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"Is there such a saying in the pirate world?"
Ikki shook his head and cast an affirmative look at Nojiko.
Then he looked at Tashigi, who still seemed hesitant, his expression remaining unchanged.
"How about this, Miss Tashigi," he proposed.
"You seem quite interested in swordsmanship."
"I'm not particularly talented, though I have studied many schools of swordsmanship."
"If you're willing to duel with Nojiko using your famous sword," Ikki continued, "whether you win or lose, I can share with you some of my insights into swordsmanship."
"I promise you this on my reputation as a swordsman."
Hearing this, Tashigi fell deep in thought.
Although she had never seen any of Nami, Nojiko, or Ikki perform their sword techniques in person, Tashigi was quite curious about Nami's swordsmanship, which the Marine soldiers described as being like golden thunder, and Nojiko's swordsmanship, which was said to flow like water.
Moreover, as a swordswoman herself, Tashigi wanted to become stronger. Now that there was a seemingly powerful swordsman willing to guide her, she couldn't help but feel excited.
"Hina feels that just using words is meaningless," Captain Hina interjected, holding her chin in one hand. "Ikki, why don't you demonstrate your swordsmanship for Tashigi and let her make the decision herself?"
If it had been only Nojiko and Tashigi having a duel with famous swords at stake, Hina might not have agreed to it. But if Ikki was willing to teach Tashigi related swordsmanship techniques, the situation was different.
Thinking of the 'Soru' slash that Nami had demonstrated in Arlong Park—a technique used to enhance movement speed from the Marines' Rokushiki—Hina couldn't help but have a gleam in her eyes.
"Very well. If that's the case, I'll demonstrate," Ikki agreed. "Captain Hina and Master Chief Petty Officer Tashigi, if you don't mind, please come aboard my ship."
"I'll show you some of the sword techniques I've mastered."
After Ikki finished speaking, he placed his hand directly on Tashigi's shoulder. With a familiar gesture, he guided her toward the Explorer.
"Hey, hey! I haven't agreed yet!" Tashigi protested.
"Don't worry," Ikki replied with a slight smile. "I just want to show you the sword techniques I've mastered first, then you can make your decision."
He raised the corner of his mouth and directly placed Zangetsu in Tashigi's free hand.
"Meanwhile, take a good look at my Zangetsu and the 'Wado Ichimonji' you're holding."
With two famous swords in her possession, Tashigi immediately fell silent, her eyes fixed on the legendary blades in her hands.
'Well, it's just a demonstration, not necessarily a duel,' she thought to herself.
"Your captain seems quite intent on acquiring Shigure from Tashigi," Hina remarked, walking up behind Nojiko.
"I heard from the villagers in Cocoyasi that you were originally an ordinary person," she continued. "What method did Ikki use to teach you swordsmanship that can guide water flow?"
"Captain Ikki has a passion for famous swords and wishes to collect them from all over the world," Nojiko replied with a smile. "That's why he's so interested in Shigure in Miss Tashigi's possession."
"As for how I learned such swordsmanship, it's because Captain Ikki is an exceptional swordsmanship instructor."
Nojiko responded to Hina's questions flawlessly, maintaining her pleasant demeanor.
"Truthfully, I believe if Tashigi agrees to duel with Captain Ikki, even if she loses, the benefits will outweigh the costs," Nojiko added. "Captain Ikki truly possesses extensive knowledge of swordsmanship."
"Of course, I'm merely a novice with a sword. My judgment may be flawed."
After saying this, Nojiko nodded respectfully to Hina and quickly followed after Ikki and Tashigi.
"Huh..." Hina exhaled a puff of cigarette smoke. "Hina is very interested!"
After extinguishing her cigarette, Hina followed with equal curiosity.
...
Aboard the Explorer, in the Sword Room.
"Hina is surprised that such a large space exists here," Captain Hina remarked in amazement, gazing at the spacious area around her.
"This is a space I created with my abilities. It's nothing special," Ikki said casually, waving his hand dismissively.
"Is it... a Devil Fruit ability?" Hina questioned with a frown.
Ikki didn't answer. He was content to let her believe it was the work of a Devil Fruit—precisely the impression he wanted to give.
'System, initiate the demonstration function of 'Entry-level Swordsman Challenge Permissions'!' Ikki commanded mentally.
[Ding! Demonstration initiated!]
[Demo swordsman: Tanjiro Kamado.]
[Swordsmanship schools for demonstration: Water Breathing, Hinokami Kagura.]
As the system's confirmation settled in Ikki's mind, a sword-wielding boy appeared in the center of the arena. He had a scar on his left forehead, wore Hanafuda earrings, a Demon Slayer uniform, and a haori with an Ichimatsu pattern.
"What is this?" Hina asked, looking at Ikki suspiciously.
"This is also part of my ability," Ikki explained calmly, crossing his arms. "He'll demonstrate some of the sword techniques I've mastered."
"This is also your ability? Hina doesn't understand." Hina stepped forward until she stood just one step away from Ikki, her eyes staring directly into his as if trying to see through him.
Ikki inhaled slightly. At this close distance, he could detect the scent of Hina's perfume. His eyes briefly swept over the Captain's fair chest, barely concealed by her red uniform, before returning to her face, which held a cigarette between her lips.
"Devil Fruits themselves are quite mysterious," Ikki stated matter-of-factly. "It's perfectly normal for Captain Hina to encounter aspects of them she's unfamiliar with."
"Rather than dwelling on this, let's observe the young man's swordsmanship demonstration," he suggested. "I can't keep him manifested indefinitely."
Ikki lied with a perfectly straight face. In truth, he knew that with so many Devil Fruits in the pirate world, no one could possibly know the characteristics and capabilities of each one.
If everyone truly understood them all, Blackbeard wouldn't be the only one pursuing the Dark-Dark Fruit, the most unique Logia Devil Fruit in existence.
Hina frowned, but at that moment, the sound of Tanjiro Kamado demonstrating Water Breathing swordsmanship drew her attention.
She temporarily set aside her suspicions and turned to watch the center of the arena.
"Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash!"
Tanjiro swiftly swung his sword from left to right, creating a horizontal wave of water that seemed to flow through the air.