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[One Piece: The Legend of the Star Sea]
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The rapidly moving double-edged blades left dazzling trails of light in the air.
A continuous barrage of slashes launched from all angles nearly overlapped, compressing Gross' ability to counterattack.
As the most formidable man on Birka, Gross triggered his nervous system by releasing a current through the Thunder Shell, unleashing his full potential the instant Zyhark moved.
With his impressive reflexes and keen "Mantra" ability, he retreated quickly while deflecting and slashing with his arcing sword. He barely managed to withstand Zyhark's "Starburst Stream Slash!"
But the cost…
*Crack!*
The Thunder Shell mounted on the sword hilt shattered with the last thrust, breaking into several pieces and clattering to the ground.
From Zyhark initiating the attack, to Gross being forced back and the Thunder Shell shattering, the whole process took mere seconds, almost in the blink of an eye.
The audience stood dumbfounded, frozen in place.
Aside from a few participants like Enel, who also had "Mantra," almost no one could see what had just happened.
Even if the process was unclear, the result was obvious: Gross, the fastest captain on Birka, had been completely overpowered!
This left those who initially doubted the "Blue Sea dweller" utterly stunned.
Living on the thin-air Sky Island, the breathing rhythm of people from the Blue Sea should naturally falter, weakening their fighting strength!
In a corner, surrounded by four "priests," Enel had been about to leave, but he paused, turning around to glare at Zyhark on the platform with a solemn expression.
This "Blue Sea" man…
His thick eyebrows furrowed. With his strong "Mantra" perception, he realized that this person would be the greatest obstacle to seizing the power of God!
"Foolish Blue Sea man. You want to throw your life away that badly? I'll grant you your wish in the trial."
With a scornful snort, Enel put away his custom-made cloud rod and walked away arrogantly.
On the four-way platform, Gross looked at the shattered blade of his Thunder Shell sword and sighed heavily after several seconds of contemplation.
"That's the power of a swordsman from the Blue Sea? Impressive. In a moment, you saw through the secrets of my Ultimate Thunder Shining Star Stream Sword..."
Zyhark almost couldn't hold back his laughter at the name of Gross's weapon.
"You're too kind, but actually, I'm not much of a swordsman in the Blue Sea. If anything, I'm just an amateur who's picked up a little swordsmanship for fun."
Putting away his sarcasm, Zyhark added modestly.
Technically, he wasn't boasting. Compared to true masters, his sword skills had much room for improvement, and his performance relied mainly on speed.
"An amateur swordsman, huh…"
Gross froze briefly, then made a decision, swinging his Ultimate Thunder Shining Star Stream Sword before resheathing it at his waist.
Despite the battle lasting less than a minute, he'd witnessed Zyhark's power.
Looking at the young man before him, Gross's instincts told him that continuing would only embarrass himself.
"Hahaha! Impressive! Your strength has earned my approval. In three days, you'll be eligible to participate in the God's Trial," he said with a hearty laugh.
The meaning was clear: he was letting Zyhark pass since continuing to fight would only lead to his own defeat.
Unashamedly, he was just as shameless as that foolish goddess.
Despite Gross's middle-aged image, his childishness and shamelessness marked him as a potential member of the Axis Cult!
Zyhark didn't expose Gross's lie, merely resheathed his blade and chuckled. "Thank you."
This result was what Zyhark wanted.
While those participating in the God's Trial were usually of average strength, he didn't want to be singled out and targeted as a "strongman," as that would create too many unnecessary troubles.
Simply getting the qualification was enough, and he believed Enel-senpai would give the right instructions for obtaining the Goro Goro no Mi in the trial.
As Zyhark descended to the crowd, everyone quickly closed their mouths and moved aside, clearing a wide path.
Whether in the Blue Sea or Sky Island, among pirates, marines, or civilians, strength remained the most effective communication tool.
Witnessing this Blue Sea man's ability to suppress the captain, no ordinary citizen dared provoke him.
After Zyhark, no one else took to the stage for testing.
Aqua already held the God's Trial in disdain. Even if it was an excellent chance to prove her power as the Water Goddess, she would never humble herself to another god's challenge.
To the foolish goddess, this was a crucial matter of principle!
As an ordinary person, King didn't consider stepping up to take a beating. In situations that didn't directly involve him, he preferred to remain a mere bystander.
For now, he would leave the fighting to Mr. Zyhark.
His priority was getting back to clearing the game he hadn't yet beaten.
As for Meowth, he was curious about the strange shell that Gross used to unleash lightning and storms.
If Zyhark was right, that must have been the Sky Island shell, which could store and release natural energy at will.
Getting his hands on it would make Pikachu a breeze!
Grinning slyly, Meowth bared his fangs.
Ah, right, he was a villain after all…
Thus, under Gross's official announcement, the qualification test concluded, and the strong left to prepare for the God's Trial in three days.
Zyhark had plenty of time. As he considered exploring Birka, Gross, now clad in armor, intercepted him.
"Mr. Zyhark, you seem new to Birka. If you don't mind, would you like to visit my house?"
Afraid that his abruptness might raise suspicions, he scratched his head and quickly added, "Your swordsmanship is impressive. I'd love to discuss techniques with you."
"That dual-wielding combo earlier was cool, huh?" Zyhark suddenly asked.
"It… it was truly impressive. Honestly, without the shell's support, I couldn't have blocked it," Gross stammered.
Reading his mind, Zyhark guessed Gross's intentions.
"If you want to learn, I can teach you."
(End of Chapter)