Great Swordsman, Dawn

Sea Circle Calendar 1526, August 25.

Shimotsuki Village, rear mountain.

The lingering glow of the setting sun dyed the sky a warm orange-red, casting a soft halo over the green grass. Two figures stood facing each other on the field.

There was no needless small talk, not even a glance of acknowledgment. Just as a leaf carried down by the wind was about to touch the open ground between them, Koshiro and Dawn's figures suddenly blurred.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The crisp, piercing sound of blades colliding rang across the rear mountain like a sudden downpour. With speed and strength pushed to their limits, the trails cut by their swords almost formed an impenetrable curtain of light, covering every inch of space before them.

Every clash of blades sent brilliant sparks flying. The unending impacts struck not only their weapons, but seemed to hammer against the heartstrings of those watching.

With Dawn deliberately holding back most of his strength and leaving his teacher plenty of dignity, the battle appeared evenly matched for a time, with neither able to gain the upper hand.

Not far away, two small figures held their breath, their eyes wide as they feared missing even the slightest detail.

Zoro swallowed hard. The sound of his throat bobbing was barely audible beneath the furious ringing of swords, while disbelief filled his face.

"S-So... so amazing! Both Master and... and Senior Brother are way too fast! My eyes can't see anything at all..."

He had originally wanted to call Dawn his junior brother. After all, by seniority of admission, Zoro had arrived first.

But Dawn, that guy with mischief written all over him, had forcibly made Zoro change his form of address with the crooked logic that whoever was stronger got to be senior brother.

Now relegated to third