During the first month of his seclusion, Chu Qiye devoted himself to studying sword techniques and forms, hoping to create a flawless style of his own.
But he soon discovered a problem.
No matter what kind of sword style he devised, there were always flaws.
If even he could spot them, how could Golden Lion—a true Great Swordsman—not?
By the second month, his thoughts had driven themselves into a dead end.
The more he thought, the more chaotic it became. The more chaotic it became, the more he forced himself to think—until it felt like he was on the verge of losing control.
Where is my path?
How should I walk it?
What is my advantage?
Why am I even using a sword?
One question after another lingered in his mind.
By the third month, Chu Qiye finally walked out of that mental maze.
Because he realized a truth.
A truth as solid as iron.
He had absolutely no talent for swordsmanship.
…
As the three-month deadline drew closer, Whitebeard came to Chu Qiye's door every day.
He did nothing.
He simply stood there quietly for a few minutes—then left.
Whitebeard understood.
This duel wasn't just about who would own Raikiri.
It was about Chu Qiye challenging himself.
If he lost, the heart of a strong man within him would suffer a crack—one that might never fully mend.
"Hey, hey… Three months without food or water. That guy didn't die in there, did he? If he did, how do we decide the winner?" Golden Lion sneered.
Whitebeard shot him a cold glance.
"I'll throw you into the sea and let you settle it with him in the underworld."
"Jihahahaha! Even in the underworld, he wouldn't beat me."
…
Creak—
The cabin door slowly opened.
Under everyone's stunned gazes, Chu Qiye stepped out.
"Morning, everyone. Long time no see."
He even waved.
"…?"
Compared to three months ago, there wasn't the slightest change in him.
Same build. Same presence. Same calm eyes.
Was this what someone who hadn't eaten or drunk anything for three months looked like?
Was he really a monster?
"Qiye! Did you eat anything these past three months? What did you eat?" John asked first.
Chu Qiye looked at him like he was an idiot.
"Of course I ate. If I didn't, I'd be dead by now."
Just as everyone sighed in relief, his next sentence made their hearts leap back into their throats.
"I ate the tables, chairs, and the bed. Also gnawed a hole in the deck. Someone should fix that. Thanks."
"…I knew it! You're a monster!"
With the Six Treasury Immortals ability, food was food. Wood, stone—it made no difference to him.
At that moment, Golden Lion walked over with a half-smile.
"So, Black Devil. Master your swordsmanship yet? The three months are almost up."
Chu Qiye smiled faintly.
"I didn't train at all. I didn't even draw the blade once. I realized I have zero talent for swordsmanship."
"…?"
Everyone froze.
He'd locked himself away for three months… only to conclude he had no talent?
"Qiye, you're joking, right?"
He shrugged helplessly.
"I'm not. I genuinely have no aptitude for the sword. Forget Great Swordsman—I couldn't even become a proper swordsman."
"Jihahahahaha! Black Devil, are you trying to kill me with laughter so you can inherit my swords?"
Golden Lion laughed so hard tears came out. Even the other pirates couldn't hold it in.
Kaido nearly choked from laughing.
"In that case, just admit defeat and hand Raikiri to Golden Lion."
"Forget it, Kaido. I'm generous. He doesn't even need to say it. Just give me Raikiri. Only I deserve a Supreme Grade Blade like that."
Golden Lion reached out to take the sword.
"Wait."
Chu Qiye stopped him.
"Even if I have no talent… I still want to fight you. Who knows? Maybe I'll win."
Golden Lion blinked.
"Black Devil… are you serious?"
"Of course."
Chu Qiye's lips curved slightly.
"We've kept everyone waiting for three months. If I surrender without even fighting, wouldn't that be boring?"
"Jihahahahaha!"
Golden Lion burst out laughing again.
"Fine! I'll let you witness true swordsmanship. But don't blame me if you get hurt."
"To cross blades with a Great Swordsman—getting injured would be my honor."
"When do we fight? Want a few extra days to practice?"
"No need. Now is fine."
His tone was calm.
Too calm.
Including Golden Lion, everyone felt something was off.
There were only two possibilities.
Either Chu Qiye had completely given up and held no hope—
But if that were the case, there'd be no point in fighting.
Or—
He was already certain of victory.
Whitebeard leaned down and asked quietly,
"Qiye… how confident are you?"
Chu Qiye shrugged.
"I honestly don't know. I've never fought Golden Lion before. I'll just do my best. If I lose, I lose."
Whitebeard fell silent.
Chu Qiye wasn't lying.
He had simply understood something.
…
With Captain Rocks' approval, the helmsman steered the ship to a nearby island.
With their level of power, fighting on the ship would destroy it.
At the center of the island, the two stood a hundred meters apart.
Every member of the crew—including Rocks—came to watch.
Golden Lion held Oto in his left hand and Kogarashi in his right. His gaze was sharp, murderous.
Chu Qiye stood calmly, lifting Raikiri and slowly drawing it from its sheath.
The moment Raikiri left its scabbard—
Golden Lion swung.
A pale golden sword slash tore through the air toward Chu Qiye.
Just as the slash was about to strike—
Chu Qiye moved.
A flick of the wrist.
A light upward tilt of the blade.
No excess motion.
It looked almost weak—casual.
Yet the golden slash was deflected effortlessly.
The sight stunned everyone.
Including Golden Lion.
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