40 Chapter 40 Tai Chi swordsmanship

Author: Xiao Yifeng

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

Once Hawkeye had spoken, Luffy and the rest of the crew hurried over. They gathered around Zoro, their faces etched with worry as they observed him struggling for breath, yet clinging fiercely to life. Overcome with emotion, Luffy's tears began to fall.

Observing the group's distress, Bai Ye couldn't help but interject, his voice a mixture of reassurance and mild exasperation, "Hey, come on, let's not act as if Zoro's already left us, alright?"

"Luffy's forgetfulness is one thing, but you too, Nami and Usopp? Did you all forget about the pills I carry?"

Hearing this, both Nami and Usopp snapped to attention, promptly making space for Bai Ye to step in. As he did, Bai Ye also took a moment to cover Luffy's mouth, an effort to pause his grief-stricken cries, if only for a moment.

In a swift, smooth motion, Bai Ye produced two pills - a Healing Pill and a Qi and Blood Pill. Without wasting a second, he placed them into Zoro's mouth. The effect was almost instantaneous. Zoro's injuries began to mend at an impressive rate, and the healthy, natural color returned to his cheeks.

Witnessing this near-miraculous recovery, Sanji couldn't help but gasp, "Is this some kind of magical ingredient?"

"More or less," Bai Ye acknowledged with a nod, moving to help steady Zoro. "They're called pills, refined through a unique process known to me."

Intrigued, Sanji nodded, only to hear Bai Ye caution him, "It's a unique recipe. Don't have any ideas about trying to replicate it."

At this, Hawkeye's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. As a formidable presence in the world, he recognized the potential game-changing role such 'pills' could play in a battle. Imagine, after an exhausting fight to the brink, if your opponent took one of these pills...

The rejuvenation would be immediate. A daunting scenario, indeed.

"Pills? Daoism?" Hawkeye pondered, quite certain he'd never encountered anything of this sort before. His eyes returned to Bai Ye, recalling the young man's earlier display of water manipulation and freezing. Clearly, this was no ordinary individual.

While Hawkeye considered seeking out Shanks in the New World for insights, Zoro's voice brought him back to the present. "Luffy, Bai Ye~" Zoro began, his voice tinged with emotion, "I'm sorry for causing you concern. I'm still not strong enough."

"If I can't even achieve my goal of becoming the top swordsman, I'll only end up being a burden."

But then, with a sudden surge of determination, Zoro lifted his head, his gaze locking onto Bai Ye and Luffy. "I won't be defeated again! Not until I best him, until I become the strongest in the world... I absolutely won't lose again!!"

He challenged them, his voice ringing out, "Do either of you have an issue with that? Mr. Pirate King and, Mr. Vice Captain!!"

Naturally, 'Pirate King' referred to Luffy, who responded with a wide grin and an enthusiastic nod. "Heh, no problem at all!"

As for 'Vice Captain,' that was clearly Bai Ye. Taken slightly by surprise at the title, Bai Ye nonetheless smiled softly at Zoro, replying in a gentle tone, "Of course not, future world's number one swordsman, Mr. Roronoa Zoro!"

"You've faced the world's strongest swordsman. Now, let's continue marching towards your goal with even bigger strides."

Bai Ye then handed Zoro, still somewhat weak, over to Sanji's care. He turned and began walking towards Hawkeye, prompting an anxious query from Sanji, "Hey, where are going to now?"

Without turning, Bai Ye called back, "Well, since I was referred to as vice-captain, I should at least act the part responsibly, don't you think?"

"When the crew faces defeat, silence isn't suitable for a deputy captain," remarked Bai Ye, his tone firm yet calm. As he spoke, he rotated his wrist, and a pristine, unused sword appeared in his grasp. Being a disciple of Wudang Mountain, his mastery over the art of swordsmanship was unsurprisingly advanced.

Taking measured steps forward, he respectfully clenched his fists in a traditional bow towards Hawkeye, then introduced himself, "I am Bai Ye of Wudang Mountain, deputy captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. I practice Tai Chi swordsmanship. Please, allow me the honor of learning from you."

The moment the sword was unsheathed, Hawkeye's interest was unmistakably piqued. The aura of the young man before him had undergone a stark transformation. If previously Bai Ye exuded a passive air, disinterested in worldly conflicts, now, with his hand on the scabbard, he resembled a drawn sword, poised and ready. Despite the restrained presence, an unmistakable edge lingered, hinting at a readiness to strike down anything in its path.

How intriguing...

A flicker of excitement danced in Hawkeye's eyes. He hadn't anticipated encountering not just one, but two compelling swordsmen in what was considered the weakest of the seas, the East Blue. Without further contemplation, he raised his own black blade.

In a fluid motion, Hawkeye lunged forward, his black sword descending sharply, a move powered by unparalleled strength. However, to his keen eyes, Bai Ye's presence seemed to deepen, becoming more enigmatic. Elegantly, Bai Ye sidestepped the lethal trajectory aimed at his crown, and with a mere flick, the swords clashed, then parted.

Subsequently, Bai Ye moved diagonally, his motion resembling the drawing of a circle. This simple act caused Hawkeye's eyes to narrow in acknowledgment. Because, astonishingly, Bai Ye's blade was directing the path of his own.

Hawkeye understood that this wasn't foresight; rather, during their fleeting clash, Bai Ye's sword had subtly influenced the path of Hawkeye's blade. It wasn't that Bai Ye had anticipated his moves; he had steered them.

Such swordsmanship is captivating...

Clearly fascinated, Hawkeye engaged further. The clanging of metal resonated as he opted to rely solely on his sword skills, abstaining from using Haki. This choice reduced the potential harm but not the escalating pace of their exchanges, their forms blurring into afterimages to the onlookers.

They traded blows, each parry and thrust more intricate than the last, leaving the spectators bewildered. Unbeknownst to them, Hawkeye had purposefully leveled the playing field. To their amazement, the relatively unknown young swordsman seemed to match the world-renowned Hawkeye blow for blow.

"Unbelievable," muttered Fullbody from afar, the scene deeply ingrained in his memory. Is another formidable swordsman emerging on the seas?

Despite his outward composure, Bai Ye was internally conflicted, the strain of the battle weighing heavily on him. While his swordsmanship was indeed profound, he found himself outmatched in terms of both energy, and sheer physical strength. The disparity was glaring.

Assessing his capabilities amidst the clash, Bai Ye realized he didn't quite measure up to the pinnacle of swordsmen, though he was far from the bottom rung. His advantage lay in his arsenal of Taomen Jilu techniques, offering an array of combat methods.

In theory, employing a blend of Daoist techniques, talismans, and refined tools could potentially catch Hawkeye off guard, inflicting some damage. However, at present, it seemed unnecessary and not worth the risk.

After several hundred exchanges, Bai Ye strategically retreated from Hawkeye's range. Seizing the moment of respite, he declared, "You truly live up to your reputation as the world's top swordsman. I concede!"

Despite the concession, Bai Ye hadn't sustained any injury during the prolonged duel, thereby retaining his dignity. In fact, due to his previously obscure status, this encounter would likely propel him into greater renown. Fullbody, for one, intended to report this extraordinary event to the headquarters.

Noticing Bai Ye's withdrawal from combat, Hawkeye felt a twinge of disappointment. Yet, he didn't dwell on it, having satisfied his craving for a worthy skirmish. Furthermore, as a supreme swordsman, he sought only to observe and comprehend advanced techniques, not to replicate or adapt them.

Thus, Hawkeye quickly regained his composure, nodding at Bai Ye in acknowledgment. "Bai Ye? Your name, too, will be etched in my memory."

With that, he made a swift retreat to his boat. With a single, effortless slash, he severed the thick ice encasing his vessel, then departed.

Bai Ye, turning back to his crew, was met with their stunned expressions.