Adams nodded, then turned his gaze to Zoro, who was still sulking nearby, and teased him lightly:
"How about it, junior brother? Want to give it a try?"
Zoro abruptly raised his head. The trace of dejection on his face was instantly replaced by blazing fighting spirit. Without another word, he rushed to the nearby weapon rack and grabbed three real practice swords.
"Bring it on! Who's afraid of who?!"
He spoke without fear. Though he knew full well that his mastery of the sword was far inferior to his opponent's, someone determined to become the world's greatest swordsman would never refuse a swordsmanship match.
Seeing this, Kuina silently stepped back to the edge of the field, yielding the space to Zoro.
Zoro walked to the center of the field, gripping two swords in his hands and clenching another tightly between his teeth. He assumed the opening stance of his unique Three Sword Style, his eyes as fierce as those of a wolf cub.
Adams stood casually with his sword in hand and said:
"Come on, you make the first move. Let me see what level your Three Sword Style has reached after half a year of training."
After half a year of failing to secure even a single victory against Adams with his Two Sword Style, Zoro had finally reflected on his failures and begun training in the Three Sword Style, which he had once considered mere acrobatics.
Compared to his original life trajectory, this had happened several years earlier.
Zoro spoke with a proud expression:
"Watch closely! This is my ultimate move, specially prepared for you!"
Before his words had even faded, he suddenly moved. He jogged forward with shifting footwork, the two swords in his hands crossing like a pair of scissors about to snap shut around