At that moment, footsteps suddenly sounded through the silent forest. They were light, yet unmistakable.
"Father..."
"Koshiro..."
The two delighted voices caught in their throats because the person standing before them was a tall figure wearing a mask.
The cursed sword in his hand dripped blood, and his pupils glowed with a scarlet light.
"Who are you? Where's my father?" Kuina shouted agitatedly.
"Red-Eyed, where did you take Teacher Koshiro?" Zoro shouted as he clenched his fists.
"He was very strong!" a hoarse voice came from beneath the mask. "Looking across the entire world, he would rank among the top three swordsmen I've ever fought."
"So, he's dead!"
"D-dead?" Kuina leaned against Zoro with a trembling body, as if struck by lightning. "You're lying. You must be lying!"
"He's dead, and not even his ashes remain!" the Masked Man said coldly.
"Bastard, I'll kill you!" Zoro roughly shoved Kuina aside, then casually picked up three branches from the ground and charged at Apophis with a ferocious attack.
Apophis extended his right hand and flicked his finger. In an instant, Zoro's small body was sent flying dozens of meters away.
"Zoro!" Kuina cried out. Then, forcing herself to stand despite her weak legs, she also picked up a branch and charged at Apophis.
"Are you two performing a juggling act?" Apophis flicked out another burst of force, sending Kuina flying.
Zoro, who was just climbing to his feet, was struck by the human cannonball and fell again.
"Damn it, we're completely out of his league." Kuina rubbed her slightly swollen head.
"You're so heavy, Kuina! Get off my face!" a muffled voice came from beneath her.
Only then did Kuina realize that she had actually landed on someone's face and was sitting on him.
"Ah! I'm sorry." Kuina hurriedly moved away.