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Ding!
With a crisp sound, Shigure, the sharp blade in Tashigi's hand, flew from her grasp.
A flash of panic crossed Tashigi's eyes. Before she could react, Nojiko's blade was already at her throat, flowing with water-like energy.
Witnessing this, Miss Hina frowned slightly and dismissed the black bars that had begun to materialize faintly in her hands.
Evidently, she had been prepared to use her Devil Fruit ability to prevent Nojiko from harming Tashigi.
During the battle between the two swordswomen, Hina had noticed that Nojiko's strength was significantly greater than what she had displayed in Dragon Park.
Simultaneously, a system notification sounded in Ikki's mind.
[Ding! Host's partner Nojiko defeated Tashigi. Congratulations to Host and Nojiko for acquiring the sword technique 'Shigure Style' that Tashigi currently masters.]
[The swordsmanship 'Shigure Style' obtained by Nojiko will be integrated into the 'Swordsmanship Heritage Card', which will be issued by Host on your behalf.]
[Host can now take the famous sword 'Shigure' from Tashigi and use it to exchange for lottery draws.]
'Shigure is just a decent blade, not even a Meito with a rank among the 50 Skillful Grade swords,' Ikki thought to himself.
'I wonder how many draws I can get in exchange for it.'
'However, if a partner defeats other swordsmen, they can also acquire their swordsmanship?'
'Interesting. It seems we'll need to arrange for Nami and Nojiko to challenge other swordsmen in the future.'
Although with the Breathing techniques, Nami and Nojiko wouldn't necessarily need to master other swordsmanship styles.
However, following the principle of not overwhelming oneself with too many techniques, Ikki still wanted his partners to learn various swordsmanship styles.
Perhaps they could even develop unique styles of their own.
"You've lost, Master Chief Petty Officer Tashigi," Nojiko stated with a slight smile, her lips pursed.
"Yes, I have lost," Tashigi admitted, lowering her head.
The thought that Shigure, who had been her companion for many years, was about to leave her possession made her heart feel heavy.
"Don't be too disheartened, Tashigi," Nojiko said kindly.
"Even though you've lost Shigure, you'll certainly encounter even better swords in the future."
"Besides, you'll now have the opportunity to learn swordsmanship from Captain Ikki, right?"
Nojiko nodded to Tashigi and retrieved Shigure from where it had fallen, then handed it to Ikki.
Ikki nodded with satisfaction.
Just as he was about to take Shigure, Hina raised her hand and grasped his shoulder.
"What's the matter, Miss Hina?" Ikki turned to look at her in confusion.
"Ikki, you are indeed a cunning man," Hina remarked with a slight frown, her eyes reflecting dissatisfaction.
"You clearly knew Nojiko possessed such strength, yet you still arranged this duel between her and Tashigi."
"But I didn't force Tashigi into this, did I?" Ikki replied casually, patting Hina's hand on his shoulder.
"Besides, I only mentioned that Nojiko knew the 'Flowing Dance' technique, but I said nothing about her actual strength."
"Hmph! Hina won't forget this!" she declared, crossing her arms.
"If you fail to teach Tashigi swordsmanship with sincerity and dedication, Hina will certainly capture you and send you to a Marine cell."
Her words carried unmistakable determination.
"Hey, I haven't broken any laws," Ikki protested. "Is such a severe threat really necessary?"
Ikki shook his head and took Shigure from Nojiko.
However, with Tashigi and Hina present, Ikki didn't immediately process Shigure for his system.
Instead, he approached the dejected Tashigi:
"Tashigi, I'll take possession of Shigure for now."
"That said, you may challenge either me or Nojiko in the future."
"If you win, I might return Shigure to you."
"As for now, it's time I fulfill my promise."
"Are you interested in learning 'Water Breathing'?"
Tashigi's ears perked up at the mention of 'Water Breathing.'
Gradually, a light returned to her eyes.
She raised her head to look at Ikki, a hint of determination mixed with resentment in her gaze.
"Sir Ikki, please teach me with your full dedication," she requested.
"And as you've said, I will challenge both you and Nojiko in the future to reclaim my Shigure."
Hearing this, Ikki nodded slightly. "That's only natural."
"However, you are a Marine," he noted.
"You'll need to return with Miss Hina soon."
The implication was clear—he was asking if it would be convenient for Tashigi to learn from him, given her circumstances.
After all, the situation with Arlong had been resolved, and Tashigi was stationed at the Marine base in Loguetown.
She couldn't remain in Cocoyasi Village indefinitely.
Tashigi pursed her lips and looked up at Miss Hina beside her.
"Captain Hina, could I stay here temporarily?" she asked.
"I want to learn Sir Ikki's swordsmanship first."
Hina held her chin with one hand, contemplation evident in her eyes.
"Yes, but how will Hina explain this to Smoker?" she wondered aloud.
"And as the officer in charge of Loguetown, you can't remain in Cocoyasi Village indefinitely."
At this point, Ikki felt compelled to offer a solution.
"Regarding this matter, you don't need to worry," he suggested.
"Actually, I had already planned to visit Loguetown."
"I intend to set sail once matters between Nami and Nojiko are settled."
"If Tashigi doesn't mind, she can travel to Loguetown aboard my ship."
Ikki smiled at his proposal.
Hina remained silent, turning to gauge Tashigi's reaction.
Tashigi nodded, accepting Ikki's suggestion.
"Since Tashigi has agreed, Hina naturally has no further objections," Hina conceded.
"However, Ikki, if you mistreat Tashigi in any way..."
Hina approached Ikki, her serious eyes conveying a clear warning.
"Captain Hina probably wants to say she won't let me off easily. I understand completely. Please don't worry," Ikki interrupted, waving his hand dismissively.
"Hmph."
With her statement cut short, Hina could only express her dissatisfaction with a snort.
"Now that we've reached an agreement, let's make the most of our time and begin training," Ikki declared.
"Tashigi, you'll be under my instruction for the foreseeable future."
"How much you learn from me will depend entirely on your dedication."
Ikki patted Tashigi on the shoulder and guided her toward the adjacent training room.
Before departing, Ikki raised his hand and passed the Entry-Level Swordsman Challenge Card containing the challenge against 'Tanjiro Kamado' to Nojiko.
Hina took a drag from her cigarette, stood up, and followed Ikki's footsteps.
Before leaving Cocoyasi Village, she wanted to observe how Ikki would train Tashigi.
Ikki glanced back at Hina and smiled:
"Is Captain Hina also interested in learning? Why not accept my earlier conditions and bring me a famous sword in exchange for instruction?"
"Hmph, Hina isn't interested in your swordsmanship. Hina merely wants to ensure Tashigi's safety," she retorted.
"Really? Don't you want to learn the technique I used to light your cigarette earlier?" he teased.
"Hina has already said it: Hina is not interested!" Hina's face darkened as she responded irritably, nevertheless following Ikki into the training room.
Soon, only Nojiko remained in the Sword Room.
"Then I shall begin as well," she murmured to herself.
Nojiko gazed at the Entry-Level Swordsman Challenge Card in her hand, took a deep breath, and walked toward the arena.