107. The Duel Of The World's Strongest Swordsman, The Outcome

In simple terms, throughout history, people have often survived by dominating those weaker than themselves.

The rich and powerful often think they're better than everyone else and should control those beneath them.

The world government sees itself as above individual countries, and those not recognized by them aren't considered worthy of basic rights.

In this way, the strong tend to dominate the weak, and the weak are expected to accept their fate.

This is just how the world works, they say.

Those in power stay in power, while those at the bottom are expected to stay there. This supposedly keeps things orderly and peaceful.

To Aramaki, also known as Green Bull, this way of thinking makes sense.

He's been given the title of Admiral by the World Government because he believes in these ideas and has chosen to serve in the Marines.

Unlike some other Marines who aren't as dedicated to the government's cause, Aramaki looks down on them.

"So, shall we head to Wano next? Admiral Aramaki, would you like to lead the way?" asked Kizaru, with his usual lazy expression, looking at Aramaki with a smirk.

"Sure, I don't mind dealing with those pesky pirates," replied Aramaki confidently.

He's always been self-assured, having reached the top ranks with relatively little challenge from his peers.

He's earned the right to be confident; after all, he's one of the strongest fighters in the world.

He may not fully understand the strength of the pirates they'll face, but he believes in his own abilities.

Seeing this, Kizaru didn't say anything else.

When Aramaki faces real challenges, he'll come to understand them.

Admirals are practically indestructible, after all.

"I'll leave it to you next time, Fujitora," Kizaru said to the blind man beside him.

If Aramaki's arrogance rubs people the wrong way, Fujitora has earned everyone's respect in just a short time with his calm demeanour and humble attitude.

Fujitora has a way of making even the most rebellious person admire him.

Even Aramaki, who's usually full of himself, shows great respect for Fujitora.

It's the air of righteousness and kindness that surrounds Fujitora, making him as solid as the ground beneath our feet.

"No trouble at all. It's my duty as a Marine to hunt down pirates," Fujitora replied, gently pulling out his sword cane and effortlessly lifting a warship with his powers.

"One ship is enough. Gion, Tokikake, come aboard with me. The rest of you stay here," ordered Kizaru.

From the other ships, Gion, wielding her famous sword, Konpira, gracefully walked over using Moonwalk. On the other side, the Tokikake's Marine also joined them, cigarette in mouth.

Marines clearly put a lot of importance on this operation.

With Kizaru, Fujitora, and Aramaki, three Admirals, along with Gion and Tokikake, two powerful alternate Admirals, they've assembled a formidable force.

This is one of the rare times the Marines have deployed such a strong team for a single mission, aside from the Summit War.

"Every time I see it, Fujitora's power never fails to impress," Kizaru remarked as he looked at the floating warship.

Fujitora's Gravity Fruit is undoubtedly a game-changer in terms of strategy.

Though Kizaru's Light Fruit is formidable in combat, it doesn't match Fujitora's versatility.

Kizaru has seen Fujitora's abilities in action and knows its potential, especially for levitating ships like this.

Without Fujitora's gravity powers, Sengoku wouldn't have proposed this plan.

With the combined strength of three Admirals and two alternates, they're more than capable of handling the Straw Hat Pirates and remnants of Whitebeard's crew, even with a cross-union.

Fujitora's gravity ability allows for advanced manoeuvres and defences, which are crucial for navigating the harsh currents around Wano.

As the warship slowly approached Wano, the battle was already raging between Zoro and Hawkeye.

Zoro unleashed his powerful technique, "Asura: Blades Drawn Dead Man's Game." revealing his intense determination and strength.

Despite being battered and bloodied, Zoro's resolve didn't waver.

Hawkeye, equally excited by the challenge, faced Zoro head-on, his own resolve unyielding.

The clash between these two legendary swordsmen was intense, each strike filled with the potential for victory or defeat.

As they exchanged blows, Zoro's Ashura technique demonstrated its deadly effectiveness, targeting not just the body but the very soul of his opponent.

This was Zoro's path as a swordsman, the path of Ashura.

The culmination of hardened hearts and honed skills.

"Two swords!"

Another colossal shadow of a blade descended.

Zoro's sword moved faster and faster, slicing through the air with incredible speed.

"Three swords!"

Zoro's strikes became a blur, the sound of his sword cuts silenced.

Hawkeye frowned, feeling the weight of Zoro's Ultimate technique combined with its ability to strike the soul directly.

"Four swords!"

"Five swords!"

"Six swords!"

"Asura: Blades Drawn Dead Man's Game!"

Zoro's voice was a fierce growl as his sword swung faster and faster, reaching a speed even Observation Haki couldn't fully predict.

Hawkeye's face lit up with excitement.

His own sword clashed heavily, like a towering mountain, against Zoro's relentless storm of attacks.

It was the clash of extreme slowness and extreme speed, simplicity against complexity.

One sword against nine.

Two swordsmen, each on their own unique path, reaching the pinnacle of their art.

In an instant, they passed each other by, leaving behind a blinding explosion of light that consumed everything.

"Get back, everyone!"

Jinbei's voice cut through the chaos as he shielded Usopp and the others from the spreading shockwave of swords.

Yamato stood by his side, opting to protect rather than attack.

Marco spread his wings of blue flames while Ace ignited his fiery fists.

Their combined assault acted as a barrier against the devastating sword wave.

And as the wave passed over them, destruction followed in its wake.

These were the strongest swordsmen in the world, their clashes capable of unimaginable destruction.

"Who's winning?"

"It's gotta be Zoro."

Usopp and Nami watched anxiously.

"Regardless of the outcome, this duel between the top two swordsmen will be remembered for generations," Vista remarked in awe.

As a swordsman himself, Vista understood the magnitude of the battle unfolding before him, a clash between two masters of the blade that would echo through history.

At the culmination of their battle, two figures emerged from the clearing smoke.

Zoro stood, his swords crossed behind him, his hands bloody and his body covered in wounds.

Hawkeye stood opposite, his arm also dripping with blood, his massive sword leaving a mark on the ground.

Both had reached the ultimate state, their bodies pushed to the brink of death.

"Who won?" Usopp's voice was barely audible, filled with tension.

Chopper and Crocodile, along with others, watched in anticipation.

The title of the world's greatest swordsman hung in the balance, making this duel a momentous occasion.

But there was silence from both sides.

Then, Vista's shocked voice broke through the tension.

"They've both lost consciousness!"

Vista was stunned by the realization that both warriors had collapsed after their final strikes.

Their bodies stood upright, but their minds had retreated, leaving only their pride and will to keep them standing.

"What incredible willpower," Vista muttered in awe, overcome with emotion.

He felt a deep respect for the sheer determination displayed by these two legendary swordsmen.

"Quick, we need to stop the bleeding," Chopper urged as he rushed to their aid.

The injuries were severe, and without immediate treatment, they could prove fatal even for such formidable fighters.

"This is how it ends?" Crocodile mused, watching Hawkeye with a mix of amusement and respect.

The battle had reached its conclusion, yet there was no clear victor.

But to those who witnessed it, both Zoro and Hawkeye had proven themselves worthy of the title of the world's greatest swordsman.

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Bullet gloated over his apparent victory against Luffy.

His combined Devil Fruit powers, bolstered by his formidable Armament Haki, had overwhelmed Luffy.

Even with his enhanced rubber body, Luffy's injuries were severe.

But Luffy stood tall, his eyes calm and a smile on his face.

"I've come a long way, mastering Second, Third, and Fourth Gears," he explained. "But I never quite understood what Fifth Gear entailed until now."

With a newfound clarity, Luffy realized that Fifth Gear wasn't just a power-up but a transformation into a stronger version of himself.

With a confident grin, he declared his readiness to face Bullet.

"Let's have some fun, Bullet," Luffy said, preparing to unleash his newly discovered Fifth Gear.

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