Time flew by like a white colt flashing past a crack, days slipping away amid the whistle of sword blades and the sweat of training.
In the blink of an eye, another year had passed.
Sea Circle Calendar 1509.
On the carefully maintained grassland behind Shimotsuki Village, a contest far beyond the level of a dojo sparring match was underway.
"[Shimotsuki Style: Thousand Candy Blades]!"
Koushirou gave a low shout. His usually gentle eyes were now sharp as blades. Holding a long sword in each hand, he flicked his wrists at a speed too fast for the naked eye, creating afterimages that filled the sky.
In the next instant, countless bizarre purple flying slashes burst from the edges of his twin blades like a raging storm. Curving slightly, the Choppers wove into a net of death that covered most of the grassland, sweeping up grass clippings as they engulfed the silver-haired figure opposite him with a force that seemed capable of tearing apart everything in their path.
Koushirou himself did not remain where he was. Using the overwhelming Choppers as cover, he lowered his body slightly. The sword in his left hand was already mostly sheathed, taking the opening stance for an iaijutsu slash. The ground beneath his feet sank slightly, and he followed behind the flying slashes at astonishing speed like a panther poised to pounce, charging forward!
Adams first casually glanced at Zoro and Kuina, who were watching tensely from the side. His gaze lingered for an extra moment on Zoro's tightly clenched fists, and the corner of his mouth curled into a faintly teasing smile.
Then his eyes narrowed. The weapon in his hand was merely a standard real blade commonly used in the dojo, yet he casually raised it behind his head. His arm muscles bulged