Steel That Refused to Yield
Time did not pass quietly.
It passed with the sound of steel cutting air, of feet grinding into dirt, of breath forced through clenched teeth.
I trained alone.
At first.
Before dawn, after dusk, in the rain, under the sun. I swung the sword until my arms trembled, then swung it again. When my muscles screamed, I listened—but I did not stop.
Sometimes I trained blindfolded.
Sometimes barefoot on rough stone.
Sometimes until my hands bled.
I remembered a green-haired idiot who never accepted limits.
So I stole his madness.
I tied weights to my wrists.
Ran with logs on my shoulders.
Practiced swings with stones clenched between my teeth.
And when that wasn't enough—
I went to him.
Zoro was in his usual place, drenched in sweat, blades flashing wildly. He paused when he saw me.
"…You're copying me," he said flatly.
"Yes."
"…Why?"
"Because it works."
He snorted.
"Then don't watch," he said. "Train with me."
So I did.
From that day on, our training overlapped.
We didn't talk much. We didn't need to. Steel was our language.
We sparred once a day.
Every day.
Zoro challenged me relentlessly.
And every day—
He lost.
At first, he raged.
Then he adapted.
Then he endured.
Years passed like that.
Two boys sharpening each other against the same whetstone.
By the time I turned seventeen, Zoro was fifteen—and still he couldn't defeat me.
Not once.
Not because he lacked will.
But because I had time, weight, and reach.
And I used all three mercilessly.
One evening, under a blood-red sunset, I sheathed my sword and looked at him.
"Tomorrow," I said, "fight me one last time."
Zoro froze.
"…What?"
"Put everything into it," I continued. "Because after tomorrow—"
I turned away.
"I'm challenging my father."
Silence.
The next day, the air felt different.
Heavy.
When i reached our dueling location same when we had our first real swords duel ...I saw Zoro stood across from me, bandana tied tightly around his head already that shows he is serious from the start he is going to give his all
And for the first time i was excited and even scared coz Serious Zoro is Scary
But I have to do this coz this is all for Zoro ..Zoro is reaching the Age when he will leave the village at age of 17 .. I'm 17 now so i should leave this village..i have to defeat him with overwhelming power ...so that when i leave he will train like crazy and when he meets Luffy he is ready for the story
He drew all three swords.
"This time," he growled, "I won't lose."
I smiled faintly.
"That's what I want."
Then with just a blink of an eye Zoro and Me moves towards each other ..Both of starts slicing at each other
Steel screamed.
There was the only sound of steel crashing at each other anyone can hear from afar .
Zoro's every move was precise and with killing intent ..i was able to predict his movements in time for me to blocking in the same direction ..with his left sword swinging at me so fast but i moved to his right in just perfect time to hit him with my swing as i tried to hit him with my sword but he blocked my sword from the sword inside his mouth and that scene was terrifying while he was blocking i was able to see his eyes which screams danger as it always seems in manga
And then I see zoro tacking a step back ..and taking a pose which is very familiar for me ..both had crossing and sword in his mouth facing me ..he bend little over
I knew what was coming and then
Zoro attacked first—fast, brutal.
"ONIGIRI!"
I stepped inside the strike zone , countered it with sliding under his swords and was able to avoid his blades and i kicked him but he anticipated my move and did a back flip and jumped behind
He felt annoyed his onigiri some how i was able to Dodge
Then he took another stance which I know I have seen it but i was not able to recognise it ..which I felt more frustrating as an one piece fan but when I heard word coming out of his mouth
"TATSUMAKI!"
I knew what was about to come
Mentally and physically prepared my self
Dust exploded as his spinning slash tore through the ground.
I leapt, blade flashing.
"Too wide," I said—and struck.
It was my luck that zoro is still inexperienced and i knew what was coming before it can hit me or i would have literally just died here ..
The duel burned hot and fast, both of us bleeding, panting, refusing to fall.
Zoro roared.
And then he took the stance which any one piece fan will now with just one look
Zoro starts rapidly spining his three swords to create immense power and speed
I knew I can't avoid this ..only person to avoid this attack was mihawk and if I have to live I also need to take this head on
Zoro Screamed "SANZEN SEK—?
I met him head-on.
With swift action using all my leg strength with a burst of speed before zoro can take even a step coz i knew if he took a single step I cant stop this attack..so before even he can make a move
Steel rang once—
And it was over.
Zoro dropped to one knee.
Zoro was shocked coz before he could do anything i reduced my distance and sliced him with back of my sword ..like i knew the future and can predict his moves
(Sorry zoro which is right i know all your moves so I'm sorry for taking advantage but you are meant to be the world's best i can't defeat you with a honest fight )
I offered my hand.
He took my hand ..
He smiled and said you were amazing Tsurugi it was like you can read my thoughts
No Zoro you were amazing..I just won by luck i am glad you are my rival
"Come," I said.
Zoro knew what I meant
We walked together to the dojo.
Inside, my father already waited.
Sword drawn.
Prepared.
The moment he had trained for every day.
I stepped forward.
"Father," I said.
"I challenge you."
Steel met steel.
And the world held its breath.