Heroic Spirit Template in One Piece

A simple downward slash to counter the storm-like Three-Sword Style.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Three clear clashes of blades rang out. Sparks flew.

Then, Zoro half-knelt on the ground. The three famous swords he cherished like life scattered across the floor.

The nearby onlookers wore expressions of quiet expectation.

"Not bad," Caelan said softly in praise.

Not only directed at Zoro, but also at the black blade in his hand.

The black sword, ranked among the 21 Great Grade swords, was a heavy blade. It was razor-sharp, capable of slicing a hair mid-air, and its toughness was so high that even a dinosaur standing on it wouldn't bend it a millimeter.

It suited his grand and domineering swordsmanship perfectly.

In the earlier battle, it performed flawlessly.

"A true great swordsman. You deserve the title," Zoro said sincerely as he looked up at Caelan.

Then he tried to pick up his swords again, but his injuries wouldn't allow it.

Usopp and Luffy quickly stepped in to support Zoro and gather his three precious blades.

"Caelan, when I become a great swordsman, I'll defeat you!"

Zoro declared with serious resolve, supported by Luffy and Usopp.

Caelan's swordsmanship had not only defeated him completely, but also opened a new path before his eyes.

This defeat had only strengthened his fighting spirit.

Hearing Zoro's words, Caelan nearly laughed.

To become a great swordsman and then think about defeating him—how naïve.

Rayleigh was a genuine great swordsman, and even he wouldn't dare to speak to Caelan so boldly.

Caelan sheathed Shusui, looked at Zoro, and said calmly,

"Right now, you're full of ambition."

"But once you become a great swordsman, you'll understand how big the distance between us is."

After hearing Caelan's words, Luffy shouted in disbelief, "Zoro will definitely grow stronger and beat you someday! He's the Pirate King's swordsman!"

Caelan glanced at Luffy but didn't bother replying.

It would take at least two years for Zoro to reach the level of a great swordsman.

By that time, even Caelan himself didn't know how strong he would be.

Even if his strength remained unchanged, with his current power, he could kill ten great swordsmen like Rayleigh in one shot using the God-Slaying Spear.

Zoro quietly looked up at the sky, lost in thought.

He didn't doubt Caelan's words. He had already done everything he could, but Caelan had only shown a fraction of his power.

Was Caelan really that powerful?

Maybe.

If being a great swordsman wasn't enough, then he would surpass it.

No matter what, he would one day stand before Caelan and defeat him.

Zoro, who loved the sword more than anything, was certain of that.

"You're that confident?" Shakky asked, clearly surprised by Caelan's earlier words.

But she believed him. Her years of experience told her Caelan wasn't exaggerating.

Which made it all the more terrifying.

A great swordsman held a position of immense power—either among the top three in a Yonko crew or as an elite Vice Admiral in the Navy.

He wasn't someone she could afford to offend.

Shakky looked at Caelan deeply, silently making sure to support his future plans more carefully.

Hancock following him might actually be a good thing for Amazon Lily.

With that thought, Shakky brought Luffy and the others back into the tavern to tend to Zoro's injuries.

Outside, the girls surrounded Caelan, none of them appearing surprised.

After all, compared to the enemies Caelan had dealt with before, Zoro didn't even rank.

Nami, Robin, and Gion were a little disappointed. They had hoped to see the scoundrel get knocked down for once.

"Tsk. Bullying someone weaker than you. Shameless," Nami said, crossing her arms and making a face.

"Looking for a fight?" Caelan raised his hand and gestured behind Nami.

How was that bullying the weak?

He was just giving the next generation a bit of training.

Only through the forge of battle could one truly become strong. That's a fact.

"Let's go have some fun nearby."

With his left arm around Uta and his right arm around Hancock, Caelan said casually.

"Aren't you going to keep an eye on them?" Vivi asked, tilting her head.

They had said the Straw Hats were hostages. Leaving like this seemed a bit too relaxed.

"There's nothing to see. We came here for help. We were just talking."

"There's still one day left until the coating is done. Staying here would just be boring."

Caelan said as he walked off, leading everyone to a hot spring hotel.

"Awesome! Let's go soak in a hot spring!"

The girls cheered in delight.

Relaxation sounded perfect.

After enjoying a group soak, Caelan took the girls around the area, visiting shops and local spots.

He also stocked up on supplies, including a few Eternal Poses and bubble corals.

The various forces in the Sabaody Archipelago remained silent, smart enough not to provoke them.

Soon, a day passed.

Early the next morning,

Rayleigh delivered the two coated ships to Caelan, fully completed.

He had even finished half a day ahead of schedule.

At the port, Rayleigh and Shakky came to see Caelan off together.

"What's this? Do you really want me gone?" Caelan asked with a smile, glancing at Rayleigh.

"No, I just don't want to waste your time," Rayleigh replied with a hearty grin, his expression calm.

"Then I'll take my leave."

Caelan didn't press the issue and turned to board the ship.

Rayleigh didn't truly relax until the two ships had fully submerged beneath the sea.

"Finally got him out of here."

Rayleigh wiped the cold sweat from his brow and sighed in relief.

It was never a good feeling to be around someone strong enough to tear you apart at any moment.

Especially a man with a certain hostility toward pirates. That made it even more uncomfortable.

"Let's go. We're heading to Amazon Lily too."

"Come to think of it, I haven't been back in a long time. I do miss it a little," Shakky said, a trace of nostalgia in her voice.

"You go on ahead. Once I sell myself again, I'll bring those brats to you."

Rayleigh shook his head and walked toward the auction house.

The coating work had cost him a fortune. He needed to recover the losses.

…

At the same time, many spies received word that Caelan had left the Sabaody Archipelago and was heading for Fish-Man Island.

Their previously held breaths finally released in relief.

As long as this god of chaos was around, they hadn't been able to sleep peacefully!

Thankfully, he was finally heading to the New World.

Now they didn't have to worry—at least, not for the time being.

(To be continued.)

...

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