I do not own One Piece.

Comments: If anyone wants to give me ideas for new chapters or constructive criticism let me know.

All chapters after this one will be at least 10k words. I'll try to have a chapter out every 2 weeks.


It was 5:00 am on a Thursday. My alarm was buzzing and it was time to start my day. I yawned, "Another day of school I guess."

I shut my alarm off and walked into the freezing kitchen.

"Whew, it's r-really cold today."

I poured a glass of water and got ready. A few hours later I left the house and walked to the train station. Wearing all black was a kid named Isaiah, running towards me waving his hand.

"Yo! Michael, how have you been?"

"Enthusiastic as ever huh? I've been ok to say the least. What about you?"

"I've been watching a lot of shows lately, especially One Piece."

"Hm, One Piece? I caught up on that show not too long ago."

"really now? What did you like about it?"

"Uhh, let's see I liked-"

"Oh shit Michael! The train is about to come we gotta hurry."

"you're right! Let's go!"

We immediately started to run, passing others in the process. A couple minutes later we made it to the station. Suddenly crowds of people came rushing in. The station was chaotic, shoving and pushing began. Isaiah and I got separated due to the chaos.

The train was getting ready to stop, people were trying to get ahead of each other. While creeping through the crowd, I felt a strong force connect with my side. A few seconds passed, I glance up to see many shocked and horrified expressions. before I could piece everything together the train rammed into me.

"Look Jason! Look! Ark has woken up!" The woman yelled.

"That's amazing Luna! how are you my son?"

As the man said that, several memories rushed into my head. ("I see now. I took the place of this sick kid, I'll live the life that he couldn't. My apologies.") I thought.

"Mom? Dad? I feel so much better."

with tears in her eyes, "I'm so glad!" Mom yelled.

"Wonderful my son!"

"Let's throw a party for you, Ark!" Mom said with excitement.

They slowly got me out of bed, we walked outside to see a small peaceful village where the ocean was calm.

"Wow, this place looks amazing."

"You don't remember? We've lived here for a while now, Ark." Mom softly explained.

"Haha! Don't pick on the little brat Luna. He just woke up again. Hahaha!"

Multiple villagers came rushing out their homes with smiles on their faces. "Ark? Wait, he's up?"

"It's great to see Ark walking normally again." The villagers talked amongst themselves and laughed with my parents.

"Ok! Everyone, it's time for a banquet!" Dad proudly yelled.

Everybody agreed and started to cook. Village men grabbed tables from their homes and placed it in the middle of the town. The banquet was starting to kick off.

(Three hours later)

"Hahaha! And that's when she said "Hic- do that Jason Hic-." Dad said while being drunk.

Meanwhile I was with the other kids having an eating contest.

"Munch, munch, munch. You won't beat me!" A boy with gray hair proclaimed.

"Chomp, chomp, chomp. Ugh, you think you can beat me? In your dreams!"

"Munch, munch. What's your name anyway?"

After finishing my food I answered him. "Oh my name's Ark."

The gray haired child stood up yelling, "My name is The Great Zano."

Exhausted I said. "Zano, huh. Cool I guess."

Rubbing his nose, "Hehe, I know right. Hey let's race now!"

"What!? I just ate two plates of food."

"I don't care Ark. Last one to the other side of the village is a rotten seaking!"

Several kids started sprinting and giggling screaming, "Haha you're gonna be a rotten seaking!" No you will!"

I began to run, passing most of the kids in the process.

"It's just too easy!" I proudly stated.

"Pant, pant. Y-you cheated Ark."

I stared at him blankly. "You're just a sore loser, Zano."

"Sniff, sniff. No I'm not haaaa!"

He slowly ran towards me with tears in his eyes holding his fists up.

Small flames flared up from my body, and I felt stronger? I quickly caught his fist and pushed him aside.

"Wha? How did you?" Zano whispered with a confused expression.

I ran towards the still water to look at my reflection, I was shocked to see white hair, red eyes, and brown skin.

"Wow, I look pretty cool." I quietly said to myself.

"Arrrgh! Take this, super ultimate mega fist."

I casually stopped his punch, and questioned him. "What are you doing?"

He whipped his tears from his face. "One day we'll fight, and I will defeat you!"

"I accept that challenge! Come at me anytime!"

We smiled and laughed together before walking back to the village.

"Ark, Zano, where have you guys been!?"

Stuttering over his words, Zano mustered the courage to speak. "I-I w-we"

I took charge of the conversation and said. "We had a race and lost track of time sorry to worry you."

"Oh that's all, ok then have fun."

"Hmph! You didn't have to step in for me, you know."

"I was just trying to help." I calmly explained.

"Whatever, I'm still better than you at eating."

"No way, I beat you earlier."

"Lies, I just don't remember that. We can always test out to see who's the better eater." He said while snickering.

Provoked, I accepted his challenge. "Fine I'll win!" With fire in my eyes.

(Twenty minutes later)

"Whew I'm stuffed."

"Munch, munch, I shall win! Oh you're done? Looks like I won, like I said."

"Uhh, you got lucky I just couldn't eat anymore."

"Ya, ya, whatever, s-o-r-e l-o-s-e-r."

He got up and yelled. "I'm not a sore loser! You are!"

"Looks like you are too me."

A voice from the distance told Zano, "It's time to pack up, we're going home Zano!"

"Ok mom! Be ready because I'll beat you one day."

"In your dreams!"

I walked back to where my parents were, then suddenly. (Woosh) (Boom)

Massive Marine ships appeared and cannon balls were being shot across the ocean.

"Mom, what's going on!?"

"We're being attacked. Jason! Get ready!"

"Ok. Ark! My son, hide yourself. You're very special so you must hide and keep safe. Luna Let's go!"

Meanwhile, about five miles away… "Oooh, hey, Kuzan, look. It's the island we've been searching for."

With his body half frozen he sighs. "Ya, we'll get this over with quickly because I'm tired."

"Hmmm, I can see that. Well let's go then."

"Hmph, Ice Road."

"Why do you always ride a bike over the ocean?"

"I can say the same for you, Kizaru. Why do you always turn into light wherever you go somewhere?"

"Fair point, I guess. Those cannon balls aren't doing too much, I'll spice it up a tad. Hoo!"

Multiple light beams were shot towards the island destroying small houses.

As they headed towards the island, shockwaves were made from their devil fruits, disturbing something beneath.

"That's just playing dirty, you corrupt Marines!" Dad yelled.

Jason we've gotta protect everyone! It's our fault the Marines are here anyway."

"Tch, how could they have tracked us all the way to the calm belt!? Pesky Marines."

Dad turned around with a firm voice. "Everyone! Go deeper within the island, the Marines will kill you all."

Panic began to surge within this small village. Men prepared to protect their families, and women hid their children.

(Ten minutes later)

"Oooh, looks like we're here."

Kizaru appeared with light swirling around him.

"Glad to see you again, Ex Vice Admiral Jason. You really had to save that Lunarian woman, all those years ago, huh?"

Dad flared up with dark energy. "I'll kill you Kizaru!"

Kuzan got ready and sighed. "Looks like they're gonna fight to the death so I'll finish you off quickly."

Flames erupted from mom's back and wings sprouted. "I'll be the one to defeat you."

The battle was heating up, the Marine ships were slowly closing in on the island.

"Pant, pant, pant. We have to run Zano."

"I know but, sniff, sniff. Mom and dad, will they be ok?"

I reassured him. "I'm sure they will."

(Boom)

Trees in the surrounding area were falling left and right. Small explosions could be heard all over the island, people were being blown away by the Marines arsenal.

"Haaaa! Raging state, cursed body."

Dad's body was covered in a blackish purple energy.

"Ooo, I remember that technique. So you're getting pretty serious I see."

"Kizaru! I'm tried, finish him off quickly."

"Why? You always ruin the thrill of a fight."

Kuzan got into a position, and charged ice within his palm. "Ice Age!"

A massive spiked glacier formed and half of Kuzan's body was frozen over. "Done here."

As he began to walk away flames burst through his ice.

"I'm just getting started!"

Mom speed blitzed the admiral catching him off guard. "What the?! Rrrghh, Ice Clone."

"He turned into ice?"

"Luna! Behind you!" Dad yelled.

Kuzan appeared behind mom and slammed her down with a kick. (Boom)

"I'm ok." She said.

"Tch, what an irritating defense."

"Raaaa!"

"Hoooo!"

They clashed, making small shockwaves.

"Your armament haki is pretty strong, Jason."

"Of course, Kizaru. I'll crush you with this power!"

"Don't get too ahead of yourself."

Kizaru shot a powerful light beam through Dad's chest basting him a far.

Ugh!"

Jason's eyes went blank, he fell to the floor lifeless.

"Jason!" Mom screamed.

"Oops, looks like he's down. I'll go have my fun over there, see ya, Kuzan."

(Swoosh) (Rumble)

"Hey, aren't we in the calm belt, why are waves forming?!" The grunt said with a worried voice.

"Don't tell me."

(Boom)

There was a loud crash, making a dent in the Marines ship.

"We're being attacked by seakings!" The Captain yelled.

"Alert the Admirals! Now!"

(Boom) (Crash)

"Ahhh!"

"Raaahhh" (Boom)

"Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring. Tch, What is it-"

"Admiral Kizaru! We're being attacked by over five seakings help!"

"Ahhhhhh"

"Attack!"

"It's no use, run!"

"Cacha. Looks like I gotta handle some oversized fish. Time to get a bit serious."

Meanwhile on the island…

With her flames bursting in rage she powers up to maximum.

"Damn you! Damn you! Marines!"

(Crack)

Small shockwaves could be felt from her anger boost.

"Tch, I gotta get serious now."

In an instant a flame enhanced punch gutted Kuzan.

"What!"

"Ahhhh! Fire Rush!" Mom passionately yelled.

("No way. Where'd all this strength come from? Think this out Aokiji. She's being fueled by rage, you can win this.") Kuzan thought.

"Here."

Kuzan put his hands on the ground. "Ice Shake"

The entire area was frozen, shaking half the island.

"My feet are frozen, no matter! Ahhh!"

"Tch, what a brute!"

"Burning light!"

A great flash appeared melting a bit of the ice on the ground.

"Gotcha, Ice Age."

(Boom)

"Ugh, I-I can't lose this…"

"It's over, be encased in ice."

Kuzan proceeded to crush her frozen body.

In the distance several light beams were being directed at massive beasts.

"Those are seakings! Damn it. Ice Road."

Kuzan got on his bike and peddled towards the battle.

"Ha!"

(Boom)

The seakings roared, shaking the ocean.

"Kizaru, we gotta stop this."

"Alright I'll blind them and you freeze them with your strongest attack."

Kuzan took a deep breath. "Ya, let's do this."

"Haaaa! Blinding Flare."

The attack created a massive flash, blinding the seakings.

"Full power, Ice Age!"

Half the ocean froze, the seakings took considerable damage. So they retaliated, with massive tidal waves.

"Kuzan, use sky walk. Now!"

"Right."

The two admirals escaped the seakings, leaving a destroyed village, and wrecked Marine ships.

(BOOM)

"Whoa, what was that? Ark, let's check on the village."

"Ya, we've been gone for a long time."

As soon as they stepped foot into daylight…

"Wha? Wha?!" Zano was in disbelief.

"Mom? How could th-this, sniff, sniff. Aaaahhhh!!" I screamed.

Zano fell on his knees with despair, seeing his parents crushed bodies under rubble.

"Why would they? Sniff, sniff. What kind of monsters would do this?!" Zano yelled.

As they search around the area more…

"Dad? Are you ok? Please dad wake up. Please dad! Sniff, sniff. They're really gone? Already? Why?"

"There's nothing we can do now, Ark. Sniff, sniff, we j-just have to m-move on. Aaaahhhh!"

(Two days later)

It was a burning day in the calm belt, nothing but still water and dangers.

An angered Zano approached me. "We have to get our revenge one day, Ark."

With a dead expression, "ya… You're right, we'll have to train really hard though."

As we walked around the destroyed village to find some goods, we spotted a mysterious man on a roll boat coming to our island?

"Gotta store the fruits in a faraway island, they're too dangerous as of now."

"Hey, Ark! Look!"

"Don't shout, you idiot! He might see us." We whispered.

"Hmm, Marines came here and created chaos, huh. I guess I'll help these kids out."

The mysterious man was wearing a gray trench coat, black shoes, and black spiky hair.

"H-hey old man, you b-better watch out. I know how to fight." Zano struggled to say.

"Ya, we'll beat you silly! Old man!"

"Pfft! I'm only sixty-seven years old, and I'm here to help you kids out."

"Why? We have nothing left."

("Damn, poor kids, Marines put a number on this place. I'll give them these devil fruits.") The man thought.

"Oh, have you guys eaten today?"

"I'm not hungry!" (Grrrr)

Zano visibly blushes.

"Hahaha! Here, I have two fruits, one each."

We stared at him strangely before choosing.

"Uhh, I guess I'll take this one. It reminds me of a cloud of darkness." I stated.

"Hmmm"

Zano takes multiple glances of the fruit before taking it.

"I'll only take it because it looks like a samurai, my mom used to tell me stories about them."

"Oh, my name's Shadow."

"Wow, what a weird name." Zano commented.

"I'm Zano!" He proudly states.

"And I'm Ark." I nonchalantly say.

"Nice to meet you two."

"Well I'm starving, I'm going to eat." (Crunch)

"It tastes terrible!"

"Ya, where'd you get these from?!"

Shadow looks in the sky…

In the Grandline, Marine ships were being destroyed left and right.

"Ha"

"Black hole!"

"How? He dodged it!"

"He's just too nimble."

(A mile ahead)

"Sir!"

With a cigarette in his hand, "what is it?"

"There's a man in a trench coat eliminating our grunts with no effort."

"Really now. Get into… Trap Formation."

"Right! Call every remaining Marine captain. Tell them to get into Trap Formation! Now!"

In multiple ships, Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring.

"Get into Trap Formation. An order from the head captain."

"Ok, here we go boys."

All the Marine ships shifted in a shark circle to create a whirlpool.

"Tch, this is quite annoying." Shadow whispered.

"Hehe. This retrieval mission will be a breeze."

The main ship was getting further and further ahead.

"Alright, enough fun."

(Boom)

Shadow made a huge shockwave with his leep.

"What the. Call the main ship right now!"

At the main ship, "Ring, Ring. What no-"

"Sir! The man is coming straight for you."

"What?!"

(Crash)

"Don't move you!"

"Begone."

The Captains instantly passed out.

"There they are, I'll go to the calm belt to store these. But first."

He sprinted out destroying the rest of the ships in his view.

"Now we leave for the calm belt."

(Present)

"Oh, those. I found them on my way here."

"Hmph! Well they taste gross." Zano stated.

"Hmm, how bout a train you guys."

"Really?"

"Ya. I have nothing else to do anyway."

(Later that night.)

"Chatter, Chatter, Chatter."

"Hmm? What's all that noise?" I questioned.

"Ya, and that's when birdman came and beat him up for stealing his fruits."

"Hakakaka!"

"What the? Are those birds talking?!" I whispered.

"Hey, look, it's a human. Stupid thing can't even understand us. Hakakaka!"

"Hakakaka!"

I walked back to bed and thought it was a dream.

(The next day)

"Hey, Shadow."

"Hm?"

"Did you hear birds talking last night?"

"Uh, no"

"Ok"

("The devil fruit is in effect, your life will be much different now. Ark, Zano.")

"Hey! You guys hungry? I made some food." I yelled

Coming out of the forest was a rambunctious Zano.

"Whew I'm tired, this looks good."

"I guess I'll have some." Shadow said.

"Let's eat."

After breakfast, the training began.

"The fruits I gave you are called devil fruits. By eating them you gain special powers."

"Now, try doing something Zano. And Ark you go into the forest, listen to animals."

"Alright I guess."

After focusing for a few seconds, a small gust of wind surrounds Zano.

"Whoa this is cool."

"Hmm, so your devil fruit is wind based."

"Ya! I guess so." Zano said with a huge smile.

("There has to be more than that. Why would the world government have Marines transfer these fruits then?") Shadow thought.

"So, how would I get this power stronger?" Zano asked.

"By using it. Training with it, and using it in battles is the only way." Shadow explained.

Zano had a glint in his eye. "Ok then. I'll get strong and defeat those Marines."

Deep in the forest…

"Why would I need to listen to animals? It's not like I gain anything from it."

"Kaaaa! A raven is coming! Run!"

I see several rabbits run past me.

"A raven is coming huh, I'll kill it for food later.

The raven came flying in, coming for its prey.

"Kahe. Got you now-"

I grabbed my sharp stick, and stabbed it through its back.

"Gotcha."

I found myself walking deeper and deeper in the forest.

"Do I even have a useful ability? I'm just gonna try something, why not."

As soon as I focused I instantly turned into the raven I killed earlier.

"So that's how it works. Whenever I kill an animal I can turn into them. Maybe I'll be able to gain their abilities one day."

A few hours later I left the forest and headed towards the partially destroyed village.

"Pant, pant."

"Haha! That was some good training, huh Zano!" Shadow yelled excitedly.

"Ya-"

"Welp, looks like he's knocked out time to check on Ark."

"Hey! I'm back."

"Glad to see you, what did you figure out?"

"I can transform into animals after beating them."

Shadow had a shocked expression. "Amazing! So your devil fruit has multiple abilities in one I'm guessing."

"Ya, since I can understand animals and turn into them."

"Hey, Shadow, teach us how to fight as well." Zano said.

"That was for later but fine." Shadow reluctantly agreed.

Shadow walked back to his "parked" boat.

"Alright, here I have weapons that you guys can use."

Shadow proceeds to pull out two daggers and a longsword.

Zano seemingly floated to the longsword. "I neeed this one."

"Haha. Ok, here then."

Shadow lightly tossed the blade to Zano

A"Oooo, this is so freaking cool! I can be a samurai!"

"Alright and these are for you."

He casually tossed the daggers at me. Upon impact something in my soul activated.

(Heart beat noise)

("What the hell is this feeling")

"You alright?"

"Y-ya" I stuttered.

We all walked into a desolate part of the island.

"Alright, now for the weapons. To use daggers, you must be as nimble or agile as possible. While dealing the most damage to your opponent." Shadow explained.

"Alright, so speed is what I need to focus on right?" I asked.

"Yes, but the advanced part you'll have to figure out on your own." Shadow answered.

"I guess."

"Now, for longsword users. Swing with quick precision, then wait for another chance to strike." Shadow explained.

"It'll be a breeze to learn." Zano confidently said.

"Now, let us begin. Come at me!"

We focused our energy and blasted a few meters forward.

"Hm, good speed, but no technique. Obviously."

We were easily pushed back and began to attack once more. Slowly adapting to Shadows dodge patterns.

"Haaaa!" (Swing)

"Take this!" We yelled.

"Hmph." (Clang)

We were knocked away and exhausted.

"Pant, Pant. His defense is incredible." Zano commented.

"Ya… It's like he can counter what we do before we even attack." I stated.

("He's a smart one.")

"I got you now. Rrrghh!"

"Too slow."

I was swiftly blown back by shadow's palm strike.

"Ahh!"

My vision was giving out, ("What an attack! I won't pass out now though!")

"Hyaaa! ha!"

Zano sent a barrage of slashes, yet none of them connected.

"I-Impossible."

"You learn fast, but it's no use."

"Ugh!"

Zano passed out from a direct hit.

I charged up speed within my feet and sprung forward.

"Very impressive speed, for someone your age." Shadow congratulated.

"Really now? Take this as my thanks. Rrrghh!"

I spun in the air creating a twister attack.

"Hehe, looks like I'll take my daggers out for this."

Instantly, my attack was canceled out, and I crashed into the ground. (Boom)

"N-no way."

I slowly closed my eyes, passing out.

"These little brats will be a challenge in the future. They're only eight years old as of right now."

(Flashback a few days ago)

"Hey, how old are you two?"

Zano had a big grin on his face. "I'm practically a big kid! Eight is my age."

Exhausted from Zano's energy, "oh, me. I'm eight as well." I said while yawning.

"Haha! You kids are young!"

"Ya, and you're an old man talking to them, seems strange right?" I remarked.

"Ya! What Ark said." Zano chimed.

(Present)

"Alright, since they've passed out I'll start my next move. I plan on training them for seven years, then I'll get them out of the calm belt." Shadow said quietly to himself.

(The next day)

"Ha, oough!"

"Zano is really training hard to master his fighting style. Now what about Ark.

On the other side of the field, I was dodging massive logs tied to a string.

(Swoosh) (Swing)

("I must focus. See the log then dodge on pure reaction. There!")

I swiftly side stepped, ducked, and jumped in the span of a couple seconds.

"Whew that one was close."

("Ark's training is really effective, and calculated, well done. But Zano will be the better fighter since that's where his potential shines.") Shadow thought.

"Pant, pant." (Flashback)

"Mom, dad, and the entire village. I will grow strong, to avenge your deaths. Training non-stop everyday. Until it kills me. This is the oath I made to myself."

(Present) (Swing) (Vroosh)

With his blade swinging In the air, and sweat pouring from all over his body. Zano was determined to master this blade.

("Deep breaths. Hm!")

In one clean slash, Zano created a sharp wind slash, making a deep cut in a tree.

"I did it!" He celebrated.

"Heh, looks like he's making good progress. How's Ark-"

Shocked at what he is witnessing.

("This dodge I practiced, has become easy now. I can dodge pretty well now, even with my eyes closed. Hearing the logs tells me which direction they're going.") I thought.

Ten meters away a dumbfounded Shadow.

("He's already mastered that dodge, it's only been three hours. Zano is also growing at a rapid paste. I may be training prodigies.") He thought to himself.

The two of us trained for a couple more hours until, "Alright, you two are going to spar. Whoever is on the ground with a blade to their neck first, loses, understand? Great, begin." Shadow explains.

"I'll win Ark"

Zano points his blade at me, getting into a stance. I responded by speed blitzing him and kicking him away.

"Ah!"

Zano caught himself before tumbling down a hill.

"Tch, that was a dirty trick, Ark! And you know it."

With my left dagger in front of my face I said, "that is the nature of a true assassin, Zano."

(Shwing)

"He disappeared?!"

Behind him I was ready for a surprise attack. Zano just barely dodges due to his devil fruit enhancing his speed.

"Whew, that was close. Looks like you're serious too. I like that Ark!"

We dashed at each other, clashing, and running side by side. Attacking when we see an opening.

"Ha! Wind blades!"

Several wind slashes came my way.

"Raven, transformation."

I narrowly dodged every gust of wind that came my way.

("He's heading in my direction, I'll strike as soon as he comes close.")

Right before Zano's strike I, ("base form")

With the speed of the raven, we collided once more, backing up to regroup.

"What? You can detransform at will?!"

"Of course."

"That's cheating! I would've won there." Zano pouted.

On a tree was Shadow smoking a cigarette. ("They're really going at it, huh. Zano is skilled with his blade and devil fruit. But Ark has the upper hand due to his battle tactics, speed, and also devil fruit ability.")

"You're not gonna beat me Ark!"

In a calm voice, "I'll have to disagree. I'm just too fast and have much more knowledge than you, you can't keep up."

"Rrrghh! Shut up!"

("I'll get in his head.") I thought.

"You're already getting sloppy in your movements."

I stepped up, and quickly flicked him on the forehead, before back stepping immediately.

"See."

In a fit of rage. "I… Said… Shut up!" (Swing)

A decent sized tornado was formed, with a hint of electricity coursing through it.

"Now this was unexpected. Since Ark was trying to trip Zano up with his words, It made Zano unlock a new power. Amazing."

(Creator here, this isn't an awakening. It's simply Zano unlocking more of his power. The awakening will be dumb op later.)

("I'll have to tank the attack. I have nothing to counter it.") (Swoosh)

"Urrgh!" (Boom)

The tornado lifted me in the air, slightly shocking me, and exploding with great force.

"Ahhh!" I screamed.

"Pant, pant. I won. I'm stronger, Ark-"

"I'm… Not… finished. Zano!"

"What?!"

I blitzed him with great speed, he countered by deflecting my right dagger.

"Tch, you're such a pain Ark!" Zano yelled.

Watching from afar, "I thought Ark lost for a second. I was completely wrong, this really reminds me of our rivalry back then."

(Cling) (Clang)

"Hyaaa! Hraaa!"

Zano was using every bit of strength he could muster. Fatigued, I dodged most of his attacks and countered with multiple kicks/jabs.

("I can't lose to you anymore, Ark. This will prove who will be stronger. I can't lose, I won't.") Zano proclaimed.

("This battle will be a result of our training. I'll win, no matter what.")

We collided once more going for different attacks and waiting for the other to mess up.

"I'll win this Ark, I will make you acknowledge my strength! Haaaa!"

Zano dashed in, trying to get the winning blow.

"Too slow, the one you attacked was simply in your head."

(Clang)

"What?!"

"Looks like you deflected my attack, good reflexes." I complemented.

"How did you?"

"Oh, that. During these past clashes, I've been slightly damaging your nerves. It'll be hard for you to fight back now."

"What a cheap trick. Wind defense!"

A small twister surrounded Zano.

"Fight me!" He said.

"Alright then."

I bounced off a tree to accelerate my speed.

"I got you now!" Zano said proudly.

He got into a stance and struck, with the momentum from earlier I spun in the air kicking his left arm. His attack slightly cut me, while mine dewalt heavy damage.

"I got you." I said in a mocking tone.

"Rrrghh! Damn you!"

"Your arm isn't broken, get over it."

Minutes later we're still clashing in similar motions. The battle is at a standstill, we're both exhausted, but enjoying this heated battle.

Yawn, on the top of a tree branch. "They're still going at it? I took a whole nap. I'll just wait until someone wins."

"Ha!"

"Yrraa!" (Cling)

Our weapons clashed, we both backed up a few meters due to the recoil.

"How are you still standing, Ark? I've hit you a lot of times with signature attacks!" Zano asked.

"Simply put, I'm built different."

We continued the battle, neither end giving out. Using every obstacle in our path as a weapon.

"I'll finish this now."

I ran in a circle before destroying a rock, pieces flew towards Zano as he slashed them. I quickly made the fight hand to hand. We parried each other's blows, Zano swiftly uppercutted me. While slightly above ground, I kicked him in the chin knocking him back.

"You can't win, this Zano."

"I-I will."

With all my remaining energy, I swiftly dodge all of Zano's punches. Immediately as I saw the opening, I jabbed him multiple times, pulling my daggers to his neck and winning the spar.

Out of nowhere came shadow. "Wow, that was an intense fight, good job. Ark, Zano."

"Pant, he got lucky! Here me we'll Ark one day I'll defeat you and claim my rightful title!"

Zano limbed away in a fit of rage.

"Ay, Zano!"

"What!"

"You're just a s-o-r-e l-o-o-s-e-r!"

"Argh! Damn you Ark!"

He stormed off into the distance.

"Hehe."