212. A True Swordsman

The battle between Leo and Kaido raised waves in the New World.

A marine made a draw with one of the Yonko!!

Who were Yonko? They were the top figures in the world. Each one ruled a part of the latter of half of Grandline.

And now came a marine who could battle them? The Navy's prestige shot through the roof after this battle.

When Sengoku received the news he laughed out madly. He always worried for the navy's future. No strong marines came out in these recent years, so Leo's appearance was like a timely rain in a dry desert.

While the world was rolling over from shock Leo had woken up after one whole day of sleeping.

The first thing he did after waking up was to eat. He ate till he couldn't move anymore.

"You fought with a Yonko?"

Zoro asked incredulously. After the battle at Sabaody Zoro learned how weak they were. To him admirals and Yonko represented the peak. And now, shockingly, his teacher was able to make a draw with one.

Leo stretched lazily and found a comfortable position on the couch. When he heard Zoro an amused smile climbed on his face, "Did you think your teacher was weak?"

Zoro shook his head, "I knew you weren't weak, but... I didn't know you were this strong."

Leo chuckled and said, "I am not that strong, well, not yet."

He raised his right hand index finger and drew it across the air.

Swish!

His sword was drawn out. It floated infront of him.

"Kaido was strong. His physique was tyrannical and his busoshoku haki was overbearing, though his kenbunshoku was slightly on the weaker side he was still nevertheless the strongest opponent I have ever faced."

Sliding his finger across the black blade Leo continued, "It's not been long since I started training in haki. My mastery over it is excellent but it's power is nowhere compared to Kaido. Then do you know why I was able to tie with him?"

His words made Zoro think for a moment before his eyes fell on the sword.

"Your swordsmanship?"

Leo smiled, "Half right. With my sword will and haki, I was able to injure Kaido. However the crucial factor that allowed me to battle him was my ability to control my body flawlessly."

Zoro didn't interrupt and listened very attentively.

"I'll explain simply for a dumbass like you to understand. When you throw out a punch, you have to slightly twist your waist and plant your feet firmly to deliver maximum strength."

"It's the same principle. Each of my attacks are very focused, every muscle in my body works at the same time for the purpose of delivering my strongest strike."

"Likewise, when I take a hit, I adjust my body to disperse the force coming at me. Every muscle fibre and every bone in my body absorbs the damage I take and disperse it, as a result reducing the overall damage I take. If an enemy can't give out damage then he is no trouble at all."

"Thus, with a weaker haki and a weaker physique, I was able to battle a peak existence thanks to my sword mastery and body control."

Hearing his words Zoro sunk into a deep contemplation.

Leo smiled when he saw this and put the sword back into it's sheath. He then closed his eyes and slept.

After a while Shinobu came back. She saw Zoro deep in thought and her husband sleeping like a log. She faintly smiled and went on with her work.

...

Mariejois.

Five men held a meeting within a spacious room. These five men held the highest authority in World Government.

"It's shocking that a marine fought Kaido to a draw."

"Hm. Though what he did at the Paramount War is questionable, he has proven himself from this battle."

"However, he is still a variable. He is like Garp and doesn't follow the norm."

All of them turned silent. After a while one old man with a sword said.

"Anyway, he has done something noteworthy for the marines. It would be questionable if he is not rewarded."

"He is suspended, indefinitely. He wasn't ordered to go to Dressrosa."

"What do you propose?"

"Lift his indefinite suspension. That should mark out his punishment and reward."

"I agree."

"Seconded."

Their topic was centered around Leo.

"That woman, Shinobu... she is dangerous."

One of them suddenly changed the topic and said solemnly.

"Yes. Her danger level is far higher than her husband."

"What should we do about her?"

A silence fell over the room.

"Hm. For now, nothing."

"Yes. She hasn't done anything all this time that we should take note of. She only made a move once, and that was when she was provoked."

"Right. However, let's keep an eye on their movements for now. What did the personnel from CP0 report?"

"It's useless. No CP personnel was able to step into the island. They were all poisoned. I presume only vice chiefs and above can traverse that island, though not for long."

All of them frowned.

The island Leo and Shinobu lived was obviously under extreme protection. The entire island was covered by a air system that circulated a particular drug Shinobu developed.

Without a counter drug no one can take a single step inside.

"What did Sengoku say?"

"He said everyone should have some privacy."

"Hmph! He will of course favour a marine!"

"Anyway, since he showed his stance, keeping an eye on the island will be enough."

...

Several days later Leo got word from HQ, his suspension was lifted. Well, he didn't care either way.

Right now he was training Zoro on body control.

"When you swing your sword, every muscle should coordinate with each other and deliver maximum strength."

Zoro's had many thin blue strings wrapped around various parts of his body.

"Complete this set of movements without going to the red line. Each time you do...

Leo held out a steel pole and swung it once.

Zoro held onto his three swords and very slowly did the set of movements he was told to do.

As he completed the first movement, one of the blue strings stretched and turned red.

Thud!

Before he could react and adjust his posture he felt a burning pain on his back.

Zoro groaned, but he still stood ramrod straight and continued with the set of movements.

When he was finished he had bruises all over his and he was on his knees.

Leo smirked, "Not that easy, right? You have great strength, and your will is very tenacious. These are important qualities for a swordsman. However you have a lot to learn, swordsmanship isn't just about swinging your sword, it's a disciple."

"I will dig out that potential sleeping within you. It will take time, but when I am done, you will have truly become a swordsman in every sense."