revealing pride and warmth.
"You've returned, Ash," Koushiro said softly. "One year… how much you've grown. Tell me everything."
Ash sipped his tea, eyes calm but reflecting the weight of his travels.
"Master… the past year… pirates, bounties, battles. Every encounter sharpened me. I've claimed over a hundred million berries in bounties and faced some of the fiercest men in East Blue. It's honed me… mentally, physically, and strategically."
Koushiro smiled faintly.
"I always knew you were destined for greatness. But more than strength, it's your discipline, your resolve… your ability to walk between life and death without losing yourself. You've done well, Ash."
Ash's violet eyes flickered with a faint glint.
"I intend to leave my name behind… not just a bounty, but a story. I want the seas to remember me, Master. And I will."
Koushiro placed a hand on Ash's shoulder.
"I believe in you. Your path is yours alone. Go… and carve your legend."
---
The Duel Begins
The courtyard vibrated with tension. Ash and Zoro faced each other, eyes locked. Zoro's green hair shimmered in the sunlight, his swords held steady, muscles coiled like springs.
Ash's katana gleamed faintly violet, his stance relaxed, flowing, deadly calm.
Zoro smirked. "One year, Ash. You left me training alone. I hope all that hunting hasn't dulled your skills."
Ash tilted his head, a soft grin crossing his face. "I promised I'd be worth the wait, Zoro. Let's see if you're keeping pace."
The wind stirred, carrying the scent of pine and salt. Children held their breath. Villagers leaned closer. Nami's eyes sparkled with calculation, imagining the potential profit if she sailed with such strength.
.
Zoro lunged first, a whirlwind of steel. "Santoryu: Oni Giri!" The three swords slashed in perfect synchronicity. The air itself seemed to scream as sparks flew from colliding blades. Crates splintered, dust rose, and a nearby wooden railing shattered under the force.
Ash moved like water, precise and flowing. "Water Breathing: First Form — Water Surface Slash!" His blade cut through Zoro's attack, shimmering like liquid steel.
The collision produced a dazzling spray of light and dust, scattering debris across the courtyard.
Miki whispered, "I… I can't believe it… they're so fast!"
Taro shouted, "Go, Ash!"
Zoro grinned, unfazed. He launched "Santoryu: Tatsu Maki!", a spinning tornado of three swords. Ash flowed seamlessly into Water Breathing: Second Form — Water Wheel, arcs of steel and light dancing around him.
The clash sent a nearby tree toppling, splinters piercing the grounds.
Zoro unleashed "Santoryu Ogi: Sanzen Sekai", a rapid three-blade assault. Ash countered with Water Breathing: Third Form — Flowing Dance, spinning gracefully, redirecting Zoro's strikes.
The ground trembled beneath their feet, dust and wooden debris swirling like a storm.
Kaede's voice rose above the crowd. "They're incredible… they're like legends!"
Haru gripped his hammer. "Even my strongest strikes couldn't touch them…"
Ichika cheered, bouncing in place. "Look at the way Ash moves!"
Zoro's eyes narrowed.
He leapt high into the air, blades spinning, and shouted: "Santoryu: Ashura!" Shadows of spectral swords swirled around him, a terrifying display of raw power.
Ash's gaze sharpened. He planted his feet, a calm aura spreading. "I am the bone of my sword. Steel is my body, and fire is my blood…" His voice grew louder, resonant with the morning air.
"I have created over a thousand blades. Unknown to Death, nor known to Life. Have withstood pain to create many weapons. Yet, those hands will never hold anything. So as I pray… Unlimited Blade Works!"
.
The air exploded with light. Thousands of spectral swords erupted from Ash's position, creating a vast storm.
Each strike shredded the morning mist, scattering debris, shaking the earth, and sending dust into the faces of spectators. The dojo itself trembled under the impact.
Zoro deflected as many as he could, his Ashura form glowing violently, but the sheer number and precision of Ash's strikes forced him to stagger, splintering wood and tearing through the courtyard.
Riku whispered in awe, "He… he's beyond anything I imagined…"
Jiro's jaw dropped. "Ash… unstoppable…"
Nami's eyes narrowed, calculating silently. "With both of them… the seas are ours for the taking. If we play this right…"
Ash's strikes began to slow, each movement precise, measured, elegant. Zoro's Ashura aura faltered under the relentless pressure.
With a final, deliberate step, Ash appeared directly in front of Zoro, sword poised. The storm of blades vanished as if carried away by an invisible current.
Zoro, panting, wiped a trickle of blood from his lip, his expression softening into a smile. "You… really did get stronger, Ash."
Ash bowed slightly. "And you… kept pace perfectly. You're still my equal, Zoro. But the duel… the captain's role… must be decided."
Zoro chuckled, shaking his head. "Fine. Today… you've earned it… this time."
.
The crowd erupted in cheers:
Miki and Ichika clutched each other, wide-eyed. "They're legends!"
Taro shouted, "Ash… Zoro… incredible!"
Kaede whispered, "I'll never forget this… the way they moved… the power…"
Haru, the blacksmith, shook his head in awe. "Even the strongest men I know couldn't touch them…"
Jiro smiled broadly, "I'll remember this my whole life."
Riku, inspired, muttered, "Someday… I want to be like them…"
Koushiro stepped forward. "Both of you… have proven your hearts, your strength, and your spirit. The world is ready for you. Go… and carve your legend."
Nami smirked subtly, hiding her thoughts about profit and potential wealth. "If this crew works out… it'll be worth every coin."
.
Ash and Zoro both bowed before Koushiro. "Master… we seek permission to sail. To pursue our dreams."
Koushiro's eyes softened. "You have my blessing. The seas are wide, and your journey awaits. Bring honor to your training… and your names."
Ash and Zoro nodded, turning toward their ship. The morning sun glinted off the sails, promising new adventures.
Children waved, villagers cheered, and the dojo felt alive with the echoes of a duel that would be remembered for generations.
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_______to be continued _______