Chương 226: Chapter 226: Ashura Doji’s Ascension to Grandmaster Swordsman
"Ocean Abyss: Water Dragon's Roar!"
In an instant, the scarlet Seven-Star Sword transformed into a deep blue hue, and a dragon of the abyss, formed of water, surged forth from the blade.
One side's sword aura was violent and destructive, while the other's was as boundless as the depths of the ocean. The clash between these two Grandmaster Swordsmen captivated countless swordsmen. Cheers and applause erupted from the audience, who couldn't even keep up with their movements. Yet, each mighty clash of their swords generated waves of energy that thrilled the spectators.
The surrounding walls, constructed from the toughest minerals, integrated with shock-absorbing materials and imbued with Seastone, could withstand the impact of such intense battles. In fact, Yuma had further reinforced them with his Merge-Merge Fruit powers after their construction. As long as no one deliberately attempted to destroy the arena, it could handle the shockwaves from a Grandmaster Swordsman's duel with ease.
Li Yuan wasn't in a rush to defeat his opponent; instead, he absorbed the essence of his opponent's sword aura, using it as fuel to enhance his own. Kuni Ichirou, aware of Li Yuan's intent, was doing the same. For him, it was also an invaluable opportunity. To face off against the swordsman recognized as the world's greatest was an unparalleled chance to observe and learn.
"I've seen enough of your sword intent. Now, let me show you the true power of the Ocean Abyss."
After battling Kuni Ichirou for nearly an hour, Li Yuan had comprehensively grasped his opponent's sword aura.
"Ocean Abyss: Abyss Over Heaven!"
Li Yuan unleashed his full Ocean Abyss aura, sending Kuni Ichirou back. The sword aura, hanging overhead, resembled an ocean ready to cascade down, a force of nature pressing upon Kuni Ichirou, whose knees began to buckle under the immense weight.
"I am Kuni Ichirou!"
He wasn't about to let himself be defeated by pure sword intent; it wasn't in his nature to surrender to intimidation alone.
"Demon Slayer!"
Under the crushing pressure, Kuni Ichirou poured every ounce of his strength into a single strike. Even if he couldn't win, he would charge forward with everything he had, embodying his unyielding spirit in his blade.
The sword aura of the ocean abyss descended like an immense tidal wave, and Kuni Ichirou, a lone warrior against the heavens, watched his own sword energy shatter under its might. The two crossed blades, a flash of brilliance as they passed.
Li Yuan calmly sheathed his sword and turned. Kuni Ichirou, too, turned, though a thin, blood-red line marked his neck.
"I've lost. Thank you, Lord Li Yuan, for your mercy," Kuni Ichirou said, touching the trace of blood on his neck in gratitude. Had Li Yuan not held back, his head would have been severed.
"Your aura of destruction is impressive, but it lacks purity," Li Yuan commented with a smile, offering some insight before leaving the arena. Though the Swordsmanship Tournament didn't forbid killing, he had no reason to kill needlessly.
"So this is a battle between Grandmaster Swordsmen? Incredible!"
Once the referee declared Li Yuan the victor, a wave of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the crowd.
"Li Yuan, that was amazing! You defeated a Grandmaster Swordsman like it was nothing!"
Back in the private box, Tian Yue Shi ran up, eyes full of admiration.
"Of course! I didn't even use a third of my strength. The title of first place in this tournament is as good as mine," he replied confidently, patting her on the head.
"Yes, I believe in you. If it's you, you can definitely win!" Tian Yue Shi said, blushing as she nodded earnestly.
In the Round of 64, Ashura Doji was matched against Geng Saburo, both formidable swordsmen on the cusp of becoming Grandmasters.
"Your technique… it's the sword style of the Frost Moon family, isn't it?"
Amid the fierce clash, Ashura Doji recognized the familiar style of his opponent.
"Once, maybe. I no longer have any ties to the Frost Moon family. This is my swordsmanship now," Geng Saburo replied, unfazed. He knew Ashura Doji was also originally from Wano.
"Ahaha, my mistake. Show me the strength of your swordsmanship, then!"
Ashura Doji's aura of wrath burst forth, a blood-red specter of Ashura materializing behind him.
"Ashura Blood Slash!"
He had studied Wano's many sword styles, learned from Li Yuan, and mastered techniques from across the seas. Now, he sought to integrate them all into his Ashura Sword Style.
"Flying Dragon Slash!"
Holding his Wado Ichimonji, Geng Saburo charged forward to meet Ashura Doji's strike.
Their battle, while lacking the intensity of a Grandmaster duel, was still an extraordinary spectacle. Both men poured their lifetime of swordsmanship into each clash.
Thin, ethereal wisps of sword intent floated between them—signs of a breakthrough into the realm of Grandmaster Swordsman. They were evenly matched, each holding nothing back, resulting in a battle that lasted three days and nights without a victor.
"Looks like Ashura Doji's time to ascend has come," Li Yuan remarked, pleased to watch his ally on the brink of achieving mastery. Ashura Doji's talent was considerable, his physical prowess enhanced by his Ancient Zoan model, the Emperor Crocodile. Though he lacked Kozuki Oden's raw talent in swordsmanship, Li Yuan was confident that Ashura Doji's steadfast resolve would allow him to surpass Oden someday.
"Hahaha! Geng Saburo, you're a fine opponent. Let's settle this once and for all!"
Despite his exhaustion, Ashura Doji's spirit was at its peak, pushing him toward a new level.
"With pleasure!"
Geng Saburo was equally determined, his budding sword intent dancing along the blade of his Wado Ichimonji.
"Single Slash of Ashura!"
Ashura Doji's Ashura specter vanished, fusing with his sword as he unleashed his own unique sword intent—Ashura Sword Intent.
"Breaking Dawn!"
Sword intent blazed in Geng Saburo's eyes, a dawn that shattered the dark night, a radiant sword intent symbolizing hope and light.
At that moment, both swordsmen broke through to the rank of Grandmaster Swordsman, each realizing a unique sword intent on paths untrodden. Ashura Doji embodied the darkness of endless slaughter, while Geng Saburo radiated the brilliance of dawn. One half of the arena became a dark abyss, the other a realm of pure light—a clash between light and darkness.
"Boom!"
With a powerful sound, light and darkness shattered simultaneously, leaving Ashura Doji standing while Geng Saburo lay defeated on the ground.
Ashura Doji, even without tapping into his Devil Fruit abilities, possessed a much sturdier physique. He could withstand damage that Geng Saburo couldn't.
"Geng Saburo, you're a formidable opponent. In the way of the sword, we are equals."
Ashura Doji sheathed his blade and extended his hand to help Geng Saburo to his feet.
"In swordsmanship, we're indeed equal, but you've won this match. I hope you'll continue to win."
Geng Saburo accepted his hand. Had Ashura Doji been allowed to use his Devil Fruit powers, the outcome would have been decided much earlier.
"Amazing—they both achieved Grandmaster status!"
Many swordsmen in the audience looked on with envy, as these two had achieved what they themselves dreamed of.
"Gu-la-la-la-la! Congratulations, Li Yuan. It looks like the Boundless Pirate Crew has gained another core member."
Whitebeard congratulated Li Yuan, then glanced at his own children. Though they had potential, reaching Ashura Doji's level would require time.
"Hahaha, it's all thanks to Ashura Doji's own talent and hard work. I only provided the platform," Li Yuan replied with a smile.
The Boundless Pirate Crew's training systems, as rigorous as those in the Navy's elite camps, had proven fruitful. With specialized training in gravity, Seastone endurance, swordsmanship, and Haki, as well as custom-tailored programs, many crewmates were able to grow rapidly.
After a day's rest following the Round of 64, the Round of 32 began. Ashura Doji, unfortunately, faced Rayleigh and was eliminated. Li Yuan, on the other hand, faced a strong swordsman but won handily, advancing to the Round of 16.
In the Round of 16, John encountered the Red Count and was defeated. Meanwhile, Roberts, Mihawk's mentor, faced off against Li Yuan. Though stronger than Kuni Ichirou, he was swiftly defeated by Li Yuan's Boundless Sword Intent.
The final eight were set: Li Yuan, the Red Count, Golden Lion, Roger, Rayleigh, Wang Zhi, Silver Axe, and Genryusai Shigekuni.
Seven of them were famed swordsmen from the New World, and the last, a highly respected sword instructor. The New World, though small compared to the Four Seas, was chaotic and full of conflict, the perfect crucible for strong warriors.
True strength came from battles fought and survived. Swordsmen from the Four Seas, though skilled, lacked the honed instincts and raw power of New World fighters.
The New World may be smaller than any of the Four Seas, but it is by far the most chaotic, the site of constant clashes, and thus, the most fertile ground for producing powerful warriors.
True strength rises from constant battles.
Swordsmen from the Four Seas, though their swordsmanship might rival that of these New World pirates, often fall short in Haki, physical prowess, and combat instincts, making it easier for them to lose in fights with similarly skilled opponents. This is why, despite the vast population and expanse of the world, true strength always seems to emerge from the New World.
Even in the Navy, the strongest have invariably been honed through endless battles and skirmishes.
"Let the eight finalists come forward to draw lots!"
With the beautiful host's announcement, Li Yuan and the other seven walked up to the stage for the draw.
"Hahaha, I'll go first this time," Roger said as he stepped forward and drew the number 8 ball.
"Ka-hahaha, Roger, I told you your luck was bad. Every time, you draw the last number," Golden Lion sneered, grabbing a ball and pulling out the number 2.
"That's not bad luck; it's just his usual misfortune," Li Yuan said with a grin as he stepped forward and drew number 7.
"Ka-hahaha, Li Yuan, looks like we're finally going to have another showdown!"
Golden Lion laughed heartily upon seeing Li Yuan's number.
He had long wanted to face Li Yuan in a duel. Even though he couldn't use his Devil Fruit powers, he was eager to see just how strong Li Yuan had become. At this point, the largest territories in the New World belonged to the Flying Pirates and the Boundless Pirates. If the Flying Pirates wished to expand, the quickest way would be to overtake the Boundless Pirates.
"Golden Lion, without using your Float-Float Fruit powers, you're no match for me," Li Yuan said with a smile.
To be honest, even he was unsure of the extent of his current strength. The only person he wouldn't challenge recklessly was the unfathomable King of the World, Im.
Quickly, the matchups for the final eight were determined:
Li Yuan vs. Golden Lion
Roger vs. Wang Zhi
Red Count vs. Rayleigh
Silver Axe vs. Genryusai Shigekuni
At this moment, swordsmen from across the world focused on the tournament's final eight. Each of these fighters was among the most powerful Grandmaster Swordsmen alive, renowned for their unparalleled skills.
"Many of those swordsmen aren't pirates. Could we recruit them into the Navy?"
In Navy Headquarters, Kong and other admirals watched the broadcast with interest. He wasn't referring to the Grandmaster Swordsmen in the top eight but to those who had made it into the top 64.
Many of these individuals weren't pirates but hailed from the Four Seas and the Grand Line.
"Fleet Admiral, I've just reviewed their records. Many of them are from allied nations, while others are individuals who live in seclusion," Vice Admiral Tsuru reported, handing him a dossier. "The swordsmen from allied nations may be difficult to recruit since they're pillars of their countries and unlikely to be released. However, the reclusive ones might be willing to consider joining the Navy."
-Support me on Ko-Fi for 35+ advance chapters there.
https://ko-fi.com/zxc1015
Thanks!
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
-- Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
-- Đá
Quyền lực