Buzz!
The blade flashed brilliantly!
A spinning, whirlwind-like flying slash erupted from Zangetsu's edge and struck the isolation glass, causing it to vibrate audibly.
'Interesting,' Ikki thought. 'Although I only acquired Zoro's current-level swordsmanship knowledge, my overall skill has improved. If I continue developing according to the principles of his Three-Sword Style, I could potentially master techniques he himself hasn't even created yet.'
Imagining Zoro's expression if confronted with his own future techniques, Ikki's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
[Host: Ikki Kurogane]
[Age: 25 years old]
[Weapon: Zangetsu]
[Life force: 1612, Level C]
[Swordsmanship Realm: Sky-Cutting Realm]
[Special Abilities: Junior Armament Haki, Junior Observation Haki]
[Swordsmanship Schools: Demon Slayer Breathing Techniques, Zoro's Three-Sword Style]
[Items: D-level Nutritional Potion x10, C-level Nutritional Potion x8]
'My swordsmanship realm has indeed advanced,' Ikki noted with satisfaction. 'My Life force increased by 12 points—though a battle provides far less enhancement than exercising in the gym with Nutritional Potions.'
After reviewing his attributes, Ikki opened the glass door of the arena and stepped out.
"Mr. Ikki, that was incredible!" Nami exclaimed, rushing over to him. She pulled a handkerchief from her skirt pocket and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Wasn't that person your partner? How did you defeat him so quickly?"
She had been hoping to convince both Ikki and Rengoku to visit Cocoyasi Village, but now the flame swordsman had been eliminated with a single decisive strike.
"That wasn't a real person," Ikki explained with a slight shake of his head. "Just a shadow created to help refine my sword skills."
"A shadow?" Nami tilted her head, recalling Rengoku's appearance. "But apart from his lack of expression, he looked completely real!"
"Think of him as a training model," Ikki suggested, patting her shoulder. "Like the Nutritional Potion I mentioned earlier, facing these swordsman shadows is another method for me to grow stronger. The gym serves its purpose, and this Sword Enlightenment Room serves its own. By defeating him, I've elevated my skills to another level. I've become stronger."
Hearing this, Nami looked Ikki up and down, trying to discern any visible changes. Of course, being completely unfamiliar with swordsmanship, she couldn't possibly perceive that he had reached the Sky-Cutting Realm.
"Is there something else you wanted to tell me, Nami?" Ikki asked, noticing her attentive behavior.
After finishing wiping his face, Nami broke into a bright smile.
"Mr. Ikki, you're truly amazing! You mentioned before that you're heading to Loguetown, right? I can certainly take you there, but first, let's make a stop at Cocoyasi Village. I've received information that Arlong—you know, the notorious pirate with a 20 million Berry bounty—is currently on the island where Cocoyasi Village is located."
She watched him expectantly after this revelation.
"So you want me to visit this Cocoyasi Village and eliminate the Arlong Pirates?" Ikki asked directly.
"Yes, Mr. Ikki!" Nami nodded emphatically. "That's twenty million Berries! As long as you're willing to share some of the bounty with me as compensation for navigation, I promise to take you there right away."
Her eyes gleamed with anticipation. After witnessing Ikki's victory against a Sky-Cutting Realm swordsman, Nami had recognized his true power—a force that even Arlong couldn't possibly withstand. Even standing outside the arena, though she couldn't feel the heat from the flames produced by Ikki's sword, the speed and visual impact of his techniques had convinced her that he was stronger than the fishman pirate.
She'd also realized how futile it would be to attempt stealing treasure from someone capable of producing flying slashes—he might kill her with a single strike if she tried to escape. For safety's sake, Nami decided the better approach was to bring Ikki directly to Cocoyasi Village to confront the Arlong Pirates.
Although she had initially planned to buy Cocoyasi Village's freedom by accumulating 100 million Berries, meeting Ikki had changed her perspective. She no longer wanted to hand over such a vast sum to Arlong, and moreover, she worried whether she could ever safely amass that much money. If she failed to gather the full amount in time, her village would surely suffer terribly.
"You mentioned being a bounty hunter, Mr. Ikki. The Arlong Pirates have among the highest bounties in the entire East Blue," she continued. "How about this—pay me just 300,000 Berries, and I'll take you straight to them."
Her broad smile suggested this was merely a business transaction, but the person standing before her understood the true plot of One Piece and saw through her facade.
"Nami, do you personally know anyone from the Arlong Pirates?" Ikki asked carefully.
"How could that be possible? I'm just a weak woman! How could I possibly be associated with pirates?" she protested, waving her hand dismissively.
"I see," Ikki nodded slightly, then suddenly reached out and lifted the sleeve of her left arm, revealing the Arlong Pirates' tattoo hidden beneath.
"The Arlong Pirates' mark," he observed calmly. "Are you still going to claim you have no connection to them?"
"This... I'm not... that..." Nami stammered, her composure completely shattered by Ikki's unexpected move.
She backed away, her mind racing to formulate an excuse. Attempting to lead someone into Arlong Pirates' territory would typically be interpreted as a trap. Nami knew that if Ikki perceived her actions that way, he might kill her without hesitation, given the strength he had demonstrated.
"No need for excuses, Nami," Ikki said gently, looking directly into her eyes. "When you saw Arlong's wanted poster in my room, your expression changed noticeably. My perception is quite sharp—I notice more than you might expect."
Nami's eyes widened with panic, her thoughts spiraling into chaos as Ikki quietly walked out of the Sword Enlightenment Room. He stood before the desk where Arlong's wanted poster was displayed, waiting patiently.
Several minutes passed before Nami finally emerged from the room and approached him.
"Mr. Ikki, please help me," she pleaded, her head bowed to prevent any misunderstanding about her allegiance. "I'm willing to pay you 10 million Berries to defeat the Arlong Pirates."
Having decided to offer Ikki a portion of the money Arlong demanded, Nami began to explain her complex relationship with the Arlong Pirates.