"I can defeat Dracule Mihawk with this knife in my hand, so I don't need a better one. I'm used to it!"
Due to material limitations, even though the sword in Kuina's hand was forged jointly by Vic and Kozaburo, it is still at the level of Great Grade Sword. Although it is only a step away from Supreme Great Grade Sword, a step away is still a step away!
The Wado Ichimonji sword in Zoro's hand was a replica made by Vic later. It's also a Great Grade Sword. Vic didn't owe him anything, so it might have a different meaning for Zoro. But Zoro doesn't know that. He still cherishes that sword by biting it in his mouth!
Vic glanced at the long sword that Kuina was leaning against her shoulder. The hilt and scabbard of the sword were bound with black strips of cloth, making it impossible to tell what the sword originally looked like or what its color was.
This sword was forged into Black Blade by Kuina a few years ago, just like her ancestor Shimotsuki Ryuma's Shusui. Swordsmen's swords are indeed easier to forge into Black Blade, just like a person's left and right hands, which are used too much!
"Don't let the title of world number one distract you. Don't be confused or complacent. If you have no rivals, then treat yourself as your own rival."
As long as you are better today than you were yesterday, better tomorrow than you are today, that's enough. The road ahead is endless, and it's not empty. If you're strong enough, you'll meet that person!
Vic raised his glass to clink with Kuina's, stood up and left, leaving Kuina deep in thought!
Vic's unusual behavior over the years had long aroused suspicion among everyone. Not long ago, they learned that Vic was worried about the Celestial Dragons, and now that he was saying such things to her, it was very meaningful!
Among Vic's group of companions, not many have dreams. Rebecca definitely wants to stay with Vic forever, Yamato wants to drive Kaido out of Wano Country, Kuina's goal is to become the World's Greatest Swordsman!
Wendy wanted to free her country from Big Mom Pirates's control, Barnett wanted to avenge his family and kill the pirates who harmed them, Mantis wanted to protect his homeland. Now, all their wishes have come true!
Some others didn't have a clear goal. Ain was rescued by Vic from human traffickers and was essentially raised by Vic. Frodeku was taken back by Vic from pirates; Vic gave him a second life!
Kanbo joined voluntarily; he just wanted to become stronger and didn't have any specific goals. Olga was from hundreds of years ago, and right now she just wanted to eat, drink, and have fun with the Thunder God Pirates. These guys don't seem to have any goals at all!
Fisher Tiger's dream is for the world to be free of slaves, which is the hardest to achieve, even a little harder than Vic's goal of killing Imu and overthrowing the World Government!
Olvia had a lot on her mind. First, it was definitely Robin's safety and happiness. Second, she wanted to find out the history of the Void Century and avenge Ohara. Third, it was definitely related to Vic, which goes without saying!
Bullet is now considered an outsider; Vic doesn't want to know his ambitions, but they're unlikely to be realized!
For those who have already achieved their goals, Vic needs to set them a new one; otherwise, they may become complacent and just get by.
Life without goals is a painful thing. Without motivation and direction, you lose yourself, and over time you become useless. Vic doesn't want to see his partner like that!
Vic chatted with his companions whom he hadn't seen for a while, catching up on their lives and setting new goals for them. Vic no longer expected them to be of any help; he only hoped that they could protect themselves and survive the final battle against those immortal monsters!
That war was ultimately decided by the outcome of the battle at the God Realm. As for his companions? The older ones lacked the talent, and the younger ones lacked the experience. It would be extremely difficult for them to break through to the God Realm in a short period of time!
Time flew by, and several days passed quickly. During these days, Vic did not rush to comprehend the Laws, but instead sparred with his companions one by one, observed their progress over this period, pointed out the flaws in their moves, and corrected their direction of cultivation!
Not long has passed since they last parted ways, and apart from Rebecca, Yamato, Kuina, the others haven't made much progress!
Vic wasn't disappointed. How many people can improve with every battle like Luffy? The number of geniuses is limited, no world is an exception, and besides, Vic's pirate crew only has a few members. It's good enough if there are a few talented ones!
" Vic! This is today's newspaper. It has news about Kuina on it. Take a look!"
When Vic got up for breakfast, Olvia brought him the day's newspaper, something she always did, somewhat like a personal assistant, but Olvia's role as a personal assistant was more intimate, sometimes even creating a negative distance!
"Oh, Kuina told me that our pirate crew has produced the World's Greatest Swordsman."
I reckon after this news spreads, quite a few people will come to challenge Kuina. Knowing Kuina's personality, she won't accept many of these challenges. Let me think about how to set up a test; not everyone is qualified to challenge the World's Greatest Swordsman!
The World Economy News's front page headline: The World's Greatest Swordsman has changed hands. Hawk-Eye has been number one for decades, and his defeat is huge news, deserving of a front-page headline!
Vic could already foresee that a large portion of the swordsmen who had fallen to Hawk-Eye would challenge Kuina again!
Although Kuina defeated Hawk-Eye, people are different. Just because you can defeat Hawk-Eye doesn't mean you can defeat us. There are many situations where you counter me, I counter him, and he counters you. Many people think, "I can't beat men, but I should have no problem beating women, right?"
Kuina doesn't have that much time to fight, and not everyone is worthy of her attention. If you anger her, many challengers will be left on this island forever. Kuina's temper isn't that good. Vic setting up the test is a way to prevent everyone from living on an island teeming with the dead!
"How about we have Kanbo scout ahead for Kuina? He's a practical fighter; he gets stronger and more courageous with each battle, and he can fight many sword masters. That would be quite beneficial for him!"
Olvia suggested that Kanbo was also a swordsman, though not as strong as Kuina, but he had a strong learning ability and was best suited to improve himself in actual combat, which was why Olvia made this suggestion!
"Of course, as long as he's willing."
Vic didn't care much. Kanbo was introduced to the Thunder God Pirates by Rebecca. When the two first met, Compo was only slightly weaker than Rebecca!
However, one of them followed Vic onto the highway, while the other took many detours. When they met again, the difference between them was quite significant!
After Kanbo joined the Thunder God Pirates, he received proper guidance and had plenty of real combat experience. Over the years, he has caught up with many others. The only reason he can't beat Rebecca yet is because he doesn't have a Devil Fruit ability. But his strength is already very strong. He would definitely be considered a Yonko commander-level fighter in the outside world!
Vic continued reading the news follow-up, which described Kuina's first gain after defeating Hawk-Eye. It wasn't anything special for ordinary people, but for pirates, it was a badge of honor!
That's right, we're talking about bounties. The World Government didn't turn a blind eye to Kuina's recent achievement in kendo, and because of her strained relationship with Vic, Kuina's bounty has increased significantly, reaching a total of 2.3 billion Beli!