Whoo—whoo—whoo!
Dang dang dang dang dang…!
The sounds of fierce combat rang out across the warship's deck.
Under Smoker's full-powered assault, dense white smoke surged from his arms like a storm. His fists and jitte moved in rapid succession, hammering toward Bai Yu with relentless momentum.
Each strike was faster. Heavier. More ferocious than the last!
Yet, Bai Yu stood amidst it all, eerily composed.
With fluid footwork, he either evaded with uncanny grace or parried each blow with a calculated swing of his sword. His every movement was measured, precise—like a swordsman dancing through smoke.
In mere moments, the two had exchanged dozens of blows.
Not a single one had landed on Bai Yu.
Clang!
Bai Yu deflected Smoker's latest attack with a flawless cross-cut, the impact ringing through the deck. Just as he prepared to end this drawn-out clash, a familiar system notification echoed in his mind.
[Ding! The host has successfully performed 3,000 sword swings. Reward: Qinglong Sword Intent proficiency +5%, Haki (Three Colors) proficiency +1%]
[Ding! Novice Tachi has reached swing threshold. Reward: Weapon forging count +1]
Unintentionally, he had swung his blade 3,000 times.
As a result, both his Qinglong Sword Intent and Haki had improved. And even more valuable—a new chance to forge and upgrade a weapon had been unlocked.
"System, how do I forge and upgrade my weapon?"
[To forge and upgrade, the host must meet the conditions and issue a command.]
"Then forge and upgrade the Novice Tachi."
[Ding! Forging in progress...]
As soon as Bai Yu gave the order, the sword in his hands began to tremble.
A blinding white light engulfed the blade.
Under the glow of system energy, the humble Novice Tachi began a rapid transformation.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Tashigi—who had been silently observing the duel—noticed something peculiar.
"Huh…?"
Her eyes widened. She stared intently at the blade in Bai Yu's hands.
It was changing before her very eyes.
It was difficult enough to believe Bai Yu had effortlessly avoided all of Smoker's full-force attacks… but now his sword—it was evolving?
Ka-ka-ka!
The light around the blade intensified. As the transformation neared completion, the white light crystallized into a shimmering shell around the sword.
Bai Yu halted his movements.
He glanced at the sword now encased in glowing crystal.
Clenching the hilt with determination, he channeled power into his grip.
Boom!
With a powerful surge, the crystal shattered.
A brand-new sword was revealed in his hands.
[Ding! Forging successful! Novice Tachi has evolved into: Dragon Flame Tachi (Grade: Quick Sword)]
The upgrade was complete!
The humble Novice Tachi had been reborn—now a Quick Sword-class weapon: the Dragon Flame Tachi.
Bai Yu looked down at the weapon in awe.
Its weight was double that of the original sword.
Its form: more compact, refined, deadly.
The grip was an immaculate white, while the blade had transformed into a deep silver-black hue.
Intricate, flame-like turquoise patterns danced along its edge—starting from the hilt and reaching the tip. Under the sunlight, it looked like dragonfire sealed in steel.
The Dragon Flame Tachi.
It was not only far sharper than its predecessor—the system also indicated that using the Qinglong Sword Intent with this weapon would now be far smoother, and its power significantly amplified.
Bai Yu nodded, satisfied.
Whoosh—whoosh!
Just then, the sharp sound of slicing wind approached from behind.
With Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) already activated, Bai Yu sensed Smoker's renewed attack.
Perfect timing.
"I'll test this new blade on you."
Without warning, Bai Yu turned on his heel, both hands gripping the Dragon Flame Tachi.
With precise timing, he slashed at the two incoming attacks.
Clang!
Boom!
First, a harsh metallic clang as his blade met Smoker's jitte.
Sparks exploded.
Smoker's weapon was wrenched from his hands by sheer force.
Next—another strike!
The second blow cleaved straight through Smoker's smoke-formed punch, dispersing it instantly.
Both attacks were neutralized in the blink of an eye.
"Hm… heavier than before, but the burst force is on a whole new level."
Bai Yu muttered, impressed.
He turned his gaze toward Smoker—who stood dumbfounded.
He had been increasing both his Devil Fruit output and physical strength. Yet somehow…
That last strike. That pressure. It had chilled Smoker to the bone.
Huff… huff…
As Bai Yu looked his way, Smoker instinctively turned his feet into smoke—ready to retreat if needed.
"Soru!"
In an instant, Bai Yu launched forward, his foot shattering the deck beneath him from sheer propulsion.
He vanished.
Whoosh!
When he reappeared—he was behind Smoker.
The edge of the Dragon Flame Tachi hovered at Smoker's neck.
The sudden shift stunned Smoker. His body trembled.
"I suggest… you don't move."
Bai Yu's voice was quiet. Cold. Final.
Drip… drip…
A thin line of blood appeared at Smoker's neck where the blade kissed skin.
Smoker's eyes widened.
He had nearly forgotten—Bai Yu could use Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki). He could strike Smoker's real body despite his Logia powers!
As long as he resisted, Bai Yu could cut his throat.
They froze in place.
"Wait!"
Tashigi's urgent voice broke the silence.
She rushed forward and stood beside Bai Yu.
"Don't fight! Don't fight!"
But as she spoke, her eyes shimmered—not with fear, but awe—as they locked on Bai Yu's blade.
Her gaze traced the Dragon Flame Tachi like an obsessed collector.
Her fingers itched with excitement.
"This… these flame patterns… this craftsmanship…"
"I'm sure—it's at least Quick Sword level… maybe even Great Grade!"
She stroked the blade reverently, nearly drooling.
"But wait—I don't remember any famous sword like this in the Ō Wazamono or Ryo Wazamono grade blades…"
"Your name's Bai Yu, right? Where did you get this sword?"
"And what exactly happened during that transformation?!"
As she rambled on with shining eyes, both Bai Yu and Smoker looked at her—speechless.