Clash

Jon moved cautiously through the ruins, his footsteps echoing softly in the stillness. He navigated the crumbling corridors and weathered hallways, his senses alert to every detail.

Leaving the ruins behind, Jon stepped back into the embrace of the forest, it's towering trees and dense foliage enveloping him in a world of vibrant greenery. The air was alive with the sweet scent of earth and the symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves.

As he ventured deeper into the forest, the ruins became a distant memory, replaced by the serenity and mystery of the untamed wilderness.

Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor, illuminating patches of colourful wildflowers and delicate ferns.

" I remember this place. " Jon scratched his head in frustration.

Birds fluttered overhead, their melodies filling the air with a symphony of nature's song.

As Jon continued his exploration through the forest, his eyes were drawn to a captivating sight—a magnificent white tree with a trunk of grand proportions.

As soon as his eyes locked at that he realized what island he was on.

The Island where Luffy trained.

Jon laughed unable to control his excitement.

" So that is why it is too familiar to me. " Jon said. His eyes went cold, and he realized the danger.

' This place is the only safe part. Maybe that is why only small animals can be found on the way. I don't encounter many beasts but leaving here would be troublesome. ' Jon sat on the rock and began to form a plan.

' But just training in this area would be stupid as well. I have an opportunity to grow here. Luffy even needs Gear 4 to defeat some animals. And I have enemies to look for. '

As he was thinking, his sense caused strange feelings.

He paused, his eyes scanning the landscape, his ears attuned to even the faintest rustle of leaves.

'What is that? It was a brief moment but I can't be wrong. A lot of life force. '

He remained still, allowing his senses to guide him towards the source of this subtle disturbance.

With the sword in hand, Jon stood up from the rock, his body poised and ready for whatever lay ahead.

Jon's gaze darted through the foliage, searching for any sign of the source that had stirred his senses. His muscles tensed, prepared to react at a moment's notice, as he ventured forward with measured steps.

The foliage rustled with each step, and the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and foliage.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a man materialized before him, appearing with astonishing speed.

Without a word, the man lunged forward, his movements a blur of agility and speed.

The man wielded a scythe.

their eyes locked for a moment, Jon can tell the man is surprised that Jon reacted to the sudden appearance.

His grip tightened on the hilt ready to attack at any moment.

Without a word spoken, the man mirrored Jon's stance, his scythe poised for action.

' Another fight? Great I was thinking about how should I live here. ' Jon cursed.

Time seemed to stretch as the two combatants stood in a standoff, a silent challenge passing between them.

And then, in a swift and fluid motion, their swords and scythe met.

The clash reverberated through the forest, the metallic ring intertwining with the haunting sweep of the scythe. Sparks flew as the weapons collided, their deadly dance punctuated by flashes of silver and glimmers of steel.

Jon felt the sheer force behind the man's strikes.

' Wow. ' He was amazed by the strength.

Because of the force they emitted, the hood from the man fell off. Revealing a pair of sharp eyes, along with white teeth.

He licked his licked and smiled.

" I am surprised that you aren't scared of me. " The man laughed.

" And aren't you scared of me? " Jon replied.

" Heck no. "

With a step back, they disengaged momentarily.

Jon asked. " Who are you? "

" Alaric, people called me cripple. "

Jon tilted his head. " That is a strange nickname. Jon Snow. Called me Jon. "

Alaric nodded. He brought the scythe forward and pointed at Jon.

The air crackled with anticipation as the clash of their blades echoed through the ancient trees.

Jon moved with agility and precision, his longsword a natural extension of his body. With each swing and thrust.

His movements were fluid and controlled.

Alaric, on the other hand, wielded his scythe, his sweeps were wide and powerful, forcing Jon to remain constantly vigilant.

With each clash of their weapons, sparks ignited, illuminating the tense expressions on their faces.

Jon's longsword darted and weaved, aiming for Alaric's defences, but the scythe's reach made it challenging for him to close the distance. Alaric, in turn, sought to exploit any lapse in Jon's defences, his strikes precise and calculated.

As they circled each other, the forest seemed to hold its breath, nature itself attuned to the ebb and flow of their battle. Leaves rustled in the wind, their whispers punctuating the intensity of their confrontation.

' He is the same as me. ' Jon thought. ' But something is odd. He didn't rely on his will as I do. He must have devil fruit power. '

Time seemed to warp as their fight raged on. Their swords and scythe became a blur of motion, each strike met with a swift parry or a strategic sidestep.

Alaric swung his scythe at Jon's left leg.

Jon using his longsword stabbed at the ground to stop the scythe from advancing farther. He then used the hilt as support.

Listing his body with his left hand, Jon kicked Alaric.

Alaric quickly pulled back his weapon.

" A quick fellow. " Alaric smirked.

Their clash continued, neither combatant giving an inch.

And as the clash of their weapons echoed through the forest, the story of Jon and Alaric, the longsword and the scythe, unfolded beneath the watchful gaze of the ancient trees.

****

On the other side.

Raiden conjured a lightning ball and shot at the giant lion.

The lion screamed in Anger.