Two-Blade Style vs. Three-Blade Style

At the same time that Sirius and his group arrived at Shimotsuki Village, on another island in the East Blue...

"Ugh, this is a real headache."

Vulture hung up the Den Den Mushi, sighing helplessly. "My standing in that person's eyes has dropped again. Mr. Black Wolf, you really know how to cause me trouble. Can't you just go to Impel Down obediently?"

"Sir, the person has been brought over." At that moment, an agent in a black suit pushed open the door to Vulture's room.

"Oh? You're here?"

The Vulture perked up immediately, straightened its back, and said with a smile, "Please invite him in."

Soon, several burly agents brought in a man.

The reason for using the word "lift" is that the man had lost the ability to walk, and as if to prevent him from escaping, several thick iron nails pierced through his legs from his knees and ankles, pinning them together. His palms were also clasped together and nailed together.

The man was wearing prison clothes, which were now covered in blood.

"I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting."

Vulture stood up, beaming, and warmly helped the man to the sofa. "I just got back from another mission. I hope my men didn't offend you?"

"Hey--"

A cold smile appeared on the man's weak face as he spat at the Vulture.

The Vulture tilted its head slightly, casually avoiding the attack, completely unconcerned. "How unfriendly. I was hoping we could work together."

"What kind of cooperation do you want to discuss with you?"

The man sneered, "The Celestial Dragon's lackeys!"

"I don't care how much you scold me."

The Vulture grinned and said, "Just tell me where Dragon is, and I'll let you curse him nonstop for three days and three nights."

"Pooh!"

The man scoffed, "Someone like you wouldn't understand our ideals!"

"Ideals? Those are indeed difficult to understand."

The Vulture stood up helplessly. "Since you're unwilling to cooperate no matter what, I won't force you."

"However, if I can't find Dragon's whereabouts, I'll get scolded by my superiors, and then I'll really have to say goodbye to my position as the Strongest Shield."

"We originally planned to capture Black Wolf and his gang as substitutes, but instead we ended up with a mouthful of teeth knocked out."

He said with a troubled expression, "Where should I go to gain some merit?"

The agents waited quietly for their superior to speak.

They didn't have to wait long, Vulture said. "There was no other way. Were we only capturing him?"

"Yes, sir."

One agent said, "They were very vigilant and had already organized an evacuation. We had to close in ahead of schedule, and in the end, he was the only one who survived."

"No, no, no, I mean,"

"Isn't there still a lot of people in that town?" Vulture said. "I mean, is it possible that the whole town is Revolutionary Army base? The water droplets are hiding in the lake, which is why we can't find them?"

"..."

The agents were taken aback for a moment.

"Hey! You bastard!!"

The captured man shouted angrily, "What do you want to do?! How despicable do you want to be?"

"Don't get excited, don't get excited,"

The Vulture waved its hands repeatedly, "Just a guess, nothing more."

"Yes, sir, we understand." The agents nodded. "We'll organize the manpower immediately."

"Yes, very good."

The Vulture nodded, then said with a sigh, "I really hope this guess comes true; it would be a valuable contribution after all."

"I remember the Kingdom of Bridges is nearby, right? If it really comes true, it'll be quite convenient to deal with."

The man nearly ground his teeth to powder.

Shimotsuki Village.

Inside the Isshin Dojo.

Sirius sat cross-legged on the floor, with his companions sitting beside him.

Please have some tea.

The man named Koshiro skillfully brewed several cups of tea and placed them in front of Sirius and his companions.

"Slurp."

Yamato any hesitation, Yamato picked up the glass and drank it all in one gulp.

She smacked her lips. "Not bad! Another one, please!"

"Good."

Koshiro smiled and poured her some tea.

"Really, Yamato, that's so rude."

Maria, who had undergone tea ceremony training, said softly, "Tea imbued with heart should be savored slowly."

"Don't worry about it,"

Koshiro smiled and said, "The essence of the tea ceremony is simply to make the drinker find it delicious."

Maria paused slightly, then bowed gently. "I've learned a lot, Mr. Koshiro."

"Haha, what a funny old man!" Yamato laughed. "Another drink, please!"

Koshiro filled her cup and said with a smile, "I've heard of your reputation for a long time, but seeing you in person still makes me realize that seeing is believing."

"What do you mean, teacher?"

Zoro, who was sitting by the door wiping a knife with a cocky air, casually turned around and asked, "Are they some famous pirates?"

Koshiro thought for a moment, "Mr. Sirius is a pirate who is on par with that Red-Haired."

"And Red-Haired is a powerful fighter who is on par with Dracule Mihawk."

"Hey!"

Zoro jumped to his feet in surprise, staring incredulously at Sirius, who was calmly sipping his tea. "Is this guy really that strong?"

An excited smile spread across his face. "Does this mean that if I defeat him, I'll have the strength to challenge Hawk Eyes?"

"Hello!"

He strode forward with heavy steps, each one thudding on the dojo floor. Zoro stood before Sirius, even seated, was still a head taller than him, and pointed his blade at him.

"Duel me!"

"That's very rude, Zoro."

Koshiro shook his head helplessly, his hand suddenly becoming a little blurry. "This isn't the attitude you should have towards guests."

"Ouch! That hurts!"

The next instant, Zoro was already crouching on the ground, clutching his head and groaning in pain. A huge bump had appeared on his head. "Ouch, that hurts, bespectacled uncle!"

Sirius couldn't help but chuckle softly, even though he was indeed an older man.

But he's actually a very tough guy.

"That knife—"

Hiyori noticed the sword Zoro was holding and couldn't help but say, "Wado Ichimonji! Like Enma, it's a work by Shimotsuki Kosaburo."

She looked at Koshiro, "So, Mr. Koshiro, the Shimotsuki of Shimotsuki Village is indeed the same Shimotsuki from Wano Country, right?"

"Oh?"

Koshiro was quite surprised and looked Hiyori and down.

"Excuse me, I haven't introduced myself yet."

Hiyori bowed slightly, "My name is Kozuki Hiyori."

"Kozuki?"

Koshiro's eyes widened. "Is it... the Kozuki from Kozuki Oden?"

"Oden is Hiyori's father," Yamato said casually. "He came here specifically because he saw the name Shimotsuki Village."

"..."

Looking at Hiyori, Koshiro's eyes revealed an indescribable gleam.

He was clearly very excited. "I never imagined he would be a descendant of the legendary Kozuki Clan!"

He quickly composed himself and said regretfully, "My father's name is indeed Kozaburo, and he was the one who built this village."

"More than forty years ago, unable to tolerate the closed environment of Wano Country, he chose to go to sea and eventually settled here."

"When he passed away not long ago, he said he felt very sorry about what happened in Wano Country."

"I see."

Hiyori nodded, neither overly excited nor disappointed.

Being able to meet the descendants of Shimotsuki is already something to be happy about.

"This regret won't last long. Sooner or later, we will reclaim Wano Country," Hiyori said solemnly.

Koshiro hesitated for a moment, "Do you need my help?"

"No, Mr. Koshiro, you haven't even been to Wano Country, have you?"

Hiyori and said, "This is a matter for Wano Country, it has nothing to do with you, does it?"

"It has nothing to do with me?"

Koshiro suddenly chuckled. "That's not necessarily true."

"What?" Hiyori was somewhat taken aback.

"It's nothing. By the way, Miss Hiyori, is that sword at your waist the legendary cursed sword, the Nidai Kitetsu?"

Koshiro gave a perfunctory answer, then looked at one of the two swords at Hiyori's waist, the Nidai Kitetsu that Tenguyama Hitetsu had given her.

"That's right, this was a gift from Master Fei Che when we set sail."

Hiyori solemnly took off the Nidai Kitetsu and handed it to Koshiro.

"Excuse me."

Koshiro also solemnly accepted the sword with both hands, carefully examining it. "My father told me about the name Tenguyama Hitetsu when he was alive. He said that Master Hitetsu was also an exceptionally skilled swordsmith."

"So, is Hiyori- san also a swordsman?"

Koshiro looked up and asked.

"Of course,"

Yamato chuckled and said, "Hiyori is quite strong, you know."

Are you a swordsman too?

At that moment, Zoro stood up, his eyes fixed on Hiyori, his hand already gripping the Wado Ichimonji. "Let's settle this once and for all!"

Huh?

Does that mean you're abandoning yourself?

What a fickle man he is!

Sirius shook his head helplessly.

"Zoro, haven't I told you? This isn't how you treat a guest." Koshiro was exasperated and wanted to discipline his prized disciple.

"How about we have a match?"

Sirius chuckled and said, "Two-Blade Style versus Three-Blade Style, who will be stronger? I'm quite curious."

"Although I'm better at One Sword Style, it's fine too."

Hiyori a smile.

"I see." Koshiro with a hint of helplessness.