Ch -7 Secret Technique: Turning Swallow Strike!"

Smoker stood to the side, similarly captivated by the unfolding spectacle. Meanwhile, Zoro, facing Li Fan, experienced the pressure emanating from Li Fan even more acutely.

The sharp and distinct aura sliced through his body like a blade of wind, sapping his fighting spirit. In that moment, Zoro could envision himself being swiftly defeated.

'Tsk! I aspire to become the world's greatest swordsman; there's no way I can lose like this!'

Zoro gritted his teeth and lowered his stance, planting his feet firmly to resist Li Fan's overpowering presence.

"Show me what you've got, Li Fan! Let's see your [Swallow Reversal]!"

What began as a curiosity about Li Fan's ability to execute the [Swallow Reversal], as described in the script, had now transformed into a full-fledged duel for Zoro.

As an aspiring swordsman aiming for the pinnacle, Zoro couldn't accept defeat. His sudden surge of determination drew the attention of Tashigi and the others who had been discussing the script. Their conversations fell silent as they gazed curiously at the unfolding clash.

Specially, Tashigi upon witnessing Li Fan's stance once more, left her companions and joined Smoker at his side.

"Colonel Smoker..."

"Quiet, Tashigi. Observe his swordsmanship closely!"

Zoro swiftly swung his three swords, the two katana blades rotating with incredible speed, generating powerful winds aimed at Li Fan.

"Three Swords Style Secret Technique: Three Thousand Worlds!" Zoro bellowed, delivering rapid, multi-angled slashes at Li Fan.

This sword technique moved as swiftly as the wind, so fast that even the navy soldiers standing nearby couldn't follow the trajectory of Zoro's blades.

"Haha, Zoro, I'm afraid I have to create a barrier against you."

"Secret Technique: Turning Swallow Strike!"

Li Fan's lips curled upward slightly, and his long knife moved to parry Zoro's onslaught from three different angles. It was as if he could transcend the constraints of space and time, making multiple strikes simultaneously.

Li Fan's slashing technique wasn't simply about speed or skill. It involved manipulating space to induce a multidimensional warping phenomenon. Under the influence of his sword's radiant light, even the toughest steel would be sliced to pieces.

"Clang!"

The two katana swords in Zoro's hands shattered and dropped to the deck. The cut was clean, akin to slicing through a block of wood with ease.

Zoro felt beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead, not from fear but from sheer astonishment at the power of Li Fan's [Swallow Reversal].

Li Fan grinned and withdrew his long knife, which had come to a halt next to Zoro's neck.

"Did you see clearly, Zoro?"

After Zoro took a deep look at Li Fan, he removed his only unbroken sword, [Wado Ichimonji], from his mouth. The blade of the sword gleamed brightly, without a hint of being damaged.

Zoro was aware that the sword's resilience was not due to its inherent strength. He had a hunch about why it remained intact.

"Li Fan, you intentionally spared my Wado Ichimonji, didn't you?" Zoro inquired.

Li Fan grinned. "This sword holds great importance to you. It would have been a shame to cut it. So yes, I spared it."

In truth, Li Fan had intentionally avoided targeting Wado Ichimonji during their duel. Otherwise, without Zoro using his Haki to protect it, Wado Ichimonji would have been severed by the blade of [Swallow Reversal].

"I admit defeat," Zoro said as he sheathed Wado Ichimonji. "However, I'm not pleased that you showed mercy during our duel."

Li Fan shrugged. "I'm here to make a movie, not engage in real combat. And this sword fight was meant to help you understand the character better. But I promise you, in the actual shoot, it will be nothing short of spectacular."

Zoro grumbled, "Fine, as long as the final product does justice to the legend of Sasaki Kojiro, I'll be content."

Li Fan nodded. "That's the spirit. Let's make this a legendary performance."

Li Fan shook his head and patted Zoro on the shoulder.

"Zoro, remember, this wasn't a duel; it was a demonstration of [Swallow Reversal]. I value you as an important actor for my film. I can't afford to lose you. After all, where would I find another swordsman capable of portraying Sasaki Kojiro so convincingly?" Li Fan spoke with a warm smile.

He extended the long knife towards Zoro. "You can use this weapon during the film. Get familiar with it, and after we're done shooting, you can return it to me."

Just as Li Fan was about to turn and walk away, Zoro called out to him.

"Li Fan!"

Li Fan halted and turned back. "Is there something else on your mind, Zoro?"

Zoro asked with a serious expression, "Can [Swallow Reversal] be mastered as it's described in the script?"

Li Fan shrugged nonchalantly. "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. But the way Sasaki Kojiro himself learned it is accurately portrayed in the script."

Zoro pressed further, "Then, how did you come to master this technique?"

Li Fan chuckled and replied, "You could say I had an exceptional tutor – Sasaki Kojiro himself."

Zoro was left awestruck as Li Fan continued on his way.

.....📽️