Laino was only stunned for a moment, mentally estimating the time.
Ten seconds!
He needed to fight Dragon for ten seconds to copy his talent.
Victory was out of the question. But even a randomly selected talent from Dragon would be enough to raise his strength by one or two levels, right?
The current Dragon was in his prime. Even if his strength hadn't reached its peak, it wasn't far off. To be able to lead the Revolutionary Army against the World Government, he must be at the Admiral or Emperor level, right?
Without hesitation, Laino slashed horizontally again.
Dragon was split into four pieces.
At the same time, a fierce gust of wind blew from behind him, creating a visible airwave that sent Laino flying five or six meters back.
So strong!
Laino landed, holding his sword with both hands in front of him.
The swirling wind currents brushed against his blade, making it almost impossible for him to open his eyes.
No wonder the cadres of the Revolutionary Army all wore goggles. Being blown by the wind too much could easily lead to eye problems, right?
Under the immense air pressure, let alone attacking, just resisting the force of the wind made it difficult for Laino to move.
Is this the combat power of a top-tier powerhouse in the world?
No!
Because of his clothes, Dragon was definitely holding back. He was only forcing him back, not truly attacking.
Should he admit defeat?
Laino counted the time in his head. It had been ten seconds. If he admitted defeat now, he could copy a talent from Dragon.
But!
Was he kidding? Isn't this the perfect time to test the results of his training?
"Hmm?"
Dragon's split body re-formed into one. He was about to stop the wind when he felt an even stronger fighting spirit.
He looked up slightly. The eyes hidden under his cloak revealed a hint of curiosity. The swirling wind currents from all around did not diminish but instead intensified.
Crack!
The nearby trees couldn't withstand the fierce wind. Their leaves fell in unison, and their branches snapped.
The wind howled. It roared in Laino's ears. His body swayed, and he could only dig his feet into the mud.
"No, the wind is too strong!"
He saw a large tree being uprooted and swept into the sky.
"What should I do?"
"If only I could cut the wind... Cut it?"
A flash of inspiration struck Laino's mind.
The [Sword Heart] talent shone faintly, revealing faint traces of crimson light that seeped out from within Laino's body.
In his mind, Koshiro's teachings appeared one after another. Koshiro was indeed a good teacher. Every lecture he gave was filled with principles and deep meanings. At first listen, it might seem useless. But with practical experience and careful contemplation, one would surely gain something.
Numerous images and theoretical knowledge of the sword path turned into a torrent, submerging Laino. In his eyes, they condensed into a single strike.
He moved.
The raging wind was like a surging river, vast and mighty.
Laino was a fish swimming upstream in this great river, pressing forward relentlessly.
"Huh?! What's with that guy?" Ivankov was shocked, his face contorting. The commotion of Dragon and Laino's fight had attracted him.
"Hey, no way?" The captains of the Revolutionary Army all widened their eyes, their faces filled with disbelief.
Kozaburo, Koshiro, Zoro, and Kuina were also outside the dojo, watching in astonishment.
"He's touched it?" Koshiro narrowed his eyes.
Kozaburo, with a long pipe in his mouth, sighed, "Incredible. How long has he been in contact with the way of the sword?"
"Hey, what's going on?" Zoro was confused.
"He's cutting the wind!" Kuina said.
"Huh?"
Zoro's eyes widened. He looked closely and indeed saw Laino, who was moving against the wind, cutting through the current with his blade.
"How is that possible?" Zoro was bewildered. You can't see the wind, so how can you cut it?
"Whether it's wind or iron, the true way of the sword is to be able to cut what can be cut, and not to cut what cannot be cut."
"The sword exists within the heart!" Koshiro said slowly. As for how much Zoro could comprehend, that was up to him.
Swish!
Laino's sword swung out. A crimson sword wave was released from the blade, splitting the wind current and rushing towards Dragon.
"All things in this world, there is nothing I cannot cut! One-Sword Style: Countercurrent!"
Dragon, facing Laino directly, saw the flowing crimson aura on Laino's body reflected in his eyes.
"Haki?"
"No, it's not Haki."
Dragon's expression became serious.
The wind in his palm followed his swing, turning into a wind blade slash that collided with Laino's sword wave in mid-air.
Boom!
The chaotic explosion caused the wind current to disperse abruptly.
Laino's body was sent flying by the force of the explosion, and he fell to the ground.
"Hey, stop! Don't fight anymore!"
Kozaburo's figure flashed between Dragon and Laino.
"Laino, he's not a pirate," Koshiro's voice followed.
Isshin Dojo.
The lights were brightly lit.
In the main hall, Dragon, Ivankov, Kozaburo, and Koshiro all looked at Laino with curious eyes.
It was too shocking. This young man had reached the realm of a great swordsman in just four months?
A genius!
Dragon's eyes were filled with admiration. He possessed potential, fighting spirit, and the courage to draw his sword.
"Laino, would you like to join my Revolutionary Army?"
"You need a bigger stage now!"
"If you come with me, I will train you personally."
The Revolutionary Army needed new blood. Dragon offered generous conditions.
Laino's heart was moved. If he joined the Revolutionary Army and followed Dragon, his strength would definitely take a great leap.
But...
Laino thought of Kuina. She would die!
Laino now had a suspicion that Kuina's death might be related to the Revolutionary Army's presence in Shimotsuki Village.
The rescue of people from the fire in the Goa Kingdom and the attack on the Celestial Dragons were not small incidents. The World Government would definitely send investigators.
Could it be that someone had investigated Shimotsuki Village?
This was just Laino's guess.
Regardless, he had gotten along with Kuina for several months and liked this simple, stubborn girl. He hoped to change her fate.
In the world of One Piece, if he did nothing, what would be the point?