The Curtain Falls

The birth of the World's Greatest Swordsman has plunged the Combat Pyramid and the entire world into a frenzy.

Morgans also worked quickly to edit together the highlights of Kiyotsune Kuniichi's battles and play them on the big screen of the Combat Pyramid.

The kendo tournament is nearing its end, but it's not over yet. The most precious title in the eyes of countless people has already changed hands.

The next day, another highly anticipated moment, will see prizes worth tens of billions of Beli distributed all at once.

Beli was handed over to them after the battle, but it wasn't the real Beli.

If the amount is small, it will be distributed all at once. If the amount is large, such as hundreds of millions or billions of Beli, they simply cannot take it with them. Therefore, the Night Pirates issue black cards containing the corresponding amount, which are marked with the symbol of a three-headed dragon.

With this card, you can freely spend money within the Night Pirates' territory. Every purchase is recorded until the money is used up.

In addition to these, there are other rewards, such as precious ores, sword manuals, Devil Fruit, Supreme Great Grade Sword, and Famous Swords, all of which are extremely attractive to these swordsmen.

For these precious rewards, Teach even had a high platform built with tiered steps, the higher you went, the more valuable the reward became.

At the very top of the steps, there lies the supreme Great Grade Sword, Twilight, and the "Demon Sword," the Seven Star Sword.

Famous Sword believed to possess spirits, so on the highest circular platform, these two rare swords are placed one on the left and one on the right, with a distance of more than five meters between them.

These rewards were prepared for the 124 swordsmen who advanced to the third round, so they were all present at this final moment to receive their rewards.

Apart from them and some members of the Night Pirates, there was no one else around.

This is a special space within the Combat Pyramid, located on the sixteenth level. In Teach's plan, some of the Combat Pyramid would be placed here. Now, it has been temporarily cleared out to allow these swordsmen to obtain rewards.

Others cannot enter; they can only watch through the images transmitted by the Transponder Snail.

The first one was Kiyotsune Kuniichi. He climbed up the steps, his eyes sweeping over the prizes on each step, but he didn't stop. He already had his own goal.

Just as others had predicted, Kiyotsune Kuniichi reached the top and glanced at the "Demon Sword" Seven Star Sword, he could sense that a demon was hidden within it, faintly emitting a seductive voice, truly deserving of the name "Demon Sword"Demon Sword.

Turning his head, Kiyotsune Kuniichi walked straight toward the Supreme Great Grade Sword - Twilight.

As dusk fell, Kiyotsune Kuniichi felt a surge of excitement. The Great Grade Sword, the ultimate pursuit of a swordsman, was now right before his eyes.

The crimson-gold scabbard and hilt were slightly ornate, Kiyotsune Kuniichi looked at the sword, he felt a faint resonance.

They should get along well, but as the saying goes, a person chooses a knife, and a knife also chooses a person. To truly win over a knife and gain its approval is not so simple.

However, he was very confident in himself.

Extending his left hand, amidst the gazes of countless people, Kiyotsune Kuniichi picked it up from the knife rack.

With his right hand gripping the hilt tightly, Huang Hun was instantly drawn by Kiyotsune Kuniichi a clang.

In an instant, the blade trembled, emitting a series of clanging sounds, as if in resistance.

Meanwhile, Kiyotsune Kuniichi gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, unleashing a powerful Sword Intent from within him, aimed at the Supreme Grade Sword Twilight.

After a three-breath stalemate, the power emanating from Twilight was shattered by the powerful Sword Intent Kiyotsune Kuniichi, returning to the interior of the sword and falling silent, no longer resisting. In other words, it surrendered, submitted to Kiyotsune Kuniichi's hand.

Now, another person is known to wield a Great Grade Sword: Hawk Eyes Mihawk, who wields the Black Blade Yoru, Murakumogiri Edward Newgate, who wields the Whitebeard Murakumogiri.

With the Great Grade Sword taken, only the "Demon Sword" Seven Star Sword remains. Only the top three ranked individuals can take it. Some eyes are on Himuro Kenshin, ranked second, and Amatsuki Takeji, ranked third. It remains to be seen whether they will choose to take this sword.

There are many people interested in the "Demon Sword" Seven Star Sword, and some collectors simply like this kind of thing.

So after yesterday's battle, many people secretly contacted Kiyotsune Kuniichi, wanting to pay a high price to get them the "Demon Sword" Seven Star Sword, and of course, the Supreme Great Grade Sword - Twilight.

Without exception, how could people like Kiyotsune Kuniichi and others possibly care about what those people offered? As for Beli, they already had plenty; with the Night Pirates' black cards, they could withdraw over a billion Beli in cash whenever they wanted.

As for the others, none of them are as valuable as the rewards offered by the Night Pirates. They even brought out sword manuals, Swordmaster level manuals, and fragments of Great Swordmaster Night Pirates.

Seeing that Kiyotsune Kuniichi had taken away the Supreme Great Grade Sword Twilight, Amatsuki Takeji couldn't help but sigh. He felt a little regretful, since Twilight was a reforged version of the famous Wano Country Famous Sword Kikuichimonji. If they could get their hands on this sword, it would be of great significance to Wano Country.

As for himself, he already had his own knife. Although the twilight was beautiful, it couldn't compare to his beloved knife in his heart.

The excellent sword-forging techniques of Wano Country mean that every samurai sword can be considered Famous Sword if placed on the sea.

Moreover, he is Ringo. Every resident of Ringo receives a samurai sword at birth, which accompanies them throughout their lives. After death, the sword is buried in the "Tomb of Ten Thousand Generations," which is Ringo's most famous wonder.

However, he fully approves of Kiyotsune Kuniichi and believes he is fully worthy of the sword.

Next up is Himuro Kenshin. Himuro Kenshin clearly already has a target in mind. He already possesses the legendary Famous Sword "Reverse Wheel" from the "Flying Dragon Sword Style" style, so forging another one would be meaningless for him. Therefore, he didn't set his sights on the precious ores, and the same goes for Devil Fruit.

Therefore, Himuro Kenshin took away a notebook belonging to Great Swordmaster, but it was incomplete.

If it were complete, the Night Pirates wouldn't have been able to produce it. Aside from Night Pirates collected, it was obtained through other channels, including many precious manuscripts found in Ohara's treasure trove of knowledge.

Next up is Amatsuki Takeji's swordsmanship manual from the high seas, which is different from Wano Country and very attractive to him, but so are the precious forging ores, even though Wano Country is rich in forging materials.

Thinking about it carefully, Amatsuki Takeji took a piece of Deep Sea Iron, which was quite heavy. Combined with other forging materials, it could definitely be used to forge two swords.

Although Wano Country has many materials for forging swords, there are not many rare and precious materials that can be used to forge Famous Sword like Kozuki Oden's Ame no Habakiri no Habakiri Enma.

Precious materials and superb forging skills are both indispensable.

Moreover, there are also promising juniors in Wano Country whom he values. At his current age, progress in swordsmanship cannot be achieved simply by reciting sword manuals. Furthermore, the insights gained from battles with other swordsmen are far more valuable than any sword manual.

Kiritani Nao took two pieces of ore, one thunderstone and one Deep Sea Iron, but the weight was smaller.

He needs to reforge his two swords.

Rediat casually chose a Devil Fruit with decent abilities. These things belonged to the Night Pirates, so they were naturally his too. There was no need for him to fight for them or compete with other swordsmen.

Although his sword was not famous, its quality was no less than that of Great Grade Swords, and the Tiresfa Kingdom would not give Rediat an ordinary sword.

Next up was the Blind Swordsman Issho. He chose a precious forging material. He was a lone wolf and didn't need Devil Fruit, nor did he really need a sword manual, since he couldn't see what was written in it anyway.

Yixiao's Cane Sword is very ordinary. It would be great if it could be reforged, but it would be troublesome if it broke during battle.

As a swordsman, one naturally wants a better sword.

Following closely behind Ikkyu, Shimotsuki Gyumaru also chose a different forging material. Everyone's choice is different, and there is no real difference in quality.

Besides the Supreme Grade Sword Twilight and the "Demon Sword" Seven Star Sword.

Actually, right after the two swords, there is another Famous Sword, the "Demon Sword" Nidai Kitetsu, which ranks among the Twenty-One Great Grade Swords. This sword was not brought out by the Night Pirates, but was brought from Wano Country.

After learning about the kendo tournament and the various rewards prepared by the Night Pirates, Kozuki Oden specially brought out the Nidai Kitetsu from Wano Country as one of the prizes for the kendo tournament.

Teach naturally wouldn't refuse.

The "Kitetsu series is very famous on the sea. The Shodai Kitetsu is one of the twelve Supreme Great Grade Swords, and the Nidai Kitetsu is also a treasured sword sought after by many.

Unfortunately, the sword ended up in Rhine's hands. Given his status, he naturally looked down on ordinary abilities, Devil Fruit were of no use to him. He also had plenty of sword manuals, and the Flying Pirates had collected some as well.

The Nidai Kitetsu was naturally not intended as his personal sword. Rhine already had his own weapon, which was also Famous Sword, and the Nidai Kitetsu was not a good match for him.

It can be stored in the Flying Pirates' treasury, used to reward subordinates, or to attract powerful swordsmen to join the Flying Pirates.

Borsalino was somewhat helpless. He also had his eye on the Nidai Kitetsu. As for the rest, the Navy didn't lack anything. After thinking for a moment, Borsalino casually picked up a swordsmanship manual to replenish the Navy's inventory.

Anyway, he didn't lose out in this kendo tournament; he'd already earned several years' worth of salary, enough for him to live a carefree life for a long time.

Next, Mihawk took a piece of ore, intending to forge another knife for himself.

The Gentleman secretly glanced at "Uranus" Rhine. Unable to obtain the Seven Star Sword, he set aside and wanted to get the Nidai Kitetsu. The Nidai Kitetsu was also a top-tier Famous Sword on the sea, and as a "demon sword," it was very suitable for him. However, he did not expect that Rhine would snatch it away again.

However, he dared not make any move. Behind Rhine stood Golden Lion Shiki and the Flying Pirates, far beyond the reach of the lone swordsman, Blind Swordsman Issho.

Even CP0 wouldn't dare to openly attack the Flying Pirates, let alone for just a sword; they don't have that kind of influence.

After the swordsmen who advanced to the fourth round had all chosen the rewards they needed, the remaining hundred or so swordsmen ascended the steps one by one.

Although they are not ranked, they can be divided into several groups based on the number of wins.

Shanks was among them, and with a look of grief and indignation, he took a Devil Fruit. Devil Fruit could be exchanged for money, something Beckman had already helped him figure out; they didn't need anything else.

Shanks's sword, Griffin, is also a rare and Famous Sword.

The Red-Haired Pirates currently most in need of Beli. You see, they and the Buggy Pirates owe Aunt Shaku a lot of money, huge IOUs, since Aunt Shaku provided many of the things they need.

The Buggy Pirates are doing alright. They've gained strength, found some treasures, and robbed some ill-gotten gains, so they're quite wealthy. They can pay back the Beli they owe Aunt Shaka.

The Red-Haired Pirates didn't have much money to begin with, and after entering the New World, most of their wealth was used to build the Red Fox. During the time they were being hunted down by Marine Vice Admiral Garp, they didn't make much profit.

The rewards from the kendo tournament had barely been enjoyed before they were all going to be used as bait. Yesterday, Beckman calmly told Shanks this painful truth, which struck Shanks like a thunderbolt.

This made Buggy laugh at Shanks all night; he just loved seeing Shanks like that.

The others mostly chose what they wanted, with the majority opting for forging materials. After all, Famous Sword were relatively rare in this world, and the weapon in the Swordmaster's hand was merely a fine blade, which, under his Haki tempering, was comparable to Famous Sword.

Of course, many people also choose Devil Fruit. On the high seas, Devil Fruit are still very precious. Even an ordinary Devil Fruit can enhance combat power and create a strong person with considerable strength.

These are mostly deals made behind the scenes between these swordsmen and forces that need Devil Fruit. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement, and the Night Pirates don't care.

There were some who made underhanded moves and threats, but few, since those who could make it to the third round were considered strong even in the New World, and wouldn't be easily provoked without reason.

A perfect opening must also have a perfect ending, and the Night Pirates strive for perfection in this regard. The top three winners will also have the opportunity to fight against three witnesses.

I've seen countless battle scenes, but I never get tired of them. The stronger the fighters, the more exciting the battles become, inspiring others to strive for greater strength.

In this world, fewer people are confined to their limited perspectives; their horizons have broadened, and they have greater aspirations. Especially in this era of Great Pirate, Pirate King is the goal for most, but before that, they need to constantly become stronger.

First become a strongman, then a sea tyrant, then Sea Emperor, and finally defeat the other Sea Emperor to become the Pirate King.

One must take things one step at a time; one cannot expect to reach the sky in one leap.

The final three battles were equally spectacular, and the footage captured their heroic deeds for future generations to admire.

Meanwhile, the kendo tournament, which lasted for five months—nearly half a year—finally came to an end. (To be continued)