Tap—tap—tap!
Clear wooden clogs clicked with each slow step atop a raised platform beside the courtyard.
A few chaotic blue patterns adorned the white robe, while white bandages covered one hollow eye.
Ryuma came to the edge of the platform with three swords at his waist. His robes fluttered in the wind as his hollow eyes turned toward the battlefield below.
"I see the enemies. I just have to cut them down, right?"
His presence was as sharp and chilling as a blade. Even those on the battlefield below faintly sensed it and instinctively looked up.
Beneath a white crescent moon, three figures stood atop the platform, overlooking the battlefield.
"That is...!"
At the sight of one particular figure, blue flames seemed to ignite within Brook's empty eye sockets. He instinctively gripped his cane sword tightly.
"What's wrong, Skeleton?" Sanji asked when he saw his stunned expression.
Brook slowly drew his rapier, a cold gleam flashing with it. "That's the zombie stuffed with my shadow! The Dragon-Slaying Swordsman, the great swordsman Ryuma!"
As he spoke, he stepped forward, faster and faster with every stride. His light body became a streak of black light, speeding across the blazing battlefield toward his opponent!
"This time... this time, I'll definitely take my shadow back!"
Brook's voice was low and his gaze burning. Reaching the foot of the platform, he leaped upward, dragging his cold blade as he charged straight at his opponent.
"A skeleton? I don't think I know you."
Ryuma spoke calmly, one hand resting on the Black Blade Shusui at his waist. "But you're an enemy, right? Then I just need to cut you down."
"Even if you've completely lost the memories of your original owner, you should at least remember that we dueled once, shouldn't you? How heartless."
Brook spun