CHAPTER 6: Zoro's Unyielding Will!
A tense silence filled the battlefield. The air crackled with power, the surface of the endless water trembling beneath their feet.
Then—Sentinel moved.
With a mere flick of his wrist, the floating arsenal surged forward. Blades, spears, and scythes tore through the air like missiles, hurtling toward Zoro from every angle.
Zoro's instincts kicked in.
"Three-Sword Style—Rashomon!"
He twisted his body, his swords flashing in rapid arcs, deflecting the incoming storm of weapons. Sparks erupted as steel clashed against steel, each strike precise, each movement honed from years of battle.
But Sentinel wasn't finished.
DawnBringer and SinBringer shot forward, guided by Sentinel's will. One wreathed in radiant light, the other cloaked in shadows. Zoro barely dodged as the holy blade slashed past his cheek, its divine energy searing the air. A split second later, SinBringer came from the opposite side, its dark edge leaving a trail of abyssal mist.
Zoro gritted his teeth, shifting his stance. "Hawk Wave!" He unleashed a crescent-shaped shockwave from his blades, cutting through the water's surface as it roared toward Sentinel.
Sentinel lifted his hand.
The Maroon Emperor spun into position, absorbing the shockwave before slamming into the ground, splitting the water like a chasm.
Zoro launched himself forward, closing the distance in an instant.
"Oni Giri!"
His three swords cut down in an X-shaped slash, aiming straight for Sentinel's chest.
Sentinel didn't flinch.
He raised his hand, and in a burst of motion, the Draw Blade shot forward, intercepting the attack. The ink-forged sword absorbed the force, and in its wake, black markings spread across the battlefield. From the ink, spectral warriors emerged—sentient figures born from Sentinel's will.
Zoro's eyes widened. "What the hell—?!"
Before he could react, the spectral warriors attacked, their blades clashing against his own. Zoro deflected one strike, then another, his movements a blur. But there were too many.
Sentinel thrust his hand forward, and his weapons followed suit.
The knight sword, the scythe, the spear—all came at Zoro in a relentless storm.
Zoro roared. "Three-Sword Style: Black Rope Dragon Twister!"
A spiraling tornado erupted around him, his blades carving through the spectral warriors and deflecting Sentinel's assault. The force sent a shockwave rippling through the water, splitting it apart.
As the mist settled, both warriors stood, panting, their bodies battered but unyielding.
Sentinel's golden-cross pupils locked onto Zoro's determined gaze.
Zoro smirked, blood dripping from his lip. "Not bad…"
Sentinel exhaled sharply. "Neither are you."
They both knew—this fight was far from over.
With one final breath, they charged once more.