Zoro's boots squished through the mud, creating a soft and rhythmic tempo in harmony with the pouring rain and distant thunder. He stalked the drenched yard, his swords swaying with his every step. The ambient noise of the storm faded into the background; all that mattered was the grinning Admiral before him.
Circling his opponent, Zoro's gaze remained glued to Akainu, missing not a single detail, no matter how seemingly irrelevant. His sensei's cryptic teachings resounded in his mind: "The significant hides behind the insignificant," or some convoluted version of it. The man's words probably were longer and had something about rivers and grasshoppers, but Zoro didn't bother remembering that stuff.
Yet while Zoro didn't have the patience for philosophical ramblings, the pieces of advice from his sensei always seemed to ring true, so he kept the essence of the lesson close to his heart: 'Look past the obvious.'
How Akainu held himself, the subtle shifts in his stance, and the faintest twitches in his muscles, they all held clues. Zoro's instincts were finely tuned, and he trusted them implicitly.
The way Akainu's attire clung to his body betrayed the tension that contrasted with his appearance of ease. The squelching noise of Akainu's boots in the mud had a subtle rhythm to his movements, revealing the Admiral's intentions. The loose sheath of Akainu's saber, hanging loosely from his grip, helped Zoro narrow the possibilities of his fighting style and school.
Zoro's trained eyes didn't miss a beat. He analyzed every nuance, from the way Akainu held himself to the barely perceptible shifts in his stance and the minuscule twitches in his muscles.
"One-sword style, but not a quick-draw user," Zoro silently deduced, his trademark grin gracing his features as he continued his saunter. His finely tuned instincts were at the forefront, seeking the perfect moment to strike. 'More than likely, he's a power type who relies on brute force to overpower his opponent through heavy hits.'
The sea was filled with those types of fighters. Less swordsmen, and more men with swords. Zoro would have liked to lump Akainu with them and just call him a brute and move on. Yet, there was a layer of discipline beneath the brawn. "A proper stance with a decent base. He has some experience with a sword at least..." Zoro observed with a mixture of annoyance and intrigue.
'His devil fruit is also a problem. I can't afford to get hit with those flames.' Zoro's eyes narrowed as Akainu's profile became clearer to him. A decent swordsman with superior speed, reach, and possibly power. A mental fortitude and a decent head to not fall for any taunts. 'The advantages I have are my skill, strength, and my Three Swords Style, which I doubt he's seen before.'
Zoro's low mutter broke through the ambient noise. "What a pain in the ass." He couldn't suppress a smirk even as he grumbled. It was precisely these kinds of challenges that got his blood pumping, a thrilling opportunity to face off against someone with abilities he'd rarely encountered.
This was what made swordsmanship exhilarating, the raw test of skill and spirit, and it didn't get any more exciting than this.
Zoro felt bad that he would end it so soon.
"Done admiring my handsome face?" Akainu's voice sliced through the tension, his saber pointing towards Zoro. "Hate to disappoint you, but I have no interest in men."
Zoro's eye rolled almost involuntarily at the unexpected comment from the Admiral. He shot back with a smirk, "Sorry to break it to you, but you're not my type either. If anything, I'm trying not to laugh at your goofy stance. You probably gonna cut yourself instead of me."
Akainu shrugged his shoulders with an easy nonchalance. "Mah, give this old man a chance. It's been over thirty years since I've actually used a sword." The rain poured down around them as they exchanged banter, the tension momentarily easing, if only just a bit.
With a quick, almost imperceptible flick of his wrist, Akainu sent rainwater splattering in Zoro's direction. The droplets caught the glint of the lightning overhead, creating a dazzling display.
Zoro wiped his face with the back of his hand, smirking. "That's your way of saying you're ready?"
Akainu's grin widened, revealing teeth. "Let's not waste any more time with words, swordsman. Show me what you're made of."
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm ending this quickly." Zoro couldn't help but sigh, a mix of anticipation and frustration coursing through him. Facing Akainu was undoubtedly thrilling, but there was a pressing reality he couldn't ignore:
Dracule Mihawk was waiting. With this, he was one step closer to his goal.
"So..." Zoro began, his voice steady, his gaze never leaving Akainu. A moment later, the heavens responded to his desire. The sky cracked with a brilliant flash of lightning, casting an ephemeral brilliance over the drenched yard. In that brief moment, Akainu's eyes narrowed as he instinctively reacted to the sudden burst of light.
And in that fraction of a second, Zoro seized his opportunity. Like a bolt of lightning himself, he breached Akainu's guard, his swords slicing through the air with unmatched velocity and precision.
"Got ya!" Zoro's internal monologue echoed as his blades sliced through the air with blinding speed, aimed directly at Akainu's chest. But it was a fleeting victory. Just as Zoro's swords appeared to make contact with the Admiral's chest, Akainu twisted his torso with incredible speed, narrowly evading the deadly blades.
"Close, but no cigar," Akainu taunted, his eyes still closed. Zoro's swords sliced through the air, their deadly trajectory narrowly missing the Admiral. It was a testament to Akainu's instincts, and Zoro couldn't help but respect it, even in the heat of battle. But giving up wasn't in Zoro's nature.
Undeterred, he seized the momentum of his missed attack, contorting his airborne body to launch a swift follow-up strike. Wado Ichimonji clenched between his teeth, he directed the blade at Akainu's exposed neck. Victory seemed tantalizingly close for a brief moment, only to slip away as Akainu agilely sidestepped.
"Slippery bastard!," Zoro grumbled around the hilt of Wado Ichimonji as he raised his twin swords again.
"Ole! Oh, the challenger goes for a downward strike..." Akainu's taunts flowed effortlessly, as if they were part of some flamboyant fencing match, all while his eyes remained shut. And once more, with an almost casual grace, Akainu evaded the attack at the eleventh hour. "But he missed!"
Before Zoro could launch another assault, Akainu's arm lashed out with blinding speed, snatching Zoro's leg mid-air and bashing him against the ground.
"Gahgh" Zoro grunted in pain and lashed out with the sword in his left hand, only to miss again.
"Ole!" In a dizzying whirl, the Admiral dragged Zoro's body in a swift, circular motion, turning them into a human tempest. Then, with a powerful throw, he hurled Zoro across the yard, sending him hurtling through the air.
Zoro's boots barely brushed the muddy ground before he was forced to move once more. An invisible force, sharp as a razor's edge, sliced through the air with deadly precision, cleaving into the earth where he had just stood. The result was a deep, jagged gouge in the already rain-soaked terrain.
"Ora! Ora! Ora!" Akainu's laughter rang out, accompanying the relentless blur of his saber. With each fluid motion, the Admiral unleashed another colossal slash, tearing through everything in its path. The sheer power and speed of the strikes were awe-inspiring. "I forgot how fun this was."
'Damn it!'Zoro grumbled inwardly as he continued to dance around the lethal onslaught. Each of those strikes packed more power than most of his attacks, and he had no intention of finding out what they felt like firsthand.
"I can't get hit with one of those," Zoro muttered through gritted teeth as he evaded yet another ferocious slash. "Blocking them is also a bad idea."
But, if it's ranged battle the bastard wanted…
Jumping out of the way of another slash, Zoro's swords surged forward. "Thirty-two Pound Cannon!"
Three compressed air projectiles shot forward from his swords in quick succession, hurtling toward Akainu like cannonballs. Each one carried the incredible force and precision that Zoro was known for.
The attack tore through the ground as it hurtled toward its target, and Akainu raised his hand, palm facing the incoming projectiles in a blocking manner.
Zoro couldn't help but taunt, "Blocking it with your body means it's my win!" The pirate hunter's confidence surged, believing he had outmaneuvered his opponent. But Akainu merely smiled in response.
To Zoro's shock, the moment his attack neared Akainu, it exploded and dissipated in all directions, as if it had collided with an invisible, impenetrable barrier. His eyes widened in disbelief as the remnants of his attack scattered harmlessly.
Akainu's smirk widened, his laughter echoing through the rain-soaked yard. "Did you think it would be that easy, little swordsman?"
"What the hell is that? Is that another ability of your devil fruit ?" Zoro muttered, his confusion evident in his furrowed brow.
Akainu shook his head. "The shield of Justice. "
"Bastard..!" Frustration and confusion flowed through Zoro. With a roar, he surged forward, crossing the distance in a flash. Zoro spread his arms. "Two-Sword style : Tiger's Hunt! "
The clash between Zoro's blades and the sabre was explosive, the sheer force of it sending shockwaves rippling through the area. Zoro's muscles strained as he pushed forward, his face a mask of unwavering determination.
As their blades clashed, a shockwave rippled through the yard, and Zoro felt like his arms were about to shatter from the sheer force of the impact. Yet, no matter how much Zoro's blades pushed, the sabre didn't budge an inch. 'It's like im pushing a fucking mountain!'
"RAAAGHH!" With a mighty roar, Zoro pushed back with every ounce of strength in his body, his muscles screaming in protest against the unyielding force before him. 'As if I'll back away!'
"You have eyes, yet you fail to see Mount Tai!"
Akainu's arm twitched, and for a fleeting moment, Zoro believed he had succeeded in gaining the upper hand. With lightning speed, Akainu's arm surged forward again, his saber driving Zoro's guard into his chest with bone-crushing force. The impact sent shockwaves through Zoro's body, uprooting him from his stance.
Like a bullet shot from a cannon, Zoro was sent hurtling through the drenched yard, his body soaring through the rain-soaked air. As Zoro was flung through the air, the world around him became a chaotic blur. The pouring rain, the remnants of the burning base, and the deafening sound of the collapsing structure all merged into a disorienting cacophony. For a fleeting moment, he caught a glimpse of the entire structure collapsing, threatening to bury him beneath its weight.
Then, darkness claimed him, and unconsciousness enveloped his senses.
Zoro let out a deep breath as he stood in the dojo, its wooden floors gleaming under the soft sunlight that filtered through the paper screens. The air was filled with the scent of polished wood and the faint murmur of leaves rustling in the breeze outside.
Before him, a young girl with striking obsidian hair and a haughty expression stood, a wooden practice sword in her hand. "Are you ready to get your butt kicked again, Zoro?" Kuina taunted.
Zoro growled, his own practice sword gripped tightly. "I'll make you eat those words. I won't lose to you this time. If I can't beat you one sword, then I'll just use two!"
The enthusiastic shouts of the other trainees filled the air. Their voices were a harmonious chorus, urging him on, and the echoes of their support reverberated within the dojo's wooden walls. Each of his fellow trainees bore a bump on their head, courtesy of Kuina, the sensei's daughter and the source of all of Zoro's failures.
"Come on, Zoro! Show her what you've got!"
"Kick her ass, Zoro!"
"You can do it! Beat Kuina!"
"Are you ready?" Sensei watched with his ever-present smile, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. With a quick, decisive gesture, he raised his hand, and in a clear, booming voice, he declared, "Begin."
Zoro rushed forward and swung his two practice swords in rapid succession, each strike calculated and powerful. His swings were like a tempest, a relentless storm of attacks. The wooden blades cut through the air with incredible speed, creating a series of audible whooshes as he swung like a maniac. 'Get hit! Get hit! Get hit!'
Kuina, on the other hand, displayed a grace and fluidity that belied her age. She expertly parried Zoro's ferocious blows with precise and controlled movements. Her wooden practice sword moved effortlessly, intercepting each of Zoro's strikes with a grace that spoke of years of dedicated training.
"Your swings are as weak as ever, Zoro," Kuina mocked.
Gritting his teeth, Zoro yelled back. "Then how about this!" He launched into a massive swing, his two wooden swords cutting through the air in a powerful arc.
However, Kuina was quick to react. With a calculated precision that showcased her skill, she timed her move to perfection. Just as Zoro's swords descended with tremendous force, she deftly batted his forearms with her own practice sword, disrupting his swing.
But Kuina didn't stop there. In one fluid motion, she took advantage of Zoro's vulnerability. With a swift bonk on the head that made his eyes cross and momentarily disoriented him. Then, with a graceful sweep of her leg, she swept Zoro's feet out from under him.
And, like clockwork, for the one thousand eight hundred ninety-second time, Zoro found himself sprawled on the dojo floor.
"Are you done?" Kuina's voice carried a hint of amusement as she stood before Zoro.
"Yeah, yeah, gloat all you want," Zoro retorted, his determination unwavering despite yet another defeat in their ongoing practice bouts.
"I'm not talking about this fight," she clarified, her tone softening as she knelt by his side.
"Wha…!"
Oh..
Zoro's eyes widened slightly as the weight of her words sank in. He turned his head to look at her, her obsidian hair shimmering in the moonlight. The serene night had replaced the lively dojo in this surreal vision.
Back to the place where he last spoke to her.
Shit.
"…He's strong," he admitted after a while, finally acknowledging her(?) question and the was currently facing. " Much stronger than I expected."
Much stronger than him.
"So was I. But that never stopped you before." Kuina's response was gentle but firm, much like her presence in his memories.
"It's different," Zoro argued as he covered his eyes with his palm. "You were always a constant presence in my life. I always knew you were stronger. This time..."
Zoro had overestimated himself. He thought himself close to his goal, only to get nearly killed in one hit by a man he never heard from before.
How many more were like Akainu? People far above him that all the skill and power he prided meant nothing.
Just how astronomical was the gap between Zoro and the man he was chasing?
Kuina's voice broke his thoughts. "So, you're quitting?"
"No," he replied resolutely. "It's just... Have I been wasting my time all these years?" Zoro gritted out. He stagnated, content to chase around nameless pirates from island to island.
'Little frog in the well' fit him too well.
"Say, Zoro... Do you remember your promise?" She asked.
Her words stirred something deep within Zoro's unconscious mind, a sense of responsibility and purpose. The moonlight painted an ethereal tableau around them, casting long, ghostly shadows.
The memory of their childhood promise resurfaced, a promise that had driven him since the early days in the dojo.
"I remember," Zoro replied, his voice laced with determination and a touch of nostalgia. "I'll never forget, as long as I live."
Kuina smiled in response, a genuine and supportive expression.
"Good," she said, her voice carrying warmth. "Because I know you can do it, Zoro. Just remember that your dream is mine as well."
"…And If I lose now?" Zoro asked, earning himself another bonk on the head.
"Then try again, you dumb boy. God knows you're thickheaded enough. You simply have to get stronger, no?" She replied with a grin. "Besides, it would have been boring to become the greatest swordsman that easily."
"But being a marine is a bit…?" He argued.
"it's fine, isn't it? If he's to be trusted. The Marines will still get you closer to your goal."
A small smile tugged at the corner of Zoro's lips as he absorbed Kuina's words. Even as a hallucination, She always had a rebuttal ready.
"You're right," he agreed, his voice resolute. "I'll keep getting stronger, no matter what it takes. And I won't stop until I've become the greatest swordsman."
In the end, it was always that simple.
Rain continued to pour, drenching the battlefield, as Akainu watched his Marines work diligently to uncover Zoro's comatose form from the rubble. The glare on his face matched the seething magma powers swirling within him, but there was also a growing sense of annoyance.
For what felt like the nth time in the last five minutes, Akainu let out an exasperated sigh. He'd messed up—big time. The duel had started straightforward enough: challenge Zoro, and if Zoro landed a hit, Akainu would lose. It was meant to be a chance to display the might of the Marines and perhaps knock him down a peg.
However, the first mistake was glaring: Zoro couldn't possibly appreciate how "cool" Akainu was if he ended up getting one-shotted.
Zoro can't appreciate Akainu's 'mad skillz' and 'tekkerz' if he's buried under bricks and dirt.
The second mistake, though, was downright embarrassing. 'I can almost hear Borsalino laughing at me…'
The problem was simple, while the win condition had been clearly agreed upon, both Akainu and the moron he challenged had somehow skipped over what exactly would constitute Zoro's loss. That glaring oversight now cast a pall over the battlefield, where Akainu's subordinates were still in the process of finding the swordsman.
Akainu couldn't help but replay the conversation in his mind, cursing his lack of foresight. As much as he wanted to humble Zoro, this had turned into an inadvertent comedy of errors. He glared at the cannon fodder aroun,d him to look for any smiles or chuckles. 'Those shitheads better not be laughing at me in their heads…'
So there he was, standing in the unrelenting rain, waiting for the shitty swordsman to regain consciousness so they could resume their duel. But only after they fucking set the rules straight this time.
Fortunately, it didn't take long. Just a couple minutes later, the sleeping beauty had finally awakened.
"Back away." Akainu adviced to the surrounding marines.
With a sudden explosion of rubble, debris, and nearby Marines sent flying in all directions, Zoro emerged from the cloud of dust. His body, battered and bruised from their earlier encounter, was nonetheless intact. His left eye was swollen shut, yet a determined glint still shone from the other.
Akainu's lips curled into a fierce grin. This duel was far from over, and he was eager to settle the score, this time with no room for misunderstandings. "About damn time, Roronoa. Now, before we continue—"
"I'll join," Zoro interrupted.
"….Pardon?" Akainu's voice was laden with disbelief.
An expression of ease appeared on Zoro's face as he smiled. "That's what you wanted, right? Me joining the Marines."
"That hit must've really rocked your shit," Akainu exclaimed, genuinely surprised. "So, what brought this change of heart?"
"The voices in my head convinced me." Zoro said, his tone dead serious.
Akainu stared at him with narrowed eyes. "…I feel like you're fucking with me. Is this a joke? Because I don't do jokes." Akainu lied. He did do jokes. Hell even if they were at his expence. What kind of man can't take a joke?
Still, he was playing a character. What kind of character? He wasn't actually sure. A bad one, probably. Truth to be said, Akainu was just winging shit at this point.
"I'm dead serious." Zoro shrugged.
"Sweet, I guess. Welcome to the Marines," Akainu replied, his initial surprise giving way to a bemused acceptance of the unexpected turn of events.
"I'll be in your care." Zoro nodded in acceptance. A moment later, he spoke again."I still have a question for you."
"Hm? Sure." Akainu's gaze remained steady as he listened to Zoro's question.
"You were holding back, weren't you?" Zoro's voice was calm now, devoid of its earlier fire. At Akainu's silent confirmation, Zoro pressed on, his words measured and earnest. "You also mentioned that an Admiral is supposed to be a big deal in the grand scheme of things. If so, I need to know, you and Dracule Mihawk, who's stronger?"
Akainu paused, considering the weight of the question. Rain continued to fall, creating a somber atmosphere around them. 'Isn't that a question for the ages..'
Akainu took his time contemplating Zoro's question. He sensed that the nearby Marines were also fixated on his answer, waiting to hear how their Admiral would respond.
"If we're talking about swordsmanship, then he is far better. "After a thoughtful pause, Akainu finally spoke, choosing his words carefully. Akainu was aware of Mihawk's title, yet titles weren't much to go with. It didn't help that Hawkeye rarely involved himself with the world's affairs. "As for pure combat prowess, I'd say...we're about the same general level."
Akainu would bet on himself, though. Self-confidence and all that.
Not what he was probably looking for. Even so, his answer seemed satisfy Zoro, who visibly relaxed. However, the determined fire still burned in his eyes, and he wasted no time in voicing his request.
"In that case, please, I want one last clash between us," Zoro implored, his voice earnest. His head bowed in a respectful gesture. "Without you holding back!"
Akainu remained silent for a moment and considered the request. Finally, with a sighed, he answered. If that's what he wanted... "…Very well."
"You have my gratitude." Zoro inclined his head.
"Just make sure not to give up afterwards." Akainu sighed as his Haki expanded looking for a direction where his blow would cause no casualties. With his sword drawn again, he motioned Zoro where to stand.
"Come when you're ready," Akainu stated, as for the first time in the two months he came here, he decided to stop holding back.
Zoro took a deep breath and began twirling his swords in front of him, preparing to unleash his most powerful technique. "Three Sword Style: Secret Technique..."
Zoro's feet broke into a lightning-fast dash, his blades still spinning in intricate patterns. The ground trembled beneath his relentless advance as he closed the gap between him and Akainu with incredible speed.
For the first time since Zoro's arrival, Akainu assumed a genuine combat stance. His saber was raised high above his head, and an aura of intensity radiated from him. Flames danced around his form, and his muscles bulged in preparation. "First Blade Style..."
Zoro's voice cut through the relentless rain as he unleashed his ultimate technique. "Three Thousand Worlds!"
With blinding speed, Zoro struck, his three swords a whirlwind of deadly precision. Each strike was a testament to his mastery of the Three Sword Style, and the power behind his blows was nothing short of awe-inspiring. It was a culmination of all his pride as a swordsman.
Yet, it was not enough.
"…Skylark." Akainu's calm voice resonated across the field, cutting through the chaos of Zoro's technique.
Akainu's saber descended, enveloped in a raging black lightning that only he could see. The blade cleaved through Zoro's twin swords like hot knife through butter, missing Zoro's form by inches. Not by accident, but by design.
Just a broken arm was an act of mercy.
The tip of Akainu's blade continued its arch. The tip touched the ground, and the world exploded. Shockwaves rippled through the battlefield as an unimaginable force was unleashed. Zoro's body was sent hurtling through the air, his senses overwhelmed by the sheer power of the attack. He felt his body being pushed to its limits, every muscle and bone screaming in agony.
After what felt like an eternity, Zoro's senses began to return, piece by piece, like a puzzle falling into place. First was the pain from his ruined arm and broken ribs. After it was realization that the rain had ceased. Shafts of light pierced the enormous gap in the parting clouds, revealing a sky no longer weighed down by rain.
Zoro's eyes widened as he gazed up, and his jaw dropped as he beheld the massive clearing in the sky above.
"He...he cut through the clouds?!"
Struggling to regain his footing, his legs trembling and his body battered, Zoro couldn't ignore the ominous atmosphere that now enveloped the air. The ground trembled beneath him, sending shockwaves surging through his already battered form. The terrified cries of the marines echoed behind him, their voices laced with sheer panic.
But as he turned his gaze to the side, an even more chilling truth became apparent.
"Impossible..." he muttered, disbelief etched on his face. The very spot where he had stood moments ago had vanished, replaced by a colossal ravine slicing through the once-solid earth. Yet as his eyes followed the damage, Zoro's disbelief disappeared, replaced with a shiver of true fear that coursed through his veins.
The hills, once all proud and tall, got ripped apart. Their green slopes turned into jagged scars, like wounds etched deep into the land. It felt like the soul of nature had been sliced apart by that unstoppable and unyielding sword.
The island's edges and sandy shores rose up suddenly, almost as if trying to shield itself from the violence at its center.
The heart of the island had been brutally split in two, like a painful wound inflicted upon the earth itself. It was as though the very ground had been torn apart by the sheer force of that blade.
And then, with a deafening roar, the sea rushed in to fill the gap left by the void. The once-calm water and waves crashed against the new cliffs and chasms.
Zoro's eyes turned his gaze back to the Admiral.
Akainu stood as an imposing figure, steam rolling off him like a shroud of controlled fury. His massive frame exuded an aura of unparalleled strength, and his volcanic presence was palpable. A puff of tiny flames escaped his clenched jaws as he let out a snort, the fiery remnants of his power dancing briefly in the air before vanishing.
With a demeanor that bordered on arrogance, Akainu held his saber casually, the back of the blade resting nonchalantly on his broad shoulder. He surveyed the scene before him with an air of satisfaction. "Sengoku-san is definitely gonna have my head for this."
Zoro couldn't help it.
"Ha.. Ha ha..Ha haha ha!" It was a laugh mixture of awe and disbelief in his voice. In the face of such overwhelming power, laughter was his only response. For Zoro, who's biggest obstacle was to be able to cut steel, how else was he supposed to react seeing the clouds and the island cut in half?
Zoro witnessed the immensity of Heaven and Earth.
And he laughed.
Welp, that's another one. Akainu's bizzare adventure continues. Next time, we're having fish.
Also fun fact. Skylark is common bird in Europe and Asia. In Japanese, it's called "Hibari". Do what you want with that information.