The sharp clash of blades rang through the air clang, clang, clang echoing across the battlefield like a storm of steel.
Fiona Delrose's sword danced against that of her opponent, a skilled swordsman whose technique outmatched hers in refinement, yet lacked one crucial element he had not yet mastered the Black Blade Realm, the level where Armament Haki could be fully infused into one's weapon.
Even so, Fiona's movements were swift and relentless. Her body flowed like water as she weaved through the chaos, blending speed and precision through the Navy's Six Styles techniques. Each of her strikes came with the force of a hurricane sharp, sudden, and merciless. Her enemy, though formidable, dared not take his eyes off her for even a heartbeat.
As the minutes passed, Fiona's form grew more confident, her swordplay smoother. She had only recently broken through to the level of Swordmaster, but now, she was beginning to feel the true rhythm of it. The blade in her hands seemed alive, guided not merely by her will but by instinct.
Sometimes her attacks came like a dragon bursting from the sea direct and unyielding, aiming straight for her opponent's vital points. At other times, she was like a serpent in tall grass, her blade twisting and snapping from unseen angles.
The swordsman found himself cornered, struggling to anticipate her rhythm. Her strikes became unpredictable, each one a blur of light and motion. As her Navy techniques fused seamlessly with her swordsmanship, her attacks became both swift and impossible to read.
Gradually, the tide shifted. What had begun as a balanced duel was now one-sided. Fiona's opponent stumbled backward, his guard faltering under the torrent of her blows.
"Lightblade Technique Phantom Step Slash!" she called, her voice calm yet commanding.
In an instant, her form blurred. The swordsman's eyes widened in shock one moment she stood before him, the next, she vanished. Instinctively, he raised his blade to block, but too late.
Her sword carved a clean line across his chest, blood scattering in the air like crimson petals.
With a thunderous crack, he was sent flying, landing hard against the dirt. He struggled to rise but found his strength gone, wounds deep and burning.
Fiona approached slowly, her sword gleaming under the sunlight, its tip aimed directly at his throat.
"I… I lost," the man muttered hoarsely, closing his eyes in defeat.
But Fiona didn't strike. She lowered her weapon, gave him a silent look, and turned back toward her comrades.
"Big sis, that was amazing!" Filina squealed, clasping her hands in excitement.
Beside her, Chiyo nodded fervently, eyes sparkling with admiration. "You were incredible, Miss Fiona!"
For once, Fiona's cool façade almost cracked. She tried to maintain her calm, serious expression but under the adoring gazes of her two "fans," her stoic image wavered dangerously.
Eli chuckled softly. "Not bad. Your mastery of both the Navy Six Styles and the Lightblade Technique has improved. At this point, most Marine captains wouldn't stand a chance against you."
Fiona crossed her arms, pretending not to care. "Hmm," she replied curtly, though the faint upward curl of her lips betrayed her pride.
Filina leaned close to Chiyo, whispering mischievously, "See? My sister always pretends she doesn't care, but she loves it when Eli compliments her. He calls that kind of attitude… tsundere."
They tried to keep their voices low, but everyone nearby could hear perfectly well.
Fiona shot her sister a deadly glare. That little brat clearly, I haven't been training her hard enough. Starting tomorrow, she's running laps before dawn.
Meanwhile, Filina, blissfully unaware of her impending fate, continued whispering excitedly to Chiyo about her sister's "secret crush."
On another part of the battlefield, Simon and Dorte were fighting against five officers of the Four Treasures Navy. Individually, their opponents were weaker, but together, they moved with perfect coordination. One among them possessed a Zoan-type Devil Fruit an ordinary animal type, yet still a serious threat.
The battle was fierce. Simon and Dorte relied on a combination of Fishman Karate and the Navy's Six Styles to counter their coordinated attacks. After a long and grueling struggle, they finally prevailed.
Both emerged bloodied and battered, their clothes torn, but their spirits unbroken. They supported each other as they returned to Eli's side.
"You guys okay?" Eli asked.
Simon shook his head lightly. "We're fine, Captain."
Dorte winced slightly. "Just a cracked rib. Nothing serious."
Eli frowned but didn't waste time. He pulled a small vial from his storage ring a healing potion purchased from his system's marketplace. "Here. Drink this."
Dorte obeyed, and within moments, his pain faded, his bones knitting back together.
"Better?" Eli asked.
Dorte nodded in amazement. "Already healed. Incredible."
Eli smiled faintly. "Good. No point suffering when we have the resources."
Elsewhere, Big Pan was still trading blows with Jūzan.
With one final swing of his Dragoncoil Staff, Big Pan slammed the ground with such force that a crater exploded beneath Jūzan's feet. When the dust cleared, Jūzan lay sprawled at the bottom, his massive sword snapped clean in two.
He coughed blood and struggled to stand, glaring up at Eli's crew with fury and disbelief. "Even if you defeat me," he hissed, "Lord Chikawa will never forgive you! You'll never escape the Flower Kingdom alive!"
Eli crossed his arms and replied coolly, "Escape? Who said anything about running? We go where we want. You couldn't stop us even if you tried."
Jūzan's jaw clenched. He couldn't read Eli's strength but if even Eli's subordinates were this powerful, the captain himself must be on an entirely different level.
Finding the situation pointless, Eli waved his hand. "We're done here. Let's go."
Aside from Chiyo, who looked slightly uneasy, none of them seemed bothered by Jūzan's threat.
Just as they were about to leave, a familiar, booming laugh echoed through the street.
"Ha ha ha! Eli, my young friend! I sensed a burst of Conqueror's Haki nearby should've known it was you!"
Eli turned, smiling. "Senior Chinjao."
The old warrior approached, his presence commanding. He looked over the fallen Four Treasures Navy soldiers and the defeated Jūzan, then gave a low whistle.
"Eli, my boy, what did these fools do to offend you? Tell me, and I'll make sure justice is served. I still have some authority in this kingdom."
Eli shrugged. "It's nothing serious. They came to capture one of my crew members. We simply defended ourselves."
Chinjao turned sharply toward Jūzan. "Is that true?"
Jūzan didn't dare lie. He explained everything from start to finish, recounting Chisou's lies and Lord Chikawa's orders.
Chinjao listened in silence, his expression growing darker.
When the tale ended, he faced Eli once more. "I see. Then leave this to me. I'll speak with Lord Chikawa personally. You have my word he'll give you a proper apology."
"Chinjao wait!" Jūzan began anxiously.
"Quiet," Chinjao snapped, his voice like thunder. "This is no longer your concern."
Eli smiled faintly. "I appreciate that, Senior. But truly, it's fine. This whole mess started with Chisou Mochizuki. As long as he learns his lesson, we'll leave it at that."
Chinjao nodded approvingly. "You're merciful, Eli. Still, I insist on handling this matter properly. Now, tell me what brings you to the Flower Kingdom?"
Eli chuckled. "We're travelers, remember? Adventurers. We came to see the local sights your country's flowers, architecture, and culture."
"Ha! Then you've come to the right place," Chinjao said, laughing heartily. "The Flower Kingdom has plenty of wonders to see. If you run into any trouble, show them this."
He handed Eli a jade token etched with his insignia.
"This is my personal insignia. It'll open doors for you, and keep petty troublemakers away," Chinjao explained.
Eli accepted it gratefully. "Thank you, Senior. I'll remember this kindness."
Chinjao clapped him on the shoulder. "And if you ever have time, come to my estate. We'll spar again, see how much stronger you've grown."
Eli grinned. "You have my word. I'll visit soon."
With that, Chinjao ordered his men to collect the unconscious soldiers and retreat. He wanted to send a guide for Eli's group to tour the kingdom, but Eli declined politely after all, with Chiyo around, who needed a guide?
As Chinjao left with Jūzan and the others, he made one final stop Lord Chikawa's estate.
"Chikawa," Chinjao said coldly, tossing the beaten men before him, "don't underestimate that boy. His power surpasses what you imagine even I fell to him. If you provoke him again, I'll personally end you before he does. Do I make myself clear?"
Chikawa's face turned pale. He could only nod, speechless.
Chinjao snorted and walked away, leaving behind a stunned silence.
Only when the old man was gone did Lord Chikawa slam his fist into the table, seething. "What is the meaning of this?"
Jūzan explained once more, emphasizing Eli's overwhelming Conqueror's Haki.
Chikawa's expression shifted from rage to fear, then to bitter resignation. He knew when to retreat. "Enough. Go tend to your wounds. We'll let this go for now."
But as Jūzan limped away, Chikawa's eyes narrowed.
He couldn't touch Eli Winters but the wretched cook who started this all, Chisou Mochizuki?
That man's days were numbered.
Because in the Flower Kingdom, even monsters cast shadows and some shadows never forget a grudge.
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