Demons of Family and Destiny

by Animephilosopher1

A lonely boy, hated by his home. A feeling tragically familiar to a certain "Devil's Child" from the Grand Line. Now that woman has reached Konoha, alongside her husband, the "Demon of the New World," and their daughter, "Hell-spawn." Over a decade after finding the One Piece, Zoro and Robin's adventures continue. As they reach other dangerous islands, and find a new son...-AU. MA

11. Power, Skill, Overwhelming

Demons of Family and Destiny.

Ch.11: Power, Skill, Overwhelming: The Greatest Swordsman in the World.

Dissclaimer: I do not owe One Piece or Naruto.

Advertisement: a new story has been published by me. One that explores how Sabo and the Straw Hats could have reached Marineford, and their impact on the battle.

Saving the Flames: Straw Hats at Marineford.

Here is the long-awaited fight between Roronoa Zoro ,and Might Guy.

Please Read and Review.

Might Guy felt a powerful sense of fear. He had never faced someone as hungry for battle before; even among the 7 Swordsman of Kirigakure during the 3rd Great Ninja War. Initially, Zoro's eye and body were unperturbed by the realization of his opponent's strength. Then, a glint began to slowly emerge in his eye; and the swordsman wore the face of a starving predator.

"I must say, Guy-san. I have not met anyone with your strength for a real long time. So long that I've actually been starving for a decent fight for more than a year." Zoro spoke. His tone carrying a dangerously subdued level of excitement; yet Zoro's posture remained calm and confident.

The man sheathed his sword, reaching for the bandana tied to his left arm. In a moment, it was bound around Zoro's forehand, and both of his hands touched the black and red hilts at his hip. Two blades were drawn from their sheaths, Shusui and Kitetsu III. Within his grip, Zoro felt their familiar spirits; one craving to taste the blood of an opponent, the other heavy with a violent temper pulsing through his grip. Both swords were bent to Zoro's spirit, power and skill. For all their might, both blades were mastered by him.

Roronoa Zoro. The man who surpassed Dracule Mihawk and Silvers Rayleigh. The Greatest Swordsman in the World.

"It's rare to find anyone as dedicated to their personal strength as I am. So I hope that you don't disappoint me after that stunt."

"I shall do my best Zoro-" Guy replied, but cut-off.

"Sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, heart," Zoro incanted ominously. "Divided between Good, Evil, and Neutral. Measured into Pure or Impure. Forming a total of 36 earthly desires. 1 life. 2 Swords. Under my strength.

144 Calibre Phoenix!" A swirling blast of compressed air, formed only by the swordsman's skill and strength, erupted from his blades!

Guy had grown silent at Zoro's prayer. His eyes widening in awe and apprehension, feeling the force of this coming impact pressing into his skin!

Instinct saved the ninja. He dashed for the side, unencumbered and light. To find the surface under his feet shuddering with a frightening impact! Rocks were flying outward across the clearing! The Jonin's chakra-grip was lost as the surface it held to, was shifted back with the remainder of the cliff-side.

As the Green-clad figure plummeted to the ground, he twisted mid-air and landed on a fragment of falling debris. Leaping from one boulder to the next, each of them freshly cut, Guy landed across the clearing with only a hand-full of bruises from falling rocks that he could not afford to evade.

Yet, as he glanced backwards…the avalanche from Zoro's strike threated to bury the swordsman!

"Zoro-san! Watch out-"

"Rashomon!" The man's blades sliced through the air! Every rock and stone falling against Zoro was cut away! The rest were scattered across the clearing, leaving himself and the barrier-jutsu….untouched.

"Tiger-rush!" Zoro's shout echoed through the clearing. Wasting not a millisecond, he raced towards the Jonin. Guy leaped back to avoid Zoro's katana. Zoro's movements were faster, sharper, and more impassioned than they had been moments before! With only two swords in his hands, the green-haired kenshi was forcing Guy to retreat further and further, with barely any means to counter.

(Inside the Barrier)

Naruto was completely silent.

The sight of his adoptive-father shattering the mountain with his blades alone, and slicing the falling rubble apart, had left him…speechless. His mind could barely comprehend what he had seen; even the sight of Guy dropping his leg-weights was over-shadowed by Zoro's display of strength and power.

He was not alone. Even the stoic Hiashi and unenthusiastic Shikaku Nara were gapping in apprehension of what Zoro displayed. Their jaws hung agape, as did every Konoha-nin beside them; even Danzo Shimura was stunned beyond speech.

"It is not chakra, or some unusual power." Robin's voice cut into their thoughts. "Zoro-koi cut the mountain apart through pure skill and strength alone. This skill has many variations; yet the capacity to use it is quite common among any noteworthy swordsman or swordswoman across the islands and nations of the Grand Line [1]; Zoro's predecessor, the previous World's Best Swordsman, was able to cut apart entire ships and frozen mountains as casually as anyone here would throw a plain kunai. Yet, it is barely a single percentage of the magnitude my husband can bring to bear." she continued to speak, as Guy and Zoro reengaged.

"You may see what I describe very soon."

(Outside the Barrier)

Guy was trying to focus past the ember of fear in his mind. 'He….he cut the mountain-face apart as easily as I can throw a kick! How much skill and strength does he have, to carry such monstrous power. And without any chakra?' While enthusiastic for challenging opponents, Guy was aware of his own limitations; he did not find facing such a deadly figure with overwhelming destructive force very youthful.

Zoro tore into Guy with unrelenting skill and pressure; an inexorable typhoon of slashes, stabs and thrusts; coming from every angle and any distance.

Four-Six-Ten-Twelve-Fifteen-Nineteen slashes given within half as many seconds. Each of them cut solely the air around Might Guy. His evasive speed ensuring Shusui and Kitetsu could only touch the air.

Even under Zoro's two-blade style, Guy's composure was not compromised. His body recalling thousands of hours spent weaving and dodging any form of attack a ninja could image; while his mind focused on his opponent and environment.

With a right pivot to evade Shushi, Guy's peripheral stole a glance behind himself. 'So, he's not a blunt or ignorant fighter, either.' Zoro was herding the Jonin towards a cluster of eight scattered boulders, working to close him in with less room to dodge. Deciding to take back control over the fight, Guy executed his own 'substitution' with a wooden block.

Emerging from the smoke 10 metres away; he panicked! Zoro was on top of him in less than two seconds! Guy's hands flew together, catching Shusui between his palms! Zoro grunted with approval, acknowledging the Jonin's skill to stop a blade between his hands, before Kitetsu was thrust forward, around the deflected Shusui!

Guy had not waste half-a second. After the blade was stopped by his open-palms, he turned it aside, to his right. Back-stepping to his left, Guy whipped a pair of Kunai to his hands. One deflected the thrust, and soon both-Clang!

Zoro's blades pressed down on the kunai in Guy's hands; both men remained locked there, pressing for an edge. Out of the blue, Zoro casually asked him a question. "Any chance you can get me a set of those leg-weights, Guy-san? I'd like to give them a try, plus 'Livy and Naruto could use the extra training."

"Grrrr. I think I-ggggrrrrrr-can lend-gggrrrr-you some.-ggggrrrrrr-after and I'll-gggrrrrrrrhhhhgrrrrr-light ones f-gggrrr-for-ggggrrrrrhhhrrr-them." Guy's broken answers came, as he voiced the strain his muscles were under against Zoro's blades. The sheer strength the green-clad swordsman pressed into Guy was nearly too much for him to withstand. 'He's…"he's stronger than I am!" Guy vocally realized!

Zoro smirked. "This is the strength, of the Greatest in the World. Guy-san." He calmly, deeply replied.

In the next moment, the kunai were forced out of Guy's hands. Shusui twisted in Zoro's wrist, to slice through Guy, as the Jonin's face betrayed the awe in his soul.

Another cloud of smoke appeared, as Guy 'substituted' out of the hit. Zoro was dashing to the right, following his Kenbushoku Haki[2] to where Guy had moved, 100 m. away from his opponent.

'Smart move, further away so I can't close-in on him too fast. Still, I can read and sense his moves before he even makes them,' Zoro thought. Like his wife, Zoro had a distinct way to circumvent the life-saving Substitution-jutsu; yet while Robin could render it useless, Zoro could sense it coming moments away. Through his skills with Kenbushoku Haki, Zoro could anticipate such a deliberate move extremely easily, and cast out with all six of his senses to find his targets before the illusion stage of the jutsu could end.

That was how he had closed-in on Guy so quickly the first time. Guy himself, while a far-cry from standing with the smartest jonin in Konoha, was not an unintelligent fighter. Rather than try to dissect how Zoro could follow his movements so easily, he simply observed what happened and adapted to it.

'Good, enough distance,' the Green-clad Beast observed. From his supply-pouch, he quickly drew out the Soshuga, his personal nunchaku, and began running to meet Zoro. 'Staying defensive isn't helping. I need to unleash the full power of my burning flames of Youth!' While not the most logical method, Guy's skill with nunchaku were the best of any weapons he had. His most dependable tools against Zoro's swordsmanship.

As they closed-in, Guy began to spin his body, building momentum to channel through his weapons. One green beast met the other, head-on. Guy parried Zoro's blade aside with one nunchaku, and the other swung in a diagonal arc. Zoro shifted lightly, causing the blow to flow by harmlessly; his blade moving along the same angle to cut Guy. The shinobi ducked into a squat and was back to his feet within a moment. His nunchaku began to encircle his body, striking from unexpected and chaotic angles, too close for the swordsman to bring his blades against the Jonin.

The nunchaku strikes were accent by kicks, creating a coordinated hurricane of blows against the swordsman. Guy's movement were both wild and controlled, avoiding the edge of the swords. Low, High, Straight, Spinning, Kicks, Trusts, Swings. A dull thwunk-clang-cling-thwunk echoed around them, Zoro evading Guy's attacks, or deflecting them with the flat of his blades. For Zoro, even without his Haki senses, his instincts, reflexes and intuition could anticipate and follow all of Guy's moves with casual ease.

They appeared to be even, but internally that was far from the truth. Zoro was enjoying the clash, while Guy was feeling strained by the sheer skill and might confronting him. He was very unnerved by the feats Zoro had displayed. To the point he was starting to consider using the Celestial Gate's against the Swordsman.

Both continued to clash, but Zoro's greater skill and experience shone through. Zoro's blades angled his opponent's nunchaku aside, to create an opening in his guard. As Shisui flowed into it, Guy was forced to back-step, and drop to a low squat. To be sent flying backwards by a solid kick from Zoro.

Flowing with the strike, Guy turned the momentum into a summersault. His feet skidding into the earth, before dash forwards again, spinning both his nunchaku. This time, as they close in, Guy tried something different. He spun to his left, the conjoined poles in his hands weaving together, around the Kitetsu.

The Jonin had noticed Zoro's preference of his left over the right, and moved to attack his less-preferable side. The chains of Guy's weapons wrapped around the Kitetsu's blade, and the Jonin nearly disarmed Zoro of his sword! Nearly.

As the nunchaku began to connect, the swordsman changed his grip on the handle, holding it in a reverse grip. As Guy began to pivot away Zoro moved with him, taking a knee and planting the edge of his sword into the ground.

Guy was jerked back, violently! His body feel to the earth horizontally. Looking back, his eyes went wide at Zoro's position; 'how-how did he anticipate my move like-.' Zoro rose from the crouch, his opposite blade trust toward Guy's head.

A substitution saved him, yet as Zoro rose to his feet he kept the reverse grip, unleashing a pair of cutting waves through the air. Guy evaded one set, yet Zoro did not let-up. 'Let's see how much you can last through, Blue Beast-san…Why the hell do you even use that name?'

Zoro was dominating the spar. But unfortunately, the source of Guy's Blue epithet would soon be unleashed against him.

(Inside the Barrier)

Many observers within the Barrier were impressed with Zoro's display. He was matching Guy's spastic, multi-angular and powerful technique, with only sheer martial might and a single-eye.

"Your husband is remarkably skilled, Robin-san," Homura complimented her. "I am aware of Guy-san's capabilities. To break his composure is certainly not a small feat. Zoro-san's technique, strength and timing are impressive. As is his dexterity, to utilize a pair of blades with such technique and skill."

"Indeed," Shibi Aburame spoke up. "Why, some of you ask? Due to his background, Guy-san is unquestionably ranked among THE most physically powerful shinobi of this time. Plus, one would expect a blow from his Nunchaku to possibly disarm a swordsman of their weapon, or even produce a crack their blades. For Zoro to avoid such a result with two-blades, leaving him with only the muscles of one hand to counter his opponent, it is logical to deduce that the swordsman's physical capabilities are greater between them. Such prowess with two-swords is unheard of across the Elemental Nations. Perhaps this is likely to be the strongest skill-set in his arsenal, and the reason he is acclaimed to be the Greatest Swordsman in the world."

Robin and Olvia could not stop the knowing smirks growing on their faces.

"That's not it! Dad uses-" Naruto spoke up, before Olvia's hand gently covered his mouth. "Let everyone see what happens, whisker-chisii. Don't spoil the surprise of Papa's best technique." She whispered close to his ear.

(Outside the Barrier)

Guy had changed-tact, no long clashing with Zoro head-to-head, strength to strength. He had begun adapting a hit-and-run mentality; attacking Zoro from different angles, using a hand-full of kicks, sweeps, and strikes, then swiftly dart away. He even began using substitutions at random instinct, always moving around Zoro, and facing him on Guy's own terms.

The Green-clad Taijutsu hurricane was grinning with excitement. As he settled into a comfy rhythm with Zoro's technique and power, he felt a familiar thrill coursing in his veins. The man was having the time of his life against this opponent, who was pushing him harder and more eagerly than Kakashi ever had. 'I may have a new Eternal-Rival from this day onwards,' he thought.

His elation turned serious, as Zoro was sprinting towards him again, one blade extended horizontal, while the other was held back, at shoulder-height, point extend. "Three-Sword Style: Bull-Rush!" Guy twirled the nunchaku in his hands and moved to counter Zoro again. But-!

Once they moved in, the Swordsman changed the angle of his slash, deflecting both Nunchaku to become aligned, and-Crwwwggrrrslice-!

Guy's Soshuga were cut in half! Less than a centimeter remained attached to their chains. Guy was caught in pure shock, while both of Zoro's swords connected with Guy's body! The Jonin was hurled back, tumbling through the air, with the searing pain of two sharp lines cut across his torso.

As he fell back, Zoro maintained his posture, then stood tall and composed. Once Guy's form skidded to a stop, he began to approach his adversary, at a slow walk. On Guy's part, his hands flew to the wounds on his body, but felt no blood or gashes where the blades touched him. 'Wh-….I…I swore that Zoro-san had cut me after destroying the Soshuga! Yet there-there are no wounds here.' Guy twisted around, pressing into his body, but did not feel or see any tell-tale signs of a sword-wound.

"You are not cut, Guy-san. A true swordsman can be able to both cut anything; and cut nothing. No matter which weapons they carry" Guy met Zoro's piercing eyes; where the gleam of excitement had been replaced, with disappointment. "Only a blunt instrument destroys or kills everything it touches. Or would allow the nature of their weapons to dictate their actions. I can cut through the metal of your weapons just as easily as turn my blades flat once they connect with someone I do not wish to cut-down."

Guy was shaken by the speech he had heard. His mind building even greater reverence for Zoro than the mountain that was already present. Suddenly-tears formed in Guy's eyes-and he threw himself forward. Prostrating himself at Zoro's feet, in reverence.

"Ggggguuuuuuuhhhhhhhhh! Zoro-sama! Such incredible power and strength! Ahh-such unmatched passion and intensity! Ohhhh-Such incomparable skill and composure for every movement and choice you make! IT IS AN UTTER EPITOMY OF YOUTHFUL SPIRIT AND DEDICATION! SO LARGE I CANNOT COMPREHEND!"

Tears of shame and awe soaked the ground beneath him. A pair of stars twinkled in his eyes at the man standing tall before him. "I thank you deeply for this spar! Yet, I fear I am too weak and unworthy to face one such as you! Unquestionably, the Greatest In the World"

Jumping to his feet, Guy began to pace. 'Now! How can I think of a Self-rule punishing enough to make up for this failure against Zoro-san. I needs to be greater, otherwise I will never reach the heights that he has conquered. Perhaps-'

"Stop pacing." A sword was resting on Guy's throat. "What the hell are you talking about, you Bastard?"

"Zoro-san? What are you doing? I thought the spar had ended," Hiruzen addressed them. When everyone had seen Guy dropping to his feet, The Hokage had dropped the barrier to address the pair of them. Robin was quite worried that Zoro would demand more out of the fight; knowing that it had not gone nearly enough to satisfy her husband.

"It's not over, Oji-san Hokage," Zoro replied. He was pissed, at his opponent. "If this guy answers my question, then I'll remove the sword at his neck." He began stepping around Guy, meeting him eye-to-eye.

"You're holding back on me Guy-san. Why? Your excitement when we arrived here was unquenchable. But during the fight with your nunchuk's, I sensed the hesitation in your blows. The restraint to take this fight to another, higher level."

Guy's eyes widened. Zoro pressed his blade ever so close to the man's neck, his eyes bore into the man before him.

"You're not the only one who's starting to enjoy this spar. Neither of us are leaving this place until you can satisfy the excitement you awakened in me. No true fighter should ever just give in without bringing their full might on the table first."

Zoro's voice took a commanding tone: "Show me the real power that you carry."

Guy was trembling with apprehension. 'He could feel my reluctance to use the Celestial Gates, through the course of our clash together? I…I have to follow my own self-rules…Yet,' Guy's fists began to clench, trembling with indecision and exhilaration. 'I cannot deny that this spar has fired me up. I do want to test the full scope of my blazing Flames of Youth here. To pit my strength and my own nindo…clashing together with this man…'

Zoro remained patient, while Naruto began asking if the fight was over or not. The rest of the clan-heads began to feel restless with the current indecision. While Kakashi and Hiruzen were very worried. Neither of them believed that Zoro could image even a fraction of what he was demanding from Guy.

"Guy-san. Hokage-sama," Robin's voice cut through them. "I believe that you should allow Busy-Brows-san to truly fight Zoro unrestrained. The purpose of this setting was for you to learn more about our combat prowess. Zoro-san has barely utilized 20% of his true power and skill.

Plus…" she smiled cunningly, "-the more skills Zoro displays, the more you stand to learn about the magnitude and variety of skills people outside of the Elemental Nations can carry. Otherwise, should any of them arrive here by-chance here in Hi-no-Kuni, then you would likely send dozens of your people to their deaths; ignorant of the scale of danger carried by the strongest of the strong.

Robin's statements began to heavily sway everyone assembled. Guy looked towards the Hokage, his eyes sending an unspoken request…

The Sandaime nodded. That sealed the deal.

Everyone began to move back into the confines of the barrier, and Hiruzen quickly erected it. He looked on with deep concern over what they were going to witness, and saw Guy began to speak to Zoro with an uncharacteristically serious face.

Nodding in approval, the Hokage thought of the Robin, Olvia and Naruto. 'Guy-san is describing the Celestial Gates to Zoro-san right now. It would also save time if I did the same to Olvia-chan, Naruto-kun and Robin-san, who have only learned about chakra recently. Since they have met many people who do not utilized chakra at all, knowledge of Guy-san's early disabilities are likely irrelevant to them.'

"Robin-san. Naruto-kun. Olvia-chan." Each look up at their names, as the Saindaime turned to face them. "Zoro-san was correct. Guy was holding back the true extent of his powers. But for very serious reasons. It is because he is the only shinobi in the village who can unlock the Eight Celestial Gates while in battle."

"What are the Eight Celestial Gates, Oji-san?" Naruot asked. While Robin and Olvia frowned in curiosity.

"As you have seen so far, Guy-san does not use ninjutsu or genjutsu techniques that standard shinobi favour. His fighting-style revolves around taijutsu, requiring extreme physical effort. He is the greatest Taijutsu master in the village. And is capable of matching or defeating other ninja with those skills alone. Even other Jonin." The man's relaxed eyes flickered to Kakashi. "Yet, he has some very specialized techniques that can unleash far greater destruction. And all of them relate to the Eight Celestial Gates.

The Eight Chakra Gates consist of a series of limiters that naturally form within a person's chakra network. While Chakra does develop and flow through the body, these limiters cause only miniscule amounts to be used by a ninja."

"Whaaaat! You mean my body is holding-back chakra!" Naruto cried out. "Why Why Why Why!? If that's happening then someone is less powerful then they could be. Maybe I struggle with different jutsu because the limiters are messing up my chakra so I can't get enough inside of a jutsu! Why can't we just open them, Oji-san!"

HIruzen turned to face Naruto square-on, his eyes bore into the soul of the dangerously ignorant boy. "Because, Naruto-kun, if these Celestial Gates did not limit a person's chakra, then simply executing one jutsu would cause a ninja to die. Instantly."

That brought Naruto's mind to a screeching stop. While Robin's eyes narrowed. This may have relevance to her research on the history of the world and the role of chakra in it.

"However," the Sandaime continued, "if some of the Gates can be opened, then they can empower a shinobi instead of immediately killing them.

You see, there are Eight individual Gates along a person's chakra network where the accumulation of it is the highest. The First such limiter is the Gate of Opening, located in the brain. By using his own chakra to build-up pressure on this Gate, Guy-san can force it open. The results will cause his full physical power to be unleashed. Normally, a standard human can only utilize around 20% of their physical strength, due such a limiter in their brain; sacrificing extraordinary power for a longer lifespan and less pain. Yet, the Gate of Opening can go beyond that, allowing someone to bring their natural strength to its highest levels. 100% of the body's full power.

The strain that this technique extorts on the body is unimaginable. To point it can temporarily cripple somebody. Beyond the First Gate, the Second Gate would empower Guy-san to a level of physical intensity far beyond any natural capabilities. While at certain levels, some extremely devastating and destructive attacks can be utilized, such as the Hidden Lotus, or Asakujaku.

However, with every Gate unlocked, the physical toll increases. The backlash these Gates inflict on someone's body can build higher and higher, until Guy-san cannot even move or speak. Eventaully…"

The Hokage eyes closed in remembrance of a boy in the Academy, who later gave their life to save the man facing Zoro in this moment. 'Heh. It is quite ironic that Duy-san unleashed this very power on the 7 Swordsmen of the Mist. And now his son wanted to hold-back doing the same against the Best Swordsman in the World.'

"What will eventually happen, Hokage-sama." Robin softly coaxed.

The Hokage faced them, with a somber tone in his eyes. "Eventually, should Guy open all of the Eight Celestial Gates at once; Then he will have enough power to likely split a continent in half. And die immediately after. His body would literally burn-up from forcing so much chakra out of himself."

Yet, to say such a feat is difficult to accomplish is a deep understatement. Even I cannot use any of the Eight Celestial Gates. Nor any Hoakge that has ever lived." the Sandaime admitted.

Naruto gasped in shock. "Th-there's…there's a ninja power the Hokage can't use!?"

As Robin, Naruto and Olvia digested this information, everyone felt a bright green light enter their periphery. Their eyes turned sharply outwards, to see a bright aura erupt form Guy's body.

Now, the fight truly began.

(Outside the Barrier)

Zoro had unsheathed Wado Ichimonji, the sword that belonged to Kuina, and held it with his teeth. Each of his swords were now drawn; the fight would have no holding back from either combatant.

Meanwhile, Guy was feeling a paradox, the promise to Open his own Celestial Gates classing with his ingrained restriction on that very action outside of mission or a battle. His attitude was both solemn and excited.

With a nod from Zoro, Guy gave his acknowledgement. Taking his classic Goken stance, with one hand out, inviting Zoro for the coming fight. "Alright Zoro-san. You asked, the Hokage approved, and I will fulfill this request with the full power of Youth. Now, let's see how many of the Either Celestial Gates you can counter!"

Guy vanished from Zoro's sight, kicking up a whirlwind that encircled the swordsman. Due to his ridiculously extreme training regimen, Guy could employ the First-Gate and Primary Lotus near-immediately. The man began to build speed, forming a gray, gravel-filled tornado. He began undoing his arm bandages.

"Three Sword Style: Tatsumaki!" All three of Zoro's sowrds slashed outwards, forming a swirling twister that began pressing against the one formed by Guy. In a moment, the clashing forces burst outwards, sending Guy flying through the air, several gashes tearing through his jacket and jumpsuit.

Landing on his feet, Guy looked on in amazement. Zoro's move, instantaneous and omni-directional, had foiled his use of the Primary Lotus perfectly. Zoro's figure remained unmoving, his stance wide with one blade held low, another high, and the third in his mouth angled across himself.

Guy frowned in acknowledgement, then rose to his full height, raising his hands to his face. 'If he can overpower the momentum of the First-Gate so easily, then I'll need to daze him before trying that move again. This means facing him head-to-head again, with even greater force than before!' Guy braced himself, cross his arms with the forearms turned outwards. The man was still for a moment. Then-the air around him began to shake and distort. Guy was engulfed in a column of pressure. The ground beneath him began to crack, and a green aura engulfed his skin.

Zoro smirked, shifting his body to stand tall, his blades resting at horizontal angles. With an explosion of dust, Guy was moving! The man closed-in on Zoro, beginning to fight the swordsman with the same hit-run-strike pattern form before. Yet the intensity and speed of Guy's movements were now far greater, pressing Zoro backwards.

Guy pulled two kunai from his kit and began stabbing at the swordsman, before dashing around him and attack him from behind. Zoro anticipated his move, Kitetsu intercepting the man while Wado forced him back.

Both remain even with each other, Guy's additional speed counter-balanced by Zoro's timing and reflexes. The nature of Three-sword-style also disrupted Guy's attacks further, as the odd and unfamiliar attacks interrupted the Jonin's kata's. While some shinobi did train to hold kunai in their mouths, should both their arms become wounded, Guy had never faced someone using a sword this way. His mind conjured dozens of options that Zoro could attempt. And he had no experience or references to properly anticipate any of them.

Yet, this did not make Guy slow-down. Only to stumble. He continued to fight back. Punch-kick-back fist-substitution-leg-sweep! The man jumped form a crouch, his fist flew to Zoro's face. Zoro twist his neck to avoid it, as Guy twisted mid-air; one leg pushed out at Zoro's chest, and his opposite heel arced for the swordsman's wrist.

Zoro dropped his arm, pulling it back for a thrust while Shusui and Wado arced toward his opponent. Double-slash-thrust-stab-spinning slash-clang!

Guy had blocked Wado with a kunai, braced inches from his own face. As the other two blades raced to strike him, the Jonin leaped skywards!

Guy kept his eyes trained on Zoro, as the green kenshi bent his knees, holding all three swords parallel to each other. "Three-Sword-Style: Tower Climb!" He jumped several meters high. Coming to Guy's elevation, with three blades slashing towards him. Guy bent backwards, using momentum to evade the strike, and dropping downwards like a stone.

"Tower Climb, Return!" Zoro replied with a trio of downward slashes, slicing through the air to close-in on the ninja. Guy twisted himself around, while weaving hand-signs! "Summoning Jutsu!"

Phufff! A large red shell appeared. KKKKRRRRRRWWWWWWEEEEEEEQQQUUUUUU. Followed by a long grinding screech.

"Ahhh! Guy! What made you use me as a shield!?" Guy had summoned Ningame the tortoise, using his large shell to block Zoro's attack. "I'm facing someone who can match the Second Gate effortlessly. Plus…it was kinda the only option I had." He guiltily added.

"You're what! I don't see you forever, and you bring me out to a slug-fest!? Who did you go and challenge this time!?" Ningame sternly chastised his summoner.

"One-sword-style! Flying Dragon!" Zoro had sheathed two blades, in favour of a different descending attack. Shusui was held in his left hand, with his right gripping the opposite wrist, his body in a crouching posture. He rapidly began to descend towards the turtle.

"Ahhhh!" Guy grabbed at Ningame, quickly angled him sideways and bracing his feet on the tortoise's shell. As Zoro-closed in, Guy waited for the last moment, then pushed off his friend. Launching them both across opposite sides of field, out of the way of Zoro's attack.

Dozens of boulders and gravel flew out from the ground; debris as Zoro' slash cut a deep gash in the earth. The Swordsman used the chunks of stone and earth as stepping-stones, landing on his feet and drawing his swords again.

Meanwhile, Guy was beginning to pant heavily. The blow-back of the Second Gate starting to creep into his muscles. 'He. He can match the power of the Celestial Gates so easily. And I don't think he's worn-down enough for the Hidden Lotus to be effective against that Twister-strike.'

"Damn it Guy! You use me as a shield and a stepping stone! We need to have a talk about this later! Huh!" Ningame was stuck on his back, trying to righten himself.

Guy looked up from where he'd landed, to see Zoro striding toward him.

Zoro's expression was eager, but focused. He knew that Guy was finally committed to giving the fight everything he had, and still had more to bring out.

Then, the swordsman stopped. His eyes narrowed, but his posture was at ease. Guy had resumed an iconic stance, his arms crossed before his face. Yet this time the Man's eyes were closed, his focus going inwards, concentrating his chakra on the next Celestial Gate. Zoro could sense the power beginning to churn inside his opponent, and he smiled.

'Now. This beginning to shape into a decent fight. I haven't had this much fun since Killer Bee three years ago. That guy way too touchy about his terrible raps; all I did was give him my honest opinion. But this Might Guy…he's got the same intensity and dedication that I have. Let's see how far off from me he is.'

"My friend, don't try to help-out here. I'm going to unleash more of the Celestial Gates, and I don't want to you to be injured in any cross-fire." Guy called to Ningame.

Ningame was grinding his teeth in frustration, but complied. "All right. Good luck, and if it gets bad, don't hesitate to summon me again." In a puff of smoke, the tortoise was gone, reluctant to leave his partner.[4]

Now, the Ground beneath Guy's feet began to crack! His body trembling with energy as his muscles were empowered by the Third Celestial Gate. Wisps of chakra began to visibly encompass him, joined by the iconic aura of green sweat. His skin began to morph into a devasting red tone. Chakra pulsed out from his body, forming a dome of sheer power.

(Inside the Barrier)

"Evidently, I was drastically wrong about Zoro-san's capabilities. While his method may appear ridiculous, given the position of his third sword, this Three-Sword-Style is astonishingly efficient and unquestionably powerful. Why, some may ask? It has definitively proven to counter two of the Celestial Gates, so far." Shibi Aburame spoke.

"Whoa! It looks like Bush-Brows is powering-up again! All that chakra gathering around him, it's gotta be real powerful!" Naruto stated.

Robin's eyes narrowed at the spectacle. "Hokage-sama?" She addressed the aged leader. "I have a theory concerning Guy-san's appearance that I would like for you to confirm," she politely requested. With a nod from the Sandaime, she continued. "That glow around Bushy-Brows-san, and the deep shades of red on his face and hands. Is the aura he is giving off chakra, or sweat that his body-heat is causing to evaporate?"

Now, the Hoakge was absolutely surprised. "TH-that is…it is correct Robin-san. How did you realize it?" Everyone turned toward her, especially her confused son.

"Simple." Olvia spoke up. "My parent's captain uses a similar power. Uncle Monkey D. Luffy can increase the rate of blood flowing through his body to increase his physical output, very similar to Bushy-Brows-san," the young Straw-Hat explained. "When this happens, Uncle Luffy's skin begins to glow pink, and large amounts of steam encompass his body, as the increase in power rushing through his lungs, heart, and muscles raises his body temperature. Just as the next Celestial Gate is doing to Bushy-Brows-san."

Before anyone could respond to the girl's explanation-CCRRRKKKK GGRRRKKKK! the ground outside of the barrier began to loudly crack. Turning their eyes back to the fight, everyone saw Guy in a hunched-over position. His clenched arms shaking, his faced covered with the a web of veins pushing through his skin.

(Outside the Barrier)

'Fourth Gate! Gate of Life! Open!" The additional power surged through the Taijutus Master's body; compounding the force and intensity unleashed by the Third Gate. For a moment, Guy felt the familiar thrill of pure power coursing through his body. Then his eyes turned to Zoro.

The Swordsman felt the tension building in his gut, and the pressure of Guy's power pressing against his coat. Immediately, Guy unsealed a pair of tonfa.[5] Holding both with familiar ease, he was charging forward, dodging the air-slashes flying to meet him! Guy weaved around each of them, and closed-in one Zoro.

Dash-Strike-Dodge-Counter-Slash-Weave-Sweep—Jab—Strike—Double-jab—Cross-Slash-

More and more attacks were thrown from both fighters. Barely any hits connected, yet they remained even with each other. Guy used his tofa's to bring out more concentrated strikes at Zoro, and try for grapples against the swordsman. Even with the 4th Gate empowering him, Guy could not leverage any dominance against Zoro. The man would evade his strikes with only inches and continue to give his own counters and attacks. Zoro's blades could marginally graze Guy, while none of Guy's hits landed. It was as if Zoro could anticipate his moves with perfect clarity before he even began to throw them.

The Blue Beast dropped low for a high-kick, but barely grazed Zoro's chin. Breaking-off the beginning of his combo, he poured more chakra into his speed, driving himself harder to finally land a solid hit on the swordsman. Zoro moved to meet him, with Kitetsu and Shusui forming a cross-slash to meet the Jonin. With no room, Guy raised his arms to block the swords, angled inwards to deflect them high, and leave Zoro's torso exposed. He even channeled some of his chakra into the weapons, reinforcing them against Zoro's blades.

Zoro noticed the position of Guy's arms and changed the angles of his cuts to meet the tonfa at a perpendicular angle-Slice!

The blades cut through the chakra-enhanced metal tonfas as hot knifes through butter! The weapons were nothing against Zoro's use of Busoshuko Haki.[3] Even after cutting through them, Zoro had the composure to stop his blades a single millimetre from Guy's skin, disarming him without cutting him.

That pause turned into a mistake, as the training ingrained into his mind allowed Guy to push forward unperturbed.

His left fist, still griping the forehead of the broken tonfa, connected with Zoro's temple, followed by two knees to his gut, the right forehand, and a round-house kick! The swordsman was sent flying back, with Guy hot on his heels.

Zoro twisted in the air, but Guy was already below him, crouching back to kick Zoro into the air! 'Now! The Reverse Lotus!' Guy mentally stated.

Zoro couldn't shift in-time at this distance. He was launched higher into the sky by the Kick, as Guy began to employ another Taijutsu related with the Celestial Gates. In a flash, the Jonin was left of the swordsman, and struck out with a palm-strike. The blow shook Zoro's body, send him flying sideways through the air.

Despite the force of the blow, Zoro was unphased. After all, he had been hit, slammed and injured far worse in the past. Powerful as he was, even with the Fourth Gate opened, Guy did not pack of same force as the Ursa-Shock, Oars the Giant, or Admiral Fujitora.

Distance conspired against the Jonin, as Zoro realized his intentions and twisted his body with the momentum. As Guy closed in, Zoro swept the blunt sides of Wado and Kitetsu across his body. The next strike was deflected; both men flew apart from each other.

Zoro twisted mid-air, switching his swords to be held with the blunt edges outward. "Three-Sword-Style: Blue Dragon Mark!" Guy blinked at a blue aura surrounding Zoro, warping into a roaring dragon. The instant his feet touched the ground, Zoro kicked-off, streaking towards Guy! Passing each other near the ground, Zoro angled his blades-striking Guy in the chest.

"Flowing Water!" With no resistance to control his momentum, Guy couldn't avoid the strikes. He felt the same sensation from before, the impact of Zoro's blades pressing into his body, avoiding any sharp edge. Guy crashed over the ground twice, before his feet met the earth, and he skidded to stop.

Next, the Jonin collapsed from the damage he sustained. 'Such power, precision, and control. He ev…heh...even countered the Reverse Lotus…heh…every time I…heh…increase my own output, he…heh…he uses just enough skill to…heh…to match and counter me, with no wasted effort or damage…heh…' Guy thought, panting at his exertions.

"I guess, this will just have to go a step even further."

The 4th Gate hadn't worn off yet, but Guy was less hesitant to escalate fight than earlier. While he could handle the after effect from the First through the Third almost seamlessly, anything higher still took a truly heavy toll on his body. Yet Zoro had still matched him up to his current level without any enhancements. Anything less would spell the end of the fight, or the end of Guy.

Crossing his arms again, he shouted out: "Fifth Gate of Closing!" Channeling his compounded chakra around his abdomen, the next Celestial Gate was unleash. A fresh surge of chakra and power coursed through his body, extending throughout the quarry, causing the nearby cliffs to crack at the pressure!

Zoro's eye narrowed at the spectacle. 'Now it's time to get serious.'

He was no longer holding back on his own capabilities. Thus far, the Greatest Swordsman had only used enough effort that was required, with no wasted movement; even defensively, he only used the least effort necessary, whether stopping or evading his opponent. Now, he no longer kept any effort reserved. Zoro had his opponent's measure, and decide to press against it.

"Be careful. Guy-san. You're certainly a worthy opponent. And my swords are getting thirsty. For the taste of blood."

Slipping into his OniGiri stance, he prepared to close-in with the iconic attack before—

Guy's hands dropped to his waist like pressure valves, followed by even more power rippling out from his body! "Six Gate of Joy! Open!" The sheer intensity produced from Guy's body formed a massive tornado around himself, lifting huge chunks from the ground dozens upon dozens of feet skyward! A few even began to fly at or drop toward Zoro.

The Swordsman only grinned. He dashed forward, evading or cutting anything in his path, moving straight towards the Jonin with Blood-red Skin and a ferociously Raging Green Aura surrounding himself.

(Inside the Barrier)

Kakashi was deeply amazed and awe-struck.

He couldn't follow the match with his Sharingan yet from lacking the chakra to empower it. The fight had not moved to the point it would have been necessary, but he knew it was about to step into the realm of intensity. It was nearly too much to fathom…

'Zoro-san has met Guy's Goken style head on…disarmed him twice…countered both the Lotus and Reverse Lotus… and seemed deeply excited at the impending class between himself and Guy in the 6th Celestial Gate… This is a sight to behold. These feats should be something only the Sannin or a Kage should be able to do. This man truly is a genius and lethal powerhouse.'

"Robin-san! Has your husband revealed anything close to his full capabilities, yet!?" he asked in wonderment.

Robin glanced at Kakashi, shaking her head.

She remained quiet about the mechanics her husband's exoteric willpower. 'It's quite fortunate that very few we have encountered here can imagine, sense or see Zoro's Haki. While he is thankfully not blatant about the mechanics of Kenbushoku Haki, it is often impossible for someone who has not honed their own Haki to see the black-colour of Busoshuko Haki.[7] Only the Haki of the most powerful and Masterful cases, such as "Black-Arm-Zephyr," can be seen by ordinary people.[7] Nobody will learn about this power. At least not yet.' Robin summarized.

(Outside the Barrier)

Zoro's coat was blown open by the force generated by Might Guy. Smirking, he removed the coat, leaving his chest and arms bare.[6] His opponent's eyes went wide and the number of scars etched across Zoro's body; particularly his token from the first encounter with Hawk-eye's.

'So…Zoro-san is no natural prodigy who's innate skill and strength propelled him to this day. Oh no. This man has constantly fought those at his own league, and some even higher. Many of them must have left these tokens behind, from hard-won and dangerously lethal encounters. Even through all of them…he survived or won and continued forward to reach all the skill and power he now wields in his hands.' Guy summarized in awe.

His foot shift back, one hand bent behind himself, the other extended towards Zoro; his palm open and inviting.

"Ha. Don't mind if I do." Zoro replied to the gesture, taking it as a challenge.

(To be continued)

I know, the cliff-hanger is something of a low-blow. When I was writing this fight between Guy and Zoro, it ended-up setting a personal record at over 16,000 words long. So I decided to cut the length in-half and divide it between two chapters.

The next one will conclude this epic clash and establish just how dangerous Zoro is within this story. Along with a couple of surprises at the end…

[1]-Note, within this story the Elemental Nations is located within the New World of the One Piece Universe. I will explore how and many other lore-related factors in this following chapter.

[2]-"Observation" Haki. The power to sense the emotions, intentions, and will of a person around you, or directed at yourself.

[3]-"Armament" Haki. The power to imbue and reinforce your body or physical objects with metaphysical willpower. Can be used as stronger armor or sharper weapons, and is the most direct foil against Devil-Fruit powers.

[4]-Ningame was only summoned three time in all of Naruto that I know of, and he never participated directly in any fights. Subsequently, I had no sources to draw-on for a role he could take in this match.

[5]-While not really confirmed in the lore, Might Guy was the sensei of Tenten. He would have been heavily responsible for her development, and likely taught her the fundamentals with various weapons she uses. From her chosen specialization with a broader range of weapons than Naruto ninja typically use and Guy's own dedication to martial skill, I do not believe it would be far-fetched that he could use tonfa's, bo-staffs, and other melee weapons. Although, he does apparently avoid any with a sharp edge, such as swords, naginata, sai's or whip-chains.

[6]-Zoro's appearance at Fishman Island, against Hoardy Jones' crew and Hyouzou.

[7]-This is my opinion, and unconfirmed in-canon. However, the story of One Piece is told through the perspectives of certain protagonists; the Straw Hats, Coby, Jinbe, Ace, and few others. Prior to the timeskip, none of the Straw Hat crew could use Haki, and neither was there any distinct Black-colouring anytime Busoshuko Haki was implicitly used; whether from Garp, Shanks and Whitebeard, Rayleigh, Sentomaru, Boa Marigold, or during the Whitebeard War. My personal in-universe theory, is that any tell-tale changes in colour that reflect Haki being used can only be observed by someone who has trained with at least one form of Haki themselves.

This would explain why Busoshuko Haki was described as "Invisible Armor," and the distinct black-colouring was only featured after the Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Coby could use Kenboshoku "Observation" Haki themselves. It's more circumstantial than fact, but can be a plausible explanation.